Fire Supression

FIRE CODE
RA NO. 9514: FIRE CODE OF THE

PHILIPPINES OF 2008

-AN ACT ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE FIRE CODE OF THE

PHILIPPINES, REPEALING PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1185 AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

RULE 10: Fire Safety Measures

Basic Design Restrictions

• Means of Egress – a continuous, unobstructed route of exit from any point
in the building to a public way. Shall be integral or permanently affixed to a
Building. Minimum width: 915mm.
Means of egress means of egress consists of an exit access, the exit and the
exit discharge.


Exit Access is a portion of a means of egress system that leads from any occupied portion of a
building to an exit, may include aisle access ways, aisles, exit access doorways and corridors.
Exit is a portion of a means of egress that is separated from all other spaces of a building or
structure by construction or equipment as required to provide a protected way of travel to the exit
discharge.
Exit Discharge is part of the exit route that leads directly outside or to a street, walkway, refuge
area, public way, or open space with access to the outside.
Measurement of means of egress: measured by clear width starting from the narrowest point.
Projections of not more than 114 mm at a maximum height of 965 mm is permitted.
Minimum Width: The width of any means of egress shall not be less than 915 mm.
Arrangement of means of egress: exits shall be located and exit access shall be arranged so that
exits are readily accessible at all times.

No Sprinkler: one-half (1/2) of the length of the maximum over-all diagonal

dimension of the building or area to be served, measured in a straight line
between the nearest edge of the exit doors or exit access doors.
With Sprinkler: the minimum separation distance between two exits or exit
access doors shall not be less than one-third (1/3) the length of the maximum
overall diagonal dimension of the building or area to be served.

• Number of exits - for any storey, mezzanine, balcony, etc:

0-499 occupant load: 2 exits
500-1000 occupant load: 3 exits
1000 or more: 4 exits
Travel distance per exits – depends on occupancy.
For individual rooms with max. O.L of 6: 15 meters from any point in the room.

Discharge from exits - Exits should terminate directly at a public way or an exit discharge; exits
that continue beyond the floor of discharge: provide an interruption.
The entire area on the floor of discharge is separated from areas below by construction having a
minimum of two-hour (2-hr) fire resistance rating.
Headroom Clearance - minimum of 2.00m; HEADROOM is the clear, vertical height (vertical
clearance) which exists from the top surface of a floor to the underside of a ceiling.
Corridors - minimum width of 550mm
Doors - provide a self-closing mechanism for exit doors.
Clear opening: 710mm-1220mm
Maximum threshold height: 13mm
Minimum exit door height: 2.00m
Minimum and maximum doorway width - The minimum width of any corridor or passageway
serving as a required exit or means of travel to or from required exit shall be one hundred twelve
centimeters (112 cm) in the clear.

Panic Hardware - a mechanical device which when pushed from the inside
will cause the door to open.
Maximum required force: 7kg-f
2/3 the width of the door
760-112mm above the floor
Stairs - All stairways designated as a means of egress should be continuous
from the uppermost floor level to the ground floor. Two sets of requirements:
a) new stairs and b) existing stairs.

Smoke proof enclosures may be by any of the following means:

Natural Ventilation
Mechanical Ventilation - circulate fresh air using ducts and fans, rather than
relying on airflow through small holes or cracks in a home's walls, roof, or
windows.

Stairway Pressurization - mechanically designed to establish air pressure

variations between adjoining areas – such as an emergency escape route
and a burning room.
Handrails – 760mm-865mm from upper surface of tread.
Landings
Distance between landings: 2.75m CLASS A; 3.70m CLASS B
Dimension of landings in the direction of travel: 1.12m
Ramps

Fire escape stairs - allowed as means of egress only in existing buildings. Should not constitute
more than 50% of required exit capacity.
Ladders - not allowed as fire escape or means of egress.

• Exit markings - Label all exits as “EXIT”. Provide directional signs for locations where the direction
of travel to exit is not obvious. The word “EXIT” should be in letters at at least 15cm high with strokes
of letters at least 19mm wide.

