Fire Detection, Alarm, and Suppression Systems. Introduction Recognized functions of detection and...

Fire Detection, Alarm, and Fire Detection, Alarm, and Suppression SystemsSuppression Systems

IntroductionIntroduction Recognized functions of detection and Recognized functions of detection and

alarm systems.alarm systems. To notify occupants of a facility to take To notify occupants of a facility to take

necessary evasive action to escape the necessary evasive action to escape the dangers of a hostile firedangers of a hostile fire

To summon organized assistance to initiate or To summon organized assistance to initiate or assist in fire controlassist in fire control

To initiate automatic fire control and To initiate automatic fire control and suppression systems and to sound an alarmsuppression systems and to sound an alarm

To supervise fire control and suppression To supervise fire control and suppression systems to assure that operational status is systems to assure that operational status is maintainedmaintained

To initiate a wide variety of auxiliary functions To initiate a wide variety of auxiliary functions involving environmental, utility, and processinvolving environmental, utility, and process

IntroductionIntroduction

These systems may include These systems may include components that operate:components that operate: MechanicallyMechanically HydraulicallyHydraulically PneumaticallyPneumatically ElectricallyElectrically Most are state-of-the art and operate Most are state-of-the art and operate

electronicallyelectronically

IntroductionIntroduction Automatic Sprinkler Systems remain Automatic Sprinkler Systems remain

the most reliable form of protection.the most reliable form of protection. They result in less business interruption They result in less business interruption

and less water damage than traditional and less water damage than traditional firefighting interventionfirefighting intervention

Approximately 70% of all fires are Approximately 70% of all fires are controlled by the activation of 5 or fewer controlled by the activation of 5 or fewer sprinklers.sprinklers.

Types of Alarm SystemsTypes of Alarm Systems

Local system or Local system or protected premises protected premises fire alarm systemfire alarm system Is a localized system Is a localized system

meant to be activated meant to be activated by manual means, by manual means, (EXAMPLE:) Pull (EXAMPLE:) Pull Stations in local Stations in local schools.schools.

Optional Features For Local Optional Features For Local SystemsSystems

Automatic fire detection devices may Automatic fire detection devices may be added allowing the system to be added allowing the system to sense presence of fire and initiate sense presence of fire and initiate the signal.the signal.

Four Basic Types of Automatic Four Basic Types of Automatic Alarm-Initiating devicesAlarm-Initiating devices

Heat DetectorHeat Detector Fixed Temperature Heat DetectorsFixed Temperature Heat Detectors

Systems using fixed temperature detectors are Systems using fixed temperature detectors are among the oldest in serviceamong the oldest in service

They are inexpensive and are the least prone They are inexpensive and are the least prone to false activationsto false activations

They are the slowest to react or activate of all They are the slowest to react or activate of all the various types of alarm initiating systems.the various types of alarm initiating systems.

3 Primary Principles in which 3 Primary Principles in which fixed temperature devices fixed temperature devices

detect heatdetect heat

Expansion of heated materialExpansion of heated material

Melting of heated materialMelting of heated material

Changes in resistance of heated Changes in resistance of heated materialmaterial

Fusible Devices Fusible Devices ((Fixed Fixed temperature)temperature)

Associated Associated mainly with mainly with automatic automatic sprinklers, but sprinklers, but they are also they are also used in fire used in fire detection and detection and signaling systemssignaling systems

Frangible Bulb Frangible Bulb (Fixed (Fixed Temperature)Temperature)

Holds electrical Holds electrical contacts apart in contacts apart in alarm system. The alarm system. The vial of liquid has a vial of liquid has a bubble in it that bubble in it that heats and ruptures heats and ruptures the bulb at a the bulb at a predetermined predetermined temperaturetemperature

Continuous Line Detector Continuous Line Detector (Fixed Temperature)(Fixed Temperature)

Detect heat over a Detect heat over a linear area parallel linear area parallel to the detector to the detector rather than in one rather than in one spot in which spot in which located such as the located such as the fusible link.fusible link.

Bi-Metallic Detector Bi-Metallic Detector ((Fixed Fixed Temperature)Temperature)

Uses two metals with Uses two metals with different thermal different thermal expansion rates.expansion rates.

