A residential fire suppression system is different from a commercial one. It usually involves quick response heads and plastic piping fed by either a dedicated municipal water supply or water storage tanks.

The heads operate quickly and only in the fire room and are easy to shut off if you are home but often water flow will signal a security company, etc. Of course, if you are not home the sprinkle will do far less damage than an out of control fire not to mention the water damage caused by fire fighters. If you are not near a fire service or a hydrant the system might be the only way to avoid a total loss.

Residential fire suppression systems, and the scope of there inclusion, are as adopted by your local municipality.

There may be a handout available.

They can be plumbed in both metallic and non-metallic, the non-metallic requires the piping to be protected, which can affect attic storage unless addressed in the design.

Thanks guys. Is there much work that is actually done inside the living areas of the home?

Most of it's in the attic.

The ceiling penetrations for the heads and their installation are generally accomplished in the living area.