What is the preferred method for determining the pipe size of a sprinkler system?

The preferred method for determining the pipe size of a sprinkler system is hydraulic calculation. This approach involves calculating the flow rates and pressure requirements in the system to ensure that the pipes can deliver the necessary amount of water to adequately suppress a fire.

Hydraulic calculations take into account various factors such as the size and type of the sprinkler heads, the layout of the piping, and the desired water supply pressure. By using this method, contractors can accurately design a system that meets both the local fire codes and the specific requirements of the building being protected.

In contrast, pressure testing evaluates the integrity of the piping after installation but does not provide information about optimal pipe sizing for effective water delivery. Visual inspection can help identify obvious issues in an existing system but lacks the precise data needed for sizing. Pipe schedule methodology involves using predetermined pipe sizes based on a simplified set of rules, but it may not adequately account for variables in specific installations, making hydraulic calculation the more reliable choice for proper system design.