What type of device is commonly installed in buildings to automatically suppress fire when activated?

The automatic sprinkler is designed specifically to suppress fire automatically upon activation. When a fire occurs, the heat from the flames causes the glass bulb or fusible link in the sprinkler head to break or melt, allowing water to flow from the connected piping. This immediate response helps to control or extinguish the fire, often before firefighters arrive on the scene.

This type of system not only provides a quick reaction to fire incidents but can also reduce potential damage by controlling the fire's spread. Automatic sprinklers are a critical component of fire protection systems in various building types, ensuring safety for occupants and protecting property.

In contrast, a fire alarm is primarily designed to alert occupants of a fire hazard, without any means to suppress it. Smoke detectors serve a similar alerting purpose, detecting smoke but not actively suppressing a fire. Meanwhile, a manual hose reel allows trained personnel to combat a fire but requires human intervention, lacking the automatic suppression capabilities of a sprinkler system. These distinctions highlight why the automatic sprinkler is the appropriate choice for automatic fire suppression in buildings.