Contents

1. Introduction 1.
2. Types of the Fire Alarm 2.
Detectors
3.
3. Types of the Fire Alarm
4.
Control Panels
5.
4. Commissioning & Testing of the
Fire Alarm systems 6.
5. Fire Alarm System Management 7.
6. Fire Alarm Systems Design 8.
Concepts 9.
7. Review of a Fire Alarm Systems
Design
8. Fire Alarm Standards, samples
9. Case Study

2
1. Introduction 1.

3
 FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
CODE OF PRACTICE* *
1. Scope .1
This Part provides
recommendations for the
planning, design, and servicing
of fire detection and alarm
systems in and around
buildings.
This Part does not cover
systems whose primary
function to extinguish or
control the fire, such as
sprinkler or automatic
extinguishing systems, even
though they might have a
secondary alarm function; it
does cover the use of a signal
from an automatic
extinguishing element of a fire
alarm system.

4
 FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
CODE OF PRACTICE* *

. 2
2. Definitions: -
2.1 Addressable System: 2.1
A system in which signals
from each detector and/or call point
are individually identified at the 2.2
control panel. Hybrid systems are
possible in which groups of devices
on a circuit can be separately
identified, but not individual devices
within the group.
2.2 Aspirating detector:
A detector system in which a
sample of the atmosphere in the
protected space is sucked by a fan or
a pump into a detector which may
be remote from the protected space.

5
 FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
CODE OF PRACTICE* *

2.3 Automatic System: 2.3

A system in which an alarm of
fire can be initiated automatically.
2.4
2.4 Competent person:
A person competent to perform a
task. 2.5
2.5 Detector:
A part of an automatic fire
detection system that contains at
least on sensor which constantly or
at frequent intervals monitors at
least one suitable physical and/or
chemical phenomenon associated
with fire to the control panel and
indicating equipment.

6
 Fire Detection: Scope

Fire Detection Scope:

The basic objectives of effective fire
detection (protection) measures is
to protect human lives, material
assets and the environment from
dangers and the effects of fire. 1.
Specifically this means: 2.
1. Preventing danger to life and 3.
health (Personnel protection )
2. Preventing material damage
(Asset protection)
3. Preventing ecological damage
(environment protection)

7
Fire Detection Scope ( Continue ) :
To ensure adequate fire safety most countries
have enacted national and regional
regulations that allocate the responsibility :
as follows:
• Personnel protection is normally
governed by laws and ordinances. •
• Asset protection is usually governed by •
insurance companies which publish
corresponding guidelines and regulations.
Such laws, ordinances, guidelines and
standards have in all cases precedence
over the recommendations in this security
guide and must be conscientiously taken
into consideration when planning a fire
alarm (protection) system.
In cases where no laws and ordinances exist,
the fire detection system should be
planned in accordance with sound fire
protection practice.

8
 Fire Detection and Gas Warning Systems
Automatic fire detection
systems:
An automatic fire detection system
is designed to detect a fire in its
incipient stage and to
automatically initiate
programmed control functions. •
For example: •
• Alarming persons who are in
danger. •
• Calling the fire fighting forces
and rescue teams.
• Activating devices for restricting
smoke and fire propagation, for
example, closing fire doors, fire
dampers, and the like.

9
 Fire Detection and Gas Warning Systems
Automatic fire detection systems( Continue )
• Activating fixed extinguishing
systems, •
• Activating smoke and heat venting •
systems, escape route
•
pressurization,
• De-energizing technical systems •
(installations),
•
• Controlling building services
systems, particularly heating and •
ventilation systems and elevators,
• Activating the emergency lighting,
• Activating the evacuation systems,
and the like.

10
 .2
Types of the Fire Alarm .2
Detectors

11
 ELECTRONIC DETECTOR

SMOKE FLAM E HEAT

INFRARED ULTRAVIOLET
Rate of Temp. Fixed Temp.
VISIBLE INVISIBLE RAY RAY
S.MOKE S.MOKE
change

FLICKERED FLICKERED
INFRARED RAY ULTRAVIOLET RATE OF TEMP. RATE OF TEMP.
OPT ICAL OPT ICAL CHANGE
DETECTOR RAY DETECTOR CHANGE
S.MOKE S.MOKE
DETECTOR DETECTOR

12
 FIRE ALARM DETECTORS

AUTOMATIC )
MECHANICAL

ELECTRONIC ELECTROMECHANICAL

A SOLID BODY
MELTING / EXPANSION
SMOKE FLAM E HEAT MECH. & ELECT.

