Saint Louis University

School of Engineering and Architecture

Electronics Engineering Department

ECE 528T1L
FIRE DETECTION
AND ALARM SYSTEM
(FDAS) DESIGN

Submitted by:
ABELLA, Edward A.
DULATRE, Joseph
CUISON, Marie Kris H.
DELA FUENTE, Mika Ella L.
MACARAEG, Sophia Marie B.
TRINIDAD, Trisha Marie S.
WAGE, Rozel M.

Submitted to:
ENGR. MILDRED M. MARTINEZ
Instructor

Date Submitted:
APRIL 20, 2020
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION
Figure 1: REX Hall Student Residences Perspective

PREVIOUS VIOLATIONS OF INSTALLED FDAS

DESIGNING
Equipment

Addressable Fire Alarm Control Panel

Figure 2: Addressable Fire Alarm Control Panel

Smoke Detectors

Figure 3: Smoke Detectors

Manual Pull Station

Figure 4: Manual Pull Station

Horn Strobe Notification Appliance

Figure 5: Horn Strobe Notification Appliance

Riser Diagram
Floor Plans

Cross-Sectional View and Ceiling View

Ground Floor

Second Floor

Third Floor

Fourth Floor

Fifth Floor
REFERENCES
 INTRODUCTION
Fire Detection and Alarm System (FDAS) is required to detect fire in the area
during the initial stage, to alert occupants so that they can escape from the building
safely, and to automatically initiate the fire control and suppression system of the
building. According to Section 10.2.12.3 (1.a) under Division 12 of Fire Code of the
Philippines states that “An automatic fire detection and alarm system, in accordance
with section 10.2.6.4 of the IRR of Republic Act No. 9514, shall be provided for any
hotel or dormitory having accommodations for fifteen (15) or more guests. For less than
15 guests, a manual fire alarm system shall be installed”.

Rex Hall Student residence is one of the properties of J&J property along with
the Jovita Building in Banawe, Quezon City. J&J Property is under the umbrella of the
Rex Group, which was incorporated in 1990. Some of the properties of J&J are the
Jovita Building in Banawe, Quezon City and the Rex Hall in Baguio City.

REX Hall Student Residences, situated at Upper Bonifacio St., Baguio City,
Benguet, is designed to provide students away from home an ambiance of a home
setting with a matron supervising the operations under a dignified atmosphere
predominantly influenced by the cultural values of the place. It does not only offer a
dwelling for students but also a bookstore.

Figure 1: REX Hall Student Residences Perspective

 The Building consists of 5 floors where the first floor is assigned for the lobby,
receiving area and admin office while the succeeding floors are for the rooms assigned
for the lessee. This infrastructure has a lot area of 630. 94 sq. meters and a height of
191 meters. The structure has compiled with the requirements needed in PEC 1.6.1,
which states that “Buildings, structures, facilities, houses, or premises that are not
record and refer of fire protection code, more than 400 sq.m in total floor area, not more
than 2 floors or levels, and with a height of not more than 10 meters may choose not to
install a fire detection and alarm system. However, in its place, battery-operated, stand-
alone detectors shall be installed. Each battery operated, stand-alone detector shall
cover a floor area of not more than 50 sq.m. Each room shall be separately protected”.
Moreover, 1.6.2 in the Philippine Electronics code book 2 requires that In
buildings, structures, facilities, houses, or premises that are over and above the size
specified in Clause. 1.6.1, battery-operated detectors shall not substitute or take the
place of wired detectors in the fire detection and alarm system.

