Wet pipe systems: typical application, with water in the system's pipes ready to be activated by the opening of fire sprinkler heads due to heat.

Dry pipe systems: this system has air or nitrogen gas in the pipes and water is released into the pipes upon activation of the sprinkler heads after a slight delay. These systems are used in areas where water in pipes can freeze.

Deluge: activated by smoke or heat detectors, deluge equipment releases a dousing flood of water or form in an instant through an open-sprinkler, nozzle, or foam generator, utilizing an unpressurized piping system. These systems are used in areas other than homes and offices where fire can spread quickly.

Pre-Action: This is a combination of wet and dry pipe fire sprinkler systems and are not activated until a fire is detected.