Sprinkler discharge characteristics describe which of the following?

• A. Details on Sprinkler Discharge Performance and Specifications.
• B. Details on Building Occupancy Classifications.
• C. Details on Electrical Power Consumption During Discharge.
• D. Painting Requirements for Sprinkler Heads.

Answer: (A)

Discharge characteristics are about how a sprinkler releases water—the actual performance of the discharge. This includes the discharge rate (how much water comes out per minute) at a given pressure, the spray pattern and coverage the head produces, and any specific performance specs like nozzle orifice size and the resulting hydraulics. These details define how effective the sprinkler will be in delivering water to protect the space under design conditions, which is exactly what NFPA 13R designs rely on for system performance.

The other topics don’t fit this concept. Occupancy classifications deal with how the space is used and related fire hazards, not how water is discharged. Electrical power consumption during discharge isn’t part of the sprinkler’s hydraulic performance, and painting requirements for sprinkler heads are unrelated to how water is discharged.