What is the calculated trip pressure above the system air pressure?

The calculated trip pressure above the system air pressure is typically determined based on industry standards that provide a benchmark for the minimum pressure needed to activate the system correctly. This ensures that the sprinkler system operates effectively and can distribute water efficiently in the event of a fire.

Selecting 20 psi as the trip pressure is often based on the fact that this value provides a sufficient margin to compensate for various factors, such as pressure drops due to flow, exposure to environmental conditions, and system aging. It guarantees that there is enough pressure to overcome these factors and ensure optimal performance.

In contrast, lower values such as 10 psi, 15 psi, or even 25 psi may not be adequate under certain system conditions or could be unnecessarily high, potentially leading to issues with activation or performance. Therefore, 20 psi serves as a balanced choice that meets safety standards while ensuring reliability in fire suppression scenarios.