A Liquid
VISIBLE S.
Eevaporation
INVISIBLE S. ULT RAVIOLET

/ Ficed -Temp. / Rate of Temp. Thermal Link

ULTRAVIOLET / INFRA RED change

13 Water, ... Sprinklers

Duct Mounting Smoke Detector Ionization Smoke Detector

BASE
14
Ionization Smoke Detector

How do Ionization fire

detectors work?
• The sensing part of the
•
detector consists of two
chambers: an open, outer
chamber and a semi-
sealed reference chamber
within.
15
 How do Ionization fire detectors work?
• Mounted in the reference 241 •
chamber is a low activity
radioactive foil of Amercium •
241helping current to flow
between the two chambers •
when the detector is powered up
• As smoke enters the detector,
particles become attracted to
the ions, causing a reduction in
current flow in the outer
chamber and an increase in
voltage measured between the
two chambers.
• The voltage increase is
monitored by the electronic
circuitry which triggers the
detector into the alarm state at
a preset threshold, lighting
externally visible red LED when
the detector changes to alarm
state.
16
 Integrating Ionization Smoke Detector
• This type of detector works on the 20 •
same principles as the ionization •
smoke detector, but has a modified
signal processing circuitry which
allows an alarm threshold to be
present for up to 20 seconds
without initiating an alarm. This
type of detectors is suitable for use
in areas where transient high levels
of smoke may be expected.
• The integrating effect in Analogue
Addressable Systems can be
mimicked in both ionization and
optical smoke detectors by
adjusting the control equipment
software to cause an appropriate
delay.

17
Optical ( Photo-electric ) Smoke Detector

LED

18
Optical ( Photo-electric ) Smoke Detector
Optical smoke detectors utilize
a pulsing infrared LED located
in a chamber within the housing
of the detector. The chamber is
designed to exclude light from
any external source. At an angle
to the LED is a photo-diode
which normally does not
register the column of light
emitted by the LED. When a
smoke enter the chamber, the
above light pulse will be
scattered and hence registered
by the photo-diode.

19
 Beam Detector
A beam detector is designed to
protect large, open spaces and 1.
is made up of three main parts: 2.
3.
1. The transmitter, which projects
a beam of infra-red light.
2. The receiver registers the
transmitted light and produces
an electrical signal.
3. The interface, which processes
the signal and generates alarm
or fault signals.
When a fire develops, smoke
particles obstruct the beam of
light and, once a pre-set
threshold has been exceeded,
the detector will go into alarm.

20
FLAME DETECTOR: -

A Flame detector is
designed to detect either ultraviolet
(UV) or infrared (IR) radiation
emitted by a fire. The flame
detector is sensitive to low-
frequency, flickering radiation.
This means that the
detector can operate even if the
lens is contaminated by a layer of
oil, dust, water vapour or ice.

21
 FLAME DETECTOR

FLAME DETECTOR: -

The flame detector has been

designed for use where open
flaming fires may be expected. •
Applications include aircraft •
hangers, coal handling , paper •
manufacturing plants, and wood . °36090 •
working environments.
The detector is:
• Loop powered.
• Sensitive to flickering IR/or UV.
• Able to detect open flames, and
glowing embers.
• Has a 90° or 360° field of view.

22
 HEAT DETECTOR

23
 HEAT DETECTOR
Most conventional heat detectors
operate by using a matched
pair of thermistors to sense
heat. One thermistor is exposed
to the ambient temperature, the
other is sealed. In normal
conditions the two thermistors
register similar temperatures,
on the development of a fire the
temperature recorded by the
exposed thermistor will
increase rapidly, resulting in
an imbalance of the
thermistors, causing the
detector to change into alarm
state.

