Chapter 20 Fire Protection systems

ionization smoke detectors

-Type of smoke detector that uses a small amount of radioactive material to make the air within a sensing chamber conduct electricity -Detects invisible products of combustion

two general types of spinrkler coverage

-the system consists of a series of sprinkers that are systematically arranged so that the systemwill adequately dsitribute enough water or extingusihing agent in the protected area. sprinklers can either extend from exposed pipes or protrude through the ceiling or walls from hidden pipes Two general types 1. complete sprinkler coverage 2. partial sprinkelr coverage protects only certain areas such as high hazard areas egress routes or places designated by code or by the AHJ

Different types of standpipe systems

1. Automatic wet 2. Automatic dry 3. Semiautomatic dry 4. manual dry 5. Manual wet

Operating valves

1. Drain valve 2. Alarm test valve 3. Alarm check valve 4. Retard chamber 5. Inspectors test valve

types of indicating valves

1. Outside stem and yoke OSAY 2. Post indicator valve PIV 3. Wall Post indicator valve WPIV 4. Post indicator valve assembly PIVA

Sprinkler system components

1. Riser 2. feed main 3. cross main 4. sprinklers 5. control valves 6. operating valves 7. waterflow alarms

testing of automatic sprinkler systems

1. UL inc or FM Global

How does the system keep water out

1. a dry pipe valve has larger surface area on the air side of the clapper valve than on the water side 2. this design allows a small amount of air pressure above the dry pipe vavle to hold back a much greater water pressure on the water supply side 3. the vavle is equipped with an air pressure gauge above the clapper and a water pressure gauge below the clapper 4. under normal circumstances the air pressure gauge will read a pressure that is substantially lower than the water pressure gauge 5. if the gauges read the same the system has been tripped and water has been allowed to enter the pipes

Sprinkler storage

1. a storage cabinet to house spare sprinklers and a sprinkler wrench si usually installed near the sprinkler riser and water contorl valve 2. sprinkler storage cabinets can also be found in the fire command center 3. normlly these cabinets hold a minimum of 6 sprinklers and a sprinkler wrench in accordance of NFPA 13 and 13D 4. in many jurisidcitions the job of changing sprinklers is the responsibility of the building represenativises or individuals who are qualitied in other jurisdictions firefighters are allowed to replace fused or damaged sprinkelr

Fire protection systems include

1. alarm systems 2. alarm initiating devices 3. automatic sprinkler systems 4. standpipe and hose systems 5. smoke management systems 6. building controls used in a coordinated fire protection systems

Function of Dry pipe sprinkler system

1. all pipes are pitched (sloped) to help drain the water in the system back toward the main drain 2. in these systems air or ntirogen under pressure repalces water in the sprinkler piping above the dry pipe valve (device that keeps water out of the sprinkler piping until a fire actuates a sprinkler) 3. when a sprinkler activates the pressurized air escapes first then the dry pipe valve automatically opens to permit water into the piping system

Flame detectors

1. among the fastest to respond to fires 2. non fire conditions such as welding sunlight and other sources of bright light may initiate false activations 3. to combat this problem flame detectors are usuallyy located in areas where these other light sources are unlikely 4. they are positioned so they have an unobstructued view of the protected area 5. if their line of sight is blocked by an opaque object they will not activate 6. some single ban Infared detectors are sensitive to sunlight they are usually installed in fully enclosed areas to reduce the likelihood of false alarms most IR detectors are designed to require the flickering motion of a flame to initiate an alarm 7. some ultraviolet detectors are virtually insensitive to sunlight so they can be used in areas not suitable for IR detectors they are not suitable for areas where arc welding is done or where intense mercury vapor lamps are used

Semiautomatic dry

1. attached to a water supply that is capable of supplying the system demand at all times 2. it requires activation of a control device to provide water at hose connections 3. the system is designed to admit water into the system when a dry pipe valve is activated at the hose station

Notification categories

1. audible 2. visual approved lighting decives 3. textual- visual text or symbols indicating a fire or emergency condition 4. tactile- indication of a fire or emergency conditions through sense of touch or vibration

What is the most reliable of all fire protection devices

1. automatic sprinkler systems

types of supervising station alarm systems

1. auxiliary alarm systems 2. proprietary systems 3. central station systems 4. remote receiiving systems

power sources

1. batteries or household current 2. battery powered offer the advantage of easy installation and reliability because they can operatue during power failures. this feature is especially imporatn when the cause of the fire is a malfunction in the house wiring. only as reliable as the batteries they use. tested monthly and replaced twice a year 3. newer smoke alarms may come equipped with lithiumbatteries rated for a 10 year service life 4. laws requiring hard wired systems have been enacte dbecause staticis show a growing lack of maintenance in battery operated alarms consequently many codes requiring alarms in newly constructued homes specify 110 volt hard wired units. 5. alarms powered by househole current are usually more reliable 6. in some rural areas and areas with high thunderstorm occurence power fialures may be more frequent and battery operated units may be more reliable. some hardwired units also incorporate a battery backup should power failure occur

Class III

1. combines class I and II 2. provide 38 mm hose stations to supply water for use by building occupants who have been trained and 65 mm hose connections to supply a alrger volume of water for use by fire departments 3. must be used simultaneously class I and Class II

smoke management is an all inclusive term that can include

1. compartmentation 2. pressurization 3. exhaustion 4. ejection 5. dilution 6. buoyancy elements -also includes smoke barriers and exhaust fans and vents -smoke control refers to any effort to change the pressure in spaces adjacent to the fire area to compartemntalzie or exhaust smoke from the area of fires origin

Water source for residential sprinkler systems

1. connection to the public water system 2. on site pressure tank 3. storage tank with an automatic pump Connection to the public water ssytem- very reliable and usually provides adequate volume on site pressure tank- often found at rural homes that do not have public water service Storage tank with an automatic pump-may also be found at rural homes or large homes in urban areas where the public system must be augmented for the size of the residence may also need a fire pump should be based upon hydraulic calculations

how does a photoelectric smoke detector work

1. consists of a photoelectric cell coupled with a specific light source 2. functions in one of two ways to detect smoke Projected beam application- obscuration Refractory application- scattered

