What is usually the first indicator of an issue in a dry pipe sprinkler system?

The first indicator of an issue in a dry pipe sprinkler system is typically a pressure change. In a dry pipe system, the pipes are filled with air or nitrogen, and water is held back by a valve until a fire is detected. If there is a leak or another issue, the air pressure in the system will decrease. This pressure drop is often the first sign of a problem because it affects the system's ability to function correctly. Monitoring pressure is crucial in dry pipe systems; a significant change can indicate that there is a breach in the system, potentially leading to ineffective performance during a fire event.

Visible water leaks may indicate a problem but are often a subsequent sign rather than the initial indicator. Alarms sounding usually follow the detection of a pressure loss or other issues. Nozzle obstructions can affect functionality but are not as immediate of a warning as a pressure change. Therefore, recognizing a change in pressure is essential for early detection of issues within a dry pipe sprinkler system.