Which type of alarm will initiate the start of a diesel fire pump?

The waterflow alarm is crucial for activating a diesel fire pump because it detects the flow of water in the fire protection system, indicating a fire has been detected and that water needs to be delivered to that area. When the waterflow alarm senses this flow, it sends a signal to start the fire pump, ensuring that adequate water pressure and volume are provided for firefighting efforts. This is especially important for a diesel fire pump, which is typically designed to work in conjunction with an automatic sprinkler or standpipe system.

In contrast, while pressure alarms monitor the system’s pressure and temperature alarms assess the heat levels, they do not directly signal the need for firefighting water. Similarly, a smoke alarm serves to detect smoke particles in the air, which is an early warning system rather than a direct call to activate the fire pump. Therefore, the waterflow alarm is specifically tailored to trigger water supply, making it the correct answer in this context.