INSTALLING SPRINKLERS

Fire sprinkler systems: a guide to

designs, colour codes and
suppliers
 Triangle Fire Systems

Sprinkler installer, (read their blog)

Author Bio ▼

November 9, 2016

Sign up to free email newsletters


o Fire
o Installer
o Security


o I have read, understood and consent to your Privacy Policy.

Download
Download: A Technical Guide to Fire Precautions and Fire Protection

Look at the ceiling of any public building and you’ll notice that
fire sprinkler systems are everywhere. To the untrained
observer, one sprinkler system is probably very much the
same as another.
On the contrary, there are several different types of fire sprinkler systems. Even the
extinguishant varies according to the building’s environment and temperature settings. Each
solution is colour coded.
The sprinkler system we are familiar with today has its roots in Hiram Stevens Maxim’s 19th
century design. After its patent ran out, Henry S Parmalee took on the design in 1874 to protect
his piano factory.
Incidentally, rather than being known for fire sprinklers, Hiram Stevens Maxim’s biggest
contribution to engineering was the ‘flying machines’ ride at Pleasure Beach Blackpool from 1904.
Back to modern sprinkler systems: there are eight different colour codes and eight varieties of
sprinkler taps. This article aims to give you an easy-to-understand reference guide.

Sprinkler tap designs

The eight types of sprinkler taps:

 Conventional
 Horizontal sidewall
 Vertical sidewall
 Recessed pendant
 Concealed pendant
 Upright
 Pendant
 Concealed horizontal sidewall
A sprinkler tap as most laypersons would recognise them would be the conventional, upright
versions. Conventional systems have a spherical system of distribution which points to the
ground like a shower head.
Similarly designed, though with nozzles pointing downwards, pendant sprinkler systems work in
a similar way, but are recessed, concealed and less intrusive.
The concealed pendant tap is discreet, with a baffle to mask the nozzle. They are popular in
offices and public buildings.
Horizontal and vertical sidewall sprinklers (including concealed horizontal sidewall versions)
have more functions than standard sprinkler systems.
Sprinkler colour codes
As well as the nozzle, another key part of any sprinkler system is the bulb. The bulb can vary in
thickness. Colours vary according to temperature settings, as detailed in the table below.
The colour codes seen above relate to the glass bulb colour. Ordinary sprinkler systems have
orange or red bulbs. Intermediate, yellow or green. High temperature bulbs are coloured in blue
up to 246 degrees Celsius, then purple up to 302 degrees Celsius, and black for anything
above. These fall in the Very Extra High and Ultra High categories.

Types of fire sprinkler systems

There are four main types of fire sprinkler systems which are in common use:

 Wet Pipe;
 Dry Pipe;
 Deluge;
 Pre-Action.

Wet Pipe
Wet Pipe sprinkler systems are the most common type of sprinkler systems in use. They are
seen in offices and houses and are so-called, as the water-based extinguishant is stored under
pressure in its pipes. Activation is immediate.
Dry Pipe
Where pipes are likely to freeze, dry pipe sprinkler systems are an alternative to the standard wet
pipe systems. Nitrogen gas or pressurised air is stored in the pipes, which are activated before
being followed by water. Unlike its wet pipe equivalents, there is a slight delay.

Deluge

Deluge sprinkler systems are typically used in areas where rapid fire damage is a major
concern. For example, warehouse loading bays and high rise windows. They are similar in
design to wet pipe installations though with one major difference: the nozzle is always
open. Another difference is how a deluge-based sprinkler is triggered. This is via a special alarm
that opens a water release valve.
Pre-Action
The pre-action sprinkler system is a combination of wet pipe and dry pipe sprinkler
systems. They are typically used in areas at high risk of water damage. Water isn’t stored in the
pipes until a fire detection system detects a fire. Firstly, the device opens a valve within the pipes
that releases the water. This occurs prior to the opening of the sprinkler heads. On opening, its
response time is as fast as a standard wet pipe sprinkler system.
You can find more articles about sprinklers and other topics on fire safety at
the Triangle Fire Systems blog.

Who makes fire sprinkler systems?

The world’s leading manufacturer in fire sprinkler systems is Tyco Fire Protection Products. They
are a multinational company formed in 1960 by Arthur J. Rosenberg with fire protection and
security products the mainstay of their business. Their HQ is situated in Cork, Republic of
Ireland.
Another principal manufacturer is Wormald International. They are an Australian company, whom
at one time, were a subsidiary of Tyco International. They were formed in 1889 by brothers,
Joseph Dawson Wormald and Henry Percy Wormald. Both left Edinburgh for Australia to import
Mather and Platt’s systems, manufactured in Newton Heath, Manchester. After being a
subsidiary of Tyco, they were bought by New York City based private equity
company, Evergreen Capital, L.P. (Australia, Fiji) in 2016.
There is also a number of independent companies. A great many, based in the UK, are members
of the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association. The professional body was formed in 1974
and has affiliations with overseas bodies like the American Fire Sprinkler Association.
https://www.ifsecglobal.com/types-fire-sprinkler-systems-designs-colour-codes-suppliers/

How Fire Sprinkler Works ?

July 27, 2017 Ajay Dubey Leave a comment
How Fire Sprinkler Works I Fire Sprinkler Working I How Fire Sprinkler System
Works I Fire Sprinkler System Types I Types of Fire Sprinkler Systems I

Fire Sprinkler System

A fire sprinkler system is an active fire protection method, consisting of a water supply
system, providing adequate pressure and flow rate to a water distribution piping system,
onto which fire sprinklers are connected. Although historically only used in factories and
large commercial buildings, systems for homes and small buildings are now available at
a cost-effective price. Fire sprinkler systems are extensively used worldwide, with over
40 million sprinkler heads fitted each year. In buildings completely protected by fire
sprinkler systems, over 96% of fires were controlled by fire sprinklers alone.

Fire Sprinkler Head

A fire sprinkler or sprinkler head is the component of a fire sprinkler system that
discharges water when the effects of a fire have been detected, such as when a
predetermined temperature has been exceeded.

Fire sprinklers are extensively used worldwide, with over 40 million sprinkler heads fitted
each year. In buildings protected by properly designed and maintained fire sprinklers,
over 99% of fires were controlled by fire sprinklers alone.

Fire Sprinkler Head Type

Sprinkler Spray Pattern

Fire Sprinkler System Type

It is best to have protection in commercial buildings in case of fire or smoke. Installing a

sprinkler system is a good preventative measure to take. There are various types of fire
sprinklers and below are descriptions of these so you know which one is best suited for
your commercial building.

Wet Pipe

Wet pipe fire sprinklers constantly have water in them. This allows for a quick reaction
to a fire and is the most common type of sprinkler installed in buildings. A type of
building that uses the wet pipe system is a high-rise or office building with a few floors.
This fire sprinkler system is cost efficient and low maintenance.
Dry Pipe

Dry pipe sprinklers are similar to pre-action systems as they use pressurized air in the
pipe which exits before water escapes. This causes a minute delay in water discharge
but is ideal for buildings with low temperatures so the pipes do not freeze. These fire
sprinkler systems have a fast opening tool to get rid of the air and speed up the flow of
water. Warehouses located in the north are a good example of what buildings should
use dry pipe sprinklers.

Pre-action

Pre-action fire sprinkler systems are filled with air and water is allowed to pass through
when the smoke alarm or detector goes off. This type of system requires two triggers to
start water flow. It helps greatly that the pre-action fire sprinkler can be set to prevent
water from spouting in case of a false alarm or a mechanical failure. The pre-action
system is good for use in places where the sprinklers are only necessary when there is
an actual fire so other items in the building do not get water damage from an accidental
sprinkling. Such buildings include libraries and data centers. These places contain items
of high value like electronics and goods damageable by water such as books

Deluge

These types of fire sprinkler systems also need a smoke or heat detector like the pre-
action system. A deluge system has open nozzles that can be used when a hazard is
present. When flammable liquids are spread across a floor, deluge fire sprinklers are
good to have. In that case, buildings such as industrial parks and buildings with many
tanks have deluge fire sprinkler systems installed.

Again, based on the time taken to respond , Fire Sprinklers can be divided into two
types –

Standard response fire sprinklers can be found in warehouses, factories, and other
commercial or industrial buildings. A standard response sprinkler’s mission is to pre-wet
materials around the fire removing the fire’s fuel source. Drenching the surrounding area slows
the fire, buying critical time for the fire department to get on-scene. Containing the fire in its
origin location and suppressing its growth is the focus.
Quick response fire sprinklers are installed primarily in light hazard applications (e.g., office
buildings, schools, etc.). They have similar fire-control benefits as a standard response
sprinkler, but their focus is slightly different. A quick response sprinkler discharges water higher
on the walls to keep the fire from climbing and maintain lower ceiling temperatures. Cooler
ceilings reduce the likelihood of flashover and slow a fire’s rise within a building. Improving the
odds for human survivability is the quick response sprinkler’s mission.

Quick response sprinklers got their name from their slightly faster response time when
compared to standard response sprinklers. Their only physical difference is the bulb size. The
standard response sprinkler has a 5 mm glass bulb and the quick response sprinkler has a 3
mm glass bulb. The smaller bulb achieves improvements in thermal responsiveness.

How Fire Sprinkler Works

Home fire sprinklers include a network of piping filled with water under pressure that are
installed behind the walls and ceilings, and individual sprinklers are placed along the
piping to protect the areas beneath them. Because the water is always in the piping, fire
sprinklers are always “on call”. If fire breaks out, the air temperature above the fire rises
and the sprinkler activates when the air temperature gets high enough. The sprinkler
sprays water forcefully over the flames, extinguishing them completely in most cases, or
at least controlling the heat and limiting the development of toxic smoke until the fire
department arrives. Only the sprinkler nearest the fire activates. Smoke will not activate
sprinklers.
Sprinklers are so effective because they react so quickly. They reduce the risk of death
or injury from a fire because they dramatically reduce the heat, flames, and smoke
produced, allowing people the time to evacuate the home. Home fire sprinklers release
approximately 10-25 gallons of water per minute. In a home without sprinklers, a fire is
likely to grow to dangerous levels by the time the fire department is able to arrive.
In less time than it typically takes the fire department to arrive on the scene, sprinklers
contain and even extinguish a home fire. That not only reduces property damage, it
saves lives.

http://brickwood.co/how-fire-sprinkler-works/
Passive Fire Protection vs. Active Fire Protection
 Home
 LSS News & Articles
 /
 Passive Fire Protection vs. Active Fire Protection
Passive Fire Protection vs. Active Fire
Protection
0 comments Damper Inspection, Fire Stopping, Life Safety Services 07.07.2015

When someone asks about your building’s fire protection system, you probably think
about its alarm and sprinkler systems when, in reality, it is much more. It is a
collaboration of systems between Active Fire Protection and Passive Fire Protection.

Active Fire Protection (AFP) is a group of systems that require some amount of action or
motion in order to work efficiently in the event of a fire. Actions may be manually
operated, like a fire extinguisher or automatic, like a sprinkler, but either way they
require some amount of action. AFP includes fire/smoke alarm systems, sprinkler
systems, and fire extinguishers as well as firefighters. Fire/smoke alarm systems are used
to detect whether there is fire and/or smoke in a building. Sprinkler systems are used to
help slow the growth of the fire. Fire extinguishers and firefighters are used to help put
out the fire altogether.

Passive Fire Protection (PFP) is a group of systems that compartmentalize a building

through the use of fire-resistance rated walls/floors. Compartmentalizing your building
into smaller sections helps to slow or prevent the spread of fire/smoke from one room
to the next. PFP helps to limit the amount of damage done to a building and provides
its occupants more time for evacuation. PFP includes fire/smoke dampers, fire doors,
and fire walls/floors. Dampers are used to prevent the spread of fire/smoke throughout
the building through its ductwork. Fire doors help to compartmentalize a
building. Firestopping helps to separate the building into
compartments. Photoluminescent egress path markers help light the way to safety.

So then why worry about a passive fire protection system if you have a working active
fire protection system? And why worry about active when you have passive? Well an
active fire protection system takes action in helping to put out the fire, but may not
always function the way they are designed to work. Sprinklers could fail due to the lack
of maintenance, water supply problems like frozen pipes, or even inadequate water
pressure. On the other hand, passive fire protection uses systems that help control and
prevent the spread of fire/smoke. It does not, however, take any type of action, such as
putting out the fire. Therefore, both AFP and PFP are meant to work together during a
fire, not one in place of the other. Both active and passive fire protection systems can
control fires. Together they help protect lives.

http://news.lifesafetyservices.com/blog/active-vs-passive-fire-protection-2

Having the right sprinkler system in a building is a must. Just as there are many types of buildings in varying
conditions, there are also different fire sprinkler system types. If you don’t have an adequate and proper system, your
building won’t have the protection it needs.