Emergency evacuation plan - usually contain exit routes, locations of

designated safe areas, and the specific steps to follow for each type of
emergency. Minimum dimension: letter size. Posted in strategic and
conspicuous locations. Photoluminescent background
Firewall: Firewalls, particularly those erected above or along property
lines, shall have absolutely no openings, except for permitted vent wells and
shall extend above the roof from 400 millimeters to 1000 millimeters.

FEATURES OF FIRE PROTECTION

• Protection of Vertical Openings - stairways, elevator shafts, chutes and other vertical openings
shall be enclosed or protected to prevent the spread of fire, except if protected by automatic fire
suppression systems.
• Fire Alarms - notifies occupants of the building and, when required emergency forces.
Automatic fire department notification is required for: high rise buildings, hospitals, schools, hotels,
apartments 4 storeys or taller, and malls.
Wet standpipe - Wet standpipes required for the following:
Assembly occupancies with at least 1,000 occupant load
Schools, hospitals, businesses, hotels, etc. 4 storeys or taller
Hazardous occupancies exceeding 1,860 sqmper floor
Exceptions: Buildings with an approved sprinkler system
All portions of the building must be within 6m of a nozzle attached to a 22.00m long
hose, minimum of 64mm diameter.

TYPE OF OCCUPANCY
• DIVISION 7: Assembly - All buildings/rooms used for purposes of gathering, worship, eating,
drinking, viewing, sports, waiting and similar uses with more than 50 occupants.

Occupant load: Concentrated use without fixed seats, such as auditoriums, places of
worship, dance floors: 0.65 sqm/person. Less concentrated use such as conference rooms,
dining rooms, gyms: 1.40sqm/person. Standing rooms/waiting space: 0.28sqm/person.
Minimum corridor width: if serving 50 or more persons: 1120mm.
Travel Distance: 46 meters if with sprinkler system; 61 meters if without sprinkler system.
Seating: Rows of seat back to back: 830mm. At least 300mm from the back of one seat to
the front of the next seat. Seat between aisles: 14 maximum. Seats between wall and aisle: 7.
Seat without arms: allot 600mm/person.
Restaurants and drinking establishments with an occupant load of less than 50 persons shall
be classified as mercantile occupancies.
Occupancy of any room or space for assembly purposes by less than fifty (50) persons
in a building of other occupancy and incidental to such other occupancy shall be classified as
part of the other occupancy and subject to the provisions applicable thereto.

DIVISION 10: Residential - Residential occupancies are those

occupancies in which sleeping accommodations are provided for
normal residential purposes and include all buildings designed to
provide sleeping accommodations.
Number of exits: at least 2 exits.

Occupant Load: 18.60sqm/person. Except for single and two-family dwellings.
DIVISION 12: Mercantile - Mercantile occupancies include stores, markets, and other rooms,
buildings, or structures for the display and/or sale of merchandise.

Stores, markets, malls, supermarkets, department stores, restaurants of less than 50 occupants
– Class A: Gross area of 2,787sqm or more, 3 floors
– Class B: Gross area of 287-2,787sqm, 2 floors
– Class C: Gross area less than 287sqm, street floor only
Occupant load: Street floor or below street floor: 2.80sqm. Upper floors: 5.60sqm. Floors
not open to public/offices: 9.30sqm. Covered malls: 2.8sqm/person
Maximum travel distance: 30m if with a sprinkler system. 46m if without sprinkler system

DIVISION 12: BUSINESS - Business buildings are those used for the
transaction of business other than that covered under Mercantile, for
the keeping of accounts and records and similar purposes. Business
buildings are those used for the transaction of business other than
that covered under Mercantile, for the keeping of accounts and
records and similar purposes.
• Mixed - Refers to two or more classes of occupancies occurring/ located/ situated/ existing in the same
building and/or structures so intermingled that separate safeguards are impracticable.
• High-rise Buildings - a building in which the distance between the floor of the topmost storey and the ground
level is 15.00m or more; Building height shall be measured from the lowest level of fire department vehicle
access, to the floor of the highest occupiable storey.
FIRE RESISTIVE RATING:
3 stories: 1hr
4 stories or more: 2hr

