What is a common reason for reduced effectiveness in a sprinkler system?

Reduced effectiveness in a sprinkler system can often be attributed to obstructed sprinkler heads. Sprinkler heads are designed to distribute water evenly across an area to effectively control or extinguish a fire. If these heads are obstructed by objects, dust, or other materials, they may not be able to operate correctly when activated. This obstruction can prevent the ideal spray pattern or reduce the volume of water reaching the fire, significantly impacting the efficiency of the fire suppression system.

In contrast, while insufficient water pressure and incorrect installation angle may also impact performance, they are not as immediately detrimental as physical obstructions. Poor maintenance of fire alarms, while critical for overall fire safety readiness, does not directly influence the operational capability of a sprinkler system. Thus, obstruction of sprinkler heads is the most direct reason for a reduced effectiveness in extinguishing fires.