A sprinkler system consists of a series of heads that are connected to a system of pipes, which are usually installed
on the ceiling, although they can be installed on walls as well. Pipes are generally made out of fire-resistant plastic,
steel, or copper. Depending on the system type, the pipes can be filled with water, pressurized air, or nitrogen gas.

This is the most commonly used indoor sprinkler system. It’s also very simple to maintain and reliable. With this type
of system, the water is stored under pressure directly in the pipes. When the sprinkler heads detect heat, they release
the water immediately.

However, just because wet-pipe systems are the simplest and most common, they’re not always the best. In cold
weather, the water can freeze and damage the pipes. They also require regular maintenance to ensure that there are
no accidental leaks.

Dry-pipe systems have similar designs to the wet-pipes, aside from the fact that the water is not stored in the pipes
themselves. The pipes contain pressurized air or nitrogen. A remote valve is held in a closed position, and will not
allow water to enter the pipe unless heat causes the sprinklers to activate. Once activated, the air escapes, the valve
is released, and water then flows into the pipe and out through the open sprinklers.

Since dry-pipe systems are more complex, they require more maintenance and service. Also, unlike wet-pipe
systems, these do not release the water instantly. There is a short delay as the valve is released and water flows
through the pipes.
 This type of system has the basic concept of a dry-pipe
system, as water is not typically stored in the pipes. In a pre-action system, however, the water is kept from the piping
via an electronically operated valve. When a fire is detected, the device opens a valve located inside the pipes to
allow the water to come in prior to the sprinkler heads opening. This means that two separate events must happen in
order for the sprinkler discharge to be initiated.

The pre-action system may also be setup with a double interlock mechanism, which includes pressurized air or
nitrogen in the piping. This feature monitors the pipes for leaks and holds water from the piping in order to prevent
accidental or inadvertent detector operation.

The deluge system is ideal for highly hazardous areas that contain a fuel hazard with a high rate of heat release. It
brings multiple open sprayers into action at the same time in the event of a fire. This type of sprinkler system is
typically found installed near warehouse bay entries, high rise windows, or in any place where a fire could spread
rapidly.

The sprinkler heads, which are open at all times, are not activated by heat. They are operated by a fire alarm that
activates the valve so that the water is released. The valve must be shut off manually after it is opened.

Each of these fire sprinkler system types has its use. A professional will help you determine which type would be
ideal for your building.

http://www.lumarfireprotection.com/what-are-the-different-fire-sprinkler-system-types/

Smoke and fire detection equipment is an integral part of any building’s safety. When working properly, they alert the
occupants in a building of a fire before it spreads, giving them enough time to evacuate. This type of equipment
comes in many forms: heat detectors, smoke detectors, flame detectors, and CO gas detectors.

Here is an overview of the different types of fire detection equipment.

 Unlike other types of alarm systems, heat detectors are not early warning devices. These devices are typically found
in spots with fixed temperature, including heater closets, small rooms, and kitchen facilities. They should not be
installed in areas with fluctuating ambient temperature. This is because the alarm on heat detectors is set to go off if
there is a rise in the temperature.

Like their name suggests, these detectors are used to detect flames. When working properly, they detect fire nearly
at the point of ignition. They are very useful for buildings involving with hazardous processes, as well as gas and oil
refineries and manufacturing industries.

There are three subcategories of flame detectors: optical, UV, and IR.

 Optical detectors: The most commonly used, these feature optical sensors for detecting flames.
 UV detectors: These work very quickly. They can detect open flames, explosions, and fires within four milliseconds,
due to the UV radiation emitted at the instant of ignition. However, to prevent accidental triggers, some UV detectors
are designed to integrate a three second time delay.
 IR detectors:Infrared detectors monitor the head radiation that is generated by open flames and fire. They have a
response time of three to five seconds. Accidental triggers can be caused by nearby hot surfaces and background
thermal radiation. False alarms can be decreased with the use of special programming algorithms, which are
designed to recognize the frequency of flame flickering.

Smoke alarms are designed to detect fires quickly. Like flame detectors, this fire detection equipment is divided into
three subcategories.

 Photoelectric alarms:These operate with the use of a light source, photoelectric sensor, and beam collimating system.
When smoke begins to enter the optical chamber, it crosses the light beam path. This results in light being scattered
by the particles in the smoke. The scattered light is then directed to the sensor, after which the alarm is activated and
sounded.

 Ionization alarms:A small amount of radioactive material, which passes through the ionization chamber, is contained
inside of these alarms. There are two electrodes inside the chamber, with empty space in between. The radiation
permits a small current between the two electrodes. If smoke enters the chamber, it absorbs the alpha particles,
which results in an interrupted current and ionization reduction. When this occurs, the alarm is set off.
 Combination alarms:These have the features of both ionization and photoelectric alarm technologies. The
photoelectric function responds to low energy smoldering fires, and the ionization function responds to rapid, high-
energy fires.

If you’re unsure which type of fire detection equipment to get, have a professional come in to assess your building to
determine your requirements. Regardless of which alarm/detection device selected, you should have them
professionally installed, and follow all instructions for testing and maintenance.
 http://www.lumarfireprotection.com/what-are-different-types-of-fire-detection-equipment/

Fire protection system maintenance primarily involves the upkeep of indoor sprinklers, smoke detectors, fire
extinguishers. Having good fire detection and protection elements in any building, no matter the type or size, is
extremely important.

Regular inspections are required by law. What the inspection involves varies depending on location. Maintenance is
something you can do yourself as well, as you want to make sure that your fire protection system is working at all
times.

Keep in mind that sprinkler systems are designed to suit a building’s conditions. If your building has undergone any
renovations since the system was built, it may need renovation itself. Any changes to a building, including changes in
the water supply, can render the sprinkler system ineffective or useless.

It’s your responsibility to keep the system up to date. Through testing and inspections from knowledgeable
professionals, you will find out if there is anything wrong with the sprinklers. The experts will help you determine
whether or not your system requires any type of repairs or a full renovation.

Here are a few things you can do to help maintain your indoor sprinkler system:

 Never hang anything from the ceiling or cover the ceiling with any objects where the sprinkler heads are located.
 Never paint the sprinkler heads.
 Do not stack anything close to the heads. Stacked items should be at least eighteen inches below the ceiling.
 Check the tamper switches everyday to make sure that the the control valves are in open position.
 If you have a wet-pipe system, protect them from freezing with good insulation.

Another important part of fire protection system maintenance includes detection and alarm equipment. The alarms
should be tested regularly, and the batteries should be need to be replaced at least once a year, depending on the
type.

Here are a few maintenance tips:

 Make sure they are placed in the right places. There should be detectors on every floor, including the basement. Do
NOT install them near draft areas such as vents or windows.
 Test the alarm at least once a month. You can do this simply by pressing down the test button.
 Keep the alarms clean. Dust them often. Do not paint over them.
 Smoke alarms should be replaced approximately one decade, unless they are damaged or defected. If this is the
case, then they need to be replaced immediately.

Any type of fire extinguisher in your building should be inspected regularly. If it works correctly, an extinguisher can
put out a fire before it has a chance to spread. Since there are different types of extinguishers, it’s important that you
and every employee knows how to use the type that is in your building.

Here are a few things you can do to keep the fire extinguisher(s) in good working condition.

 Check that the nozzle and hose are not damaged or hindered in any way.
 Make sure there are no dents, rust, dirt, etc… on the pump.
 If there is a pin and tamper seal, make sure they are intact.
 Check the pressure frequently to make sure that it is at the recommended level. If there is a gauge, the needle should
not be too low or too high.
 If an extinguisher is used, it should be recharged immediately afterwards.

Fire protection system maintenance doesn’t have to be difficult. You can turn it into a regular routine. Having regular
inspections makes maintenance easier as well

http://www.lumarfireprotection.com/fire-protection-system-maintenance/
Educating yourself about the common problems with indoor sprinkler systems will help prevent the need for repairs.
Whether they are installed in an apartment complex, industrial building, hospital, warehouse, or other building, fire
sprinkler system repair can cost a lot of money. This is why professional installation and regular inspections are
essential. IA problematic sprinkler system may not work efficiently (or at all) if repairs are needed.

Here is a look at the common problems you need to be aware of.

There are different types of sprinkler systems. Some come with dry pipes and some with wet pipes. If you don’t have
the right type installed, the risk for problems is increased. The most common type is a wet pipe system. Since the
piping is filled with water, freezing can occur in cold temperatures. Ice causes the piping to expand, which results in
problems such as the pipes and fittings breaking and accidental activation.

Overheating can be a problem as well, since indoor sprinkler systems respond to heat. When installed too closely to
sources of heat, such as lighting, heaters, skylights, etc…, accidental activation can occur.

If too much time passes between inspections, the pipes, fittings, and
heads can become corroded. This can lead to all sorts of problems, including leaking heads, damaged pipes, and
outright failure. The leaking itself is an inconvenience to the people inside the building. Building owners are
responsible for replacing any sprinkler component that is rusted or corroded. Even if it’s just a small leak, call
specialists to perform the fire sprinkler system repair.

Even if just one component has a defect, the integrity of the entire indoor sprinkler system is compromised. A defect
could be caused by a number of factors, from the manufacturing to faulty building construction. If a wall or ceiling has
undergone renovation, the sprinkler system could become damaged. If not installed properly, a component could
become detached from the rest of the system.

Sprinkler heads can be knocked off as well. This problem isn’t uncommon when a building is being renovated.

Sadly, the heads can be damaged due to vandalism. Whether it’s a customer, guest, disgruntled employee, or thief,
deliberate sabotage is also not unheard of.

A sprinkler system just might not be powerful enough to put out a fire. It can become overwhelmed by a fire if it’s not
large enough. Even if it’s perfectly built and installed properly, it may still be under designed. The larger the building,
the more pipes and heads are required for a sprinkler system.

Cheap tools, inexperienced installers, and mixed up components are just a few reasons why the installation process
can go wrong. If it’s not even installed properly, a sprinkler system won’t be of much help at all. Either it will not work
at all, or it will not function the way that it needs to. Poor installation can lead to accidental activation as well as failed
activation.

If you suspect that there might be a problem with your indoor sprinkler system, or have concerns about whether it
was installed properly, make sure you work with experienced professionals who know how to handle fire sprinkler
system repair.

http://www.lumarfireprotection.com/fire-sprinkler-system-repair/

When selecting a fire extinguisher for your building, you will notice
that there are many different types available. How do you know which one to choose? Or how many you will need?
The different types of fire extinguishers are actually categorized for the class of fire they are designed to extinguish.
The class of fires depends on the type of material(s) that are burning. This means that the type of business you run,
as well as the equipment inside, play a role in how dangerous a fire would be, and what kind of extinguisher you will
need.

While you will need to speak to your local fire department and arrange for an expert to come in and assess your
needs, it’s still important that you educate yourself about the basics of fire safety.

In short, the higher the class of fire, the more powerful the extinguisher needs to be.

Class A refers to ordinary combustibles, including trash, paper, cloth, rubber, cardboard, empty boxes, most plastics,
etc. Essentially, it includes combustibles that leave ash. It can be generally be put out with water-mist type
extinguishers. Other agents that may be used include Halotron, Halotron 1211, or foam.

This class involves fires that are fueled by combustible or flammable liquid, which could be gas, oil, grease, or
kerosene. The best type of extinguisher for Class B fires are ones with smother effects. When looking at
extinguishers for this class of fire, there is a numerical rating that indicates the estimated number of square feet of fire
it is capable of putting out.
Electrical equipment is the cause of Class C fires. This includes wiring, outlets, appliances, fuse boxes, circuit
breakers, etc. You obviously would NEVER want to use water-based extinguishers on an electrical fire. The C
classification of a fire extinguisher means that the agent (usually carbon dioxide) is non-conductive.

This classification of fire refers to those found in a chemical lab. They include combustible metals, including titanium
and magnesium, shavings of combustible metals, and powders. The dry powder chemical agent that is used to deal
with Class D fires is sodium chloride. Guidelines recommend that the extinguisher be placed within 75 feet from the
hazard point. The sodium chloride works by smothering and absorbing heat.

Class K refers to industrial or commercial kitchen fires and involves oils, grease, and fats. Installation of Class K
extinguishers is required in these types of environments. Dry or wet chemical agents may be contained in the
extinguisher. However, they should ONLY be used after a built-in hood suppression system is activated. If not
activated, then this class of fire extinguisher is not a necessity.

You’ve probably noticed that types of extinguishers can be used on more than one class of fire. Clean agent
extinguishers, for instance, are for Class B and C fires. Water extinguishers, however, are for Class A fires only.