When heated on When heated on expands faster than expands faster than the other causing the the other causing the strip to bend or arch strip to bend or arch making or breaking a making or breaking a circuit and initiating circuit and initiating the alarmthe alarm

Rate-of Rise Heat DetectorsRate-of Rise Heat Detectors

Operate on the principle that the Operate on the principle that the temp in a room will increase faster temp in a room will increase faster from fire than from atmospheric temp.from fire than from atmospheric temp.

Typically designed to alarm when the Typically designed to alarm when the temp rise exceeds 12–15 degrees temp rise exceeds 12–15 degrees F/min.F/min.

All rate-of-rise detectors reset after All rate-of-rise detectors reset after activation if undamaged.activation if undamaged.


Pneumatic Rate-of-Rise DetectorPneumatic Rate-of-Rise Detector The most common typeThe most common type A dome shaped chamber with a flexible A dome shaped chamber with a flexible

metal diaphragm in the base.metal diaphragm in the base. A small hole allows air exchange during A small hole allows air exchange during

normal conditions.normal conditions. During a fire, the hole is too small to During a fire, the hole is too small to

allow the heated air to escape, thus allow the heated air to escape, thus forcing the metal diaphragm to contact forcing the metal diaphragm to contact the alarm circuit.the alarm circuit.


Pneumatic Rate-of-Rise Line DetectorPneumatic Rate-of-Rise Line Detector Consists of a system of tubing for wide Consists of a system of tubing for wide

area coverage.area coverage. The space in the tubing acts as the air The space in the tubing acts as the air

chamber, operating the same as the chamber, operating the same as the pneumatic detector.pneumatic detector.


Rate Compensated DetectorRate Compensated Detector Designed for use in areas subject to Designed for use in areas subject to

temp changes that are slower than temp changes that are slower than those under fire conditionsthose under fire conditions

Consists of an outer metallic sleeve that Consists of an outer metallic sleeve that encases two bowed struts that have a encases two bowed struts that have a slower expansion rate than the sleeve. slower expansion rate than the sleeve. When heated rapidly, the outer sleeve When heated rapidly, the outer sleeve expands, reducing tension on the inner expands, reducing tension on the inner strips, allowing contact. strips, allowing contact.


Thermoelectric DetectorThermoelectric Detector Operates on the principle that when two Operates on the principle that when two

wires of dissimilar metals are twisted wires of dissimilar metals are twisted together at one end, an electrical together at one end, an electrical current is generated at the other.current is generated at the other.

Rapid heat changes generate more Rapid heat changes generate more current and cause activation.current and cause activation.

Smoke DetectorsSmoke Detectors

Because it detects smoke & not heat, Because it detects smoke & not heat, it can activate more quickly.it can activate more quickly.

Comes in two basic types:Comes in two basic types: PhotoelectricPhotoelectric IonizationIonization


PhotoelectricPhotoelectric Sometimes called a Sometimes called a visible products-of-visible products-of-

combustioncombustion detector detector Uses a photoelectric cell coupled with a Uses a photoelectric cell coupled with a

specific light source specific light source The photoelectric cell functions in two The photoelectric cell functions in two

ways to detect smoke:ways to detect smoke: Beam ApplicationBeam Application Refractory ApplicationRefractory Application


PhotoelectricPhotoelectric Beam ApplicationBeam Application

Uses a beam of light across the area being Uses a beam of light across the area being monitored & onto the photoelectric eye.monitored & onto the photoelectric eye.

The cell constantly converts the light to The cell constantly converts the light to current, which keeps the switch open.current, which keeps the switch open.

When smoke obscures the beam, the circuit When smoke obscures the beam, the circuit closes & the alarm activates.closes & the alarm activates.


PhotoelectricPhotoelectric RefractoryRefractory

Uses a light beam that does not strike the Uses a light beam that does not strike the photocell and produces no currentphotocell and produces no current

When smoke enters the chamber, it causes When smoke enters the chamber, it causes the light beam to be refracted (scattered)the light beam to be refracted (scattered)

Light strikes the photocell causing current to Light strikes the photocell causing current to flow, which closes the switch & activates the flow, which closes the switch & activates the alarmalarm


IonizationIonization During combustion, minute particles & aerosols During combustion, minute particles & aerosols

too small to be seen by the naked eye are too small to be seen by the naked eye are produced.produced.

