Final answer:
A conventional automatic sprinkler system operates by detecting heat and releasing water from activated sprinkler heads to suppress or extinguish a fire.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a conventional automatic sprinkler system operates during a fire, it works based on the principle of heat detection. The system consists of sprinkler heads that are connected to a network of pipes filled with water. Each sprinkler head has a heat-sensitive element, typically a glass bulb containing a heat-sensitive liquid or a fusible link, that keeps the water in the pipes sealed.
When a fire starts, the heat from the fire raises the temperature in the vicinity of the sprinkler head. Once the temperature exceeds a certain threshold, the heat-sensitive element in the sprinkler head is activated, causing it to burst or separate. As a result, water is released from the pipe and flows out of the activated sprinkler head, suppressing or extinguishing the fire.
It's important to note that only the sprinkler heads in the proximity of the fire are activated, while the rest remain sealed. This prevents the unnecessary release of water and minimizes water damage.