What is the main purpose of a pre-action fire protection system?

The main purpose of a pre-action fire protection system is to prevent water damage. This type of system utilizes a fire detection component that triggers the activation of the water supply only when a fire is confirmed. It usually features a two-step process: first, the detection of heat or smoke leads to the opening of the sprinkler valves, and then the water is only released if a fire is present. This means that the sprinkler heads do not discharge water unless there is a bona fide fire event, which significantly reduces the risk of unintended water damage that can occur in wet pipe systems.

While other systems, such as smoke control or fire department notifications, serve important roles within fire safety protocols, they don't directly address the specific issue of water damage prevention as effectively as a pre-action system. Containment of fire is also a critical objective of fire safety systems, but the pre-action design's unique approach is primarily aimed at mitigating water damage, making that its primary purpose.