24
 HEAT DETECTOR
• Externally, the heat detectors •
are distinguishable from the
•
smoke detectors by having wide
openings to the surroundings to
allow good movement of air
around the external thermistor.
• A heat detector may be more
appropriate than a smoke
detector where the environment
is dirty or smoky under normal
conditions. It must be
recognized, that any heat
detector will respond only when
a fire is well established and
generating a high heat output.
25
Linear Heat Detector

26
27
28
 ‫ىىىىىىىىىىى ىىىىىى ىىىىىى‬
‫ىىىىىىىى ىىىىىى ىىىىىىىى‬
‫ىىىىىىىىى‬
( Distributed Temperature Sensing ( DTS
Features & Benefits
Conventional systems have
limitations.
Fiber optic systems provide
•
intelligent solutions. •
Real time temperature ◄
profiles
Fire location & ◄
direction of propagation ◄
Programmable
functions ◄
Break detection
and recovery remote
interrogation
29
 ‫ىىىىىىىىىىى ىىىىىى ىىىىىى‬
‫ىىىىىىىى ىىىىىى ىىىىىىىى‬
‫ىىىىىىىىى‬
( Distributed Temperature Sensing ( DTS
• Distributed Temperature Sensing
(DTS) using optical fibers 1986 •
established since 1986. •
• Used in a number of safety
critical applications:
► Temperature profiling of
power cables.
► Hot spot location on process
plant.
► Cryogenic leak detection in
storage tanks.
► Subsurface temperature
monitoring of oil production
wells.
► Advanced linear heat fire
detection for tunnels.

30
 ‫ىىىىىىىىىىى ىىىىىى ىىىىىى‬
‫ىىىىىىىى ىىىىىى ىىىىىىىى‬
‫ىىىىىىىىى‬
( Distributed Temperature Sensing ( DTS

DESIGN CRITERIA
• Multiple loop capability 8 •
up to 8 km •
• Fire authority approval •
• Loop design for high •
integrity & fast response 8 040◄
• Wide temperature range: 300185◄
Acrylate: range – 40 °c to
+ 90°c
Polyimide : range – 185 °c
to + 300 °c

& ‫ ىىى ىىىىى ىىىىىىىىىىى‬:‫ىىىىىىى‬

31
‫ىىىىىىىىىىى‬ ‫ ىىى ىىىىى‬:‫ىىىىىىى‬
 ‫ىىىىىىىىىىى ىىىىىى ىىىىىى‬
‫ىىىىىىىى ىىىىىى ىىىىىىىى‬
‫ىىىىىىىىى‬
( Distributed Temperature Sensing ( DTS

DESIGN CRITERIA
(continued)

• Metal jacket for best results •

316 stainless steel 316
3 mm diam tube – factory ф 3
inserted fiber ф 6
6 mm diam tube – field blown
fiber
Emc immunity & hazardous
area safety
Safe for human exposure

32
 ‫ىىىىىىىىىىى ىىىىىى ىىىىىى‬
‫ىىىىىىىى ىىىىىى ىىىىىىىى‬
‫ىىىىىىىىى‬
( Distributed Temperature Sensing ( DTS

MULTIPLE
FUNCTIONALITY
• Separate determination of
•
peaks & averages
•
• Differentiation between fire
◄
and ambient conditions
◄
Average temperature for
ventilation control •
peak temperature for fire
control

• Post data processing &

condition monitoring

33
In conclusion…
• In order to enhance safety,
fire detection systems need to •
provide a higher level of •
information and continue to
operate throughout the
emergency situation
• Fiber optic based distributed
linear heat detection is a cost
effective intelligent heat
detection that provides the
features required.

34
 Multisensor Detector

Multisensor detectors
are general purpose
detectors which
respond well to a wide
range of fires.
35
 Carbon Monoxide CO
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a
poisonous gas produced by a
combustion and a CO fire
detector is used to indicate the
outbreak of a fire by sensing the
level of Co in the air. The
detector has an electrochemical
cell which senses CO, not smoke
or other combustion products.
The cells do not require much
power, so the detector can be
made electrically compatible
with ordinary smoke and heat
detectors.
CO detectors are particularly good
at detecting deep-seated
smouldering fires.