PREVIOUS VIOLATIONS OF INSTALLED FDAS in

VIOLATIONS CODE PROVISIONS RECOMMENDATIONS

A fire alarm control panel
(FACP) is the controlling
component of a fire alarm
system. The panel receives
information from devices
4.1.1 “The owner of the
designed to detect and
protected building or
report fires, monitors their
facility or his/her
operational integrity and
representative should
provides for automatic
enter into a maintenance
control of equipment, and
contract with the
transmission of information
The name and contact manufacturer or
necessary to prepare the
number of the manufacturer’s
facility for fire based on a
manufacturer of FIRE distributor, or a
predetermined sequence.
ALARM Control Panel is competent contractor to
Hence, the name and
not seen on the installed do regular maintenance
contact number of the
Fire Alarm Panel of the installation. The
manufacturer of FACP
name and telephone
must be seen on the fire
number of the
alarm panel. Since the
servicing organization
owner should enter into a
should be displayed at
maintenance contract, if
the FACP or Fire
there’s an emergency or a
Command Center.”
problem with the FACP the
owner won’t be able to
contact the manufacturer.
Furthermore, the owner
won’t also be able to carry
 out simple test and
servicing.

To be
useful, detectors must be
2.5.4.1 – “In selecting to
coupled with alarms. Alarm
use a smoke detector at
systems provide notice to
a location, the system
at least the building
designer must prevent
The input devices such occupants and usually
nuisance alarms or
as smoke detectors transmit a signal to a
improper operation after
does not have legible staffed monitoring station
installation. The
addressing labels affixed either on or off site. In
performance
to the devices some cases, alarms may
characteristics of the
go directly to the fire
detector and the area
department, although in
shall be taken into
most locations this is no
account.”
longer the typical
approach.
1.5.3 – “The fire
detection and alarm
system shall have one
or more of the
following functions: (1)
Automatic of fire alarm Emergency
notification appliances. communications system
(2) Activation of fire are needed to installed
alarm notification because well-conceived
appliances. (3) and effectively delivered
The building does not
Emergency emergency messages can
have Emergency
communications help ensure public safety,
Communication System
system. (4) Activation of protect property, facilitate
annunciators. (5) response efforts, elicit
Monitoring of abnormal cooperation, instill public
conditions in fire confidence, and help
suppression system. (6) families reunite.
Activation of fire safety
functions. (7)
Transmission of alarm
signal to an off-premise
Central Station.”
 DESIGNING

EQUIPMENTS
In designing Fire Alarm and Detection System, the materials needed vary
depending on the setting and structure of the building which can be seen on the
Philippine Electronics Code Book 2. Fire Alarm Control Panel, Detectors, Manual Pull
Station and Notification Appliances are the most basic equipment needed in designing a
Fire Alarm and Detection System.

On our design, automatic fire alarm and detection system will be installed.
Automatic Fire Alarm and Detection System often play a major role in loss prevention
during a fire emergency. The basic purpose of an automatic fire alarm system is to
detect a fire in its early stages, notify the building occupants that there is a fire
emergency and report the emergency to first responders.

The following equipments are the one we are going to use in our
design:

1. Addressable Fire Alarm Control Panel

Fire alarm control panels (FACPs) is the center of the fire alarm
system. It relay fire detection and response communications between detectors,
alarms, suppression systems, and monitoring stations. A panel accordingly
triggers visual, auditory, and occasionally other types of notification devices to
alert inhabitants of an emergency situation; this most often results in the
building's evacuation. Simultaneously the panel informs a monitoring center of
the alarm status and individuals at the receiving location determine ensuing
procedures. These panels range in scale from a single zone to multiple
buildings.

Figure 2: Addressable Fire Alarm Control Panel

 Addressable Fire Alarm Control Panel is a type of FACP terminal that
pinpoints which component or components of the fire alarm system have been
activated, significantly narrowing the probable location of the fire and providing
responders a better chance to extinguish the fire before it spreads. Addressable
FACPs connect all system appliances using a signaling line circuit with both ends
terminating at the panel. It is more reliable than a conventional FACP due to the
fact that if one side of the wire is severed, loop isolation modules ensure the
device can communicate with the control panel. Addressable FACPs are more
expensive but are easier to install, and their complete versatility may prove
efficient in the long run, especially for medium- to large-sized buildings.

2. Smoke Detectors

A smoke detector is a device that senses smoke, typically as an indicator

of fire. Commercial security devices issue a signal to a fire alarm control panel as
part of a fire alarm system, while household smoke detectors, also known
as smoke alarms, generally issue a local audible or visual alarm from the
detector itself or several detectors if there are multiple smoke detectors
interlinked.