These particles can be detected by devices These particles can be detected by devices that use a tiny amount of radioactive material, that use a tiny amount of radioactive material, usually americium, to ionize air molecules.usually americium, to ionize air molecules.

These ionized particles allow current to flow These ionized particles allow current to flow between negative & positive plates in the between negative & positive plates in the chamber.chamber.


IonizationIonization When the particulate particles of When the particulate particles of

combustion (smoke) enter the chamber, combustion (smoke) enter the chamber, they attach themselves to electrically they attach themselves to electrically charged molecules of air (ions), making charged molecules of air (ions), making the air less conductive.the air less conductive.

The decrease in current flowing between The decrease in current flowing between the plates initiates the alarm.the plates initiates the alarm.

Flame DetectorsFlame Detectors

Sometimes called light detectorsSometimes called light detectors There are 3 basic types:There are 3 basic types:

UV DetectorsUV Detectors Detect light in the UV spectrumDetect light in the UV spectrum

IR DetectorsIR Detectors Detect light in the IR spectrumDetect light in the IR spectrum

Those that detect both types of lightThose that detect both types of light

Fire Gas DetectorsFire Gas Detectors

When fire burns in a confined space it When fire burns in a confined space it changes the makeup of the atmosphere changes the makeup of the atmosphere within the space. Depending on the fuel within the space. Depending on the fuel some of the gasses released are:some of the gasses released are: Water Vapor (H2O)Water Vapor (H2O) Carbon Dioxide (CO2)Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Carbon Monoxide (CO)Carbon Monoxide (CO) Hydrogen Chloride (HCl)Hydrogen Chloride (HCl) Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN)Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) Hydrogen flouride (HF)Hydrogen flouride (HF) Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)

Fire Gas DetectorsFire Gas Detectors

Only water vapor, carbon dioxide & Only water vapor, carbon dioxide & carbon monoxide are produced by all carbon monoxide are produced by all firesfires

This makes it practical to monitor only This makes it practical to monitor only carbon dioxide & carbon monoxide for carbon dioxide & carbon monoxide for general fire detection purposesgeneral fire detection purposes

Uses either semiconductors or Uses either semiconductors or catalytic elements to sense the gas & catalytic elements to sense the gas & trigger the alarmtrigger the alarm

Combination DetectorsCombination Detectors

Include fixed temp/rate-of-rise, Include fixed temp/rate-of-rise, combo heat/smoke & combo combo heat/smoke & combo smoke/fire gas.smoke/fire gas.

Combination detectors are more Combination detectors are more versatile and responsive to fire versatile and responsive to fire conditions.conditions.

Indicating DevicesIndicating Devices

A large assortment of visual & A large assortment of visual & audible devices are available.audible devices are available.

Indicators may be used singularly or Indicators may be used singularly or in combination with other devices.in combination with other devices.

Automatic Alarm SystemsAutomatic Alarm Systems

A local alarm sends a signal to an off-A local alarm sends a signal to an off-site location which notifies the local site location which notifies the local authoritiesauthorities

Signals come through dedicated Signals come through dedicated wire-pairs, leased phone lines, fiber-wire-pairs, leased phone lines, fiber-optic cable, or wireless optic cable, or wireless communication links.communication links.

