What is the minimum discharge required for a single head design of a residential sprinkler?

In a residential sprinkler system, the minimum discharge requirement for a single head design is typically set at 18 gallons per minute (gpm). This standard is established to ensure that the sprinkler head can adequately cover the area it is intended to protect. The 18 gpm rate is derived from industry guidelines that account for the need to effectively suppress fires in residential settings, ensuring that the system delivers sufficient water flow to control or extinguish a fire.

The chosen discharge rate is also influenced by factors such as the type of occupancy, the fire hazard classification of the area being protected, and specific local codes and regulations. Adhering to this minimum requirement helps maintain the effectiveness of the sprinkler system as part of an overall fire safety strategy.