Electronic spot type heat detector

1. consists of one or more temperature sensitve wires called thermistors that produce a marked change in electrical resistance when exposed to heat 2. the rate at which the thermistors are heated determiens the amount of current that is generated greater changes in temperate result in larger amounts of current flowing and activation of the alamr system 3. these can be calibrated to operate as rate of rise detectors and also function at a fixed temperature they are designed to bleed or dissipate small amounts of current which reduces the chance of a small temperature change activating an alarm

Automatic dry

1. contains air under pressure to maintain the integrity of the piping 2. water is admitted to the system through a dry pipe valve upon oepning of a hose valve 3. have a permanently atached water supply 4. greater cost and maintenance requirements

Automatic wet

1. contains water at all times 2. capable of meeting the system demand automatically 3. the water supply control valve is opena nd pressure is maintianed in the ssytem at all time 4. a wet standpipe with an automatic water supply is most desirabel because water is contantly available at the hose station 5. cannot be used in cold environments

purpose of supervising station alarm system

1. continuously monitors a remote location for the purpose of reporting a supervisory trouble or alarm signal to the appropriate authorities predominant types of signal monitoring systems used in the united states

Rate compensated detector

1. desigend for use in areas normally subject to regular temperature changes that are slower than those under fire condtions 2. consists of an outer metalic sleeve that encases two bowed struts with electrical conacts that have a slower expansion rate than the sleeve 3. in the normal position these contacts do not touch. when the detector is heated rapidly the outer sleeve expands in length 4. this expansion reduces the tension on the inner strips and allows the contacts to come togheter thus initiating a singla to the FACP 5. if it is fairly slow 2 to 3 C per minute the sleeve expands slowly enough to maintain tension on the inner strips this tension prevents unnessary system activations 6. however regardless of the rate of temperature increase when the surrounding temperatures reaches a predetermined point an alarm signal will be initiated

changes in sprinkler systems to amke them useful in residential applications

1. design 2. operation 3. water supply 4. flow requriements -these changes decrease teh cost of the system while enhancing its effectiveness in protecting life and property these changes are 1. modification of sprinkelr design and the development of fast response residential sprinklers 2. minimum flow reqruiements of 18 GPM 68 L/min from an individual spirnkler for residential protection 3. alarms that are simpler and better deisnged for residential application 4. a major difference is their sensitivity and speed of operation residential sprinklers operate more quickly than standard sprinklers by designing the fusible link to activate when the ceiling reaches a temeprature of 74 C the sprinkler will operate before conditions in the room become so untenable that occupants cannot survive 5. sprinkler coverage is not as extensive sprinkelr can be omitted from areas such as garages carports closets and small bathrooms however local codes may be amened to include some of these traditonally exepmted areas 6. are designed to discharge water higher on the walls of a room to prevent a fire from traveling above the spray which might occur with burning drapes or in prefalshover conditions 7. these systems are isntalled with a variety of piping materials not generally found in commercial installations. in addition piping methods such as multipurpose or combination domestic and sprinkelr water lines are used to supply both the domestic needs of a residence and hte fire sprinklers

upright

1. designed to deflect the spray of water downward in a hemispherical pattern -upright sprinkelrs cannot be inverted for use in the hanging or pendant postion because the spray would be deflected toward the ceiling they are typically used in dry systems

Zoned smoke control

1. designed to limited the movement of smoke from one compartment of a building to another 2. a building is divided into a number of smoke zones separated by partitions and floors 3. during a fire mechancial fans are used to contain smoke in the zone of fire origin 4. in most situations each floor of a building is chosen as a separate smoke control zone however a zone can be multiple floors or only those adjacent to the fire area may be pressurized 5. changes to building codes have eliminated this requriement and now requried that smoke proof enclosures be used however many zoned system still exist in older buildings

Purpose of residential sprinkler systems

1. designed to prevent flashover in the room of ffire origin and improve the chance for the occupants to escape or be evacuated

Addressable alarm systems

1. display the location of each initiating device on the FACP or annunicator panel 2. can use the system to pinpoint the specific device that has been activated 3. addressable systems reduce the amount of time it takes to respond to emergency situations these systems also allow for quick location and correction of malfunctions in the system

How do preaction sprinkler systems work

1. dry systems that employ a deluge type valve fire detection devices closed sprinklers 2. type of system is used when it is especially important to prevent water damage even if pipes are broken 3. the system will not discharge water into the sprinkler piping except in response to either smoke or heat detection system actuation 4. fire detection devices operate a release switch located in the system actuation unit 5. this release switch opens the deluge valve and permits water to enter the distribution system so that water is ready when the sprinklers activate 6. once water is in the system it will only discharge through sprinklers have been activated

how does a ionization detector work

1. during combustion minute particles and aerosols too small to be seen by the naked eye are produced 2. these invisible products of combustion can be detected 3. uses a tiny amount of radioactive material to ionize air molecules as they enter a chamber within the device 4. these ionized particles allow an electrical current to flow between negative and positive plates within the chamber 5. when the particulate products of combustion (smoke) enter the chamber they attach themselves to electircally charged molecules of air (ions) making the air within the chamber less conductive 6. this decrease in current flowing between hte plates transmits an alarm initiating signal

Components that make up a typical alarm system

1. fire alarm control panel 2. power supplies 3. initiating devices 4. notification appliances 5. Fire command center (if applicable)

When sprinklers alone are not as effective

1. fires are too small to activate the sprinkler system 2. smoke generation reahces occupants before the sprinkelr ssytem activates 3. building occupants are sleeping handicapped impaired or incarcerated

Release mechanisms to activate sprinklers

1. fusible links 2. frangible bulbs 3. chemical pellets

where are these systems found

1. high rise buildings 2. covered malls 3. buildings with atriums 4. warehouses with high piled storage