Auxiliary SystemAuxiliary System

There are three basic types:There are three basic types: Local Energy SystemLocal Energy System Shunt SystemShunt System Parallel Telephone SystemParallel Telephone System


Local Energy SystemLocal Energy System Municipal fire-alarm box systemMunicipal fire-alarm box system Occupancy is attached directly to a hard-Occupancy is attached directly to a hard-

wired or radio-type municipal fire alarm boxwired or radio-type municipal fire alarm box When an alarm trips in the protected When an alarm trips in the protected

occupancy, it trips the alarm & sends the occupancy, it trips the alarm & sends the signalsignal

Can be manually activated at the alarm boxCan be manually activated at the alarm box


Shunt SystemShunt System The municipal alarm circuit extends (is The municipal alarm circuit extends (is

“shunted”) into the protected property“shunted”) into the protected property When an alarm is initiated on the When an alarm is initiated on the

premises, either auto or manually, the premises, either auto or manually, the alarm is transmitted to the alarm center alarm is transmitted to the alarm center over the municipal systemover the municipal system


Parallel SystemParallel System Does not interconnect with a municipal Does not interconnect with a municipal

circuitcircuit It transmits an alarm directly to the It transmits an alarm directly to the

alarm center over a municipally alarm center over a municipally controlled telephone circuit that serves controlled telephone circuit that serves no other purpose.no other purpose.

Remote Station SystemRemote Station System

Similar to auxiliary, but is connected Similar to auxiliary, but is connected to the FD communications center or to the FD communications center or through an answering service by through an answering service by means other than the municipal means other than the municipal system.system.

Can be connected via:Can be connected via: Leased phone linesLeased phone lines Dedicated radio frequencyDedicated radio frequency

Proprietary SystemProprietary System

Used to protect large commercial & Used to protect large commercial & industrial buildings, high rises, & groups of industrial buildings, high rises, & groups of commonly owned buildings in a single commonly owned buildings in a single location, such as a college campus or location, such as a college campus or industrial complex.industrial complex.

Each building has its own system wired Each building has its own system wired into a common receiving point.into a common receiving point.

The receiving station is staffed by trained The receiving station is staffed by trained personnel.personnel.

Proprietary SystemProprietary System

Modern proprietary systems can be Modern proprietary systems can be complex with a wide range of complex with a wide range of capabilities:capabilities: Transmitting coded alarm & trouble signalsTransmitting coded alarm & trouble signals Monitoring building utility controlsMonitoring building utility controls Monitoring elevator statusMonitoring elevator status Monitoring fire & smoke dampersMonitoring fire & smoke dampers Performing security functionsPerforming security functions

Central Station SystemCentral Station System

Similar to proprietary, but there is no on-site Similar to proprietary, but there is no on-site receiving point. The signal is transmitted to a receiving point. The signal is transmitted to a contracted service off-site called the central contracted service off-site called the central station.station.

Typically an alarm company that contracts with Typically an alarm company that contracts with individual customers.individual customers.

Central station employees receive the alarm & Central station employees receive the alarm & contact the proper authorities.contact the proper authorities.

Commonly connected via supervised phone linesCommonly connected via supervised phone lines Central Station Systems should comply with NFPA Central Station Systems should comply with NFPA

72, 72, National Fire Alarm CodeNational Fire Alarm Code

Auxiliary ServicesAuxiliary Services

Many newer systems offer auxiliary services Many newer systems offer auxiliary services in addition to monitoring:in addition to monitoring: Shutting down or altering HVACShutting down or altering HVAC Closing smoke or fire door or dampersClosing smoke or fire door or dampers Increasing air pressure in stairwells to exclude Increasing air pressure in stairwells to exclude

smokesmoke Overriding elevator controlsOverriding elevator controls Monitoring operation of burner managementMonitoring operation of burner management Monitoring refrigeration systemsMonitoring refrigeration systems Controlling personnel access to hazardous areasControlling personnel access to hazardous areas Detecting combustible or toxic gasesDetecting combustible or toxic gases

Automatic Sprinkler Automatic Sprinkler SystemsSystems

Automatic sprinkler protection consists of Automatic sprinkler protection consists of a series of sprinklers (sprinkler heads) a series of sprinklers (sprinkler heads) arranged so that the system will arranged so that the system will automatically distribute sufficient automatically distribute sufficient quantities of water directly to a fire to quantities of water directly to a fire to either extinguish or contain it until FF’s either extinguish or contain it until FF’s arrive.arrive.

