What is the purpose of a flow meter in a fire sprinkler system?

The primary purpose of a flow meter in a fire sprinkler system is to measure water flow rates. This component provides critical information about how much water is moving through the system at any given time, which is essential for assessing the effectiveness of the system in delivering adequate water supply during a fire event. By understanding the flow rates, fire safety professionals can ensure that the sprinkler system is designed to meet the demands of the space it serves, contributing to overall fire safety and compliance with relevant codes and regulations.

While detecting leaks can be important in a fire sprinkler system, it is not the main function of a flow meter. Pressure control is managed by other components, such as pressure regulators or valves, while recycling water used in a fire is not a typical function of standard fire sprinkler systems. The flow meter focuses solely on measuring flow to support the overall operation and reliability of the fire suppression system.