Components of standpipe systems

1. hose stations 2. water suppy 3. waterflow control valves 4. risers 5. pressure regualtive devices 6. FDC

Dilution

1. in some areas such as buidling atriums and highway tunnels smoke control systems may be used to designed to dilute the contaminates 2. fresh air dilutes contaminates to an acceptable level for humans to breath

Commponents of wet pipe sprinkler system

1. includes at a minimum -an alarm valve -OSAY valve -FDC -may also incldue an electronic waterflow alarm also known as a paddle type waterflow device 2. may be equipped witha retard chamber as part of the alarm check valve 3. this chamber catches excess water that may be sent through the alarm valve during momentary water pressure surges this reduces the chances of false alarm activation

Manual wet

1. maintained full of water but has no water supply 2. the water in the system is maintianed to dientify leaks 3. fire deparment must provide water to the system

Smoke management systems have the following functions

1. maintaining a tenable environement in the area of egress during the time requried for evacuation 2. controlling and reducing the migration of smoke from the fire area 3. providing conditions outside the fire zone that will assist emergency response personnel in conducting search and rescue operations and in locating and controlling the fire 4. contributing to the protection of life and reduction of property loss

pneumatic rate of rise spot detecot

1. monitor large areasof a building 2. these detectors consist of a ssytem of penumatic tubing arranged over a wide area of coverage 3. the space inside the tubing acts as a pressurized air chamber thata allows contianed air to expand as it heats 4. the heat detector contains a flexible diaphragm that responds to an increase in pressure from the tubing when hte air expands at a rate that exceeds the relief capacity of the vent 5. tubing limited to about 1000 feet in lenght and should be arranged in rows that are not more than 30 feet apart and 15 feet from walls

three basic types of local alarm systems

1. noncoded 2. zoned/annunciated 3. addressable

kinds of deluge valves and where are they found

1. normally installed inhigh hazard occupancies such as aircraft hangars 2. designed to quickly supply a large volume of water or extingusihing agnet in the protected area 3. a variation of this system is the partial deluge system in which some sprinkelrs are open and some are not 4. another form of deluge system designed to provide exposure protection is called a water curtain system

Fire Protection systems functions

1. notifying building occupants to take necessary action to escape in the event of a fire 2. detecting the presence of fire or products of combustion 3. summoning organized assistance to initiate or assist in fire control activities 4. initiating automatic fire control and suppression systems and sounding an alarm 5. supervising fire control and suppression systems to ensure that operational status is maintained 6. operating ventilation systems to remove smoke and other products of combustion 7. initiating a wide variety of auxiliary functions involving environmental utility and process controls including control of elevators

one more important feature of fire gas detectors

1. of more importance than the speed of response is the fact that a fire gas detector cna be more discriminating than other types of detectors 2. a fire gas detector can be designed to be sensitive only to the gases produced by specific types of hostile fires and to ignore those produced by friendly fires this feature is needed in industrial occupancies such as refineeries, chemical plants and electronics factories 3. compared to the number of other types of detectors few fire gas detectors are in use

failure of sprinkler system causes

1. partially or completely closed main water control valve 2. interruption to the municipal water supply 3. damaged or painted over sprinklers 4. frozen or broken pipes 5. excess debris or sediment in the pipes 6. failure of a secondary water supply 7. tampering and vandalism 8. sprinklers obstructed by objects stacked too close

Different strategies for smoke control include

1. passive (including compartmentalization) 2. pressurization 3. zoned smoke control 4. dilution 5. exhaust method 6. opposed air flow method

two kinds of smoke detectors

1. photoelectric smoke detector 2. ionization smoke detectors

kind of rate of rise heat detectors

1. pneumatic rate of rise line detector 2. pneumatic rateof rise spot detector 3. rate compensated detector 4. electronic spot type heat detecor

Failure of sprinkler systems

1. rare isntances do automatic sprinkelr systems fail to operate 2. when failures are reported the reason is rarely because of failure of the actual sprinklers

smoke managment system benifets

1. reduce injuries and fatalities due to smoke inhalation and may also reduce property losses due to smoke damage 2. most systems are deisnged for life safety purposes though some may be more for property protection especiall where high value contents are at risk 3. designed to route smoke away from safe escpae routes or safe refuge areas

pneumatic rate of rise spot detector

1. same principle as the line pneumatic the major difference between the two is that hte spot heat detector is self contained in one unit that monitros a specific location. 2. alarm wiring extends from the detector back to the alarm panel

large dry pipe system

1. several minutes could be lost while the air is being expelled from the ssytem 2. standards requrie that a quick opening device be installed in systems that have a water capacity over 2000 L 3. an accelerator is one type of quick opening device the basic purpose of this device is to redirect system air to accelerate the opening of the dry pipe valve which allows water into the sprinkler system more quick;ey 4. an exhauster is another type of quick opening device exhausters quickly expel air from the system to allow water to flow in its place

how does a wet pipe system work

1. simplest type of automatic fire sprinkler system and generally requires little maintenance 2. contains water under pressure at all times 3. it is connected to a public or private water supply so that an opne sprinkler will immediately discharge a water spray in the are and activate an alarm 4. extremely efficient and reliable research by the NFPA indicates that 99 percent of fires in structures protected by these systems are controlled with less than ten sprinklers activated

Noncoded alarm

1. simplest type of local alarm 2. alarm initiating device such as a smoke detector sends a signal to the FACP all of the alarm signalling devices operate simultaneously the signalling device usually operate continously until the FACP is reset 3. the FACP is not capable of identifying which initiating device triggered the alarm therebore building and fire department personnel must walk around the entire facilit and visually check to see which device was activated. 4. these systems are only practical in small occupanies with a limited number of rooms and initiating devices

Passive systems

1. smoke control barrier with sufficient fire endurant to provide protection agianst fire spread 2. walls partitions floors doors and other barriers provide some level of smoke protection to areas that are a distance from the fires area of origin 3. fire stops around barrier penetrations -door gasekt -drop seals -stair and elevator vestibules -smoke dampers in HVAC ductwork -automatic door devices may also be used

