Automatic sprinkler systems must be monitored by an approved station unless they serve fewer than how many sprinklers?

Automatic sprinkler systems are critical components of fire protection in commercial buildings, designed to detect and control the spread of fire. Monitoring these systems is essential for ensuring they are functional and can respond efficiently in case of an emergency.

The requirement for monitoring by an approved station serves to maintain a high level of safety by ensuring that any activation of the sprinkler system is promptly addressed. If a system serves fewer than a specified number of sprinklers, it may be deemed sufficient to rely on less stringent oversight, based on the understanding that smaller systems may pose a lower risk or require less complex management.

In this case, the threshold for requiring monitoring is set at 20 sprinklers. This number reflects a consensus in fire safety codes and best practices, suggesting that for systems servicing 20 or more sprinklers, continuous monitoring is necessary to ensure prompt response to any activation. Systems with fewer than this threshold, typically involving less complexity and lower risk, may not require the same level of oversight.

Thus, recognizing that systems serving fewer than 20 sprinklers can operate without continuous monitoring aligns with regulatory standards aimed at balancing safety requirements with practical implementation for smaller systems.