Water is supplied through a series of Water is supplied through a series of pipespipes


There are two general types of There are two general types of coverage:coverage: CompleteComplete

Protects the entire buildingProtects the entire building Partial / Limited AreaPartial / Limited Area

Protects certain high hazard areas, exit Protects certain high hazard areas, exit routes or places designated by code or by routes or places designated by code or by authority having jurisdictionauthority having jurisdiction


There are two guidelines used to establish There are two guidelines used to establish sprinkler systems in occupancies:sprinkler systems in occupancies: NFPA 13, NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler

SystemsSystems NFPA 13D, NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Standard for the Installation of

Sprinkler Systems in One & Two Family DwellingsSprinkler Systems in One & Two Family Dwellings These standards specify head spacing, size of pipe, pipe These standards specify head spacing, size of pipe, pipe

hanging & all other details.hanging & all other details. Standards also specify design area to calculate the Standards also specify design area to calculate the

system.system. All components should be listed by a nationally All components should be listed by a nationally

recognized testing lab such as recognized testing lab such as Underwriters Laboratory Underwriters Laboratory (UL)(UL)


Sprinkler system failures are very rare. Sprinkler system failures are very rare. Some causes of failure include:Some causes of failure include: Partially or completely closed main water Partially or completely closed main water

control valve.control valve. Interruption of municipal water supplyInterruption of municipal water supply Damaged or painted over headsDamaged or painted over heads Frozen or broken pipesFrozen or broken pipes Excess debris or sediment in pipesExcess debris or sediment in pipes Failure of a secondary water supplyFailure of a secondary water supply Tampering or vandalismTampering or vandalism


Sprinkler System Effects on Life Sprinkler System Effects on Life SafetySafety Sprinklers enhance safety because they Sprinklers enhance safety because they

discharge water directly on a fire while it discharge water directly on a fire while it is relatively small.is relatively small.

Limits the products of combustion.Limits the products of combustion. Prevents fire spread upward in multi-Prevents fire spread upward in multi-

story buildings.story buildings.


Sprinkler System Effects on Life Sprinkler System Effects on Life SafetySafety Situations where sprinklers are not as Situations where sprinklers are not as

effective:effective: Fires are too small to activate a headFires are too small to activate a head Smoke reaches occupants before sprinkler Smoke reaches occupants before sprinkler

activationactivation Sleeping, intoxicated or handicapped Sleeping, intoxicated or handicapped

persons occupy the fire buildingpersons occupy the fire building


Sprinkler System FundamentalsSprinkler System Fundamentals The system starts with a water main & The system starts with a water main &

continues to the control valve.continues to the control valve. RiserRiser

Vertical piping to which the sprinkler valve, Vertical piping to which the sprinkler valve, one-way check valve, FDC, alarm valve, one-way check valve, FDC, alarm valve, main drain & other components are main drain & other components are attached.attached.

Feed MainFeed Main Pipe connecting the riser to the cross mains.Pipe connecting the riser to the cross mains.


Sprinkler System FundamentalsSprinkler System Fundamentals Cross mainsCross mains

Directly service a number of branch lines to Directly service a number of branch lines to which the sprinklers are installed.which the sprinklers are installed.

Extend past the last branch lines & are Extend past the last branch lines & are capped to facilitate flushing.capped to facilitate flushing.

System piping decreases in size from System piping decreases in size from the riser outward.the riser outward.


Sprinklers (Heads)Sprinklers (Heads) Discharge water after the release of a Discharge water after the release of a

cap or plug that is activated by some cap or plug that is activated by some heat responsive element.heat responsive element.

Commonly identified by the temp at Commonly identified by the temp at which they are designed to operate.which they are designed to operate.

The temp is identified by color coding The temp is identified by color coding the sprinkler frame arms, colored liquid the sprinkler frame arms, colored liquid in bulb-type sprinklers, or by stamping in bulb-type sprinklers, or by stamping into the head.into the head.


Fusible LinkFusible Link Two levers press against the frame Two levers press against the frame

securing a cap that holds back the securing a cap that holds back the water.water.

When the fusible link melts, water When the fusible link melts, water pushes the levers & cap out of the way.pushes the levers & cap out of the way.

Water then strikes the deflector to Water then strikes the deflector to disperse the water.disperse the water.