Requirements of NFPA 13 standards

1. spacing of sprinklers 2. the size of the pipe to be used 3. the proper method of hanging the pipe 4. all other details concerning the installation of a sprinkelr system 5. specify the minimum deisgn area that should be used to calculate the system based upon the maximum number of sprinklers that might be expected to activate at one time 6. a minimum design area is necessary because installing the piping and other components required to adequately supply 500 or 1000 operating spinrklers would be prohibitly expensive thus the design of the system is based on the assumption that only a portion of hte sprinkler will operate during a fire

Projected beam or light obscuration

1. style of photoelectric detectors uses a beam of light that is focused across the area being monitored onto a photoelectric cell 2. the cell constantly converts the beam into electrical current which keeps a switch open when smoke interferes or obscures the light beam the amount of current produced is lessened 3. the detectors circuitry senses the cnage in current and initates an alarm when a current change threshold is reached 4. it is important that projected beam detectors be mounted on a stable stationary surface any movement due to temperature variations structural movement and vibrations can case hte lgiht beam to misalign with the receiving device 5. simply put a projected beam photoelectric detector senses smoke when light is blocked by smoke from reaching a sensor

effects of sprinkler systems on life safety

1. the safety of occupants is greatly enhanced because it discharges water directly onto a fire while it is still relatively small 2. because the fire is extinguished or controlled in the early growth stage products of combustion are limited 3. sprinkelrs are also effective in preventing hte spread of fire upwards in multistory buildings and protecting the lives of occupants in other parts of the building

standpipe system and automatic sprinkler systems

1. the standpipe system may also be part of or seperate from an automatic sprinkler 2. they do not take the place of autmatic sprinkelr systems nor do they lessen the need for sprinklers automatic sprinklers continue to be hte most effective method of fire control

Manual dry

1. this system does not have a pernament water supply 2. it is designed to have water only when the system is being supplied through the FDC

Common sprinkler orientations

1. upright 2. pendant 3. sidewall 4. concealed 5. flush 6. recessed

Special extinguishing systems

1. use an extinguishing agent other than water or in addition to water 2. these extinguishing agents are unique to their application at speciifc occupancies 3. such facilities such as industrial manufacturing plants may incorporate several special extingusihing systems dpending on the materials and processes that are used

Pressurization system

1. use mechanical fans and ventilation to create a pressure difference across a barrier such as a wall 2. pressure differences across a abrrier prevent smoke from infiltrating to the high pressure side of the barrier 3. both postive presure and negative pressure systems are used 4. must be designed so that they do not create an excessive pressure that may imede safe egress froma building if the pressure is too great it may be difficult to open a door

Opposed air flow method

1. used in large spaces where smoke migration from the fire zone is limited by an opposed air flow 2. high velocity air aimed at the area of fire origin keeps the smoke from migrating into unaffected areas 3. this method must not result in air flwo toward the fire which would intensify the fire or interfere with the egress of the buildins occupants 4. these systems have been used successfully in setting such as subway railroad and highway tunnels

Class II

1. used primarily by building occupants who are trainined in its use or by fire department personnel 2. equiped with 38mm hose and nozzle and stored on a rack system 3. hose is typically single jacket hose and equipped with a lightweight twist type shut off nozzle 4. someitmes referred to as house lines

Refractory or light scattering smoke detector

1. uses a beam of light from a LED that passes through a small chamber at a point away from the light source 2. normally the light does not strike the photocell when smoke particles enter hte light beam light strikes the particles and reflects in random directions onto the photosensitive device causing the deetector to generate an alarm signal

Exhaust method

1. uses mechanical ventialtion along with the properties of smoke to collect smoke at the highest point in a alrge space 2. becuase smoke rises to the upper levels of a space this area serves as a smoke reservoir to contain hte smoke 3. a properly designed system should allow the smoke to be maintained at a level of 6-10 feet above the highest occupied floor

advantages and disadvantages of photoelectric smoke detectors

1. usually responds more quickly to smoldering fires photoelectric 2. respond satisfactorily to most fires but these types of detectors generally respond faster to flaming fires than to smoldering ones. automatically reset when the atmosphere has cleared

Types of special extingusihing systems

1. wet chemical 2. dry chemical 3. clean agent 4. CO2 5. water msit and hybrid ssytems 6. foam

Types of sprinkler systems

1. wet pipe 2. dry pipe 3. deluge 4. preaction 5. special extinguishing systems 6. residential

zoned annunciaed alarm

1.enables emergency responders to identify the general location (zone) of alarm device activation 2. an annunciator panel screen FACP or a computer printout visibly indicates the building, floor, fire zone or other area that coincides with the location of an operating alarm initiating device 3. alarm initiating devices in common areas are arranged in circuits or ones. eahc zone has its own indicator light or display on the FACP. when an initiating device in a particular zone is triggered the notification devices are activated and the corressponding indicator is illuminated on the FACP. the singal gives responders a better idea of where the problem is located

Chemical pellet

A pellet of solder, under compression, within a small cylinder, that melts at a predetermined temperature, allowing a plunger to move down and release the valve cap parts.

Central Station system

Alarm system that functions through a constantly attended location (central station) operated by an alarm company. Alarm signals from the protected property are received in the central station and are then retransmitted by trained personnel to the fire department alarm communications center. -when an alarm is activated at aclients location central station employees receive that information and contact local emergency services and representatives of the occupancy -required to have the ability to quickly remedy issues with the system

Smoke detector

Alarm-initiating device designed to actuate when visible or invisible products of combustion (other than fire gases) are present in the room or space where the unit is installed.

Heat detector

Alarm-initiating device that is designed to be responsive to a predetermined rate of temperature increase or to a predetermined temperature level. while there are many different types of heat detectors they all operate on two different principles fixed temperature and rate of rise

Wet-Pipe Sprinkler System

Also known as straight stick system Fire-suppression system is built into a structure or site; piping contains either water or foam solution continuously; activation of a sprinkler causes the extinguishing agent to flow from the open sprinkler.

