What system uses a deluge valve to let water into the piping when activated?

The system that utilizes a deluge valve to allow water into the piping upon activation is known as a semi-automatic dry system. In this type of fire protection system, the deluge valve is designed to open and release water into the distribution piping when a fire detection system detects smoke or heat. This set-up is particularly beneficial in areas where high hazard environments are present, as it can quickly douse flames over a large area by flooding the sprinkler system.

The semi-automatic designation indicates that while the system may have automated features for water release in response to a fire, it still might require some level of manual intervention or activation by specific fire alarm signals, differentiating it from fully automatic systems that activate solely based on heat detection.

This specificity is crucial in understanding the operational conditions under which deluge systems function, guiding the appropriate design and implementation in commercial building fire protection strategies.