What is a wet pipe sprinkler system?

A wet pipe sprinkler system is characterized by the presence of water in the pipes at all times, which is kept under pressure. This design allows for immediate discharge of water when a sprinkler head is activated, making it highly effective for quickly combating fires. The system is designed for efficiency and reliability, ensuring that in the event of a fire, the response is both rapid and effective due to the water being readily available.

The continual presence of water means that the system can operate without delays associated with filling the pipes after a fire is detected, as would be the case with other types of systems. By maintaining water under pressure, wet pipe systems can effectively suppress or extinguish fires, making them a common choice for many commercial and residential buildings.

Other options describe different systems, such as those without an internal water supply or relying on external sources, which do not meet the functionality that defines a wet pipe system.