Check Valve

Automatic valve that permits liquid flow in only one direction. prevents water flowing from the sprinkler system back into the FDC the proper direction of water flow through a check valve usually indiacted by an arrow on the valve or by observing the appearance of the valve casing a ball drip valve may also be isntalle dat the check valve and FDC this valve is deisnged to keep both the valve and connection dry and operating properly during freezing conditions

deluge valve

Automatic valve used to control water to a deluge sprinkler system.

three classes of standpipe systems

CLass I CLass II Class III

Retard chamber

Chamber that catches and slows the excess water that may be sent through the alarm valve of an automatic sprinkler system during momentary water pressure surges. This reduces the chance of false-alarm activation. The retard chamber is installed between the alarm check valve and alarm-signaling equipment.

Dedicated and non dedicated smoke control systems

Dedicated -are those that are intended and specifically lsited for smoke control puroises -these systems allow for separate air movement and distribution and do not function under normal operating conditions -in the building upon activation these systems operate specifically for smoke control Non dedicated -are those that share components with other systems such as the buidlings heating ventialtion and air condition system -activation causes the system to change its mode of operation from heating and cooling to smoke control

Advantages of dedication and non dedicated

Dedicated 1. operation adn control are generally simpler than other systems 2. modification of the controls during system amitnenance is less likely to occur that with other sytems 3. it is less likely to be affected by the modification or failures of other building systems Non dedicated -less chance for component failure due to regular use and maintenance -lower cots -less space needed for mechanical equipment Disadvantages -elaborate nature of the system control and hte possibilty of modification of the approved system or smoke controls that might affect hte smoke control function in addition all features of the smoke control system may not be exercised during day to day operations

Fire command center

Designated room or area in a structure where the status of the fire detection, alarm, and protection systems is displayed and the systems can be be manually controlled; may staffed or unstaffed and can be accessed by the fire department. fire control room or station 1. many large buildings now incoproate this 2. consolidates all of the fire protection system controls for the structure in one location 3. allows the various fire protection systems in the structure to be conviently monitored and controlled as needed items contained in the FCS 1. Fire alarm control panel 2. smoke control station 3. fire pump status indicators 4. emergency elevator controls 5. emergency communication systems 6. spare sprinklers and fuses 7. building plans and system diagrams

Flame detector

Detection and alarm device used in some detection systems (generally in high-hazard areas) that detect light/flames in the ultraviolet wave spectrum (UV detectors) or detect light in the infrared wave spectrum (IR detectors).

Waterflow device or alarm

Detector that recognizes movement of water within the sprinkler or standpipe system. Once movement is noted, the waterflow detector gives a local alarm and/or may transmit the alarm. automatic sprinkler systems are typically equipped with a waterflow device -consists of a vane or paddle that protrudes through the riser into the waterway -the vane is connected to an alarm swithc on the outside of the riser -when flowing water moves the vane the alarm swithc operates initating an alarm -the vane must be thin and pliable so that if many sprinklers operate the water flow will flatten the vane agianst the wall of the riser resulting ina clear waterway

smoke alarm

Device designed to sound an alarm when the products of combustion are present in the room where the device is installed. The alarm is built into the device rather than being a separate system.

Fire gas detector

Device used to detect gases produced by a fire within a confined space.

annunciator panel

Electrical device used to indicate the source or location of an activated fire alarm initiating device or the status of the system. The panel may include individual lights located on a schematic map and an audible alarm signal.

Proprietary alarm system

Fire protection system owned and operated by the property owner. -used to protect large commerical and industrial buildings high rise structures and groups of commonly owned facilities such as a college campur or industrial complex in single or multiple locations. -each building or area has its own system that is wired into a common receiving point that is owned and operated by the facility owner -the recieving point must be in a separate structure or a part of a structure that is remote from any hazardous operation -personnel who are trained in the systems operation can take appropriate actions when alarms activate should continously staff the receiving station the operator should be able to automatically summon a fire departmen response through using system controls or hte telphone

Dry-Pipe Sprinkler System

Fire suppression system that consists of closed sprinklers attached to a piping system that contains air under pressure. When a sprinkler activates, air is released that activates the water or foam control valve and fills the piping with extinguishing agent.

Deluge Sprinkler System

Fire suppression system that consists of piping and open sprinklers. A fire detection system is used to activate the water or foam control valve. When the system activates, the extinguishing agent expels from all sprinkler heads in the designated area.

Preaction sprinkler system

Fire-suppression system that consists of closed sprinklers attached to a piping system that contains air under pressure and a secondary detection system; both must operate before the extinguishing agent is released into the system; similar to the dry-pipe sprinkler system.

Concealed

Hidden by a removable decorative cover that releases whne exposed to a specific level of heat

Firefighters smoke control station (FSCS)

Interface between the smoke management system and the fire response forces. 2. provides full monitoring and manual control of all smoke control ssytems and equipment 3. can use the FSCS to control all smoke control system equipment or zones within the building 4. wherever practical should allow control of indicidual zones rather than individual pieces of equipment helps to ensure that firefighters do not activate equipment in the wrong sequence or neglect to control a critical component 5. should be located in the fire comman center 6. the FSCS should contain a building diagram that learly indicates the type and location of all smoke control equipment as well as the building areas affected by the equipment 7. the status of the systems and equipment that are activated should be clearly indicated at teh FSCS 8. manual override switches should be provided at teh FSCS to restart or shut down the operation of any smoke control equipment

Fusible link

Metal strip normally held in place by a solder with a known melting (fusing) temperature. under normal conditions the device holds a spring operated contact inside the detector in the opne position when the ambient temperature is raised to the fusing temperature of the device the solder melts which allows the spring to c lose the contact points this axtion complete the circuit which allows the spring to clsoe the contact points this completes the circuit 2. some of these devices may be restored by replacing the fusible device others requrie the entire heat detector to be replaced

Flush

Mounted in a ceiling with the body of the sprinkelr including the threaded shank above the plane of the ceiling