DIVISION 12: BUSINESS - Business buildings are those used for the transaction of business
other than that covered under Mercantile, for the keeping of accounts and records and similar
purposes. Business buildings are those used for the transaction of business other than that
covered under Mercantile, for the keeping of accounts and records and similar purposes.
• Mixed - Refers to two or more classes of occupancies occurring/ located/ situated/ existing in
the same building and/or structures so intermingled that separate safeguards are impracticable.
• High-rise Buildings - a building in which the distance between the floor of the topmost storey
and the ground level is 15.00m or more; Building height shall be measured from the lowest level of
fire department vehicle access, to the floor of the highest occupiable storey.
FIRE RESISTIVE RATING:
3 stories: 1hr
4 stories or more: 2hr
FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
It uses water as a primary means for fire protection or

suppression or extinguishment. Water-Based Fire
Suppression Systems uses a pipe network to distribute water
to connected fire sprinkler bulbs. Water-based systems may
also seriously harm your equipment or property if it is
sensitive to liquid contamination. Common example is the
sprinkler systems. Common example is Water Sprinkler.
TYPES OF FIRE
SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
1.Water-Based Fire Suppression Systems

It uses water as a primary means for fire protection or
suppression or extinguishment. Water-Based Fire
Suppression Systems uses a pipe network to distribute water
to connected fire sprinkler bulbs. Water-based systems may
also seriously harm your equipment or property if it is
sensitive to liquid contamination. Common example is the
sprinkler systems. Common example is Water Sprinkler.
2. Chemical Foam Suppression Systems

One of the most common places for fires to start is in the
kitchen because of a cooking mishap or hot grease. Chemical
foam systems are designed for these types of conditions. They
are placed under cooking canopies, cause minor damage,
and are easy to use. Foam suppression systems extinguish fire
by separating the fuel from the oxygen.
3. Pneumatic Heat Detection Tube

The pneumatic heat detection tube is an extinguisher with a
fire detection system. Once the temperature reaches a
certain level, it blows a small hole in the pipe, and the
extinguisher foam puts out the fire.This is inexpensive and
easily installed, but it’s only effective on small fires. It’s also
small and easily transported to another location.
4. Pressurized Gas System

With a pressurized gas system, the gas is kept as a liquid
under pressure using liquid nitrogen. When a fire is detected,
the system releases the gas, and it has a chemical reaction
with the fire to extinguish it.
This is ideal for server rooms and other areas with high-end
electronics. It’s compact since the gas is under pressure, and it
doesn’t cause an oxygen reduction.
5. Foam Deluge Systems

Foam deluge systems use a mixture of foam and water to quickly
control burning flammable liquids, cooling the surface area. The
consistency of the foam causes a thick blanket to starve fires of
oxygen and inhibit the release of flammable gases, effectively
smothering the blaze. In this sense, they are not unlike conventional
fire extinguishers.This is perfect for outside areas, but it does create
a large mess that requires clean-up.
COMPONENTS OF FIRE
SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
Fire alarm initiating devices

+Fire Detection
Heat Detectors
Smoke detectors
Flame detectors
Fire notification devices
Alarms
Bells
Horns Strobes
Strobes
Alarm monitoring systems
Alarm monitoring systems are designed to

automatically alert fire departments and other
authorities of a fire alarm trigger within a
building.
Alarm control panels
Alarm control panels give authorities and

emergency response teams the ability to shut off
the fire alarm system once a fire has been
extinguished and the building is determined to be
safe.
Suppressant delivery systems

Suppressant delivery systems are the functional part of fire
suppression systems. This includes:
The water, clean agent, and/or gasses that suppress
the fire
The pipes or tubes that carry the suppressant to the fire
The release mechanisms like nozzles, sprinklers, or
temperature-sensitive tubes
Primary and backup power supplies

Active fire suppression systems are connected to the
electrical infrastructure of a building, which is provided by
electric service providers. In those systems, it is essential to
have a backup power supply, like batteries, to ensure the
system runs in case of a power outage. Non-electric
suppression systems do not require primary or backup
power to operate effectively.
PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Classification of Fire
Class A - Class A fires are defined as ordinary combustible materials

