When testing a system, if using a dry system, what result are you expecting?

The expectation when testing a dry sprinkler system is to achieve no water flow. This is because a dry system is specifically designed to have air or nitrogen in the piping, which remains under pressure to keep the water supply contained in a remote location, typically a pressurized storage.

When a dry system is activated by heat triggering the sprinkler heads, the air or nitrogen pressure is released, allowing water to flow from the storage to the activated sprinkler heads. During the testing phase, as long as no sprinkler heads have been activated, the system should not exhibit any water flow, confirming that the system is functioning as intended.

This scenario emphasizes the purpose of a dry sprinkler system, which is to prevent accidental discharge of water and thereby avoid water damage in areas where it is not desirable. Observing water flow during testing would indicate a malfunction, as a properly functioning dry system should only release water upon activation.