In a multistory building, if each floor has its own control valve for sprinkler flow, each valve zone is treated as a separate sprinkler system. Which option is correct?

In a multistory building, if each floor has its own control valve for sprinkler flow, each valve zone is treated as a separate sprinkler system. Which option is correct?

• A. False, all floors share one sprinkler system.
• B. False, only if not used.
• C. False, floor controls do not affect system designation.
• D. True, each valve zone is considered a separate sprinkler system.

Answer: (D)

Hydraulically independent zones are treated as separate sprinkler systems. When each floor has its own control valve that can isolate flow to that floor, the hydraulics on one floor don’t affect the others. That means each floor’s zone can be designed, tested, and maintained as its own sprinkler system, with its own water supply and pressure considerations. So having a valve zone per floor creates distinct, independent systems rather than a single shared system. The other options imply shared hydraulics or no effect from floor controls, which isn’t the case when each floor can be isolated by its own valve.

Hydraulically independent zones are treated as separate sprinkler systems. When each floor has its own control valve that can isolate flow to that floor, the hydraulics on one floor don’t affect the others. That means each floor’s zone can be designed, tested, and maintained as its own sprinkler system, with its own water supply and pressure considerations.

So having a valve zone per floor creates distinct, independent systems rather than a single shared system. The other options imply shared hydraulics or no effect from floor controls, which isn’t the case when each floor can be isolated by its own valve.