Class B - Class B fire is defined as one that uses a flammable liquid or gas as its fuel base.
Class C - Class C fire is defined as a fire that uses electrical components and/or
energized equipment as its fuel source.
Class D - Class D fire is defined as one that uses a combustible metal as its fuel
source.
Class K - Class K fire is defined as a cooking fire involving combustion from liquids
used in food preparation.
Types Fire Extinguisher Agents

How to use a Fire Extinguisher

FIRE DETECTION
SYSTEM
A Guide to Fire Alarm Basics
A Guide to Fire
Alarm Basics
FIRE DETECTION SYSTEM
Fire detection systems are

designed to discover fires
early in their development
when time will still be
available for the safe
evacuation of occupants.
-The “Brain” of the Fire

Detector System is the
Fire Alarm Control
Panel
The different types of conditions that can be seen at the fire alarm control unit are Alarm, Supervisory, and
Trouble, these conditions can also result in a signal being sent to the supervising station.
Alarm – An alarm condition means there is an immediate threat to life, property, or mission. An example of
this would be a smoke detector sending a signal to the fire alarm control unit that there is a presence of
smoke, which would initiate notification to the occupants to evacuate.
Trouble - A trouble condition means there is an issue or fault with the fire alarm system. An example would
be a break in an initiating device circuit. This would show up as a trouble signal on the control unit.
Supervisory – A supervisory condition means there is an issue with a system, process, or equipment that is
monitored by the fire alarm control unit. An example of this would be a sprinkler system valve being closed,
this would show up as a supervisory signal on the control unit.
Initiation
. Depending on the system, the signal
from an initiating device can create
an alarm condition or a supervisory
condition. Based on the type of
detectors and FACU, the signals can
be sent over an initiating device
circuit (IDC) for conventional
systems, or a signaling line circuit
(SLC) for addressable systems.
The initiation of a fire alarm system includes all the devices and circuits
that send a signal to a fire alarm to provide the status of a protected space or the existence of a fire.
Initiation devices include, but are not limited to heat detectors, smoke detectors, water flow switches,
manually actuated devices, and pressure switches.
the initiating device causes an increase in current

flowing through the circuit, which the FACU
interprets as an alarm signal. Once one device
shorts the circuit, no other device on that circuit or
“zone” can send a signal. Because of this, any
device on the circuit or “zone” will put the entire
zone into an alarm state.
The device address allows for the location of

the detector to be identified at the FACU.
Additionally, some addressable initiating
devices are able to also transmit to the FACU
a range of values of smoke density,
temperature variation, water level, water
pressure changes, and other variables. These
types of initiating device circuits are known
as analog addressable as they are able to
tell the FACU their address and their value.
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Different Types of Fire Alarm

Detectors
1. Heat detectors
2. Smoke detectors
3. Carbon Monoxide
detectors
4. Multi-sensor detectors
5. Manual Call Points
1. Heat Detectors
Heat detector can either work on a fixed temperature basis, where it
will trigger an alarm if the temperature exceeds a pre-set value or
they can work on the rate of change in temperature.
Avoid placing near beams and ventilation ducts. Heat detector
covers 50m2. Should not exceed 3.5m from any given point. General
spacing guidance: 3.5m from a wall, 7.5m between detectors
A heat sensor should be placed away from any vents or air ducts that may
cause interference. The sensor should have its vents easily accessible, and
it should not be blocked by other objects or obstacles. It is recommended
that the device be placed high up off the ground or ceiling.
These types are divided into two major categories; spot and line.
Spot detectors are single units installed in single locations throughout
the protected area.
Line detectors provide a continuous detector throughout the area of
coverage.
Spot detectors are more commonly used, with line type detectors being
reserved for special situations.

Temperature detectors:

Thermal detectors

Thermovelocimetric
Thermal detectors

They are used to detect high temperatures, activating an alarm signal once
the predefined temperature threshold has been exceeded in your camera.
The most common fixed temperature point for electrically connected heat
detectors is 58°C (136.4°F). They are especially indicated in locations where
high temperatures occur during normal activity or where there are sudden
increases in temperature, such as ovens or kitchens.
Operating temperature: - 10 to +50 °C

