The standard application for use of a wet pipe sprinkler system being activated by the opening of fire sprinkle heads due to heat is to keep flames at bay until firefighters can arrive and put out the fire. These systems can prevent total loss of business versus a more inconvenience to workflow.

Typical Dry pipe systems are installed in spaces in which the ambient temperature may be cold enough to freeze the water in a wet pipe system, rendering the system inoperable. Dry pipe systems are most often used in unheated buildings, in parking garages, in outside canopies attached to heated buildings (in which a wet pipe system would be provided), or in refrigerated coolers. These systems have air or nitrogen gas in the pipes, water is released when sprinkler head is activated.

Activation of a smoke or heat device, or a manual pull station, signals the release panel, which in turn signals the deluge valve to open, allowing water to enter the piping system. Water begins to flow releasing a dousing flood of water in an instant through an open sprinkler head, nozzle or can be a foam generator. These type of systems are used where fire can spread quickly.

Pre-action sprinkler systems are specialized for use in locations where accidental activation is undesired, such as in museums with rare art works, manuscripts, or books, and Data Centers, for protection of
computer equipment from accidental water discharge. Pre-action systems are hybrids of wet, dry, and deluge systems, depending on the exact system goal. There are two main sub-types of pre-action systems: single interlock, and double interlock.

A foam water fire sprinkler system is a special application system, discharging a mixture of water and low expansion foam concentrate, resulting in a foam spray from the sprinkler. These systems are usually used with special hazards occupancies associated with high challenge fires, such as flammable liquids, and airport hangars.

Water spray systems are operationally identical to a deluge system, but the piping and discharge nozzle spray patterns are designed to protect a uniquely configured hazard, usually being three dimensional components or equipment. Examples of hazards protected by water spray systems are electrical transformers containing oil for cooling or turbo-generator bearings. Water spray systems can also be used externally on the surfaces of tanks containing flammable liquids or gases (such as hydrogen).

Water mist systems are used for special applications in which it is decided that creating a heat absorbent vapor is the primary objective. This type of system is typically used where water damage may be a concern, or where water supplies are limited.