NFPA standard for installation of sprinkler systems

NFPA 13 also contains information on hose stations

NFPA standards

NFPA 13- standard for the installation of sprnkler systems NFPA 13D-standard for the installation of sprinkler systems in one and two family dwellings and manufactured homes NFPA 13R- standard for the installation of sprinkler systems in residential occupancies up to and including four stories in height

NFPA standard for installation of standpipes and hose systems

NFPA 14 describes the deisgn and isntallion of standpipes this standard establishes three classes of standpipe ssytems

deflector

Part of the sprinkler assembly that creates the discharge pattern of the water. are attached to teh sprinkler frame and create the discharge pattern of the water pressure forces water agains the deflector which converts it into a spray pattern discharge patterns vary greatly depending on the style of deflector and are selected based on risk factors in the occupancy modern sprinklers produce a uniform discharge pattern that is directed downward control fire more quickly and protect structural elements more effectively deflectors must be deisgned to direct the flow of water downward regarldess of spirnkelr orientation

House line

Permanently fixed, private standpipe hoseline.

Cross mains

Pipe connecting the feed main to the branch ines on which the sprinklers are located the cross mains direclty service a number of branch lines on which sprinklers are installed cross mains extend past the last branch lines and are capped to facilitate flushing system piping decreases in size from the riser outward the entire ssytem is supporte by hangers and clamps Feed main Cross main Branch lines

Feed main

Pipe connecting the sprinkler system riser to the cross mains.

Wall post indicator valve

Similar to PIV but extends through wall with the target and valve operating nut on the outside of the building

fire protection system

System designed to protect structure and minimize loss due to fire.

auxiliary alarm system

System that connects the protected property with the fire department alarm communications center by a municipal master fire alarm box or over a dedicated telephone line. two types local energy system and shunt system Local energy system- has its own power source and does not depend on the supply source that powers the entire municipal fire alarm ssytem -in these systems initiating devices can be activated even when the power supply to the municipal system is interrupted however interruption may result in the alarm only being sounded locally and not being transmitted ot the fire department telecommunications center -the ability to transmit alarms during power interruptions depends on the design of the municipal system these systems are served by a municpal fire alarm box system Shunt system- an auxiliary fire alarm system that connect a public fire alarm reporting sytem to initating devices wiithina protected premisses when an initiating device in the protected property operates it activates the public fire alarm sending an alarm to the public communication center -are those in which the municiapl alarm circuit extends (shunted) into the protected property when a manual or automatic alarm is initiated on the premises the alarm is instantl transmitted ot hte alarm center over the municiapl system

What temperature is wet pipe systems used

Temperatures remain above 40 F 4 C

Alarm check valve

Type of check valve installed in the riser of an automatic sprinkler system that transmits a water-flow alarm when the water flow in the system lifts the valve clapper.

Drain valve

Valve that allows piping to drain when pressure is relieved in the pipe. every sprinkler system riser has a main drain valve the primary purpose is to allow sprinkelr service perosnnel to drain water from teh sytem for maintenance purposes because a large volume of water will flow when the main drain valve is opened it can also be used to check the system water supply

Riser

Vertical water pipe used to carry water for fire protection systems above ground such as a standpipe riser or sprinkler riser. vertical piping to which the sprinkelr vlave one way check valved FDC, alarm valve, main drain and other compoents are attached

indicating valve

Water main valve that visually shows the open or closed status of the valve.

gases released by a fire

Water vapor (H2O) Carbon dioxide (CO2) Carbon monoxide (CO) Hydrogen chloride (HCl) Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) Hydrogen fluoride (HF) Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) -only water vapor, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are released from all fires other gases cary with the specific chemical makeup of the fuel therefore it is only practical to monitor the levels of CO2 and CO for general fire detection purposes

Standpipe system

Wet or dry system of pipes in a large single-story or multistory building with fire hose outlets installed in different areas or on different levels of a building to be used by firefighters and/or building occupants. The system is used to provide for quick deployment of hoselines during fire fighting operations.

to be of value

a residential sprinkler system must continually be in service using one valve ot both control both the sprinkelrs and the domestic water service for the residence eliminates the possibilty of the supply valve being closed the sprinklers cannot be turned off without the household water supply being turned off as well

Alarm initiating devices

alarm system component that transmits a signal when a change occurs change may be the result of an action such as the activation of a manual fire alarm box the presence of products of combustion in the atmosphere or the automatic activation of a supervisory switch

protected premises (local)

alarm system that alerts and notifies only occupants on the premises of hte existence of a fire so that they can safely exit the building and call the fire department. if a response by a public safety agency is requried an occupant hearing the alarm must notify the agency 1. there are no provisions for automatic off site reporting 2. either manual or automatic initiating devices may be used to activate the system 3. may also be capable of annunicating a supervisory or trouble condition to ensure that service interruptions do not go unnoticed local systems cna be deisgned to activate the auxiliary services described later in this chapter

where are fixed temperature detectors located

because heat rises heat detectors are installed in the highest portion of a room usually on the ceiling

effects of sprinkelr system on firefighter safety

controlling a fire in its early stages increases the safety of the environment for firefighters to conduct search and resuce and suppression activities

prssure to pump a sprinkelr system

departmental preincident plans may identify the pressure at which a sprinkelr system should be supported as well as any special circumstances

Combination detectors

depending on the deisgn of the system various combinations of the previously described means of detection may be used in a single device. the different combinations make these detectors more versatile and more responsive to fire conditions

