What is a Pipe Schedule System?

A Pipe Schedule System is a method used to size the piping in a sprinkler system based on factors such as the occupancy type and the number of sprinkler heads installed. This approach is crucial for ensuring that the piping network can adequately deliver the necessary water supply to all sprinkler heads during an activation, providing effective fire suppression.

The sizing is determined using standardized tables that take into account the various requirements of different occupancies and their potential fire hazards. These tables consider both the hydraulic demands imposed by the number of sprinkler heads and the characteristics of the building, such as height, area, and use. By adhering to these guidelines, designers can ensure that the pipe diameter chosen will maintain proper pressure and flow rates throughout the system.

This system contrasts with other methods that might focus on pressure calculations, monitoring pipe stability, or installation guidelines for fire departments, which do not primarily emphasize the effective sizing based on occupancy and sprinkler head counts. Therefore, this method directly addresses the need for the correct flow and pressure to optimize fire protection, making it a very important component of sprinkler system design.