Abstract: A release mechanism for opening a valve of a fire extinguishing installation by means of a linearly movable release element, such as a release plunger or release pin upon releasing a pre-stressed helical spring. At one end of the helical spring there is arranged a movable ball pressure plate. Between this ball pressure plate and a further fixedly arranged ball plate there are arranged balls or spherical elements. A loading pin provided at the movable ball pressure plate retains the helical spring under torsional stress and the movable ball pressure plate in such an angular position that the balls of both ball pressure plates can be retained at a starting distance. Upon electromagnetic release of the loading pin and return rotation of the helical spring the movable ball pressure plate rotates such that the spring can be axially relaxed or load-relieved and the release plunger or the like presses upon the release element of the valve and opens the latter.