Frangible BulbFrangible Bulb A small bulb filled with liquid & an air A small bulb filled with liquid & an air

bubble is used to hold the orifice closed.bubble is used to hold the orifice closed. Heat expands the liquid which absorbs Heat expands the liquid which absorbs

the bubble causing the pressure inside the bubble causing the pressure inside the bulb to shatter at the proper temp.the bulb to shatter at the proper temp.

The liquid is color coded to designate The liquid is color coded to designate the breaking temp.the breaking temp.


Chemical PelletChemical Pellet A pellet of solder, under compression, A pellet of solder, under compression,

within a small cylinder melts at a within a small cylinder melts at a predetermined temp.predetermined temp.

This allows the plunger to move down This allows the plunger to move down and release the valve cap parts.and release the valve cap parts.


Head Position TypesHead Position Types There are 3 basic positions of heads:There are 3 basic positions of heads:

PendantPendant Extends down from the underside of piping.Extends down from the underside of piping.

UprightUpright Sits on top of the piping.Sits on top of the piping.

SidewallSidewall Extends from the side of the pipe.Extends from the side of the pipe.

Special PurposeSpecial Purpose Specific atmospheres or applications.Specific atmospheres or applications.


Pendant

Recall RecessedSidewall

Upright


Sprinkler StorageSprinkler Storage A storage cabinet for housing extra A storage cabinet for housing extra

sprinklers & a sprinkler wrench should be sprinklers & a sprinkler wrench should be installed in the area protected by the installed in the area protected by the sprinklers in accordance with sprinklers in accordance with NFPA 13 & NFPA 13 & 13D.13D.

Changing of heads is typically performed Changing of heads is typically performed by the buildings occupants who are by the buildings occupants who are qualified to perform sprinkler work.qualified to perform sprinkler work.


Sprinkler Storage Cabinets Sprinkler Storage Cabinets


Control ValvesControl Valves Every system is equipped with a main Every system is equipped with a main

control valve.control valve. Control valves are used to turn off the Control valves are used to turn off the

water supply to the system so heads can water supply to the system so heads can be replaced, maintenance, or operations be replaced, maintenance, or operations interrupted.interrupted.

Valves are located between the water Valves are located between the water supply & the system.supply & the system.


Control ValvesControl Valves Usually located directly under the sprinkler Usually located directly under the sprinkler

alarm valve or outside the building near the alarm valve or outside the building near the sprinkler system it controls.sprinkler system it controls.

Control valves should be secured in the open Control valves should be secured in the open position or supervised to maintain control.position or supervised to maintain control.

Control valves are indicating and manually Control valves are indicating and manually operated.operated.

An An indicating valveindicating valve shows if the valve is open shows if the valve is open at a glance.at a glance.


Control valvesControl valves Outside Screw & Yoke (OS&Y)Outside Screw & Yoke (OS&Y)

Has a yoke with a threaded stem that Has a yoke with a threaded stem that controls opening & closing.controls opening & closing.

When the stem is out, the valve is open.When the stem is out, the valve is open. Post Indicator Valve (PIV)Post Indicator Valve (PIV)

The valve is inside a hollow metal post.The valve is inside a hollow metal post. A window on the post displays A window on the post displays OPENOPEN or or

SHUT.SHUT.


OS&YOS&Y PIV PIV


Control ValvesControl Valves Wall Post Indicator Valve (WPIV)Wall Post Indicator Valve (WPIV)

Similar to a PIV, but it extends through a wall Similar to a PIV, but it extends through a wall with the target & valve operating nut outside.with the target & valve operating nut outside.

Post Indicator Valve Assembly (PIVA)Post Indicator Valve Assembly (PIVA) Does not use a target with the words Does not use a target with the words OPENOPEN or or

SHUTSHUT, but it has a sight area that is open , but it has a sight area that is open when the valve is open & closed when the when the valve is open & closed when the valve is closedvalve is closed


Operating ValvesOperating Valves Systems employ various valves such as:Systems employ various valves such as:

Alarm test valveAlarm test valve Located on a pipe that connects the supply side of Located on a pipe that connects the supply side of

the alarm check valve to the retard chamber.the alarm check valve to the retard chamber. Inspectors test valveInspectors test valve

Located in a remote part of the system.Located in a remote part of the system. Has the same size orifice as 1 head to simulate Has the same size orifice as 1 head to simulate

the activation of 1 head.the activation of 1 head. Main drain valveMain drain valve

Used to drain the system for maintenance, etc.Used to drain the system for maintenance, etc.


