What is the primary concern of water hammer in fire protection systems?

The primary concern of water hammer in fire protection systems is pressure surges that can damage systems. Water hammer occurs when a fluid in motion is suddenly forced to stop or change direction, creating a shock wave that travels through the piping. This rapid increase in pressure can lead to severe stress on the pipes, joints, and fittings, which may cause leaks, ruptures, or even complete failure of the system.

Understanding the phenomenon of water hammer is essential in the context of fire protection, as the damage it can cause directly affects the system's reliability. Fire protection systems rely on maintaining consistent pressure and flow to function effectively during an emergency. Therefore, mitigating the effects of water hammer is crucial for ensuring that the system can deliver adequate water supply and pressure when needed.

While issues like flow rate reduction, corrosion of pipes, and changes in water temperature are important considerations in fire protection systems, they are not the most immediate concern associated with water hammer specifically.