Fire protection systems include fire alarms, automatic fire detection, and fire suppression systems. Fire alarm and detection systems range from simple, single-station smoke alarms for private homes, to complex fire detection and control systems for high-rise buildings.
The most common type of fire suppression system is the automatic sprinkler system. The basic operating principles of an automatic sprinkler system are simple. A system of water pipes is installed throughout a building to deliver water to every area where a fire might occur. Depending on the design and occupancy of the building, these pipes may be placed above or below the ceiling.