What is the primary purpose of a jockey pump in a fire suppression system?

The primary purpose of a jockey pump in a fire suppression system is to maintain pressure in the system. A jockey pump, which is typically a small, automatic pump, operates to keep the pressure within the fire protection piping at the required level without the need for constant activation of the main fire pump.

By maintaining the pressure, the jockey pump mitigates issues such as water hammer and ensures that the system remains ready for immediate activation in case of a fire event. When the system pressure drops due to minor leaks or usage of water, the jockey pump automatically engages to restore the pressure to the set point. This functionality is crucial for ensuring that the fire protection system is reliable and responsive when needed.

Other options, while they may seem relevant to various functions in a sprinkler system, do not define the jockey pump's role as accurately. For example, increasing water flow or providing backup power is not the main focus of a jockey pump, nor is it designed specifically to activate the main pump automatically. The jockey pump’s primary function distinctly centers around pressure maintenance, making it an essential component in the operational readiness of fire suppression systems.