According to NFPA 13, what is the maximum time water can flow without tripping the flow switch?

In the context of NFPA 13, the regulation regarding the maximum time that water can flow without tripping the flow switch is crucial for ensuring the effective operation of fire sprinkler systems. The standard specifies that the flow switch must activate within a certain time frame to ensure that an alarm is initiated promptly in the event of a fire.

When the correct choice indicates that the maximum time is 5 minutes, it reflects the need for a sufficient duration for various system operational conditions while still being responsive enough to alert to the presence of a fire. A flow switch that takes too long to activate could result in delayed responses, increasing the risk during an emergency.

The other answer choices represent time frames that are considerably shorter, which may not be compliant with NFPA 13 standards. This emphasizes the importance of adhering to specific guidelines set forth in the code to ensure safety and proper functioning of fire protection systems.