How does a deluge sprinkler system function upon activation?

A deluge sprinkler system is designed to release water from all the sprinkler heads simultaneously when activated. This type of system does not have individual activation for each head; rather, it uses an open head design that allows for the immediate discharge of water across a wide area. This feature is particularly effective in situations where rapid fire growth is anticipated or where large amounts of water are needed to control or extinguish a fire quickly.

The system is typically used in high-hazard areas or locations with flammable materials, where a swift response is critical to managing the fire. The entire system is activated by a single event, usually triggered by a fire alarm signal or heat detection, leading to a massive flow of water that saturates the affected area to suppress the fire almost instantaneously.

This functionality distinguishes deluge systems from other types, such as standard sprinkler systems that release water only from individual heads near the heat source. Therefore, the option indicating that the system releases water from individual heads is not accurate as it misses the key operational principle of a deluge system.