Figure 3: Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are housed in plastic enclosures, smoke detectors are

typically shaped like a disk or square about 150 millimetres (6 in) in diameter and
25 millimetres (1 in) thick, but shape and size vary. Smoke can be detected either
optically (photoelectric) or by physical process (ionization); detectors may use
either, or both, methods. Smoke detectors in large commercial, industrial, and
residential buildings are usually powered by a central fire alarm system, which is
powered by the building power with a battery backup. Domestic smoke detectors
range from individual battery-powered units, to several interlinked mains-powered
units with battery backup; with these interlinked units, if any unit detects smoke,
all trigger even if household power has gone out.
3. Manual Pull Station (MPS)
Manual Pull Station, sometimes referred to as “pull switches”, often
featuring a T-bar handle, as shown in Figure 4. Every fire alarm system can be
activated in one of several ways, but according to NFPA guidelines, manual fire
alarm initiation is a requirement common to almost every building requiring a fire
alarm system. As a general rule, all kinds of public buildings – theaters, schools,
daycares, hospitals, prisons, apartments, hotels, and businesses – need at least
one alarm pull switch, even when automatic detection devices are connected to
the alarm system.

Figure 4: Manual Pull Stations

These systems can also be activated by other initiating devices, such as

automatic heat and smoke detectors, but what follows is the same: indicating
appliances, such as horns or strobe lights to direct occupants to leave the area.
Pull stations send a signal to the control panel, and if the fire alarm is monitored,
the control panel then usually sends a message to a company’s monitoring
service, which transmits that message to first responders. In some cases, a signal
is transmitted directly to a fire department. It’s a less commonly-known fact
that most pull stations don’t cause fire sprinklers to spray water. Many fire alarm
systems may monitor fire sprinkler systems – and sound the alarm when
sprinklers discharge – but their purpose is to alert bystanders and authorities to
danger.

4. Horn Strobe Notification Appliance

A fire alarm notification appliance is an active fire protection component
of a fire alarm system. A notification appliance may use audible, visible, or other
stimuli to alert the occupants of a fire or other emergency condition requiring
action. Audible appliances have been in use longer than any other method of
notification. Initially, all appliances were either electromechanical horns or electric
 bells, which would later be replaced by electronic sounders. Most of today's
appliances produce sound pressure levels between 45 and 120 decibels at ten
feet.

Figure 5: Horn Strobe Notification Appliance

With red housing, universal fire symbol and a ceiling mount accessory
available these devices can meet virtually any application. They also mount to a
wide variety of black box sizes to offer the most flexibility in installation. This line
of devices features a wide variety of features that simplifies installations. The
mounting plate allows the devices to be compatible with a wide range of black
box sizes. Settings for the strobe and horn are done using easy to set rotary
switches on the back of the device. Synchronization is achieved without the use
of additional modules; when powered with a filtered DC source, the strob e
portion is capable of self-synchronization for 30 minutes per NFPA 72. Devices
work on 24 volts DC or full wave rectified power. Three candela options are
available for the strobe. On the horn strobe model, high and low volume are
options for the horn as well as a continuous tone or temporal 3 output. The mini
horn model has a continuous tone output and one volume setting. Available
accessories include a round trim ring to adapt the wall device for ceiling mount
applications. Simply install the round ring over the square device for a perfect fit
on the ceiling.

In consideration with the wide area of the building and the number of rooms to be
catered by the Fire Alarm and Detection System, we have decided to use an
addressable Fire Alarm Control Panel to easily monitor the zones when there is a fire.
Smoke Detectors and Heat Detectors are also used in accordance with the Philippine
Electronics Code, Book 2. Moreover, a Manual Pull Station will be installed as a backup
when the addressable FACP malfunctioned during the fire. Lastly, a horn strobe
notification appliance will be used instead of an audible notification appliance or visual
notification appliance only to easily direct or inform the residents in case of fire.
RISER DIAGRAM

