What is a common cause of false alarms in sprinkler systems?

A common cause of false alarms in sprinkler systems is the accumulation of dust or debris on sprinkler heads. When sprinkler heads become dirty, they can misinterpret environmental signals, leading to the activation of the system when no actual fire is present. Dust and other particulates can interfere with the sensors and mechanisms that assess heat and smoke, which can trigger the alarm unnecessarily.

Maintaining clean sprinkler heads is therefore essential to ensure that the system functions correctly and only activates in the event of a genuine fire. This proactive maintenance helps reduce the risk of unnecessary disruptions, improves safety for occupants, and ensures that the system is reliable when truly needed.