Ambient humidity: < 95%
Dimensions: Ø 102 x 39 mm
Thermovelocimetric detectors
The thermovelocimetric (TV) classes of fire detectors are a type of smoke detector that
uses a thermistor to detect the temperature rise of a fire. A thermistor is a semiconductor
whose electrical resistance varies with temperature. The thermistor is placed in a stream
of air and connected to an electronic circuit, which measures changes in voltage as the
temperature of the air increases. When smoke enters the air stream, it absorbs heat and
lowers its temperature. This causes the change in voltage measured by the
thermovelocimeter detector circuit, which activates an alarm signal.
Thermovelocimetric detectors
The most common use of this type of detector is in car parks

where you do not want to use the optical-thermal one or in kitchens
where the normal thermal one is not used and where it is not foreseen
that there may be sudden changes in temperature such as an oven.
E-TEC THERMO-VELOCIMETRIC HEAT DETECTOR

Super-thin design for thickness, just 38mm.
Adopt SMT technology, firmly, high security and antijamming
Special methods for dampproof, antisepsis and mildew proof.
Flame retardant thermoplastic
Easy plug-in structure
2-wire without polarity
A non-restorable fixed
temperature heat detector utilizes
solder that holds up a plunger. The
solder melts at a specific
temperature and causes the
plunger to drop, which shorts the
contacts and causes an alarm
signal.
A restorable fixed temperature heat

detector utilizes two metals that have
different thermal expansion
coefficients. At a specific
temperature, these metals will bend
and cause the plunger to short the
contacts, which causes an alarm
condition. When the metal cools it will
bend back in the other direction and
restore itself.
A rate-of-rise detector utilizes an air chamber

and a diaphragm. When a fire causes the air in
the chamber to expand faster than it can
escape out the vent, the increased pressure
forces the diaphragm to close the contacts and
initiate an alarm signal. This rate-of-rise
detector also contains a fixed temperature
plunger that will operate if the temperature
exceeds the determined temperature.
An analog addressable heat

detector utilizes a thermistor
element to constantly monitor
the temperature. The
response criteria, which can
be a temperature above a
specified level, or a specific
rate of rise in the
temperature, is programmed
at the FACU.
There are many different types of carbon monoxide

(CO) detectors. One example of a CO detector is a
Colorimetric detector. Like a photoelectric smoke
detector, this detector contains a light source and a
photocell that are constantly measuring for light being
reflected from a chemical detector. In the presence of
carbon monoxide, the chemical detector will change
to a black color and light will no longer be reflected to
the photocell, which will result in an alarm signal.
2. Smoke Detectors

The most common type of fire detection system,

smoke detectors live up to their namesake by
detecting smoke. Smoke, of course, contains
particulate matter. When a fire breaks out, this
particulate matter rises into the smoke detector, thus
triggering a loud alarm. Smoke detectors can be
classified as either ionization or photoelectric.
Ionization smoke detectors are able to detect small
amounts of smoke, whereas photoelectric smoke
detectors are faster and more sensitive to smoke.

2. Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are usually housed in plastic enclosures,

typically shaped like a disk about 150 millimetres
(6 in) in diameter and 25 millimetres (1 in) thick,
but shape and size vary.
The distance between smoke detectors shall not exceed a nominal spacing of
30 ft (9.1 m) and there shall be detectors within a distance of one-half the
nominal spacing, measured at right angles from all walls or partitions
extending upward to within the top 15 percent of the ceiling height. Smoke
detector covers 100m2. Should not exceed 7.5m from any point. General
spacing guidance: 5m from a wall, 10m between detectors.
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A. IONIZATION

These devices are similar to
photoelectric devices in that they
respond quickly without relying on a
complicated scanning mechanism;
however, its sensors work by
measuring ion levels in the
surrounding air, not visible light as
its counterpart technologies do.
Light Scattering Smoke Detector
(Optical smoke detectors)

detects smoke generated in a
An optical smoke detector is a device that
fire and is drawn into the detector, so that by using light-emitting

diodes (LEDs) to illuminate the surrounding area of the smoke

chamber detector analysis.
The light scattering smoke detector operates on the Tyndall effect; a

photocell and light source are separated from each other by a darkened
chamber such that the light source does not fall on the photocell.
Light Scattering Smoke Detector (Optical
smoke detectors)
The passage of smoke into
the chamber causes the

light from the source to be
scattered and fall on the

photocell. The photocell
output is being used to

initiate an alarm
LIGHT OBSCURRING (Photoelectric
smoke detectors)
This type of fire detection

equipment can be used to

protect large areas with the
light source and photocell

positioned some distance
apart
LIGHT OBSCURRING (Photoelectric
smoke detectors)