36
Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

37
Combustible Gas Detectors

38
Pneumatic / Heat Fire Detectors & Extinguishers

39
Pneumatic / Heat Fire Detectors & Extinguishers

40
Pneumatic / Heat Fire Detectors & Extinguishers

Pneumatic Control Head

Pneumatic Heat Fire Detector

(Fire Extinguisher (Pressurized Type

41
 FIRE ALARM DETECTORS

MECHANICAL DETECTOR

A LIQUID
A SOLID BODY MELTING /
EVAPORATION
EXPANSION

Water, ... Sprinklers Thermal Link

T= 75°C F

42
Listed Fusible Links

43
 Upright Pendent

Concealed

Water, ... Sprinklers

Quick-Response
Recessed
44
 .3
Types of the Fire Alarm .3
Control Panels

45
 Addressable Control Panel
46
 8
47
48 Integrated Fire Alarm System
 4.
4. Commissioning & Testing
of the Fire Alarm systems

49
 4
Commissioning & Testing .4
SYSTEM NETWOK: - 1.
1.1 Make final review and check
the network circuitry
1.1
characteristics according to the
final approved* design, and
prepare the as-built drawings. 1.2
1.2 Take care to keep the
documents related system network 2
preventive maintenance program 242.1
in good order, and enough copies
too.
2. SYSTEM COMPONENTS : -
2.1 Start to make the initial
visual and conformity inspection
of the system components
according to the manufacturer
instructions, for example don’t
store more than 30 ionization
detectors particularly in adjacent
packages
Final approved* design: i.e. it is complying with relevant codes, and clients demands
50
 4

2. SYSTEM COMPONENTS: - 2
2.2 Take care to keep the 2.2
related components catalogues 2.3
in good order, and enough
copies too.
2.4
2.3 Take care to keep the
related commissioning & testing
components catalogues in good 2.5
order, and enough copies too.
2.4 Take care to keep the
related running & maintenance
components catalogues in good
order, and enough copies too.
2.5 Take care to keep the
related spare components in
good order, and enough
numbers according to the
manufacturer instructions.

Final approved* design: i.e. it is complying with relevant codes, and clients demands
51
 4

3. SYSTEM INSTALLATION : 3
-
3.1 Make sure to attend each
zone commissioning and testing 3.1
according the related BS*,
NPFA, and Egyptian codes,
including individual detectors 3.2
testing, manual alarm stations,
audible and visual components …
etc, and any related auto-
programmed ancillaries.

3.2 Perform entire system

commissioning and testing
according the related BS, NPFA,
and Egyptian codes, including
individual detectors testing,
manual alarm stations, audible
and visual components …etc, and
any related auto-programmed
ancillaries.

BS* : 5839 Part 1

52
 5.
5 . SYSTEM MANAGEMENT

53
5. SYSTEM 5
MANAGEMENT: - 5.1
5.2
5.1 Adopt the system
manufacturer technical advices 5.3
for running and maintaining
5.4
the system.
5.2 Initiate all standards and
manufacturer recommended
technical recommended log-
books for the installed system.
5.3 Keep a copy of the system
guarantee certificates.
5.4 Keep all the related
system documents in an orderly
file showing all relevant data.

BS* : 5839 Part 1

54
 6.
6. Fire Alarm Systems Design
Concepts

55
 Overall Fire Protection Concept
5
5. Structural fire protection / containment
4
Automatic and manual suppression systems. 4
3
3. Evacuation of building occupants

2
Automatic and manual fire detection. 2

1.
1. Area of Protection
buildings, room, process…etc

Smoking prohibition, fire load reduction …etc

Smoke detection, occupant warning, calling the fire department

Exit signs, emergency lighting, intercom …etc

Fire resistive architecture, compartmentation

56 Multilevel fire protection concept

57
 Choosing a suitable detector system
: -Choosing a suitable detector system ‫مممممممم ممممممم‬
Which detectors need to be specified, where, depends
:on the
- :‫مممممم ممممممممم‬
► Monitoring category or the general
monitoring objectives of the fire detection
system.
► Room height.
► Environmental conditions, including ‫مممممممممم‬. I
deceptive phenomena.
‫مممممممم‬
I. Choosing a detector for normal
applications: -
‫مممممممممممم‬
‫مممممممممممممممم‬
► Normally a smoke detector can be chosen
based on the following table, provided that
: - ‫مممممممممممممم‬
disturbance variables are minor and occur
only rarely. The principle criteria for
choosing a detector and parameter set or sensitivity
are the monitoring objective and the assessment of
the fire risk exposure.

