According to NFPA 72 2019 Section 17.13.2, within how many seconds must a sprinkler waterflow alarm activate after initiating sufficient flow?

According to NFPA 72 2019 Section 17.13.2, within how many seconds must a sprinkler waterflow alarm activate after initiating sufficient flow?

• A. 15 seconds
• B. 30 seconds
• C. 60 seconds
• D. 90 seconds

Answer: (D)

The key idea is how quickly the sprinkler waterflow alarm must activate once water actually starts moving through the system. NFPA 72, 2019 Section 17.13.2 sets a deadline that the waterflow alarm must trigger no later than 90 seconds after initiating sufficient flow. This time frame ensures rapid notification to occupants and responders while accounting for typical hydraulic transients and the sensor’s response characteristics. Activation within 90 seconds is compliant, and the alarm may go off sooner, but extending beyond 90 seconds would not meet the requirement.

The key idea is how quickly the sprinkler waterflow alarm must activate once water actually starts moving through the system. NFPA 72, 2019 Section 17.13.2 sets a deadline that the waterflow alarm must trigger no later than 90 seconds after initiating sufficient flow. This time frame ensures rapid notification to occupants and responders while accounting for typical hydraulic transients and the sensor’s response characteristics. Activation within 90 seconds is compliant, and the alarm may go off sooner, but extending beyond 90 seconds would not meet the requirement.