A multipurpose dry chemical can be effective on Classes A, B, and C, while the ordinary dry chemical is only for
Classes B and C.

Another thing you will want to take into consideration is that fire extinguishers come in different sizes and different
varieties, as some are portable. Once again, it’s important that you talk to an expert who will help you determine
which size and type would be ideal for your business.

http://www.lumarfireprotection.com/different-types-of-fire-extinguishers/

Firestop Survey and Firestopping

Installation Services
 The 2006

International Fire Code and the 2009 International Fire Code both require

the routine maintenance of fire barrier walls. Walls should be properly

repaired when damaged, altered, breached or penetrated. Any penetrations

found should be repaired with approved methods capable of resisting the

passage of smoke and fire.

You understand how critical it is to maintain the integrity of your facility’s

fire-rated walls, that’s why it is important to contract with a firm that has

the experience in working in large commercial facilities such as yours. Our

experience and industry training from industry leaders such as STI, Hilti and
3M make us your safest choice when it comes to performing the firestop

installation and survey services in your facility.

Firestop survey services include:

 Provide a detailed fire barrier survey, Statement of Conditions (SOC) including

type of barrier, description of penetration/opening needing firestop installation

and recommended UL system

 Minor firestop installation (“Caulk and Walk”)

 Digital pictures and additional information about penetration in need of repair

Firestop installation services include:

 Installation of UL classified firestop system based on SOC

 Preparation of submittal documents for AHJ submission

 Master report with digital documentation listing UL classified firestop system

installed available via our web-based inspection software, LSS SiteSurveyor

http://www.lifesafetyservices.com/fire-life-safety-services/firestopping/
Both residential and commercial fire and safety prevention should be an active endeavor. There are many types of
fire safety equipment that should ideally be installed in a building, for not only prevention and protection, but
suppression as well. There are a number of things that can cause a fire, even with the best technology available. It’s
always good to have equipment to protect both the building and the people inside. You should also have a system in
place to keep any fire from spreading. A good system is worth investing in, since it could potentially save your
building as well as surrounding buildings from a lot of damage. Here are the fire and safety prevention essentials
every building should have:

There are different types of alarms for buildings, including heat detectors and smoke alarms. Heat detectors are the
oldest type of automatic fire detecting equipment. While they are slower at detecting fires than smoke detectors, they
also have a lower false alarm rate. They are suitable for small, confined spaces with a high potential for fire, as well
as in areas where ambient conditions do not allow for use of a smoke detector. Experts recommend smoke alarms
since they detect fires and heat quickly. There are different types of smoke alarms, including an ionization smoke
alarm, which responds best to raging fires; a photoelectric smoke alarm that operates with the use of a light source;
and a combination alarm. It’s recommended to use a combination alarm in order to detect both fast growing and slow
smoldering fires.

There are multiple classes of fire extinguishers and pump

systems. The number and type you need depends on factors such as the hazard level of your building and the codes
in your area. There are portable extinguishers, stationary pumps, extinguishers with small hose lines, water and foam
extinguishers, carbon dioxide extinguishers, and wet chemical extinguishers. Lumar Fire Prevention can help you
determine the number and type of extinguisher(s) you will need on each floor, as well as the best places for
installation. The type of extinguisher/pump system you have installed should meet NFPA standards.

Sprinkler systems range from simple to complex. The most frequently installed sprinkler is the wet pipe system. When
activated, it releases the water from the pipes onto the fire. However, in cold temperatures, there is the risk of
freezing. Other types of systems include dry pipe, preaction, and deluge. A dry pipe system is ideal for unheated
spaces. The preaction system is designed for controlled protection. This is the type of system that is usually installed
to protect computer rooms. A deluge system is recommended for buildings in which the nature of the risk requires the
simultaneous and automatic activation of every sprinkler head. Unless building renovation is in order, the fire sprinkler
system is designed to the condition of the building when it is installed. If renovation is in order, then the system is
designed to the conditions that are expected to exist. Having the right fire and safety prevention systems
professionally installed is only the first step. They should also be maintained regularly. The equipment and system
should be inspected annually

http://www.lumarfireprotection.com/what-fire-and-safety-prevention-equipment-should-i-have-
installed-in-my-building/
 Basic Types of Sprinkler Systems

Postby Retired STR-SG » Wed May 25, 2016 9:02 am

Here is basic information about several types of sprinkler systems

and how they operate.

As an example of Waterflow Alarm and Sprinkler Supervisory

Services, an automatic extinguishing sprinkler system has a fire
alarm control panel (FACP), a waterflow switch (which, in this
case, is a paddle switch), and a valve tamper switch to monitor
the water supply valve. Activation of the paddle switch causes an
alarm at the FACP with operation of the notification appliances.
Activation of the valve tamper switch causes a supervisory signal
at the FACP. These systems are not to be confused with
extinguishing/suppression release systems. They do not control
the release of water or agents; they simply monitor the sprinkler
system and notify personnel of any changes.

Pre-action systems have closed sprinkler heads. When the FACP

goes into alarm, the FACP activates and opens the water solenoid
valve. This action causes the sprinkler pipes to be filled with
water. As soon as a sprinkler head activates due to high
temperature, water is released.

Deluge systems have open sprinkler heads and require careful

design to be effective and efficient. When the water solenoid
valve is activated and opened by the FACP, the water is released
from every sprinkler head. Usually, the FACP is programmed to
activate the water upon activation of a single heat detector or
only after multiple smoke detectors go into alarm. This
requirement of more than one smoke detector in alarm before
activating the water release valve is called “dual detector” or
“cross zoning.” It is generally not desirable to release water on a
single smoke detector alarm.

Fixed extinguishing systems are basically like any other system

that releases agents for fire suppression. These systems are
usually of the deluge type, but release fire suppression agents
instead of water. Some examples of these agents are: CO2, FM200,
Halon and AFFF foam. Some agents pose a health hazard to
occupants and, if there is a release, a large volume of chemical
will be expelled. Consequently, it is a good design practice not to
release chemicals until the occupants are notified and had an
opportunity to evacuate the hazard area.

The two FM categories have different requirements. Under FM,

pre-action or deluge systems must use Style D (Class A) wiring on
their IDC circuits and have 90 hours of standby power. It can be
batteries, or generators, but it must be acceptable to the
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Sometimes a standalone
charger and batteries from an outside vendor may have to be used
to meet the 90-hour standby requirements. In these instances, you
must confirm whether or not the control panel is capable of
operating with stand-alone battery chargers.

All fire alarm initiating and notification circuit wiring must be

supervised (monitored for integrity). On extinguishing/suppression
release systems, both the circuit wiring and the releasing device
(e.g., solenoid coil) must be supervised. This is a requirement of
NFPA 72 and the applicable sprinkler standards. This means
releasing service systems are unique in that the control panel
must operate the solenoid valve and actually supervise the
actuating coil.

https://forums.thefirepanel.com/viewtopic.php?t=7768
TYPES OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

Automatic sprinkler systems often play a critical role in minimizing fire damage at a
facility. Did you know that there are many different types of sprinkler systems?
Below is a brief overview of the most common types.

Wet Pipe Systems

Wet pipe systems are the most common type of fire sprinkler systems. Thes e
systems are filled with water from an automatic source, and when a sprinkler head
is exposed to enough heat, the heat-sensitive element will release and water will
be allowed to flow from that sprinkler. These systems often include an automatic
alarm check valve that will send a signal to the building’s alarm system when water
begins flowing through the piping.

Dry Pipe Systems

These systems are typically used in areas where the temperature could be low
enough to freeze water in the pipes, causing the s ystem to become ineffective. In
these systems, the pipes are filled with air at a lower pressure than the water
supply. When an automatic sprinkler is exposed to enough heat, the valve opens
and allows that air to escape, causing the pressure in the pipes to drop and
allowing water to flow through the piping. Since water cannot escape from the
sprinkler head until the air is flushed from the systems, dry pipe systems typically
are not as effective at suppressing fires in their early stages as are wet pipe
systems.

Deluge Systems

A deluge system differs from conventional sprinkler systems in that the sprinkler
heads are open and once smoke or fire is detected, water is released through all
discharge devices in the system. These systems are typically found i n areas that
require instant application of water over a large area to suppress the fire and
prevent its spread.

Pre-Action Systems

Pre-Action sprinkler systems are a special type of dry pipe system. The water is
 separated from the pipes by an electric “ pre-action” valve that is controlled by a
separate heat or smoke detection source. In order for water to be released from the
system, the detection system that controls the pre -action valve must detect smoke
or heat. Water will then be released into the pi ping of the system. Additionally,
individual sprinkler heads must release and then water will flow onto the fire. These
systems are most frequently used in water -sensitive environments, such as book
libraries, computer rooms and art museums, since two even ts must occur for water
to be released, adding extra protection from “false -alarms”.
https://www.cintas.com/fire-protection-services/articles/types-of-sprinkler-systems/

Fire sprinkler system

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the complete fire protection system. For the device that actually discharges
water, see Fire sprinkler.

A glass bulb type sprinkler head will spray water into the room if sufficient heat reaches the bulb and causes it
to shatter. Sprinkler heads operate individually. Note the red liquid alcohol in the glass bulb.

A fire sprinkler system is an active fire protection method, consisting of a water supply system,
providing adequate pressure and flowrate to a water distribution piping system, onto which fire
sprinklers are connected. Although historically only used in factories and large commercial buildings,
systems for homes and small buildings are now available at a cost-effective price.[1] Fire sprinkler
systems are extensively used worldwide, with over 40 million sprinkler heads fitted each year. In
buildings completely protected by fire sprinkler systems, over 96% of fires were controlled by fire
sprinklers alone.[2]

Contents
[hide]

 1History
 2Usage
 3Regulations
o 3.1United States
o 3.2Europe
 4Operation
 5Types
o 5.1Wet pipe systems
o 5.2Dry pipe systems
o 5.3Deluge systems
o 5.4Pre-action systems
o 5.5Foam water sprinkler systems
o 5.6Water spray
o 5.7Water mist systems
 6Design
 7Costs
 8See also
 9References
 10External links

History[edit]
Leonardo da Vinci designed a sprinkler system in the 15th century. Da Vinci automated his patron's
kitchen with a super-oven and a system of conveyor belts. In a comedy of errors, everything went
wrong during a huge banquet, and a fire broke out. "The sprinkler system worked all too well,
causing a flood that washed away all the food and a good part of the kitchen."[3]
Ambrose Godfrey created the first successful automated sprinkler system in 1723.[4] He used
gunpowder to release a tank of extinguishing fluid.[4]
The world’s first modern recognizable sprinkler system was installed in the Theatre Royal, Drury
Lane in the United Kingdom in 1812 by its architect, William Congreve, and was covered by patent
No 3606 dated the same year.[5] The apparatus consisted of a cylindrical airtight reservoir of
400 hogsheads (~95,000 litres) fed by a 10-inch (250 mm) water main which branched to all parts of
the theatre. A series of smaller pipes fed from the distribution pipe were pierced with a series of 1⁄2-
inch (13 mm) holes which pour water in the event of a fire.[6]
Merit Sprinkler Company states the history as:[7]
From 1852 to 1885, perforated pipe systems were used in textile mills throughout New England as a
means of fire protection. However, they were not automatic systems, they did not turn on by
themselves. Inventors first began experimenting with automatic sprinklers around 1860. The first
automatic sprinkler system was patented by Philip W. Pratt of Abington, MA, in 1872. Henry S.
Parmalee of New Haven, Connecticut is considered the inventor of the first practical automatic
sprinkler head. Parmalee improved upon the Pratt patent and created a better sprinkler system. In
1874, he installed his fire sprinkler system into the piano factory that he owned.
Frederick Grinnell improved Parmalee's design and in 1881 patented the automatic sprinkler that
bears his name. He continued to improve the device and in 1890 invented the glass disc sprinkler,
essentially the same as that in use today.[8]
"Until the 1940s, sprinklers were installed almost exclusively for the protection of commercial
buildings, whose owners were generally able to recoup their expenses with savings in insurance
costs. Over the years, fire sprinklers have become mandatory safety equipment"[7] in some parts of
North America, in certain occupancies, including, but not limited to newly constructed "hospitals,
schools, hotels and other public buildings,"[7] subject to the local building codes and enforcement.
However, outside of the US and Canada, sprinklers are rarely mandated by building codes for
normal hazard occupancies which do not have large numbers of occupants (e.g. factories, process
lines, retail outlets, petrol stations, etc.)
Sprinklers are now commonly installed in other buildings including schools and residential premises.
This is largely as a result of lobbying by the National Fire Sprinkler Network, the European Fire
Sprinkler Network and the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association.
Building regulations in Scotland and England often require fire sprinkler systems to be installed in
certain types of properties to ensure safety of occupants.
In Scotland, all new schools are sprinkler protected, as are new care homes, sheltered housing and
high rise flats. In England all high rise buildings over 30m must have sprinkler protection. In 2011
Wales became the first country in the world to make installation of fire sprinklers in new homes
mandatory. The law will apply to newly built houses and blocks of flats, as well as care homes and
university halls of residence. This law will be enforced from September 2013.[9]

