What triggers a water flow alarm in a sprinkler system?

A water flow alarm in a sprinkler system is triggered specifically by water flowing through the pipes, which typically happens when one or more sprinklers activate due to heat from a fire. Each sprinkler head is designed to release water when the temperature around it exceeds a certain threshold, which is typically linked to fire conditions. When this water flow occurs, it sends a signal to the alarm system indicating that the sprinkler is active, alerting occupants and emergency responders to the presence of a fire and the need for immediate action.

Other options may relate to different types of alarms or system responses but do not directly trigger a water flow alarm specifically designed for sprinkler systems. For instance, smoke detection and heat detection contribute to overall fire alarm systems rather than the sprinkler-specific water flow alarm. Manual activation by a firefighter pertains to emergency procedures but does not initiate the automatic water flow alarm associated with sprinkler activation.