In dry-chemical extinguishing systems, what device is typically used to activate the system?

In dry-chemical extinguishing systems, a fusible link or automatic initiation device is essential for activating the system. This device is designed to respond to heat, which causes it to melt or activate at a certain temperature. When the fusible link melts, it allows the flow of dry chemical extinguishing agent, effectively discharging it onto the fire. This automatic method of activation ensures a rapid response to fire situations, which is critical for controlling and extinguishing fires before they escalate.

While manual triggers can also be part of the system, they require human intervention, which may not be as effective in high-stress emergency situations compared to automatic systems. Wired pressure gauges are used to monitor system pressure but do not serve as activation devices. A backup power supply may be necessary for electronically controlled systems, yet it does not directly relate to the activation mechanism of the dry-chemical extinguishing system itself.