Final answer:
The most common cause of failure for a water-based fire suppression system is a water shortage. This issue stems from insufficient water supply or pressure, impacted by maintenance or infrastructure problems. Regular inspections are vital to ensure system readiness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common cause of failure for a water-based fire suppression system is c. Water shortage. These systems rely on a sufficient supply of water to function properly. When there is insufficient water, or the water pressure is too low, the system cannot produce an effective stream to suppress or control the fire. This can be due to various issues such as closed valves, leaks in the system, maintenance failures, or problems with the water supply infrastructure. Routine inspections and maintenance are critical for ensuring the system has an adequate water supply at all times and can operate effectively during a fire.
It's important to note that while other factors such as placement of detectors, ionization detectors, and human error (People) can contribute to system failures, they are not typically considered the most common cause of failure for water-based systems.