Post indicator valve assembly PIVA

does not use a plate with words open or shut. Uses circular disk inside a flat plate on top of the valve housing. when the valve is open the disk is perpendicular to the surrounding plate when the valve is closed the disk is in line with the plate that surrounds it unlike the PIV or WPIV the PIVA is operated with a built in crank

speed of detection

fire gas detectors will initiate an alarm faster than heat detector but not as quickly as a smoke detector

minimum water supply

has to deliver the requried volume of water to the highest sprinkelr in a building at a residual pressure of 15 psi the minimum flow dpeneds on the hazard to be protected to ensure that adequate water volume and pressure are maintained during periods of demand due to fire a fire pump i typically incorproated into the sprinkler system fire pumps are pwoered by an electric diesel or steam pump driver the pump controller activates the driver and pump when hte system pressure falls below a predetermined level

frangible bulb

holds the electrical contacts apart ina similar manner to a fusible link a small glass vial contains a liquid with a small air bubble the bulb is designed to break when hte liquid is heated to a predetermine temperature as the liquid in ht ebulb is heated it expands and absorbs the air bubble when the rated temperature is reached the bulb fractures and falls out allowing the contacts to complete the circuit an initate an alarm 2. in order to restore teh system the entire detector must be replaced while detectors off this type are still in service their manufacture ahs been discontinued

water supply and supply of sprinklers

in many cases the water supply for sprinkler ssystems is desinged to supply only a portion of the sprinklers actually installed on the system. if a large fire occurs or a pipe breaks the sprinkelr system will need an outside source of water and pressure to do it sjob effectively FDC can provide an additional water nad pressure Sprinkler FDCs should be provided by pumpers cpaacity at least 4000 L/min a minimum of 65 mm or larger hoses should be attached to the FDC whenever possible FD pumpers supplying attack line sshould operate from hydrants connected ot mains other than the main supplying the sprinkelr system. FDCs for sprinklersusually consist of a simaese inlet with atleast 2 65 mm female connections with a clapper valve in eahc connection or one large diameter connection that is attached to a clappered inlet

Recessed

installed in recessed housing within the ceiling of a compartment or space all or part of the sprinkelr other than the threaded shank is mounted in the housing

Fusible link

involves a frame that is screwed into the sprinkler pipine. the two levelers press agaisnt the frame and a cap pver the orifice from which the water flows. the fusible link holds the levers together until heat froma fire melts the link after which the water or air pressure the pipe pushes the levers and cap out of the way water then flows from the orifice and strikes the deflector attached to the frame. the deflector converts the standard 1/2 inch stream into water spray for more efficient extinguishment

Alarm test valve

is located on a pipe that connects the supply side of the alarm check valve to the retard chamber the alarm test valve can be used to simulate the actuation of the ssytem it allows water to flow into the retard chamber and operate the water flow alarm devices

required air pressure for dry pipe systems

is usually about 20 psi

comparing fixed temperature

least prone to false activations but hte slowest to activate

Inspector test valve

located in a remote part of the sprinkler systme this valve is equipped with the same size orifice as one sprinkler and is used to simulate the activation of one sprinkelr the water from the inspectors test valve normall discharges outside the building

Initiating devices

manually operated pull stations or automatic (smoke detectors) these devices send a signal to the FACP and may either be hard wired or connected over a special radio frequency

Pull station

may be connected to systems that sound local alrms, off premise alarm signals or both. although they come in a variety of shapes and sizes pull stations are requried to be red with white lettering that specifies what hte device is and how it is to be used 2. some jurisidictions allow firefighters to reset pull stations after activation while others require the building owner or their representatice to reset the system

Continous line detector

most are spot type that is they are only designed to detect heat only in a relatively small area surrounding the specific spot where they are installed however continous line detection devices cna detect heat over a linear area parallel to the detector 2. one such device consists of a cable with a conductive metal innner core sheathed with stainless steel tubing the inner core and the sheath are seperated by an electrically insulating semiconductor amterial that keeps them from touching but allows a small amount of current to flwo between the two 3. this insulation loses some of its electrical ressistance capabilities when the ambient temperature reaches a predeermined level when this happens the current flwo between the two components increases and a signal is transmitted ot the FACP. this type of detection device restores itself when the ambient tmeperature is reduced 4. another type of continous line detector uses two insulated witres with an outer covering when the rated temperature is reached hte insulation melts and allows the two wires to touch which completes the circui and sends an alarm signal to the FACP. to restore this type of line detector the fused portion of the wires must be cut out and rpelaced with new wire

notification appliances

once an initiating device sends a signal to the FACP the control unit processes the signal and activates local and rmeote notification appliances. the system may include the ability send a signal to a centrla alarm monitoring center or directly to the fire deparmtent local include 1. bells 2. horns 3. recorded voice messages 4. strobe lights 5. speakers 6. buzzers -audible is the most common -may only sound in the area of hte activated detector or sound in the entire facility

water supply source

one and two fmaily dwellings are smaller and mroe economical than those for commercial occupancies 2. the water supply source is generally the same as the domestic water supply this apprahc works because hte water supply requriements are substantially less for residential system

how do fixed temperature activate

one or more of the three mechanisms 1. expansion of heated materials 2. melting of heated material 3. changes in resistance of heated material fusible link frangible bulb continous line detector bimetallic detector

Class I

primarily for use by fire suppression personnel training in handiling large hoseliens 2. capable of supplying effective fire stremas during hte more advanced stages of fire within a building 3. 65mm hose connections or hose stations attached ot the standpipe riser 4. hose connections may eb equipped witha reducer on the cap that allows for the connection of a 38mm hose coupling as well

Power supplies

primary and secondary power supply primary- power supply is usually obtained from the buidlings main connection ot the local utility provider. if the primary power supply is interrupted due to a loss of pwoer an alarm signal must be activated secondary- batteries with charges and auxillary generators

fixed temperature ranges

should have an activation temperature rating slightly higher above the highest ceiling temperatures normally expected in that space 74 C for living spaces 94 C for attics

function of a deluge sprinkler system

similar to dry pipe systems is that there is no water in the distirbution piping before system activation however in a deluge system all sprinkelrs are open all the time (open head sprinklers) this means that when the system is activated and water enters the piping the water will discharge from all of the sprinklers simultaneously 2. a deluge valve controls the flow of water into teh system 3. detection devcies (heat smoke or flame detectros) isntalled in the area protected by the system control the operation of the deluge valve

types of alarm signaling systems

simple systems- may only sound a local evacutaion alarm while complex systems may sound a local alarm activate building services and notify appropriate fire and emergency services agencies to respons 1. protected premises (local) 2. supervising station alarm systems

comparing smoke detectors and smoke alarms

smoke detectors are only capable of detection and must transmit a signla to another device that sounds an alarm in most cases these devices are installed in nonresidential and large multifamily residential occupancies. smoke alarms are self contained units capable of both detecting hte presence of smoke and soundsing an alarm these devices are typically installed in single family residences and smaller multifamily residential occupancies faster than heat detectors the smoke detectors is the preferred type of detector in many types of occuapncies eesepcially residences

