What type of sprinkler system is typically used in areas at risk of freezing?

The dry system is typically used in areas at risk of freezing because it contains pressurized air or nitrogen in the piping leading to the sprinkler heads, which means there is no water in the pipes until the system is activated by a fire. This design prevents water from freezing within the pipes, which can cause blockages and potential damage to the system.

In contrast, a wet system is filled with water at all times and is not suitable for colder environments where freezing could occur. Deluge systems, designed to release large amounts of water quickly over a large area, are also not adaptable for freezing conditions. Pre-action systems involve a two-step process where a fire detection system activates, allowing water into the pipes, and is generally used in environments where accidental discharge of water would be particularly hazardous, which is not specifically designed to combat freezing risks like the dry system is.