Usage[edit]
Sprinklers have been in use in the United States since 1874, and were used in factory applications
where fires at the turn of the century were often catastrophic in terms of both human and property
losses. In the US, sprinklers are today required in all new high rise and underground buildings
generally 75 feet (23 m) above or below fire department access, where the ability of firefighters to
provide adequate hose streams to fires is limited.[citation needed]
Sprinklers may be required to be installed by building codes, or may be recommended by insurance
companies to reduce potential property losses or business interruption. Building codes in the United
States for places of assembly, generally over 100 persons, and places with overnight sleeping
accommodation such as hotels, nursing homes, dormitories, and hospitals usually require sprinklers
either under local building codes, as a condition of receiving State and Federal funding or as a
requirement to obtain certification (essential for institutions who wish to train medical staff).[citation needed]

Regulations[edit]
United States[edit]
While there is very little specific federal legislation regarding building codes, which are generally left
to local jurisdictions, the federal government has used its funding and monetary clout to strongly
encourage fire safety standards in construction.
In 1990 the US Congress passed PL-101-391, better known as The Hotel and Motel Fire Safety Act
of 1990.[10] This law requires that any hotel, meeting hall, or similar institution that receives federal
funds (i.e. for a government traveller's overnight stay, or a conference, etc.), must meet fire and
other safety requirements. The most visible of these conditions is the implementation of sprinklers.
As more and more hotels and other public accommodations upgraded their facilities to enable
acceptance of government visitors, this type of construction became the de facto industry norm -
even when not directly mandated by any local building codes.
If building codes do not explicitly mandate the use of fire sprinklers, the code often makes it highly
advantageous to install them as an optional system. Most US building codes allow for less
expensive construction materials, larger floor area limitations, longer egress paths, and fewer
requirements for fire rated construction in structures protected by fire sprinklers. Consequently, the
total building cost is often less by installing a sprinkler system and savings money in the other
aspects of the project, as compared to building a non-sprinklered structure.
In 2011, Pennsylvania and California became the first US states to require sprinkler systems in all
new residential construction.[11] However, Pennsylvania repealed the law later that same
year.[12] Many municipalities now require residential sprinklers, even if they are not required at the
state level.[13]
Europe[edit]
Renewed interest in and support for sprinkler systems in the UK, largely as a result of effective
lobbying by the National Fire Sprinkler Network, the European Fire Sprinkler Network and the British
Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association,[citation needed] has resulted in sprinkler systems being more widely
installed. In schools, for example, the government has issued recommendations through Building
Bulletin 100 that most new schools should be constructed with sprinkler protection. In 2011 Wales
became the first country in the world where sprinklers are compulsory in all new homes. The law
applies to newly built houses and blocks of flats, as well as care homes and university halls of
residence.[14][15] In Scotland, all new schools are sprinklered, as are new care homes, sheltered
housing and high rise flats.
In the UK, since the 1990s sprinklers have gained recognition within the Building Regulations
(England and Wales) and Scottish Building Standards and under certain circumstances, the
presence of sprinkler systems is deemed to provide a form of alternative compliance to some parts
of the codes. For example, the presence of a sprinkler system will usually permit doubling of
compartment sizes and increases in travel distances (to fire exits) as well as allowing a reduction in
the fire rating of internal compartment walls.
In Norway as of July 2010, all new housing of more than two storeys, all new hotels, care homes and
hospitals must be sprinklered. Other Nordic countries require or soon will require[citation needed] sprinklers
in new care homes, and in Finland as of 2010 a third of care homes were retrofitted with sprinklers.
A fire in an illegal immigrant detention center at Schiphol airport in The Netherlands on 27 October
2005 killed 11 detainees and led to the retrofitting of sprinklers in all similarly designed prisons in
The Netherlands. A fire at Düsseldorf Airport on 11 April 1996 which killed 17 people led to
sprinklers being retrofitted in all major German airports. Most European countries also require
sprinklers in shopping centers, in large warehouses and in high-rise buildings.[citation needed]

Operation[edit]
Each closed-head sprinkler is held closed by either a heat-sensitive glass bulb or a two-part metal
link held together with fusible alloy. The glass bulb or link applies pressure to a pipe cap which acts
as a plug which prevents water from flowing until the ambient temperature around the sprinkler
reaches the design activation temperature of the individual sprinkler head. In a standard wet-pipe
sprinkler system, each sprinkler activates independently when the predetermined heat level is
reached. Thus, only sprinklers near the fire will operate, normally just one or two. This maximizes
water pressure over the point of fire origin, and minimizes water damage to the building.[16]
A sprinkler activation will do less water damage than a fire department hose stream, which provide
approximately 900 litres/min (250 US gallons/min). A typical sprinkler used for industrial
manufacturing occupancies discharge about 75-150 litres/min (20-40 US gallons/min). However, a
typical Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) sprinkler at a pressure of 50 psi (340 kPa) will
discharge approximately 380 litres per minute (100 US gal/min). In addition, a sprinkler will usually
activate within one to four minutes of the fire's start, whereas it typically takes at least five minutes
for a fire department to register an alarm and drive to the fire site, and an additional ten minutes to
set up equipment and apply hose streams to the fire. This additional time can result in a much larger
fire, requiring much more water to extinguish.

Types[edit]
Fire sprinkler control valve assembly.

Wet pipe systems[edit]

By a wide margin, wet pipe sprinkler systems are installed more often than all other types of fire
sprinkler systems. They also are the most reliable, because they are simple, with the only operating
components being the automatic sprinklers and (commonly, but not always) the automatic alarm
check valve. An automatic water supply provides water under pressure to the system piping.
Dry pipe systems[edit]

Garage sprinkler system in New York City

Dry pipe systems are the second most common sprinkler system type. Dry pipe systems are
installed in spaces in which the ambient temperature may be cold enough to freeze the water in a
wet pipe system, rendering the system inoperable. Dry pipe systems are most often used in
unheated buildings, in parking garages, in outside canopies attached to heated buildings (in which a
wet pipe system would be provided), or in refrigerated coolers. In regions using NFPA regulations,
wet pipe systems cannot be installed unless the range of ambient temperatures remains above
40 °F (4 °C).[17]
Water is not present in the piping until the system operates; instead, the piping is filled with air at a
pressure below the water supply pressure. To prevent the larger water supply pressure from
prematurely forcing water into the piping, the design of the dry pipe valve (a specialized type
of check valve) results in a greater force on top of the check valve clapper by the use of a larger
valve clapper area exposed to the piping air pressure, as compared to the higher water pressure but
smaller clapper surface area.
When one or more of the automatic sprinkler heads is triggered, it opens allowing the air in the
piping to vent from that sprinkler. Each sprinkler operates independently, as its temperature rises
above its triggering threshold. As the air pressure in the piping drops, the pressure differential across
the dry pipe valve changes, allowing water to enter the piping system. Water flow from sprinklers,
needed to control the fire, is delayed until the air is vented from the sprinklers. In regions using
NFPA 13 regulations, the time it takes water to reach the hydraulically remote sprinkler from the time
that sprinkler is activated is limited to a maximum of 60 seconds. In industry practice, this is known
as the "Maximum Time of Water Delivery". The maximum time of water delivery may be required to
be reduced, depending on the hazard classification of the area protected by the sprinkler system.[18]
Some property owners and building occupants may view dry pipe sprinklers as advantageous for
protection of valuable collections and other water sensitive areas. This perceived benefit is due to a
fear that wet system piping may slowly leak water without attracting notice, while dry pipe systems
may not fail in this manner.[citation needed]
Disadvantages of using dry pipe fire sprinkler systems include:

 If the sprinklers share the same standpipe system as the standpipe system which supplies fire
hoses, then the water supply to the fire hoses would be severely reduced or even curtailed
altogether.
 Increased complexity - Dry pipe systems require additional control equipment and air pressure
supply components which increases system complexity. This puts a premium on proper
maintenance, as this increase in system complexity results in an inherently less reliable overall
system (i.e. more single failure points) as compared to a wet pipe system.
 Higher installation and maintenance costs - The added complexity impacts the overall dry-pipe
installation cost, and increases maintenance expenditure primarily due to added service labor
costs.
 Lower design flexibility - Regulatory requirements limit the maximum permitted size (i.e. 750
gallons) of individual dry-pipe systems, unless additional components and design efforts are
provided to limit the time from sprinkler activation to water discharge to under one minute. These
limitations may increase the number of individual sprinkler zones (i.e. served from a single riser)
that must be provided in the building, and impact the ability of an owner to make system
additions.
 Increased fire response time - Because the piping is empty at the time the sprinkler operates,
there is an inherent time delay in delivering water to the sprinklers which have operated while
the water travels from the riser to the sprinkler, partially filling the piping in the process. A
maximum of 60 seconds is normally allowed by regulatory requirements from the time a single
sprinkler opens until water is discharged onto the fire. This delay in fire suppression results in a
larger fire prior to control, increasing property damage.
Dry pipe sprinkler system supply main with corrosion debris caused by oxidation

 Increased corrosion potential - Following operation or testing, dry-pipe sprinkler system piping is
drained, but residual water collects in piping low spots, and moisture is also retained in the
atmosphere within the piping. This moisture, coupled with the oxygen available in the
compressed air in the piping, increases internal pipe corrosion, eventually leading to pin-hole
leaks or other piping failures. The internal corrosion rate in wet pipe systems (in which the piping
is constantly full of water) is much lower, as the amount of oxygen available for the corrosion
process is lower.[19] Corrosion can be combated by using copper or stainless steel pipe which is
less susceptible to corrosion, or by using dry nitrogen gas to pressurize the system, rather than
air. Nitrogen generators can be used as a permanent source of nitrogen gas, which is beneficial
because dry pipe sprinkler systems require an uninterrupted supply of supervisory gas. These
additional precautions can increase the up-front cost of the system, but will help prevent system
failure, increased maintenance costs, and premature need for system replacement in the future.
Deluge systems[edit]
"Deluge" systems are systems in which all sprinklers connected to the water piping system are open,
in that the heat sensing operating element is removed, or specifically designed as such. These
systems are used for special hazards where rapid fire spread is a concern, as they provide a
simultaneous application of water over the entire hazard. They are sometimes installed in personnel
egress paths or building openings to slow travel of fire (e.g. openings in a fire-rated wall).
Water is not present in the piping until the system operates. Because the sprinkler orifices are open,
the piping is at atmospheric pressure. To prevent the water supply pressure from forcing water into
the piping, a "deluge valve" is used in the water supply connection, which is a mechanically latched
valve. It is a non-resetting valve, and stays open once tripped.
Because the heat sensing elements present in the automatic sprinklers have been removed
(resulting in open sprinklers), the deluge valve must be opened as signaled by a fire alarm system.
The type of fire alarm initiating device is selected mainly based on the hazard (e.g.pilot
sprinklers, smoke detectors, heat detectors, or optical flame detectors). The initiation device signals
the fire alarm panel, which in turn signals the deluge valve to open. Activation can also be manual,
depending on the system goals. Manual activation is usually via an electric or pneumatic fire alarm
pull station, which signals the fire alarm panel, which in turn signals the deluge valve to open.
Operation - Activation of a fire alarm initiating device, or a manual pull station, signals the fire alarm
panel, which in turn signals the deluge valve to open, allowing water to enter the piping system.
Water flows from all sprinklers simultaneously.
Pre-action systems[edit]
Pre-action sprinkler systems are specialized for use in locations where accidental activation is
undesired, such as in museums with rare art works, manuscripts, or books; and Data Centers, for
protection of computer equipment from accidental water discharge.
Pre-action systems are hybrids of wet, dry, and deluge systems, depending on the exact system
goal. There are two main sub-types of pre-action systems: single interlock, and double interlock.
The operation of single interlock systems are similar to dry systems except that these systems
require that a “preceding” fire detection event, typically the activation of a heat or smoke detector,
takes place prior to the “action” of water introduction into the system’s piping by opening the pre-
action valve, which is a mechanically latched valve (i.e. similar to a deluge valve). In this way, the
system is essentially converted from a dry system into a wet system. The intent is to reduce the
undesirable time delay of water delivery to sprinklers that is inherent in dry systems. Prior to fire
detection, if the sprinkler operates, or the piping system develops a leak, loss of air pressure in the
piping will activate a trouble alarm. In this case, the pre-action valve will not open due to loss of
supervisory pressure, and water will not enter the piping.
The operation of double interlock systems are similar to deluge systems except that automatic
sprinklers are used. These systems require that both a “preceding” fire detection event, typically the
activation of a heat or smoke detector, and an automatic sprinkler operation take place prior to the
“action” of water introduction into the system’s piping. Activation of either the fire detectors alone, or
sprinklers alone, without the concurrent operation of the other, will not allow water to enter the
piping. Because water does not enter the piping until a sprinkler operates, double interlock systems
are considered as dry systems in terms of water delivery times, and similarly require a larger design
area.
Foam water sprinkler systems[edit]
A foam water fire sprinkler system is a special application system, discharging a mixture of water
and low expansion foam concentrate, resulting in a foam spray from the sprinkler. These systems
are usually used with special hazards occupancies associated with high challenge fires, such
as flammable liquids, and airport hangars. Operation is as described above, depending on the
system type into which the foam is injected.
Water spray[edit]
"Water spray" systems are operationally identical to a deluge system, but the piping and discharge
nozzle spray patterns are designed to protect a uniquely configured hazard, usually being three-
dimensional components or equipment (i.e. as opposed to a deluge system, which is designed to
cover the horizontal floor area of a room). The nozzles used may not be listed fire sprinklers, and are
usually selected for a specific spray pattern to conform to the three-dimensional nature of the hazard
(e.g. typical spray patterns being oval, fan, full circle, narrow jet). Examples of hazards protected by
water spray systems are electrical transformers containing oil for cooling or turbo-generator
bearings. Water spray systems can also be used externally on the surfaces of tanks containing
flammable liquids or gases (such as hydrogen). Here the water spray is intended to cool the tank
and its contents to prevent tank rupture/explosion (BLEVE) and fire spread.
Water mist systems[edit]
Water mist systems are used for special applications in which it is decided that creating a heat
absorbent vapor is the primary objective. This type of system is typically used where water damage
may be a concern, or where water supplies are limited. NFPA 750[20] defines water mist as a water
spray with a droplet size of "less than 1000 microns at the minimum operation pressure of the
discharge nozzle." The droplet size can be controlled by the adjusting discharge pressure through a
nozzle of a fixed orifice size. By creating a mist, an equal volume of water will create a larger total
surface area exposed to the fire. The larger total surface area better facilitates the transfer of heat,
thus allowing more water droplets to turn to steam more quickly. A water mist, which absorbs more
heat than water per unit time, due to exposed surface area, will more effectively cool the room, thus
reducing the temperature of the flame.
Operation - Water mist systems can operate with the same functionality as deluge, wet pipe, dry
pipe, or pre-action systems. The difference is that a water mist system uses a compressed gas as
an atomizing medium, which is pumped through the sprinkler pipe. Instead of compressed gas,
some systems use a high-pressure pump to pressurize the water so it atomizes as it exits the
sprinkler nozzle.[21] Systems can be applied using local application method or total flooding method,
similar to Clean Agent Fire Protection Systems.

