What does an automatic fire suppression system use to control fire?

An automatic fire suppression system primarily uses extinguishing agents to control and extinguish fires. These agents can take various forms, including water, foam, gas, or dry chemicals, depending on the type of system and the materials at risk. The primary function of these extinguishing agents is to reduce the heat, displace oxygen, or interrupt the chemical reactions that sustain fire, thereby stopping the fire from spreading and minimizing damage to the facility.

While thermal sensors are an essential component of many automatic fire suppression systems, as they help detect heat and trigger the suppression system, they do not themselves control the fire. Manual devices are typically operated by individuals and not considered automatic since they require human intervention. Visual alarms are designed to alert occupants to evacuate a space in the event of a fire, but they do not directly engage in fire suppression. Thus, the correct response underscores the essential role that extinguishing agents play in the effectiveness of automatic fire suppression systems.