In the case of a dry system, pipes are filled with pressurized air or nitrogen. Water does not flow into the pipes until a dry pipe valve is activated. If there is a fire, the system will fill with water that will flow through the sprinklers and onto the fire. Often dry systems are seen to be safer, since there isn't the risk of a damaged pipe leaking water. 

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Dry systems are:

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• Great for unheated warehouses and commercial freezers since there is no water contained in the systems to freeze.

• More expensive to install and maintenance  Due to these systems being more complex than wet systems, the costs associated with installation and any alterations or repair will be higher.