What is a key difference between residential and commercial fire sprinkler systems?

Commercial fire sprinkler systems are generally larger and more complex than residential systems due to the scale and specific requirements of commercial properties. These systems must cover larger areas and are often designed to protect various types of spaces, such as warehouses, retail stores, and office buildings. This complexity necessitates a greater variety of components, including specialized nozzles, pumps, and control systems to ensure adequate coverage and pressure throughout the property.

Additionally, commercial installations must comply with more stringent codes and regulations, which can involve intricate design considerations, zoning for different types of occupancy, and advanced alarm and monitoring systems. These systems often incorporate multiple zones and may need to integrate with other fire protection systems like alarms and emergency lighting.

In contrast, residential systems are typically simpler due to the smaller scale of the buildings they protect, which leads to fewer components and less complex designs. Their primary purpose is to provide basic fire suppression in a manner that suffices for a household environment.