The FDAS Riser Diagram shows the connection of each smoke detectors with
each other in line with the manual pull station and notification appliances to the Fire
Alarm Control Panel. It also shows the numbers of the equipment used from Ground
Floor to Fifth Floor. This will be a guide for any configuration of the Fire Detection and
Alarm System.
FLOOR PLANS: CROSS SECTIONAL VIEW AND CEILING VIEW

CROSS SECTIONAL VIEW OF REX HALL BUILDING

 19.206

GROUND FLOOR
 19.206

2nd FLOOR
 19.206

3RD FLOOR
 19.206

4TH FLOOR
 19.206

5TH FLOOR
 The above pictures show the ceiling view of the floor plan and the cross sectional
view from ground floor to 5th floor of the REX Hall Building. In total the number of smoke
detectors used for the whole building is 120 detectors. For the Fire Alarm and Detection
System: one (1) Addressable Fire Alarm Control Panel, One hundred twenty (120)
Smoke Detectors, five (5) Manual Pull Stations and five (5) horn strobe notification
appliances will be installed.

The addressable Fire Alarm Control Panel is situated at the side of the wall
where the Elevator at Ground Floor is located. It is placed in that location so that the
allowed personnel can easily see the device since it is at the hallway near the entrance
and the receiving area. Moreover, this location gives them easy access to the device.
Also, a total of 24 smoke detector is placed at the ground floor. Ten (10) of the smoke
detectors is placed along the hallway which has a 4.2 meters separation with each other
in compliance with PEC 2.5.4.6 (1) that states, “For flat ceiling with a height of not more
than 4 meters, Smoke detector spacing shall not be more than 9 meters. Therefore, all
points on the ceiling shall have a detector within a distance of 6.4 meters”. This is the
basis of our design since the height of the ceiling in the ground floor is 3.5 meters as
seen in the cross-sectional view of the building. And the remaining 14 smoke detectors
is placed at the middle of each room. The manual pull station is located near the exits
along with the horn strobe notification appliance above it.

The second floor has 14 rooms in total with 4 big rooms on the left and 10
personal rooms on the right and has a height of 3.3 meters. A total of 24 smoke detector
is placed at the second floor with 14 smoke detectors located at the center of each
rooms. Ten (10) smoke detectors are distributed along the hallway and has a separation
of 4.2 meters with each other based on PEC 2.5.4.6 which requires 6.4 meters spacing
of smoke detectors in all points of the ceiling of smoke detectors on a flat ceiling of not
more than 4 meters in height. The FDAS design for the third and fourth floor is the same
with the second floor since they all have the same layout of the floor plan.

Fifth floor, the highest floor of the Rex Hall which has a design of sloping ceiling,
has a total height of 5.7 meters with 28 rooms. A total of 38 smoke detectors is placed
at the fifth floor with 10 smoke detectors distributed along the hallway and has a
separation of 4.2 meters with each other in compliance with PEC 2.5.4.7 (3) that states,
“For sloping ceiling or roof, the spacing shall be 4.5 meters maximum measured along a
horizontal projection of the ceiling. The detector located at the lowest point along the
slope shall be installed at a point at least 1 meter above the horizontal base line of the
slope. The detector located at the highest point along the slope shall be located at the
apex.” The remaining 28 smoke detectors are placed at the middle of each room similar
to the other floors.
References:

Cintas Corporation. (2020). Understanding automatic fire alarm systems. Retrieved from
https://www.cintas.com/fire-protection-services/articles/understanding-automatic-
fire-alarm-systems/

Engineering360. (2020). Fire alarm control panels information. Retrieved from

https://www.globalspec.com/learnmore/building_construction/fire_detection_suppr
ession_systems/fire_alarm_control_panels

Quick Response Fire Supply. (2020). #122 – Pull stations for fire protection systems: A
first line of defense. Retrieved from https://www.qrfs.com/blog/122-pull-stations-
for-fire-protection-systems-a-first-line-of-defense/

IECEP, Inc. (2014). The Philippine Electronics Code: Fire Detection and Alarm System
(Book 2), 1st ed. UP Diliman, Q.C.: WWCEA Graphic Services.