58
Monitoring Projection / Detectors /
Category Monitoring Objective Opto Poly Thermo

I - Flaming incipient fire I -

II - Flaming incipient fire II -

Smoldering incipient -
(fire (desired

III - Flaming incipient fire III -

Smoldering incipient -
fire

Optimally suited Suited

Conditionally suited Un suited

Influence of the room height: - ‫مممممممم ممممممممم‬

With increasing of room height the influence - :‫ممممم مممممممم‬
of fire phenomena weakens which means that

more sensitive detectors must be installed.

59
 Choosing a suitable detector system

Room Suitable detector Suitability

Height type Flaming Fire Smoldering

-( m Heat detector (Cl .2 6 ≥ ≤6m (Cl .2( -

- (m Heat detector (Cl .1 7.5 ≥ ≤ 7.5 m (Cl .1( -
m Smoke detector 12 ≥ ≤ 12 m

m Smoke detector / or 12-20

12-20 m
Linear Smoke
detector

- m Flame detector 20 ≥ ≤ 20 m -

Optimally suited Suited

Un suited

60
 Choosing the appropriate detector
Three different detector series are available:
• Interactive detector system
• AnalogPLUS detector system
• Collective detector system
Each of these systems has its own special characteristics and is suited to specific applications
System Characteristics Applications
Interactive - Freely programmable adjustment - Demanding system engineering of any size
the response behavior
Optimum detector reliability - Where transit or continuous interference is -
Also usable under critical ambient conditions present which could cause a false alarm -
High immunity to soiling - With direct alarm link to the fire department -
Immune to electromagnetic, electrical and - Wherever the prevention of false alarm has -
optical interference signals top priority
Individual addressing -
Microprocessor controlled electronics -
Transmits 4 danger levels -
Automatic self test -
Remote diagnostic capability -
Loop line with T branches -

61
 Choosing the appropriate detector

System Characteristics Applications

AnalogPLUS – Evaluation of two response sensitivities - Normal system engineering

Very good detector reliability - Large systems -
Immune to ambient influences - For rarely occurring deceptive -
Electronics with integrated circuit (ASIC) phenomena that can cause false alarms -
Individual addressing - Alerting of the fire department with -
Drift signals CAC -
Detector monitoring -
Loop line with module for T branches -

Collective - One response sensitivity for a wide - Easy system engineering

application range - Small easily manageable system
Optimum detector reliability - Few potential interference that -
Good detection reliability could cause false alarms -
Monitored line - No direct alerting to the fire department -
Compatible with existing control units -
)Electronics with integrated circuit (ASIC -
Stub line -
Favorably priced -

62
63
64
 .7
Review of a Fire Alarm .7
Systems Design

65
 Review a Design of a Fire Alarm System

Data Required to Review a Design of

a Fire Alarm System 1.
1. Complete set of Alarm system design
drawings for the project building – in 2.
details, if possible - + specifications 3.
and bill of quantities book.
2. Sufficient description for nature of
users and occupants of the areas to be
protected.
3. Architectural and decoration
drawings ( To determine the volumes,
ceilings heights and types, and any
projected slabs- if existing – as far
ceilings heights are reversely
proportional to the protected areas,
also the upper volumes of the fall
ceilings should be protected too,
finally the falling slabs are forming a
delaying obstacles to the smokes
currents.

66
 Review a Design of a Fire Alarm System

4. Air-conditioning and ventilation .4

drawings ] To ensure early smoke
detection for the air sucked by the
air-conditioning ... etc hence .5
special duct smoke detectors must
be employed ( or a continuous air
sample must be drawn for early .
smoke detection ). Moreover it
enables the design reviewer to
determine the dimensions and ducts
roots to ensure that it forms no
obstacles similar to the falling slabs.
5. A primary design review to the
available fire alarm detectors
distribution.
a. The number and types of the
detectors according to E.S ,
B.S. & NFPA.
b. The fire alarm zones according

to E.S., B.S. & NFPA. 67

 Review a Design of a Fire Alarm System

• Review the cables and •

wires types, specifications, •
and the connectors too. •
• Review the conduits types
and specifications too.
• Review the •
communication link with
other intelligent systems
e.g. Auto-fire fighting
systems.
• Review the evacuation
plans and techniques.