These detectors use light to detect smoke, but respond faster than optical
detectors because the detection technology is simpler: no need for an LED or
laser beam to scan the camera, as would be the case with an optical model.
The speed with which these devices react makes them ideal for areas where
protection against fires that are expected to grow rapidly is needed, such as
kitchens.
A beam smoke detector is like a

photoelectric detector, except it is
designed to cover a large area. A
transmitter and receiver or reflector
are placed to create a light beam
across a space, when the amount of
light being received by the receiver
or reflected to the transmitter falls
below a certain percentage, an
alarm signal is sent.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide detectors are
known also as CO fire
detectors are electronic detectors used to indicate the

outbreak of fire by sensing the level of carbon monoxide in
the air.
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas produced by
combustion. Carbon Monoxide fire detectors use the same
type of sensor as those in the home but are more sensitive
and respond more quickly.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide

detectors have an
electrochemical cell,
which senses carbon
monoxide, but not smoke
or any other combustion
products
Multi-Sensor Detectors

The Multi-sensor detectors combine

inputs from both optical and heat

sensors and process them using a
sophisticated algorithm built into the
detector circuitry.
When polled by the control panel the
detector returns a value based on the
combined responses from both the
optical and heat sensors. They are
designed to be sensitive to a wide
range of fires.
Manual Call Points

A Manual Call Point or Break Glass Call Point is a device

which enables personnel to raise the alarm by breaking the

frangible element on the fascia; this then triggers the alarm.

Manual Call points should be positioned 1.4m (/-200mm)

from floor level (DDA requirements should be taken into
account). Any non-mechanically protected cable medium
should have additional protection up to 2m from floor level
Ty p es of
Sm o ke
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A
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Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

Photoelectric smoke alarms respond
faster to slow burning fires. These fires

tend to smolder for hours and produce

large amounts of smoke.

Common causes of smoldering fires are

cigarettes, fireplace embers, and
The EIB3016 alarm features a high performance
electrical shorts. photoelectric smoke sensor, ideal for detecting
Smoldering fires often occur in drapes, smoke from slow, smouldering fires. In addition, the
chamber design, integrated insect screen and
bedding, carpeting, and upholstered unique dust compensation algorithm reduce the
furniture. risk of false alarms.
-Flame detectors: infrared, ultraviolet and
combined IR+UV
These models of flame detectors use infrared

or ultraviolet light sensors to detect the
characteristic spectrum of a flame. They
are often combined with smoke detectors to

create a more effective fire detection system.
IR infrared flame detectors

An infrared (IR) flame detector is a device that
detects infrared radiation (heat) emitted by
Visual range: 90°
flames. Infrared flame detectors contain an Maintenance with magnets, no test lamp required
emissive sensing element that converts infrared Automatic, manual or magnetic optical integrity (oi) testing,
no external test lamp required
radiation into electrical output signals
UV ultraviolet light flame detectors
. Ultraviolet flame detectors use a combination of light
sensors, filters, and photodetectors to detect the ultraviolet
light emitted by flames. A beam of light is directed through
the area monitored by the detector and if an object blocks
the light in any way, it will cause a break in the beam and
trigger an alarm. The detector can also be used to detect
smoke using an infrared filter that removes all visible light
from the beam.
Ultraviolet flame detectors are the most suitable for use in UV Flame Detector
areas with risk of fire or explosion, such as oil refineries, 0-20 mA current output
3 dry contact relays
chemical plants and warehouses. They can also be installed Automatic and Manual Optical Path Checking
in kitchens. Automatic Self Test Diagnostics for electronics and
sensor elements

