Water supplies for deluge foam-water sprinkler systems and foam-water spray systems shall be automatic.

• A. Manual
• B. Automatic
• C. Semi-automatic
• D. Remote

Answer: (B)

Deluge foam-water and foam-water spray systems are designed to flood the protected area quickly with foam solution as soon as the system is actuated. To achieve that rapid, reliable response, the water supply must start automatically whenever the system’s actuation devices (detection, control valves, etc.) trigger. Relying on a manual valve or a semi-automatic action would introduce delays, reducing foam coverage and allowing the fire to grow. The requirement is about how the water is released—automatic water supply ensures immediate flow to all discharge paths without human intervention. Remote or manual nuances don’t fit the purpose here, since the key need is instantaneous activation of water flow when the system is activated.