What is the most common and simplest type of sprinkler system?

The automatic wet system is recognized as the most common and simplest type of sprinkler system. This system maintains water in the piping at all times, which allows for immediate activation and discharge of water when a fire is detected. The simplicity of this system lies in its design and operation; it consists of a network of pipes and sprinkler heads connected to a water supply that is constantly charged with water.

When the heat from a fire activates the thermal element in any of the sprinkler heads, water is released directly from the heads, providing prompt suppression of the fire. This straightforward mechanism does not require any complicated components, like valves or additional detection systems that other types may involve, making it easier to install and maintain.

In contrast, other systems such as the automatic dry system rely on pressurized air to keep water out of the pipes until a fire occurs, while the deluge system is designed to deliver water to all sprinkler heads simultaneously and is typically used in high hazard areas. A pre-action system involves two separate activation mechanisms, adding an extra layer of complexity. Therefore, the automatic wet system's direct approach to fire protection with minimal components makes it the preferred choice for many applications.