Which type of sprinkler system is most commonly installed in commercial buildings?

The most commonly installed type of sprinkler system in commercial buildings is the wet pipe system. This system is designed to be straightforward and reliable, utilizing water-filled pipes that are always pressurized. When a fire is detected, the heat from the flames activates the sprinkler head, allowing water to immediately flow out and suppress the fire.

The wet pipe system's efficiency and rapid response are key reasons for its popularity in commercial settings, where quick fire suppression is often crucial for safety and damage mitigation. The presence of pressurized water in the pipes ensures that there is minimal delay between activation and the discharge of water, making it highly effective in situations where rapid response is required.

In contrast, while deluge, dry pipe, and pre-action systems have specific applications and benefits, they are not as widely utilized in everyday commercial environments. Deluge systems, for instance, are typically reserved for high-hazard areas due to their ability to quickly release a large volume of water, while dry pipe systems are ideal for environments where freezing is a concern, as they use air pressure to hold back the water until a fire activates the system. Pre-action systems combine elements of both wet and dry systems, requiring both fire detection and activation before releasing water, making them more complex and less common