The water sprinkler system shall be capable of automatic and immediate operation at all times. No action by the crew is required to activate the system.

The system is normally a wet pipe system; however, small exposed sections may be of dry pipe design where necessary precautions are required. The system shall be maintained at design pressure at all times. It is recommended that the system remain operational during maintenance. When maintenance is performed on a specific area, the system shall isolate the area by closing the corresponding zone valve, while maintaining normal operation in all other protected areas.