How many times greater is the pressure of air compared to water in a dry pipe system?

In a dry pipe system, understanding the relationship between air pressure and water pressure is crucial for effective fire suppression. Air is typically used in dry pipe systems to keep water from flowing until the system is activated by a fire.

The correct answer indicates that the pressure of air is approximately five times greater than that of water within this context. This factor is significant because it ensures that air can effectively maintain the system's operational integrity, controlling the flow and release of water when necessary. The design of dry pipe systems takes this pressure difference into account, ensuring that a reduced amount of air pressure (compared to the equal water pressure that would be present in a wet system) is sufficient to keep the pipes in a standby mode.

Understanding this ratio is important for fire safety professionals who design, maintain, and inspect fire protection systems, as it aids in ensuring that systems function properly without causing unnecessary discharge of water, thereby preventing water damage in non-fire situations.