Frangible bulb

some sprinklers generally incorporate a small bulb filled with heat sensitive alcohol or glycerol liquids and an air bubble to hold the orifice shut 2. the air bubble prevents false activations due to normal rise and fall of atmospheric temperature 3. in a fire heat expands the liquids until the bubble is absorbed into the liquid 4. this increases the internal pressure until the bulb shatters at the proper temperature. the type of liquid and size of the bubble in the bulb regulate the breaking temperature 5. the liquid is color coded to designate the designed breaking temperature 6. when the bulb shatters the valve cap is released adn water is allowed to flow

Photoelectric smoke detector

sometimes called a visible products of combustion detector Type of smoke detector that uses a small light source, either an incandescent bulb or a light-emitting diode (LED), to detect smoke by shining light through the detector's chamber. Smoke particles reflect the light into a light-sensitive device called a photocell.

Three basic types of flame detectors

sometimes called light detectors 1. light in the ultraviolet wave spectrum (UV detectors) 2. light in the infared wave spectrum (IR detectors) 3. light in both ultraviolet and infared wave spectrums

use of main water control valve

stop supplying water to the system in order 1. to replace sprinkelrs 2. perform maintenance 3. interrupt operations OSAY PIV WPIV PIVA

Temperatures Dry Pipe Sprinkler System

subjected to temperates below 4 C

Fire alarm control panel

system component that recieves input from automatic and manual fire alarm devices and may provide power to detection devices or communication devices 1. contains the electronics that control and monitor the fire alarm system 2. serves as the brain for the alarm ssytem 3. recieves signals from alarm initiating devices processes the signals and produces putput signals 4. power and fire alarm circuits are connected directly into this panel 5. power boosters and power supplies for the notification system are considered to be part of the FACP 6. controls for the alarm system are located in the FAC{ 7. the FACP can also perform other functions such as the control of a remote annunciator panel the operation of relays that capture and recall elevators or publi address and mass notifications

Remote receiving systems

system in which alarm signals from the protected premises are trnasmitted over a leased telephone line or by radio signal to a remote receiving station with 24 hour staff usually the municiapl fire departmetns alarm communications center -common in jurisdictions that do not requrie central station systems -these systems ar enot connected to the emergency services telecommunications center througha municipal alarm box system isntead the remote system is connected by another means usually a telephone line where premitted a radio signal over a dedicated radio frequency may also be used -do not incorporate the use of a runner service -depending on local requirements the fire department may approve other organizations to monitor the rmeote system in some small communities particularly those with volunteer fire departments, the local emergency services telecommunications center will monitor the rmeote system in these cases it is important that emergency services telecommunications personnel are aware of the importance of these alarm signals and trained in the actions that must be taken upon alarm receipt

Automatic sprinkler systems

system of 1. water pipes 2. discharge valves (sprinkler heads) 3. control valves designed to activate during fires by automatically discharging enough water to control or extinguish a fire -designed to activate during fires by automatically discharging enough water or extinguishing agent to extingusih th fire or prevent its spread until firefighters arrive

Smoke management system

system that limits the exposure of building occupants to smoke may include a combination of compartmentation, control of smoke migration from affected area, and a means of removing smoke to the exterior of the building

how are sprinklers rated

temperature at which they are designed to operate temperature is identified in one of the following ways 1. color coding the sprinkler frame arms 2. color coding the liquid in frangible bulb type sprinklers 3. stamping the temperature into the sprinkler itself

Rate of rise heat detectors

temperature sensitive device that sounds an alarm when the temperatures changes at a preset value such as 7-8 C a minute 2. bacause the alarm is initiated by a sudden rise in temperature regardless of the inital temperature an alarm can be initated at a room temperature far below required for initiating a fixed temperature 3. mos are reliable and not subject to false activation however they can be activated under nonfire condition if it is installed just inside an exteiror door in an airconditioned building opening the door on a hot day can initiate an alarm becasue of the influd of heated air 4. automatically reset if they are undamaged

Early suppression fast response (ESFR)

these sprinkelrs typically react five to ten times faster than traditoinal sprinkelr identified because they are larger than traditonal sprinklers

in rack

typically used in storage facilities in rack sprinklers incoroprate a protective disk that shields the heat sensing element from water that is discharged from the sprinklers above

Sidewall

used in instances where it may be diesrable or required ot install sprinklers on the wall at the side of a room or space -this may be for cost savings or appearnce -by modifying the deflector a sprinkler can be made to discharge most of its water to one side -sidewall sprinkelrs are useful in areas such as corridors offices hotel rooms and residential occupancies

Pendant

used where it is impractical or unsightly to use sprinklers in an upright position such as below a suspended ceiling -the deflector on this type of sprinkler brekas the pattern of water into a circular pattern of small water droplets and directs the water downward

Bimetallic detector

uses two metals that have different thermal expansion characteristics. thin strips of the metals are bonded together and one or both ends of the strips are attached to the alarm circuit. when heated one emtal expands faster than the other causing the strip to arch or bend. this bending of the strip either makes or breaks contac in the alarm circuit sending a singal to the alarm panel. most bimetallic detectors will reset when cooled but must be inspected postfire to ensure that they were not damaged

Sprinkkler

water flow discharge device in a sprinkler system consists of a 1. threaded intake nipple 2. discharge orifice 3. heat actuated plugh 4. deflection -to create an effective fire stream pattern that is suitable for fire control