According to NFPA 13D, what is the required minimum flow rate for a single residential sprinkler?

The standard set forth by NFPA 13D specifies that a single residential sprinkler must provide a minimum flow rate of 18 gallons per minute (GPM). This flow rate is essential because it ensures that the sprinkler can effectively control or suppress a fire by delivering an adequate amount of water. The design of residential sprinklers takes into account factors such as the typical size of a residential fire and the necessary response time to mitigate fire risks.

Choosing a flow rate of 18 GPM aligns with these safety considerations, as it provides a sufficient volume of water to ensure the sprinkler can operate effectively in various fire scenarios commonly found in residential settings. Lower flow rates would not deliver enough water to manage potential fire hazards adequately, while higher flow rates may be unnecessary for the typical residential application outlined in NFPA 13D.