A representative sample of sprinklers for testing should consist of a minimum of 4 or what percentage of the total number of sprinklers?

The requirement for testing a representative sample of sprinklers is set to ensure that there is adequate coverage and reliability in the testing process. The correct percentage of sprinklers to be sampled is a minimum of 1% of the total number of sprinklers, with a baseline of at least four sprinklers. This ensures that even in smaller systems, a reasonable number of sprinklers are included in the test, demonstrating their functionality and compliance with standards.

Sampling 1% is sufficient for many systems, as it strikes a balance between thoroughness and practicality, especially in larger installations where testing every sprinkler might not be feasible. This percentage allows for a statistically representative sample while keeping costs and disruption minimal.

In contrast, higher percentage options, such as 5%, 10%, or 20%, may not be necessary and could overburden a testing program, especially in scenarios where the number of installed sprinklers is large. Thus, the option of 1% establishes a proper minimum that aligns with industry standards and practical implementation while ensuring enough sprinklers are tested to validate system performance.