How do automatic sprinkler systems typically interact with fire alarms?

Automatic sprinkler systems are designed to work in conjunction with fire alarms to enhance life safety and property protection. When a sprinkler head detects heat from a fire, it activates and allows water to flow through the system. This water flow is detected by a flow switch that triggers the fire alarm system. As a result, the alarm not only alerts occupants of the building to evacuate but also notifies the fire department of a possible fire incident.

This integration is vital because it ensures that alarms are sounded automatically when there is evidence of fire, providing a timely warning that contributes to effective evacuation and response efforts. In contrast, some of the other options suggest scenarios that do not accurately represent how these systems usually operate. For instance, saying the systems are entirely independent ignores the critical role that the interactions between fire sprinklers and alarms play in fire safety. Similarly, the notion of sprinklers deactivating alarms or being limited to residential buildings does not align with their intended function or typical applications in both residential and commercial settings.