68
 Review a Design of a Fire Alarm System

ALARM ZONES
• When a signal of fire is ALARM –
ZONES n it is necessary that there .30 –
should be no confusion about –
the zone from which it is
received. To facilitate response
by persons providing assistance,
the zone should be small enough
for a fire to be located quickly.
• The search distance should not
exceed 30m.
• Remote indicator lamps outside
doors , etc., may be helpful,
especially if doors are likely to
be locked

69
 8
Fire Alarm Standards, .8
samples

70
 Standards for fire detection systems

European standards:
CEN
In Europe the standards are defined CENELEC
by CEN) European committee for
standardization), and CENELEC
(European committee for Electro-technical
Standardization).
Number Title EN54-1
EN54-1 Components of automatic fire detection
systems: Introduction. EN54-2
EN54-2 Control and indicating equipment. EN54-3
EN54-3 Audible fire alarm devices. EN54-4
EN54-4 Power supplies. EN54-5
EN54-5 Heat sensitive detectors – point detectors
containing a static element.

71
 Standards for fire detection systems

Number Title

EN54-6 Heat sensitive detectors – rate of rise point EN54-6

detectors without static element. EN54-7

EN54-7 Smoke detectors - point detectors using
scattered light, transmitted light, or EN54-8
ionization. EN54-9
EN54-8 High Temperature heat detectors. EN54-10
EN54-9 Fire Tests for smoke detectors. EN54-11
EN54-10 Flame detectors. EN54-12
EN54-11 Manual call points EN54-13
EN54-12 Optical beam detectors. EN54-14
EN54-13 System requirements.
EN54-14 Guidelines for planning design,
installation, commissioning, use and
maintenance. EN54-15
EN54-15 Point type multi-sensor fire detectors
incorporating a smoke sensor in
combination with a heat sensor.

72
 )
UL standards ( Underwriters’ Laboratories Inc. USA)

UL521 Heat detectors for fire protection UL521

signaling systems.
UL268 Smoke detectors for fire protection UL268
signaling systems.
UL268A Smoke detectors for duct application. UL268A
UL38 Manual call point. UL38
UL864 Control units for fire protection UL864
signaling systems
UL827 Central station for watchman, fire alarm UL827
and supervisory systems.
UL217 Single and multiple-station smoke UL217
detectors.

UL985 Household fire warning system unit UL985

73
 Testing laboratories

The major testing laboratories are :

1. ANPI: Association Nationale pour la
Protection contre I’incendie ANPI •
( Belgium )
2. CNPP: Centre National de Prévention et de CNPP •
Protection ( France )
3. DELTA: DELTA Electronics Testing
DELTA •
(Denmark(
4. LPC Lab: Loss Prevention Council
LPC Lab •
laboratories ( UK )
5. VDS Lab: Verband der
Schadenversicher e.V. (Germany ) VDS Lab •
6. ULI: Underwriters’ Laboratories Inc.
(USA) ULI •
7. ULC: Underwriters’ Laboratories of
Canada ULC •
8. FMRC: Factory Mutual Research
Corporation (USA) •
FMRC

74
 9
Case Study .9

75
Design a Special – profile Detection System for Mains & Control Panels…
etc, at Al-Maliah Towers Project, Abbasia, Cairo
This case study are briefed as the
following: -
1. The above mentioned panels are 1.
shown on the attached schematic
drawing.
2.
2. The consultant demanded to
utilize Ceiling Detector /
Extinguisher Modular CO2 type 3.
(i.e. Sprinkler is the heat
detector).
3. Instead, pneumatic detector was
proposed to be looped within the
panels, Polymer pressurized tube,
rather than above mentioned
sprinkler, for much earlier alarm,
faster and reliable extinguishing.

76
 CO2
CO2 Extinguisher &
Pneumatic Detector

Distribution &
Control Panels

77
 5

10

15

78