How long should the water supply be capable of supplying all exposure sprinklers during a fire?

The correct duration for which the water supply should be capable of supplying all exposure sprinklers during a fire is typically 60 minutes. This requirement is based on standard fire protection engineering practices, which dictate that the duration should be adequate to ensure effective fire suppression, especially for larger or more complex structures.

A 60-minute supply allows for a sustained response during a fire event, considering the time needed for firefighting efforts to be organized, including potential delays in response times and any initial fire growth. This duration ensures that the system can maintain adequate pressure and volume to effectively combat the fire and protect life and property.

Fire protection standards often set this timeframe to align with the average duration that firefighters typically require to gain control of a fire, making it a crucial aspect of sprinkler system design and operation. By assigning this duration, it guarantees that sprinklers can provide prolonged intervention and prevent further spread of fire to adjacent exposures, which is vital for the safety of both the building occupants and the structure itself.