What is the primary purpose of a sprinkler system?

The primary purpose of a sprinkler system is to suppress fires by discharging water. Sprinkler systems are specifically designed to respond to the presence of a fire by deploying water to control or extinguish the flames. When heat from a fire activates the sprinkler heads, water is released over the affected area, which helps to mitigate the fire's spread and reduces the overall damage to the property. This function is essential in protecting lives and property, making fire suppression the core objective of sprinkler systems.

While other options related to fire safety, such as detecting fires and alerting occupants, are important components of a comprehensive fire protection strategy, they do not encapsulate the main function of a sprinkler system. Detecting fires is typically the role of fire alarm systems, and alerting occupants is also within the realm of alarms and notification systems rather than the sprinkler system itself. Therefore, the discharge of water for fire suppression remains the fundamental purpose of a sprinkler system.