What is the purpose of a flow switch in a sprinkler system?

The purpose of a flow switch in a sprinkler system is to monitor water flow and activate alarms in case of fire. When water begins to flow through the system, typically during a sprinkler activation, the flow switch detects this movement. Its primary role is to trigger alarms, alerting occupants or monitoring systems that water is flowing, which is a strong indicator of a fire event in areas where the system is installed.

Flow switches are crucial for fire safety systems as they provide real-time feedback on the operational status of the sprinkler system. They ensure that the fire department and building occupants are promptly informed during an emergency, thus facilitating a timely response.

The other choices involve functionalities that do not align with the primary role of a flow switch. For instance, while sprinkler heads are critical for discharging water, they do not relate to flow switch functions directly. Measuring water temperature is a separate responsibility typically handled by temperature sensors, and controlling water pressure is managed by pressure-regulating devices rather than flow switches.