Water Flow AlarmsWater Flow Alarms Either operated hydraulically or Either operated hydraulically or

electrically.electrically. Hydraulically operated alerts people in the Hydraulically operated alerts people in the

building & passersby by the water flowing building & passersby by the water flowing through a water wheel & sounding a water through a water wheel & sounding a water gong.gong.

Electrically alerts people in the building & Electrically alerts people in the building & passersby as well as the alarm co.passersby as well as the alarm co.


Water SupplyWater Supply Every system should have a supply of Every system should have a supply of

adequate volume, pressure & reliability.adequate volume, pressure & reliability. Must deliver the required volume to the Must deliver the required volume to the

highest head in a building at a residual highest head in a building at a residual pressure of 15psi.pressure of 15psi.

The minimum flow depends on the The minimum flow depends on the hazards, occupants & contents to be hazards, occupants & contents to be protected.protected.


Water SupplyWater Supply The system is designed to supply a fraction of The system is designed to supply a fraction of

the heads. In the event of a large fire or pipe the heads. In the event of a large fire or pipe rupture, the system will need outside supply & rupture, the system will need outside supply & pressure to operate effectively.pressure to operate effectively.

This additional supply is usually provided by a This additional supply is usually provided by a pumper through the FDC.pumper through the FDC.

The FDC is usually a siamese with two 1 ½” The FDC is usually a siamese with two 1 ½” female connections with a clapper valve or one female connections with a clapper valve or one large connection connected to a clapper inlet.large connection connected to a clapper inlet.


Water SupplyWater Supply Sprinkler FDC’s should be supplied by a Sprinkler FDC’s should be supplied by a

pumper with a minimum capacity of pumper with a minimum capacity of 1000gpm1000gpm

A minimum of two 2 ½” hoses should be A minimum of two 2 ½” hoses should be connected to the FDC.connected to the FDC.

The pumper should be connected to a The pumper should be connected to a main other than the building supply main.main other than the building supply main.

Your SOG should specify at what pressure Your SOG should specify at what pressure a system is supported.a system is supported.


Applications of Sprinkler SystemsApplications of Sprinkler Systems Wet-PipeWet-Pipe

Used in locations that will not be subject to Used in locations that will not be subject to temps below 40 degrees F.temps below 40 degrees F.

Contains water under pressure at all times.Contains water under pressure at all times. May be equipped with a retard chamber to May be equipped with a retard chamber to

catch excess water during pressure surges. catch excess water during pressure surges. This reduces the chance of false alarm This reduces the chance of false alarm activations.activations.


Dry PipeDry Pipe Used in locations where piping is Used in locations where piping is

exposed to temps below 40 degrees F.exposed to temps below 40 degrees F. All pipes are dry & pitched to help drain All pipes are dry & pitched to help drain

them toward the main drain.them toward the main drain. Air under pressure replaces water in the Air under pressure replaces water in the

pipes above the pipes above the dry-pipe valve.dry-pipe valve. The dry pipe valve keeps water out of The dry pipe valve keeps water out of

the piping until a head is activated.the piping until a head is activated.


Dry PipeDry Pipe Designed so that a small amount of air Designed so that a small amount of air

pressure holds back a greater pressure pressure holds back a greater pressure of water.of water.

Accomplished by having a larger surface Accomplished by having a larger surface area on the air side of the clapper valve.area on the air side of the clapper valve.

The required air pressure for a system The required air pressure for a system should be 20psi above the trip pressure.should be 20psi above the trip pressure.


Dry PipeDry Pipe Because of the size of some systems, Because of the size of some systems,

several minutes can be lost before water several minutes can be lost before water arrives at the activated head.arrives at the activated head.

Systems that have a capacity over 500 Systems that have a capacity over 500 gallons must have an accelerator.gallons must have an accelerator.

