What is the purpose of a waterflow alarm in a sprinkler system?

The purpose of a waterflow alarm in a sprinkler system is to initiate an alarm signal when water flows from a sprinkler. This ensures that when a sprinkler is activated due to heat or flames, the system alerts occupants and emergency personnel to the situation. The timely notification can be crucial in situations where a fire is present, allowing for rapid response and evacuation measures. The waterflow alarm serves as an early warning that not only indicates a sprinkler has activated but also helps to confirm that a fire could be occurring in the vicinity, prompting the necessary actions to control the fire and protect lives.

Other options might refer to different aspects of fire alarm systems. For example, monitoring water pressure is important for the functionality of the sprinkler system itself but does not relate directly to the alarm function. Alerting the fire department directly could be part of a more comprehensive fire alarm system but is not the primary function of a waterflow alarm. Similarly, detecting tampering with the fire control system is a different aspect of fire safety management and does not pertain to the specific role of the waterflow alarm.