Which material is commonly restricted for use in sprinkler system components due to corrosion issues?

Galvanized steel is commonly restricted for use in sprinkler system components due to corrosion issues. This type of steel is coated with zinc to protect it from rust and corrosion; however, over time, the zinc can deteriorate, especially in wet environments, leading to potential failures in the sprinkler system. Corrosion not only compromises the integrity of the piping but can also lead to leaks and system inefficiencies, which is critical in firefighting applications where reliability is essential.

In contrast, plastic is often used for its resistance to corrosion, copper is valued for its long lifespan and resistance to various types of corrosion, and stainless steel is known for its excellent resistance to rust and corrosion due to the presence of chromium, which forms a protective layer. These characteristics make both copper and stainless steel suitable materials for use in sprinkler systems, while galvanized steel's susceptibility to corrosion leads to its restriction in many codes and standards concerning sprinkler systems.