What must be evaluated during a sprinkler system water supply inspection?

During a sprinkler system water supply inspection, evaluating the pressure and flow rate is critical for ensuring that the system will function effectively in the event of a fire. The pressure must be sufficient to deliver water to all parts of the sprinkler system, while the flow rate must meet the requirements specified in the relevant codes and standards. These parameters are vital for determining whether the system can adequately suppress a fire. If the pressure or flow rate is inadequate, the system may fail to activate properly or may not deliver the necessary volume of water to extinguish a fire, thereby compromising safety.

Other factors like the age of the system, potential hazards in the area, and the type of materials used can provide context during an inspection, but they do not directly impact the immediate operational capability of the sprinkler system like pressure and flow rate do.