Design[edit]
Temperature Color of liquid alcohol
°C °F inside bulb

57 135 Orange
68 155 Red
79 174 Yellow
93 200 Green
141 286 Blue
182 360 Purple
227 440 Black
260 500

This chart from the fire

safety standards

indicates the colour

of the bulb and the

respective operating

temperature.

Sprinkler glass bulbs with different operating temperatures

Sprinkler systems are intended to either control the fire or to suppress the fire. Control
mode sprinklers are intended to control the heat release rate of the fire to prevent building structure
collapse, and pre-wet the surrounding combustibles to prevent fire spread. The fire is not
extinguished until the burning combustibles are exhausted or manual extinguishment is effected
by firefighters. Suppression mode sprinklers (formerly known as Early Suppression Fast
Response (ESFR) sprinklers) are intended to result in a severe sudden reduction of the heat release
rate of the fire, followed quickly by complete extinguishment, prior to manual intervention.
Most sprinkler systems installed today are designed using an area and density approach. First the
building use and building contents are analyzed to determine the level of fire hazard. Usually
buildings are classified as light hazard, ordinary hazard group 1, ordinary hazard group 2, extra
hazard group 1, or extra hazard group 2. After determining the hazard classification, a design area
and density can be determined by referencing tables in the National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) standards. The design area is a theoretical area of the building representing the
worst case area where a fire could burn. The design density is a measurement of how much water
per square foot of floor area should be applied to the design area.
For example, in an office building classified as light hazard, a typical design area would be 1,500
square feet (140 m2) and the design density would be 0.1 US gallons per minute (0.38 l/min) per 1
square foot (0.093 m2) or a minimum of 150 US gallons per minute (570 l/min) applied over the
1,500-square-foot (140 m2) design area. Another example would be a manufacturing facility
classified as ordinary hazard group 2 where a typical design area would be 1,500 square feet
(140 m2) and the design density would be 0.2 US gallons per minute (0.76 l/min) per 1 square foot
(0.093 m2) or a minimum of 300 US gallons per minute (1,100 l/min) applied over the 1,500-square-
foot (140 m2) design area.
After the design area and density have been determined, calculations are performed to prove that
the system can deliver the required amount of water over the required design area. These
calculations account for all of the pressure that is lost or gained between the water supply source
and the sprinklers that would operate in the design area. This includes pressure losses due to
friction inside the piping and losses or gains due to elevational differences between the source and
the discharging sprinklers. Sometimes momentum pressure from water velocity inside the piping is
also calculated. Typically these calculations are performed using computer software but before the
advent of computer systems these sometimes complicated calculations were performed by hand.
This skill of calculating sprinkler systems by hand is still required training for a sprinkler system
design technologist who seeks senior level certification from engineering certification organizations
such as the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET).
Sprinkler systems in residential structures are becoming more common as the cost of such systems
becomes more practical and the benefits become more obvious. Residential sprinkler systems
usually fall under a residential classification separate from the commercial classifications mentioned
above. A commercial sprinkler system is designed to protect the structure and the occupants from a
fire. Most residential sprinkler systems are primarily designed to suppress a fire in such a way to
allow for the safe escape of the building occupants. While these systems will often also protect the
structure from major fire damage, this is a secondary consideration. In residential structures
sprinklers are often omitted from closets, bathrooms, balconies, garages and attics because a fire in
these areas would not usually impact the occupant's escape route.
If water damage or water volume is of particular concern, a technique called Water Mist Fire
Suppression may be an alternative. This technology has been under development for over 50 years.
It hasn't entered general use, but is gaining some acceptance on ships and in a few residential
applications. Mist suppression systems work by using the heat of the fire to 'flash' the water mist
cloud to steam. This then smothers the fire. As such, mist systems tend to be highly effective where
there is likely to be a free-burning hot fire. Where there is insufficient heat (as in a deep seated fire
such as will be found in stored paper) no steam will be generated and the mist system will not
extinguish the fire. Some tests have shown that the volume of water needed to extinguish a fire with
such a system installed can be dramatically less than with a conventional sprinkler system.[22]

Costs[edit]
In 2008, the installed costs of sprinkler systems ranged from US$0.31 – $3.66 per square foot,
depending on type and location. Residential systems, installed at the time of initial home
construction and utilizing municipal water supplies, average about US$0.35/square foot.[23] Systems
can be installed during construction or retrofitted. Some communities have laws requiring residential
sprinkler systems, especially where large municipal hydrant water supplies ("fire flows") are not
available. Nationwide in the United States, one and two-family homes generally do not require fire
sprinkler systems, although the overwhelming loss of life due to fires occurs in these spaces.[citation
 Residential sprinkler systems are inexpensive (about the same per square foot as carpeting or
needed]

floor tiling), but require larger water supply piping than is normally installed in homes, so retrofitting is
usually cost prohibitive.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fires in hotels with sprinklers averaged
78% less damage than fires in hotels without them (1983–1987). The NFPA says the average loss
per fire in buildings with sprinklers was $2,300, compared to an average loss of $10,300 in
unsprinklered buildings. The NFPA adds that there is no record of a fatality in a fully sprinklered
building outside the point of fire origin.[citation needed] However, in a purely economic comparison, this is
not a complete picture; the total costs of fitting, and the costs arising from non-fire triggered release
must be factored.
The NFPA states that it "has no record of a fire killing more than two people in a completely
sprinklered building where a sprinkler system was properly operating, except in an explosion or flash
fire or where industrial fire brigade members or employees were killed during fire suppression
operations."
The world's largest fire sprinkler manufacturer is the Fire Protection Products division of Tyco
International.[citation needed]

[hide]

 v

 t

 e
Fire protection

 Active fire protection

General
 Passive fire protection

 Fire blanket

Manual Fire bucket

 Fire extinguisher

Fire  Condensed aerosol fire suppression

suppression  Fire sprinkler system

Automatic Fire sprinkler

 Gaseous fire suppression

 Flame detector
Detection Heat detector

 Smoke detector

Notification Drill
  Fire alarm system

 Call box

 Control panel

 Notification appliance

 Pull station/call point

 Smoke detector

 Arthur B. Guise Medal

Awards
 Harry C. Bigglestone Award
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_sprinkler_system

Gaseous fire suppression

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article needs additional citations for verification. Please
help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources.
Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (July 2007) (Learn
how and when to remove this template message)

Canisters containing argon gas for use in extinguishing fire in a server room without damaging equipment.

Gaseous fire suppression is a term to describe the use of inert gases and chemical agents to
extinguish a fire. Also called clean agent fire suppression. These agents are governed by
the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard for Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing
Systems – NFPA 2001 in the USA, with different standards and regulations in other parts of the
world. The system typically consists of the agent, agent storage containers, agent release
 valves, fire detectors, fire detection system (wiring control panel, actuation signaling), agent delivery
piping, and agent dispersion nozzles. Less typically, the agent may be delivered by means of solid
propellant gas generatorsthat produce either inert or chemically active gas.

Contents
[hide]

 1Theory
 2Application
 3Safety precautions
o 3.1Suffocation
o 3.2Barotrauma
 4See also
 5References
 6External links

Theory[edit]
There are four means used by the agents to extinguish a fire. They act on the "fire tetrahedron":

 Reduction or isolation of fuel. No agents currently use this as the primary means of fire
suppression.
 Reduction of heat. Representative agents: Clean agent FS 49 C2 (NAF S 227, MH227, FM-
200), Novec 1230, pentafluoroethane (NAF S125, ECARO-25).
 Reduction or isolation of oxygen: Representative agents: Argonite / IG-55 (ProInert), CO2 carbon
dioxide, IG-541 Inergen, and IG-100 (NN100).
 Inhibiting the chain reaction of the above components. Representative agents: FE-
13, 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-Heptafluoropropane, FE-
25, haloalkanes, bromotrifluoromethane, trifluoroiodomethane, NAF P-IV, NAF S-III, NAF S 125,
NAF S 227, and Triodide (Trifluoroiodomethane).

Application[edit]
Broadly speaking, there are two methods for applying an extinguishing agent: total flooding and local
application:

 Systems working on a total flooding principle apply an extinguishing agent to a three

dimensional enclosed space in order to achieve a concentration of the agent (volume percent of
the agent in air) adequate to extinguish the fire. These types of systems may be operated
automatically by detection and related controls or manually by the operation of a system
actuator.
 Systems working on a local application principle apply an extinguishing agent directly onto a fire
(usually a two dimensional area), or into the three dimensional region immediately surrounding
the substance or object on fire. The main difference in local application from total flooding design
is the absence of physical barriers enclosing the fire space.
In the context of automatic extinguishing systems, local application generally refers to the use of
systems that have been emplaced some time prior to their usage rather than the use of manually
operated wheeled or portable fire extinguishers, although the nature of the agent delivery is similar
and many automatic systems may also be activated manually. The lines are blurred somewhat with
portable automatic extinguishing systems, although these are not common.
Safety precautions[edit]
Suffocation[edit]

Warning sign for fire suppression system

An extinguishing system which primarily is based on inert gases in enclosed spaces presents a risk
of suffocation. Some incidents have occurred where individuals in these spaces have been killed by
carbon dioxide agent release. When installed according to fire codes the systems have an excellent
safety record. To prevent such occurrences, additional life safety systems are typically installed with
a warning alarm that precedes the agent release. The warning, usually an audible and visible alert,
advises the immediate evacuation of the enclosed space. After a preset time, the agent starts to
discharge. Accidents have also occurred during maintenance of these systems, so proper safety
precautions must be taken beforehand.[1]
During a fire in an essentially closed space, individuals within a closed space during a fire are safer
with INERGEN [clarification needed] than without given the design of the system.[2]
Barotrauma[edit]
Barotrauma is physical damage to body tissues caused by a difference in pressure between a gas
space inside, or in contact with the body, and the surrounding environment.[3]The positive pressure
caused by these gases may be sufficient to break windows and walls. Humans and structures must
be adequately protected and ventilation/blow-off must be considered when designing the system.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaseous_fire_suppression

Condensed aerosol fire suppression

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article needs additional citations for verification. Please
help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources.
Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (September
2013) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)
 Nozzle of a mounted aerosol fire suppression system

Condensed aerosol fire suppression is a particle-based form of fire extinction similar to gaseous
fire suppression or dry chemical fire extinction. The aerosol employs a fire extinguishing agent
consisting of very fine solid particles and gaseous matter to extinguish fires. The condensed aerosol
microparticles and effluent gases are generated by the exothermic reaction; until discharged from
the device, the particles remain in vapor state. They are cooled and "condensed" within the device
and discharged as solid particles.
Compared to gaseous suppressants, which emit only gas, and dry chemical suppression agents,
which are powder-like particles of a large size (25–150 micrometres), condensed aerosols are
defined by the National Fire Protection Association as releasing finely-divided solids of less than 10
micrometres in diameter. The solid particulates have a considerably smaller mass median
aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) than those of dry chemical suppression agents, remain airborne
significantly longer, and leave much less residue within the protected area. Whereas dry chemical
systems must be directly aimed at the flame, condensed aerosols are flooding agents and therefore
effective regardless of the location and height of the fire. Wet chemical systems, such as the kind
generally found in foam extinguishers, must, similarly to dry chemical systems, be sprayed
directionally onto the fire. The condensed aerosol agent can be delivered by means of mechanical
operation, electric operation, or combined electro-mechanical operation.

