FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA LABORATORY MANUAL

COURSE BUILDING SERVICES LABORATORY

COURSE CODE ECM346

LEVEL OF OPENNESS 1

CATEGORY PARTIALLY OPEN

DEGREE OF OPEN-ENDED (%) 33

PERIOD OF ACTIVITY 1 WEEK (WEEK 5)

FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT – FIRE ALARM SYSTEM (SMOKE DETECTOR AND HEAT
TITLE
DETECTOR)

1.1 Introduction
Level 1 laboratory activity refers to condition where the problem and ways &
means are guided and given to the students. However, the answers to the
assignment are left to the students to solve using the group creativity and
innovativeness. The activity is to slowly be introduced and inculcate independent
learning amongst students and prepare them for a much harder task of open-
ended laboratory activities.
In this laboratory activities student will be able to learn on the fire alarm system
(smoke detector and heat detector) used in the building.
1.2 Objective
The objective of this laboratory session is:
• To examine the performance of both fixed temperature and rate of
temperature rise heat detectors.
1.3 Learning Outcomes
At the end of the laboratory activities, students would be able to:
1) Understand the basic concepts and principles of smoke and heat detector
PREAMBLE system in the building.
2) Differentiate between ionization and visible smoke detector heads.
3) Describe the safety components and the essential wiring of a typical two
types of zone detector circuit or dual alarm system.
1.4 Theoretical Background
Fire-fighting systems are required to meet the needs of tackling small fires and to
prevent fire from spreading in a building. All fire alarm system basically operates
on the same principle. If the detector detects smoke or heat, or fire alarm were
triggered by glass breaking, then the alarm sounders operate to warn others in
the building that there might be a fire and need to evacuate.
For the system that protects property, it is likely that additional fire alarm signals
will incorporate remote equipment that would alert the fire brigade in the central
station. Fire alarm systems are wired and can be broken down into three
categories, Conventional, Addressable Analog and Addressable.
In Conventional Fire Alarm System, the number of points of call or a few points
call and detector are wired to the Fire Alarm Control Panel in each zone, where
usually a person will wire the circuit each floor or fire compartment. Fire Alarm
FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA LABORATORY MANUAL

Control Panel will have a number of lighting zones. The reason for the zone is to
provide a rough location of where the fire occurred, and each zone is controlled
by the number of Zone Control Panel.
Control Panel will be wired to a minimum of two sounder circuits that might
contain bells, electronic sounders or another audible device. Each circuit will have
a final line device used for monitoring purposes.
Fire-fighting systems are required to meet the needs of tackling small fires. Fire-
fighting system is a prevention system to prevent fire from spreading in a
PROBLEM STATEMENT
building. Understanding each of the fire alarm system component and devices
and how it works is important in fire prevention operation.
3.1 Apparatus
Fire-fighting system using smoke detector and heat detector.
3.2 Procedures
1) Supply power to the unit by turning on the main switch.
2) Note the temperature of the thermometer inside both sections of the
enclosure.
3) Turn on the heat detectors test switch and the rate of temperature rise test
switch. The lamps inside the enclosure will light.
4) Record the temperatures inside the enclosure at every one-minute intervals.
5) Record the temperature at the point the alarm triggers.
WAYS & MEANS 6) Open the lid of the enclosure and allow the sensor to cool for several
minutes.
7) Turn the key switch to SILENCE and press RESET button when the sensors
have cooled. Return the key switch to the NORMAL position.
8) The above procedures are repeated with the fixed temperature sensor and
smoke detectors, which the temperatures are again recorded at one-minute
intervals.
9) Plot the two sets of results on the same graph.
3.3 Data Acquisition
Observe and obtain information regarding the function of each components and
accessories. Explain the process of smoke and heat detection.
4 Results, Analysis and Conclusion
Format for data acquisition and report will be prepared by the group. Write down
RESULTS the observations on each device when test procedure has been carried out.
Provide sketches and labels of the devices if necessary.
The report must be submitted 7 days after the completion of the test.