What is the most common type of fire sprinkler system?

The wet pipe system is recognized as the most common type of fire sprinkler system due to its simplicity and reliability. In a wet pipe system, the pipes are filled with water at all times, enabling an immediate response to a fire. When a sprinkler head is activated by heat from a fire, water is released promptly, helping to control or extinguish the flames.

This system is favored in many building applications because it requires less maintenance and is less complex compared to other systems. Dry pipe systems, for instance, are filled with air and only release water when the air pressure drops, which adds a delay in water delivery. Deluge systems, on the other hand, discharge water from all the opened spray heads simultaneously and are typically used in high-hazard applications rather than as a general solution. Pre-action systems combine elements of both wet and dry pipe systems, serving specific needs usually in environments where accidental discharge would be a significant concern. However, for general use and effectiveness, the wet pipe system remains the standard choice.