Contents
[hide]

 1Methods of fire extinction

 2Performance
 3Uses and applications
 4Environmental issues
 5See also
 6References
 7Further reading
 8External links

Methods of fire extinction[edit]

Fire tetrahedon

Condensed aerosol suppressants, like gaseous suppressants, use four methods to extinguish fires.
They act on the four elements of the "fire tetrahedron," the disparate components that combine to
create the chemical reaction underlying any fire. These four means of fire extinction are:

1. Reduction or isolation of fuel

2. Reduction of heat
3. Reduction or isolation of oxygen
4. Inhibiting the chain reaction of the above components
Condensed aerosols’ primary extinguishing mechanism involves the fourth element of the fire
tetrahedron by means of chemical reactions with the free radicals of the flame, therefore interfering
with the combustion process of the fire. Typically, condensed aerosol particulates consist
of potassium carbonate (K2CO3)) that are produced from the thermal decomposition of a solid
aerosol-forming compound that includes potassium nitrate as an oxidizer. As the aerosol particles
surround and come into contact with the flame, the particulates absorb the flame heat energy,
breaking down and releasing large concentrations of potassium radicals (K+) (ions with an unpaired
electron). The potassium radicals bond with the hydroxide (OH+), hydrogen (H+) and oxygen (O+)
free radicals which sustain flame's combustion process, producing harmless by-product molecules
such as potassium hydroxide (KOH) and water (H2O).
K• + OH• = KOH
KOH + H• = K• + H2O
The potassium radicals are propagated since they are both consumed and produced by reaction
with the fire radicals. Disrupting the reactions necessary to sustain the flame's combustion, the cycle
continues until the combustion's chain reactions are terminated and the flame is extinguished.
Condensed aerosol agents also have secondary extinguishing mechanisms implicating the other
three elements of the fire tetrahedron described above. The aerosol cools the flame by engulfing it
with a cloud with large concentrations of microparticles which have mass median aerodynamic
diameter sizes (MMAD) as small as 1 to 2 micrometres. Though the surface area of each
microparticle is extremely small, the large quantity of particles surrounding and penetrating the flame
offers a sufficiently large combined surface area to absorb the flame’s heat. On the surface of the
particles, recombination of the fire radicals takes place as energy is absorbed:
O• + H• = OH•
H• + OH• = H20
Flame is the gaseous part of a fire resulting from the combustion of fuel. Aerosols particles and
gases mixing with the gaseous components of the flame isolate the fire's fuel.
Attacking all the elements of the fire tetrahedron, condensed aerosol fire suppression agents are
among the more effective flame-extinguishing agents. For example, some condensed aerosol fire
suppressants can extinguish a Class B flammable liquid pool fire with 1/5 the amount of Halon 1301
agent or 1/10 the amount of a hydrofluorocarbon or fluoroketone based clean agent gaseous fire
suppression system in terms of kilogram mass of agent per cubic meter.[1]

Performance[edit]

Fire, T1, at 35.25 seconds, before application of condensed aerosol suppressant

Fire, T2, at 36.13 seconds, as condensed aerosol suppressant is just deployed

Fire, T3, at 36.20 seconds, as condensed aerosol suppressant has been deployed

Fire, T4, at 36.25 seconds, fully extinguished after application of condensed aerosol suppressant

The extinguishing performance of condensed aerosol fire suppressants is dependent on the density
of aerosol particulates in the immediate vicinity of the flame. As with gaseous fire suppression
systems, the faster the agent can build around the flame, the more efficient the extinguishing agent
will be in terminating the flame’s combustion process. The extinguishing and design densities of
aerosol fire suppression agents are generally expressed in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m^3).
Thus, the efficiency of aerosol extinguishing agents varies depending on a number of factors, such
as the location of the aerosol relative to the flame, the proximity of other combustible flammable
materials, the type of fuel involved, etc.
Condensed aerosol devices are designed to provide a controlled discharge. The aerosol-forming
compound is installed inside of the device, which is then fitted with an electric or mechanical initiator.
The electric initiator is interfaced with a fire detection control unit or panel, which can be remotely
operated by physical means such as by cable, hand operated with a fuse mechanism such as those
used in smoke dispensing grenades, or automatic and self-triggering when outfitted with an integral
heat-sensing device.

Uses and applications[edit]

There are two uses for applying fire extinguishing agents: as a total flooding fire protection system or
as a local application fire suppression system.
To provide total flooding fire suppression, the total quantity of aerosol required to extinguish a fire
inside of fixed space must be determined. The corresponding number of aerosol devices that would
collectively discharge the aerosol quantity required are then mounted, typically on the ceiling or wall.
Aerosol devices equipped with electric initiators are interconnected and relayed by a fire alarm
control panel. Because the aerosol devices are self-contained and function as both a storage
container and as a nozzle that propels the gas, no distribution network is required to transport or
distribute the fire-extinguishing agent from a remote storage location, resulting in floor space savings
and transportation efficiency gains.
Local application fire suppression is typically applied by a handheld portable device tossed directly
toward the fire. Unlike streaming portable fire extinguishing units, the operators are not required to
place themselves at risk by approaching the fire while applying the extinguishing agent directly at the
flames. The portable condensed aerosol device is typically designed to disperse aerosol in a 360°
spray pattern, forming a large aerosol cloud around the vicinity of the fire. The aerosol immediately
attacks the flames as its particles approach the fire and generate flame-neutralizing potassium
radicals. The flames are suppressed as long as the aerosol retains sufficient density. If the aerosol
fails to achieve sufficient density to extinguish the fire, it will still suppress the fire, which will retain
significantly lower heat. This offers firefighters, for instance, a tool to bring down flames to a
manageable heat level and reduce room temperatures while the hose team enters the burning area.
As another example, First Responders can deploy condensed aerosols within an enclosed area to
suppress fires while evacuating occupants to safety.
Condensed aerosol systems are suitable for special hazards applications as replacements for Halon
1301 systems and high-pressure carbon dioxide systems. Aerosol systems can also be used as
alternatives to clean agent gaseous suppressants or water-mist systems.[1]

Environmental issues[edit]
The United States Environmental Protection Agency has approved condensed aerosol fire
suppression systems as acceptable substitutes for Halon 1301 in Total Flooding Systems.[2] Aerosol
extinguishers are also non-ozone depleting and carry little or no global warming potential.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condensed_aerosol_fire_suppression

Posted on April 12, 2011

What Are The Types Of Fire
Sprinkler Systems?
Fire sprinkler systems are all designed to do one thing and one thing only: put water on
fires so that they don’t get out of control. That said, there are a variety of different ways
that different types of fire sprinkler systems go about this. There are basically four types
of Houston fire sprinkler systems:
Wet Pipe Fire Sprinkler Systems – wet pipe fire sprinklers are the most common type of
fire sprinkler system in use. In a wet pipe fire sprinkler, the water is stored directly in the
pipes and released by heat activated sprinkler heads. This type of fire sprinkler has the
advantage of being able to activate instantly, with no lag time when the fire sprinkler heads
open.
Dry Pipe Fire Sprinkler Systems – dry pipe fire sprinkler systems are similar to wet pipe,
except the water is not stored in the pipes. Instead, the pipes are filled with pressurized air
or nitrogen gas. When the sprinkler heads open, the gas is released and a valve opens that
allows water to flow out through the open fire sprinkler heads. While this causes a slight
delay in water discharge, it is useful in buildings where water could freeze if kept in the
pipes.
Deluge Fire Sprinkler Systems – a deluge fire sprinkler system is very similar to a wet
pipe fire sprinkler system, except the fire sprinkler heads are kept open at all times – they
are not activated by heat. Instead, deluge fire sprinkler systems are operated by a
specialized fire alarm which causes a valve to open and release the water. Once the valve
opens, it can’t be closed until manually turned off.
Deluge fire sprinklers are not commonly found in homes or offices. Instead, they are used
in places where rapid fire spread is a concern. You will usually see deluge fire sprinkler
systems near high rise windows, warehouse bay entries or anywhere else where a fire
could escape quickly.
Pre-Action Fire Sprinkler Systems – a pre-action fire sprinkler system is basically a
combination of wet pipe and dry pipe fire sprinkler system. Basically, water is not stored in
the pipes until a fire detection device detects a fire. At this point, the detection device opens
a valve to let the water in before the sprinkler heads open. When the heads open, the pre-
action fire sprinkler system reacts as quickly as a wet pipe fire sprinkler system.
Pre-action fire sprinkler systems are best suited for areas that are at high risk for serious
water damage in the event of accidental fire sprinkler activation.
No matter what type of fire sprinkler system you need in your building, Kauffman Co has
you covered. If you need Houston fire sprinkler installation or expert fire suppression
system maintenance in Houston, Texas, call Kauffman Co today!

https://www.kauffmanco.net/blog/types-fire-sprinkler-systems/

Standpipe Fire Sprinkler Systems in Fort Worth

Standpipe systems play an important role in protecting multi-floor, multi-story, large facilities,
yards, structures or buildings in Fort Worth from fire. Standpipe systems may have installed
vertical sprinkler pipes known as "risers" and horizontal sprinkler pipes installed throughout
the building or facility. Fire pumps may be used to increase water pressure, increasing the PSI
of water is referred to as “total head”, sprinkler systems work best when there is an adequate
pressurized water supply to feed fire sprinkler systems and standpipe sprinkler systems. Water
tanks can be installed on the roof of a building allowing gravity to assist increasing water
pressure this is called a gravity fed pressurized system.

Standpipe Fire Sprinkler Service & Maintenance in Fort Worth

Every standpipe system has a frequency of required tests and

inspections that should be completed according to the schedule
created by the manufacturers recommendations, Federal, State, OSHA,
NFPA standards and codes or the City of Fort Worth safety, building
and/or fire codes. During the course of semi-annual, annual, yearly or
five year (5yr) tests and inspections technicians may note there are
repairs to be completed prior to receiving certificates of completion. Standpipe fire sprinkler systems should be serviced, maintained and
repaired when necessary by actively licensed fire sprinkler companies in Fort Worth.