The accelerator speeds up release of The accelerator speeds up release of water into the system.water into the system.


Preaction SystemPreaction System A dry system that employs a deluge-A dry system that employs a deluge-

type valve, fire detection devices & type valve, fire detection devices & closed sprinklers.closed sprinklers.

Used where it is especially important to Used where it is especially important to prevent water damage if pipes are prevent water damage if pipes are broken.broken.

The system will not discharge water into The system will not discharge water into piping except in response to either piping except in response to either smoke or heat detection systems.smoke or heat detection systems.


Preaction SystemPreaction System Fire detection devices operate & release Fire detection devices operate & release

water into the system actuation unit water into the system actuation unit which allows water into the piping.which allows water into the piping.

The water remains in the piping, ready The water remains in the piping, ready for release until a head is activated.for release until a head is activated.

When water enters the system, an alarm When water enters the system, an alarm is activated.is activated.


Deluge SystemDeluge System The purpose is to wet down the area The purpose is to wet down the area

where a fire originates by discharging where a fire originates by discharging water from all open heads in the water from all open heads in the system.system.

Normally used to protect extra Normally used to protect extra hazardous occupancies.hazardous occupancies.

Activation is usually controlled by flame, Activation is usually controlled by flame, heat and/or smoke detecting devices heat and/or smoke detecting devices plus a manual device.plus a manual device.


Deluge SystemDeluge System Because it is designed to operate Because it is designed to operate

automatically & sprinklers do not have automatically & sprinklers do not have heat- responsive elements, it is necessary heat- responsive elements, it is necessary to provide a separate detection system.to provide a separate detection system.

The detection system is connected to a The detection system is connected to a tripping device to activate the system.tripping device to activate the system.

Deluge valves may be operated manually, Deluge valves may be operated manually, hydraulically or pneumatically. hydraulically or pneumatically.


Residential SystemsResidential Systems Designed to prevent total fire involvement Designed to prevent total fire involvement

in the room of origin to allow occupants of in the room of origin to allow occupants of the dwelling to escape.the dwelling to escape.

May be wet or dry-pipe systems.May be wet or dry-pipe systems. Employ quick-response heads.Employ quick-response heads. Piping can be steel, copper or plastic.Piping can be steel, copper or plastic. Must have a pressure gauge, flow detector Must have a pressure gauge, flow detector

& main drain.& main drain.


Residential SystemsResidential Systems Can be connected to public water Can be connected to public water

system or the dwelling domestic water system or the dwelling domestic water supply. supply.

Operate just like wet or dry-pipe Operate just like wet or dry-pipe systems.systems.

Some even have 1 ½” FDC.Some even have 1 ½” FDC.

Fires at Protected Fires at Protected OccupanciesOccupancies

Considerations when fighting fires in Considerations when fighting fires in occupancies the have activated occupancies the have activated sprinklers:sprinklers: In addition to normal FF ops, the 1In addition to normal FF ops, the 1stst due due

engine must make every effort to engine must make every effort to adequately supply the sprinkler system.adequately supply the sprinkler system.

Check to see that sprinkler control valves Check to see that sprinkler control valves are open & sufficient flow is provided.are open & sufficient flow is provided.


Factors to consider:Factors to consider: Control valves should be closed when the Control valves should be closed when the

IC determines that ops will waste water, IC determines that ops will waste water, produce heavy water damage or hinder produce heavy water damage or hinder final extinguishment by personnel.final extinguishment by personnel.

Sprinkler systems should be restored to Sprinkler systems should be restored to service by qualified occupancy personnel, service by qualified occupancy personnel, before the FD leaves the premises.before the FD leaves the premises.


Firefighters may be required to stop Firefighters may be required to stop the flow of water to a particular head the flow of water to a particular head to prevent further damage until the to prevent further damage until the

system drains below that point.system drains below that point.

Firefighters should carry wedges, etc Firefighters should carry wedges, etc to accomplish this & become familiar to accomplish this & become familiar

with the procedures to do so.with the procedures to do so.

Questions ?Questions ?

Fire Detection, Alarm, and Suppression Systems. Introduction Recognized functions of detection and...

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