Which type of sprinkler system is activated by heat?

The type of sprinkler system that is activated by heat is the wet pipe system. This system is designed such that the pipes are filled with water at all times. When a fire occurs and the temperature in the area rises, the heat reaches the sprinkler head, causing the glass bulb or fusible element to break or melt, respectively. This action releases water directly from the pipes above, allowing for immediate suppression of the fire in the affected area.

Wet pipe systems are the most common type used in buildings that are heated and where the risk of freezing is minimal. The direct response to heat allows for effective and timely fire suppression.

In contrast, the dry pipe, pre-action, and deluge systems have different activation mechanisms. Dry pipe systems contain air pressure in the pipes, and water is only released once the pressure drops due to the activation of a sprinkler head. Pre-action systems require confirmation of a fire before releasing water, necessitating a two-step process for activation. Deluge systems have open sprinkler heads and release a large volume of water simultaneously when activated, typically used in high-hazard environments, but they do not respond to individual heat detection in the same manner as wet pipe systems do.