What component in a sprinkler system is used to distribute water directly to branch lines?

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Cross mains distribute water directly to branch lines. In a sprinkler system, water comes up through a vertical riser from the supply and then enters the horizontal cross mains, which run to feed the various branch lines that lead to individual sprinklers. The riser provides the vertical feed to the network, but the actual distribution to each branch line happens along the cross mains. The fire department connection is an external water supply point, and the main drain is used to drain the system for maintenance, not to feed the branches.