Combined infrared plus ultraviolet IR+UV flame

detectors
Combination Infrared and Ultraviolet Flame Detectors are a

type of fire detector that uses ultraviolet and infrared
light technology to detect the presence of flames.
These detectors are commonly used in
areas where there are sparks or flames,
such as kitchens, bathrooms, garages, utility
rooms and workshops.
Linear infrared detectors
Linear infrared detectors or commonly called “smoke or linear
barriers” are a type of detector that uses beams of infrared
light to detect objects. The detector is made up of two parts: an
emitter and a receiver. The emitter is a device that emits infrared
rays, while the receiver detects the reflected rays.
Linear infrared barriers can be installed at entry points such as
doors or gates.
Sometimes called manual fire boxes,

pull stations, or call points, manually
actuated initiating devices initiate
an alarm signal when there is an
input from a person, such as pulling
a lever or pushing a button. These
can require multiple actions to
initiate such as lifting a cover or
breaking glass prior to actuating the
device.
Flow switches are installed inside the

piping of a sprinkler system and have a
vane that moves with the flow of water.
When water begins to flow within the pipe,
the vane operates a switch that initiates an
alarm.
Pressure switches are installed on

sprinkler systems to monitor for a
change in water pressure. A signal will
be sent to the FACU when there is an
increase in water pressure, which means
that water is flowing though the
sprinkler alarm valve.
Supervision
Supervision can include but is not
limited to valves on fire protection
systems, other fire protection systems
such as kitchen hood suppression
systems, valve room or storage tank
temperatures, and fire pump
condition.
Issues with these systems would provide a signal to the fire alarm control unit via
an initiating device circuit (IDC) for conventional systems, or a signaling line circuit
(SLC) for addressable systems and would create a supervisory condition at the fire
alarm control unit (FACU).
Zones are typically designed to enable

someone to easily identify an area where
the supervisory is located, for example,
you may have all of the valve supervisory
switches for one system on its own zone
so the supervisory comes up as
“supervisory wet pipe system 1”.
some addressable supervisory devices are also able to

transmit to the FACU a range of values such as
temperature, water level, pressure, and other variables,
and then the control unit software determines the set
points for initiation of a supervisory signal. These types of
supervisory devices are known as analog addressable as
they are able to tell the FACU their address and their
value.
Valves that can shut off the water

supply for a fire suppression system
such as a sprinkler system are required
to be supervised to ensure that they
are not closed while the system is in
service. One way of supervising these
valves is the use of the fire alarm
system.
Water-based fire suppression

systems are required to be
maintained above a
temperature of 40O F (4O C)
where the system piping is filled
with water. One way to ensure
that these systems are not
subject to freezing
temperatures is to utilize the
fire alarm system.
If a building has a fire suppression system

other than a sprinkler system such as a kitchen
hood suppression system, or an inert gas
system, it may be required to be monitored by
athe fire alarm system.The other suppression
systems may be connected directly to the
building fire alarm control unit, or the other
suppression system is controlled by its own fire
alarm control unit (known as a releasing panel)
that is then connected to the buildings main
fire alarm control unit.
Some water-based fire suppression

systems such as a dry pipe or pre-
action sprinkler system may require the
use of pressurized air or nitrogen
within the system piping. In some
cases, the pressure within the piping is
required to be supervised by the fire
alarm system. This is done using
pressure transducers or pressure
switches that are connected to the fire
alarm control unit. A supervisory
condition may then be created if the
pressure in the piping is too high, or
too low.
If the building has a fire pump that

supplies a water-based fire suppression
system such as a sprinkler system or a
standpipe system, the fire alarm control
unit is connected to the fire pump
controller to monitor for the following
conditions:
• Pump or engine running

• Controller main switch off normal
• Trouble with the controller or engine
• Main power to electric fire pump
disconnected
• Phase reversal on electric fire pump
• Loss of phase on electric fire pump
If a water tank is used to supply a water-based

fire suppression system, the water level in the
tank and the temperature of the water may
need to be monitored. This is done by installing
water level sensors within the tank that can send
a signal if the water level drops by a specified
level, and the installation of water temperature
sensors that can send signals if the temperature
drops below 40O F (4O C) and for when the
temperature has been restored to a temperature
above 40O F (4O C).
Power There are a few different options out there