Available Standpipe Systems in Fort Worth

Standpipe systems are available for specific fire hazards, hazardous materials, explosive materials or special hazards fire protection
coverage. Standpipe systems are designed and engineered to help building occupants, emergency personnel or firefighters in containing
the rapid spread of fire, suppressing or extinguishing the fire completely.
Fort Worth Standpipe Fire Sprinklers

Fort Worth Fire Sprinklers

 Class of Fire Protection
Standpipe Fire Sprinkler Installation
Standpipe Fire Sprinkler
Service & Maintenance
Potter Roemer Model 1300 Series
Standpipe fire sprinklers can be designed to extinguish fires
designated as Class A fires such as organic solid material, cloth
or wood, Class B fires that involve flammable liquids such as
petroleum, solvents, gas or oil, Class C fires that involve
electricity and with foam concentrates available class D fires
including combustible or explosive metals.
Standpipe fire sprinkler systems are often installed in
apartments, skyscrapers, high rise buildings, condos,
dormitories, elder and adult living homes, nursing homes, care
facilities, museums, galleries, restaurants, kitchens, stores,
malls, gas stations, hotels, motels, banks, supermarkets,
hospitals, colleges, parking garages, churches, temples,
franchise restaurants, day care centers, auto body and paint
spray booths, hospitals, trauma centers, children's hospitals,
clinics, schools, libraries, subways, train stations, airports,
hangars, water districts, power plants, heliports, chemical plants,
offshore platforms, mining facilities, pumping stations, marine or
naval ships, military base, jails or prisons.
You can obtain estimates for installation, service and
maintenance of standpipe fire sprinklers from actively licensed
fire sprinkler companies in Fort Worth.
Standpipe fire sprinklers have valves, risers, fire pumps, fire hose
connections, devices and components. Repairs or service may be
required in the standpipe system if there is an empty tank, a
break or major leak in the system’s water piping, frozen,
ruptured or broken lines, inoperable shut off supply valves,
defective fire department connections, complete or partial
construction related shut downs affecting more than one floor or
for a planned standpipe removal.
There are semi-annual (6mo), annual (1yr), five year (5yr) tests
and inspections that should be completed according to Federal,
State, OSHA, Insurance Companies, NFPA standards and codes or
the City of Fort Worth on all installed standpipe fire sprinkler
systems. Fire sprinkler systems should be installed, serviced and
maintained by actively licensed fire sprinkler companies in Fort
Worth.
 Metal Fire Hose Cabinet
Standpipe & Fire Department Connections

Fire sprinkler systems are designed, engineered & installed for

specific use such as:

 Water based fire sprinklers

 Wet pipe fire sprinklers
Fort Worth Fire Sprinklers
 Dry pipe fire sprinklers
 Pre action fire sprinklers
Types of Fire Sprinkler Systems
 Combined fire sprinklers
 Antifreeze fire sprinklers
 Deluge fire sprinklers
 Foam fire sprinklers

High rise buildings or large structures may require the

installation and use of commercial or industrial fire sprinkler
systems such as:

 Standpipe fire sprinklers

 Wet standpipe fire sprinklers
 Dry standpipe fire sprinklers
 Pre action standpipe fire sprinklers
 Combined standpipe fire sprinklers
 Antifreeze standpipe fire sprinklers
 Standpipe hose connections
 Temporary standpipes
 Fire service main
 Fire pumps
 Water tanks

http://www.firesprinklerpro.com/TX/Fort-Worth/stand-pipe-fire-sprinkler-systems.html

Passive Fire Protection Measures

Written by Anderberg, Yngve

 font size

 Print

 Email
Rate this item

 1
 2
 3
 4
 5
(1 Vote)

Confining Fires by Compartmentation

Building and site planning

Fire safety engineering work should begin early in the design phase because the fire safety
requirements influence the layout and design of the building considerably. In this way, the designer
can incorporate fire safety features into the building much better and more economically. The overall
approach includes consideration of both interior building functions and layout, as well as exterior site
planning. Prescriptive code requirements are more and more replaced by functionally based
requirements, which means there is an increased demand for experts in this field. From the
beginning of the construction project, the building designer therefore should contact fire experts to
elucidate the following actions:

 to describe the fire problem specific to the building

 to describe different alternatives to obtain the required fire safety level
 to analyse system choice regarding technical solutions and economy
 to create presumptions for technical optimized system choices.

The architect must utilize a given site in designing the building and adapt the functional and
engineering considerations to the particular site conditions that are present. In a similar manner, the
architect should consider site features in arriving at decisions on fire protection. A particular set of
site characteristics may significantly influence the type of active and passive protection suggested by
the fire consultant. Design features should consider the local fire-fighting resources that are available
and the time to reach the building. The fire service cannot and should not be expected to provide
complete protection for building occupants and property; it must be assisted by both active and
passive building fire defences, to provide reasonable safety from the effects of fire. Briefly, the
operations may be broadly grouped as rescue, fire control and property conservation. The first
priority of any fire-fighting operation is to ensure that all occupants are out of the building before
critical conditions occur.

Structural design based on classification or calculation

A well-established means of codifying fire protection and fire safety requirements for buildings is to
classify them by types of construction, based upon the materials used for the structural elements
and the degree of fire resistance afforded by each element. Classification can be based on furnace
tests in accordance with ISO 834 (fire exposure is characterized by the standard temperature-time
curve), combination of test and calculation or by calculation. These procedures will identify the
standard fire resistance (the ability to fulfil required functions during 30, 60, 90 minutes, etc.) of a
structural load-bearing and/or separating member. Classification (especially when based on tests) is
a simplified and conservative method and is more and more replaced by functionally based
calculation methods taking into account the effect of fully developed natural fires. However, fire tests
will always be required, but they can be designed in a more optimal way and be combined with
computer simulations. In that procedure, the number of tests can be reduced considerably. Usually,
in the fire test procedures, load-bearing structural elements are loaded to 100% of the design load,
but in real life the load utilization factor is most often less than that. Acceptance criteria are specific
for the construction or element tested. Standard fire resistance is the measured time the member
can withstand the fire without failure.

Optimum fire engineering design, balanced against anticipated fire severity, is the objective of
structural and fire protection requirements in modern performance-based codes. These have opened
the way for fire engineering design by calculation with prediction of the temperature and structural
effect due to a complete fire process (heating and subsequent cooling is considered) in a
compartment. Calculations based on natural fires mean that the structural elements (important for
the stability of the building) and the whole structure are not allowed to collapse during the entire fire
process, including cool down.

Comprehensive research has been performed during the past 30 years. Various computer models
have been developed. These models utilize basic research on mechanical and thermal properties of
materials at elevated temperatures. Some computer models are validated against a vast number of
experimental data, and a good prediction of structural behaviour in fire is obtained.

Compartmentation

A fire compartment is a space within a building extending over one or several floors which is
enclosed by separating members such that the fire spread beyond the compartment is prevented
during the relevant fire exposure. Compartmentation is important in preventing the fire to spread into
too large spaces or into the whole building. People and property outside the fire compartment can be
protected by the fact that the fire is extinguished or burns out by itself or by the delaying effect of the
separating members on the spread of fire and smoke until the occupants are rescued to a place of
safety.

The fire resistance required by a compartment depends upon its intended purpose and on the
expected fire. Either the separating members enclosing the compartment shall resist the maximum
expected fire or contain the fire until occupants are evacuated. The load-bearing elements in the
compartment must always resist the complete fire process or be classified to a certain resistance
measured in terms of periods of time, which is equal or longer than the requirement of the separating
members.

Structural integrity during a fire

The requirement for maintaining structural integrity during a fire is the avoidance of structural
collapse and the ability of the separating members to prevent ignition and flame spread into adjacent
spaces. There are different approaches to provide the design for fire resistance. They are
classifications based on standard fire-resistance test as in ISO 834, combination of test and
calculation or solely calculation and the performance-based procedure computer prediction based on
real fire exposure.

Interior finish

Interior finish is the material that forms the exposed interior surface of walls, ceilings and floor. There
are many types of interior finish materials such as plaster, gypsum, wood and plastics. They serve
several functions. Some functions of the interior material are acoustical and insulational, as well as
protective against wear and abrasion.

Interior finish is related to fire in four different ways. It can affect the rate of fire build-up to flashover
conditions, contribute to fire extension by flame spread, increase the heat release by adding fuel and
produce smoke and toxic gases. Materials that exhibit high rates of flame spread, contribute fuel to a
fire or produce hazardous quantities of smoke and toxic gases would be undesirable.
Smoke movement

In building fires, smoke often moves to locations remote from the fire space. Stairwells and elevator
shafts can become smoke-logged, thereby blocking evacuation and inhibiting fire-fighting. Today,
smoke is recognized as the major killer in fire situations (see figure 1).

Figure 1. The production of smoke from a fire.

The driving forces of smoke movement include naturally occurring stack effect, buoyancy of
combustion gases, the wind effect, fan-powered ventilation systems and the elevator piston effect.

When it is cold outside, there is an upward movement of air within building shafts. Air in the building
has a buoyant force because it is warmer and therefore less dense than outside air. The buoyant
force causes air to rise within building shafts. This phenomenon is known as the stack effect. The
pressure difference from the shaft to the outside, which causes smoke movement, is illustrated
below:

where

= the pressure difference from the shaft to the outside

g = acceleration of gravity
= absolute atmospheric pressure

R = gas constant of air

= absolute temperature of outside air

= absolute temperature of air inside the shaft

z = elevation
High-temperature smoke from a fire has a buoyancy force due to its reduced density. The equation
for buoyancy of combustion gases is similar to the equation for the stack effect.

In addition to buoyancy, the energy released by a fire can cause smoke movement due to
expansion. Air will flow into the fire compartment, and hot smoke will be distributed in the
compartment. Neglecting the added mass of the fuel, the ratio of volumetric flows can simply be
expressed as a ratio of absolute temperature.
Wind has a pronounced effect on smoke movement. The elevator piston effect should not be
neglected. When an elevator car moves in a shaft, transient pressures are produced.

Heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems transport smoke during building fires.
When a fire starts in an unoccupied portion of a building, the HVAC system can transport smoke to
another occupied space. The HVAC system should be designed so that either the fans are shut
down or the system transfers into a special smoke control mode operation.

Smoke movement can be managed by use of one or more of the following mechanisms:
compartmentation, dilution, air flow, pressurization or buoyancy.

Evacuation of Occupants

Egress design

Egress design should be based upon an evaluation of a building’s total fire protection system (see
figure 2).

Figure 2. Principles of exit safety.

People evacuating from a burning building are influenced by a number of impressions during their
escape. The occupants have to make several decisions during the escape in order to make the right
choices in each situation. These reactions can differ widely, depending upon the physical and mental
capabilities and conditions of building occupants.

The building will also influence the decisions made by the occupants by its escape routes, guidance
signs and other installed safety systems. The spread of fire and smoke will have the strongest
impact on how the occupants make their decisions. The smoke will limit the visibility in the building
and create a non-tenable environment to the evacuating persons. Radiation from fire and flames
creates large spaces that cannot be used for evacuation, which increases the risk.

In designing means of egress one first needs a familiarity with the reaction of people in fire
emergencies. Patterns of movement of people must be understood.

The three stages of evacuation time are notification time, reaction time and time to evacuate. The
notification time is related to whether there is a fire alarm system in the building or if the occupant is
able to understand the situation or how the building is divided into compartments. The reaction time
depends on the occupant’s ability to make decisions, the properties of the fire (such as the amount
of heat and smoke) and how the building’s egress system is planned. Finally, the time to evacuate
depends on where in the building crowds are formed and how people move in various situations.

In specific buildings with mobile occupants, for example, studies have shown certain reproducible
flow characteristics from persons exiting the buildings. These predictable flow characteristics have
fostered computer simulations and modelling to aid the egress design process.

The evacuation travel distances are related to the fire hazard of the contents. The higher the hazard,
the shorter the travel distance to an exit.

A safe exit from a building requires a safe path of escape from the fire environment. Hence, there
must be a number of properly designed means of egress of adequate capacity. There should be at
least one alternative means of egress considering that fire, smoke and the characteristics of
occupants and so on may prevent use of one means of egress. The means of egress must be
protected against fire, heat and smoke during the egress time. Thus, it is necessary to have building
codes that consider the passive protection, according to evacuation and of course to fire protection.
A building must manage the critical situations, which are given in the codes concerning evacuation.
For example, in the Swedish Building Codes, the smoke layer must not reach below

1.6 + 0.1H (H is the total compartment height), maximum radiation 10 kW/m2 of short duration, and
the temperature in the breathing air must not exceed 80 °C.

An effective evacuation can take place if a fire is discovered early and the occupants are alerted
promptly with a detection and alarm system. A proper mark of the means of egress surely facilitates
the evacuation. There is also a need for organization and drill of evacuation procedures.

Human behaviour during fires

How one reacts during a fire is related to the role assumed, previous experience, education and
personality; the perceived threat of the fire situation; the physical characteristics and means of
egress available within the structure; and the actions of others who are sharing the experience.
Detailed interviews and studies over 30 years have established that instances of non-adaptive, or
panic, behaviour are rare events that occur under specific conditions. Most behaviour in fires is
determined by information analysis, resulting in cooperative and altruistic actions.

Human behaviour is found to pass through a number of identified stages, with the possibility of
various routes from one stage to the next. In summary, the fire is seen as having three general
stages:
1. The individual receives initial cues and investigates or misinterprets these initial cues.
2. Once the fire is apparent, the individual will try to obtain further information, contact others or
leave.
3. The individual will thereafter deal with the fire, interact with others or escape.

