When installing a dry chemical extinguishing system, which environmental factor should be considered?

When installing a dry chemical extinguishing system, considering humidity and temperature variations is crucial because these environmental factors can significantly impact the performance and reliability of the system. Dry chemical agents can absorb moisture in high-humidity environments, which may lead to caking or clumping of the chemical, reducing its effectiveness. Similarly, extreme temperature variations can affect the physical properties of the extinguishing agent, potentially impacting its discharge and dispersal capabilities.

Understanding the local climate helps ensure that the specified system will operate effectively under the expected conditions, maintaining optimal performance when needed most. This consideration is vital for ensuring compliance with NFPA standards and ensuring safety in environments where such systems are deployed. While availability of personnel, local fire department policies, and installation costs are important factors to evaluate, they do not directly relate to the functional reliability of the extinguishing system in response to environmental conditions.