Select four of the following items that are used to determine the flow rate for each sprinkler.

The area of coverage is indeed an essential factor in determining the flow rate for each sprinkler. This is because the flow rate must be sufficient to adequately cover the designated area where the sprinkler head is installed. Each sprinkler is designed to distribute water over a specific radius and coverage area, and the flow rate needs to be calculated based on how much area the sprinkler must serve. If the area of coverage is larger, a higher flow rate may be necessary to ensure that the water is distributed evenly and effectively throughout that space.

The other items listed can influence sprinkler performance or installation aspects but are not primary determinants of flow rate. For instance, the manufacturer's published data provides valuable insights regarding the specifications and capabilities of a sprinkler but does not directly dictate the flow rate in practical applications. Temperature variances can affect the performance of water flow and may influence the selection of equipment or fittings but are not used to calculate the flow rate itself. Similarly, while ceiling configuration might impact the dispersion of water and how effective a sprinkler is in a given space, it does not directly factor into the mathematical determination of flow rate for each sprinkler.