Pre-fire activity is an important factor. If a person is engaged in a well-known activity, for example
eating a meal in a restaurant, the implications for subsequent behaviour are considerable.

Cue reception may be a function of pre-fire activity. There is a tendency for gender differences, with
females more likely to be recipient of noises and odours, though the effect is only slight. There are
role differences in initial responses to the cue. In domestic fires, if the female receives the cue and
investigates, the male, when told, is likely to “have a look” and delay further actions. In larger
establishments, the cue may be an alarm warning. Information may come from others and has been
found to be inadequate for effective behaviour.

Individuals may or may not have realized that there is a fire. An understanding of their behaviour
must take account of whether they have defined their situation correctly.

When the fire has been defined, the “prepare” stage occurs. The particular type of occupancy is
likely to have a great influence on exactly how this stage develops. The “prepare” stage includes in
chronological order “instruct”, “explore” and “withdraw”.

The “act” stage, which is the final stage, depends upon role, occupancy, and earlier behaviour and
experience. It may be possible for early evacuation or effective fire-fighting to occur.

Building transportation systems

Building transportation systems must be considered during the design stage and should be
integrated with the whole building’s fire protection system. The hazards associated with these
systems must be included in any pre-fire planning and fire protection survey.

Building transportation systems, such as elevators and escalators, make high-rise buildings feasible.
Elevator shafts can contribute to the spread of smoke and fire. On the other hand, an elevator is a
necessary tool for fire-fighting operations in high-rise buildings.

Transportation systems may contribute to dangerous and complicated fire safety problems because
an enclosed elevator shaft acts as a chimney or flue because of the stack effect of hot smoke and
gases from fire. This generally results in the movement of smoke and combustion products from
lower to upper levels of the building.

High-rise buildings present new and different problems to fire-suppression forces, including the use
of elevators during emergencies. Elevators are unsafe in a fire for several reasons:

1. Persons may push a corridor button and have to wait for an elevator that may never respond,
losing valuable escape time.
2. Elevators do not prioritize car and corridor calls, and one of the calls may be at the fire floor.
3. Elevators cannot start until the lift and shaft doors are closed, and panic could lead to
overcrowding of an elevator and the blockage of the doors, which would thus prevent closing.
4. The power can fail during a fire at any time, thus leading to entrapment. (See figure 3)

Figure 3. An example of a pictographic warning message for elevator use.

Fire drills and occupant training

A proper mark of the means of egress facilitates the evacuation, but it does not ensure life safety
during fire. Exit drills are necessary to make an orderly escape. They are specially required in
schools, board and care facilities and industries with high hazard. Employee drills are required, for
example, in hotel and large business occupancies. Exit drills should be conducted to avoid confusion
and ensure the evacuation of all occupants.
 All employees should be assigned to check for availability, to count occupants when they are outside
the fire area, to search for stragglers and to control re-entry. They should also recognize the
evacuation signal and know the exit route they are to follow. Primary and alternative routes should
be established, and all employees should be trained to use either route. After each exit drill, a
meeting of responsible managers should be held to evaluate the success of the drill and to solve any
kind of problem that could have occurred.

http://www.iloencyclopaedia.org/part-vi-16255/fire/41/passive-fire-protection-measures

Active Fire Protection Measures

Written by Taylor, Gary M.

 font size

 Print

 Email
Rate this item

 1
 2
 3
 4
 5
(0 votes)

Life Safety and Property Protection

As the primary importance of any fire protection measure is to provide an acceptable degree of life
safety to inhabitants of a structure, in most countries legal requirements applying to fire protection
are based on life safety concerns. Property protection features are intended to limit physical
damage. In many cases these objectives are complementary. Where concern exists with the loss of
property, its function or contents, an owner may choose to implement measures beyond the required
minimum necessary to address life safety concerns.

Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

A fire detection and alarm system provides a means to detect fire automatically and to warn building
occupants of the threat of fire. It is the audible or visual alarm provided by a fire detection system
that is the signal to begin the evacuation of the occupants from the premises. This is especially
important in large or multi-storey buildings where occupants would be unaware that a fire was
underway within the structure and where it would be unlikely or impractical for warning to be
provided by another inhabitant.

Basic elements of a fire detection and alarm system

A fire detection and alarm system may include all or some of the following:
1. a system control unit
2. a primary or main electrical power supply
3. a secondary (stand-by) power supply, usually supplied from batteries or an emergency generator
4. alarm-initiating devices such as automatic fire detectors, manual pull stations and/or sprinkler
system flow devices, connected to “initiating circuits” of the system control unit
5. alarm-indicating devices, such as bells or lights, connected to “indicating circuits” of the system
control unit
6. ancillary controls such as ventilation shut-down functions, connected to output circuits of the
system control unit
7. remote alarm indication to an external response location, such as the fire department
8. control circuits to activate a fire protection system or smoke control system.

Smoke Control Systems

To reduce the threat of smoke from entering exit paths during evacuation from a structure, smoke
control systems can be used. Generally, mechanical ventilation systems are employed to supply
fresh air to the exit path. This method is most often used to pressurize stairways or atrium buildings.
This is a feature intended to enhance life safety.

Portable Fire Extinguishers and Hose Reels

Portable fire extinguishers and water hose reels are often provided for use by building occupants to
fight small fires (see figure 1). Building occupants should not be encouraged to use a portable fire
extinguisher or hose reel unless they have been trained in their use. In all cases, operators should
be very cautious to avoid placing themselves in a position where safe egress is blocked. For any fire,
no matter how small, the first action should always be to notify other building occupants of the threat
of fire and summon assistance from the professional fire service.

Figure 1. Portable fire extinguishers.

Water Sprinkler Systems

Water sprinkler systems consist of a water supply, distribution valves and piping connected to
automatic sprinkler heads (see figure 2). While current sprinkler systems are primarily intended to
control the spread of fire, many systems have accomplished complete extinguishment.

Figure 2. A typical sprinkler installation showing all common water supplies, outdoor hydrants and
underground piping.

A common misconception is that all automatic sprinkler heads open in the event of a fire. In fact,
each sprinkler head is designed to open only when sufficient heat is present to indicate a fire. Water
then flows only from the sprinkler head(s) that have opened as the result of fire in their immediate
vicinity. This design feature provides efficient use of water for fire-fighting and limits water damage.

Water supply
Water for an automatic sprinkler system must be available in sufficient quantity and at sufficient
volume and pressure at all times to ensure reliable operation in the event of fire. Where a municipal
water supply cannot meet this requirement, a reservoir or pump arrangement must be provided to
provide a secure water supply.

Control valves

Control valves should be maintained in the open position at all times. Often, supervision of the
control valves can be accomplished by the automatic fire alarm system by provision of valve tamper
switches that will initiate a trouble or supervisory signal at the fire alarm control panel to indicate a
closed valve. If this type of monitoring cannot be provided, the valves should be locked in the open
position.

Piping

Water flows through a piping network, ordinarily suspended from the ceiling, with the sprinkler heads
suspended at intervals along the pipes. Piping used in sprinkler systems should be of a type that can
withstand a working pressure of not less than 1,200 kPa. For exposed piping systems, fittings should
be of the screwed, flanged, mechanical joint or brazed type.

Sprinkler heads

A sprinkler head consists of an orifice, normally held closed by a temperature-sensitive releasing

element, and a spray deflector. The water discharge pattern and spacing requirements for individual
sprinkler heads are used by sprinkler designers to ensure complete coverage of the protected risk.

Special Extinguishing Systems

Special extinguishing systems are used in cases where water sprinklers would not provide adequate
protection or where the risk of damage from water would be unacceptable. In many cases where
water damage is of concern, special extinguishing systems may be used in conjunction with water
sprinkler systems, with the special extinguishing system designed to react at an early stage of fire
development.

Water and water-additive special extinguishing systems

Water spray systems

Water spray systems increase the effectiveness of water by producing smaller water droplets, and
thus a greater surface area of water is exposed to the fire, with a relative increase in heat absorption
capability. This type of system is often chosen as a means of keeping large pressure vessels, such
as butane spheres, cool when there is a risk of an exposure fire originating in an adjacent area. The
system is similar to a sprinkler system; however, all heads are open, and a separate detection
system or manual action is used to open control valves. This allows water to flow through the piping
network to all spray devices that serve as outlets from the piping system.

Foam systems

In a foam system, a liquid concentrate is injected into the water supply before the control valve.
Foam concentrate and air are mixed, either through the mechanical action of discharge or by
aspirating air into the discharge device. The air entrained in the foam solution creates an expanded
foam. As expanded foam is less dense than most hydrocarbons, the expanded foam forms a blanket
on top of the flammable liquid. This foam blanket reduces fuel vapour propagation. Water, which
represents as much as 97% of the foam solution, provides a cooling effect to further reduce vapour
propagation and to cool hot objects that could serve as a source of re-ignition.

Gaseous extinguishing systems

Carbon dioxide systems

Carbon dioxide systems consist of a supply of carbon dioxide, stored as liquified compressed gas in
pressure vessels (see figures 3 and 4). The carbon dioxide is held in the pressure vessel by means
of an automatic valve that is opened upon fire by means of a separate detection system or by
manual operation. Once released, the carbon dioxide is delivered to the fire by means of a piping
and discharge nozzle arrangement. Carbon dioxide extinguishes fire by displacing the oxygen
available to the fire. Carbon dioxide systems can be designed for use in open areas such as printing
presses or enclosed volumes such as ship machinery spaces. Carbon dioxide, at fire-extinguishing
concentrations, is toxic to people, and special measures must be employed to ensure that persons in
the protected area are evacuated before discharge occurs. Pre-discharge alarms and other safety
measures must be carefully incorporated into the design of the system to ensure adequate safety for
people working in the protected area. Carbon dioxide is considered to be a clean extinguishant
because it does not cause collateral damage and is electrically non-conductive.

Figure 3. Diagram of a high-pressure carbon dioxide system for total flooding.

Figure 4. A total flooding system installed in a room with a raised floor.

Inert gas systems

Inert gas systems generally use a mixture of nitrogen and argon as an extinguishing medium. In
some cases, a small percentage of carbon dioxide is also provided in the gas mixture. The inert gas
mixtures extinguish fires by reducing oxygen concentration within a protected volume. They are
suitable for use in enclosed spaces only. The unique feature offered by inert gas mixtures is that
they reduce the oxygen to a low enough concentration to extinguish many types of fires; however,
oxygen levels are not sufficiently lowered to pose an immediate threat to occupants of the protected
space. The inert gases are compressed and stored in pressure vessels. System operation is similar
to a carbon dioxide system. As the inert gases cannot be liquefied by compression, the number of
storage vessels required for protection of a given enclosed protected volume is greater than that for
carbon dioxide.

Halon systems

Halons 1301, 1211 and 2402 have been identified as ozone-depleting substances. Production of
these extinguishing agents ceased in 1994, as required by the Montreal Protocol, an international
agreement to protect the earth’s ozone layer. Halon 1301 was most often used in fixed fire protection
systems. Halon 1301 was stored as liquefied, compressed gas in pressure vessels in a similar
arrangement to that used for carbon dioxide. The advantage offered by halon 1301 was that storage
pressures were lower and that very low concentrations provided effective extinguishing capability.
Halon 1301 systems were used successfully for totally enclosed hazards where the extinguishing
concentration achieved could be maintained for a sufficient time for extinguishment to occur. For
most risks, concentrations used did not pose an immediate threat to occupants. Halon 1301 is still
used for several important applications where acceptable alternatives have yet to be developed.
Examples include use on-board commercial and military aircraft and for some special cases where
inerting concentrations are required to prevent explosions in areas where occupants could be
present. The halon in existing halon systems that are no longer required should be made available
for use by others with critical applications. This will militate against the need to produce more of
these environmentally sensitive extinguishers and help protect the ozone layer.

Halocarbon systems

Halocarbon agents were developed as the result of the environmental concerns associated with
halons. These agents differ widely in toxicity, environmental impact, storage weight and volume
requirements, cost and availability of approved system hardware. They all can be stored as liquefied
compressed gases in pressure vessels. System configuration is similar to a carbon dioxide system.

Design, Installation and Maintenance of Active Fire Protection Systems

Only those skilled in this work are competent to design, install and maintain this equipment. It may
be necessary for many of those charged with purchasing, installing, inspecting, testing, approving
and maintaining this equipment to consult with an experienced and competent fire protection
specialist to discharge their duties effectively.

Further Information

This section of the Encyclopaedia presents a very brief and limited overview of the available choice
of active fire protection systems. Readers may often obtain more information by contacting a
national fire protection association, their insurer or the fire prevention department of their local fire
service.

Back

http://www.iloencyclopaedia.org/part-vi-16255/fire/41/active-fire-protection-measures