What does a "deluge system" typically include?

A deluge system is specifically designed to protect areas that may be exposed to rapid fire spread, such as refineries or warehouses storing combustible materials. It employs open sprinkler heads that are connected to a water supply. When the system is activated, water is discharged simultaneously from all open heads, delivering a large volume of water to the affected area. This capability is essential for combating significant fire threats where immediate and extensive water coverage is necessary.

The design of a deluge system allows it to react quickly because there are no closed sprinkler heads that would otherwise wait for the heat to activate them. This characteristic is what distinguishes deluge systems from other types of fire protection systems, which may use a limited number of closed heads that operate individually. The open heads provide tactical advantage in high-risk environments by allowing for a rapid and overwhelming response to fire events.