What is a primary cause of failure in dry chemical extinguishing systems?

A primary cause of failure in dry chemical extinguishing systems is indeed the lack of maintenance or improper installation. Regular maintenance is critical to ensure that the system operates effectively when needed. This includes routine inspections, testing of components, and ensuring that the system is in good working order, as outlined by the NFPA 17 and applicable codes.

If the system is not properly installed, there could be issues such as incorrect placement of components, poor connections, or inadequate design for the specific application. These installation failures can significantly impede the system’s ability to respond in a fire emergency, preventing it from discharging the dry chemical correctly or at all.

While factors like the quality of the extinguishing agent, operator training, and environmental contamination can influence system performance, they do not primarily account for the systemic failures that arise from neglecting maintenance and proper installation practices, making this the most critical aspect for ensuring reliability in dry chemical extinguishing systems.