when it comes to providing a reliable power
source. They include providing an additional
power source in addition to the primary power
such as batteries or an emergency generator
so there is backup power if primary power is
lost or providing power through a single
source such as a Stored-Energy Emergency
Power Supply System (SEPSS).
It is important for a fire alarm system to be provided with reliable power so it can operate
during any emergency. There are a few different options when it comes to choosing a
reliable power supply, as well as some calculations that are necessary to ensure that the
fire alarm system is provided with sufficient backup power.
Primary Power
Primary power to the fire alarm
system can be provided by the
electric utility, an engine-driven
generator (this is not a standby
generator, however, it is a site
generator meeting the requirements
in NFPA 72® Fire Alarm and
Signaling Code®), and Energy
Storage System, or a cogeneration
system.
Batteries are a common way to

provide a secondary power supply,
the most common type of battery is
a Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid
battery and they are typically
located within the fire alarm control
unit enclosure, or in a separate
battery box located near the fire
alarm control unit.
Standard for Emergency and Standby

Power Systems, which provides power to
the fire alarm system through an
automatic transfer switch. If using an
emergency generator, you are still
required to provide batteries as well just
in case there is an issue with getting the
emergency generator started. These
batteries however, only need to provide
a capacity for 4 hours instead of the 24
hours in standby.
Instead of providing two separate power

supplies, you are permitted to provide
power via a Stored-Energy Emergency Power
Supply System (SEPSS) otherwise known as
an Energy Storage System (ESS) or an
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). The
SEPSS must be configured in accordance
with NFPA 111 and provide 24 hours of
backup battery. The SEPSS is also fed via a
compliant primary power supply such as
utility power or an on site generator.
Notification
A fire alarm system is able to
provide notification to alert the
occupants and in some cases on
site emergency forces.
Notification is provided via
visible and audible notification
appliances.. The fire alarm
control unit provides the signal
to the notification appliances
via a notification appliance
circuit (NAC).
Notification appliances are controlled by the fire

alarm control unit (FACU) using a notification
appliance circuit (NAC). Each notification appliance
has a diode in it that only allows current to pass
through it in one direction (think of it like a one
way valve). During an alarm condition the FACU will
reverse the polarity of the voltage (switch the
direction of the current flow) and increase it
(typically to 24 vdc). Since the direction of the flow
has changed, the diodes will allow the current to
flow through the notification appliances and cause
the audible and or visual notification.
The audible notification can consist of either tones

and a voice message, or just tones. Fire Alarm
speakers are used to create tones and voice
messages, while a horn can only create a tone or
single sound. Notification appliances can just be
speakers or horns, or they can be a combination
unit which provides a strobe light in addition to the
speaker or horn. You may see these appliances
mounted on the wall or on the ceiling.
Public mode signaling is used when you want to alert all the occupants
within the building that there is an emergency, while private mode
signaling is used to only alert the occupants responsible for responding
that there is an emergency. For example, a fire alarm system within a
restaurant would utilize public mode signaling to alert all the occupants
that there is an emergency and that they need to evacuate. Public mode
signaling is required to have a duration of 60 seconds,While these
operating modes address how a system must be designed in regard to
the sound level, it is important to note that some buildings may utilize
different zoned notification strategies. For example, a high-rise building
may implement a notification strategy where they notify the occupants
on the fire floor along with the occupants on the floor above and the
floor below. After those floors are evacuated, other floors can be
notified to evacuate.
If the fire alarm system is notifying the occupants that

they need to evacuate or relocate, the system must
utilize the temporal 3 pattern. There is no requirement
for the sound that is used to create the pattern, it can
be a horn, bell, chime, or even a slow whoop. In the
case of sleeping areas, the sound is required to have a
low frequency 520 Hz (typical fire alarm notification
frequencies are in the 3150 Hz range) as studies have
shown that this low frequency is more effective at
waking occupants. For fire alarm systems utilizing a
voice message, the voice message will proceed the
temporal 3 signal. For an example of a temporal 3
signal take a look at this video.
Types of visual signaling from a fire alarm system

include strobe lights, textual signals, and
graphical signals. The most common type of visual
signals provided to occupants from a fire alarm
system is the use of strobes.
The systems are designed to produce a given amount of

light over the area in which notification is required, this
light level is measured in lumens/ft2 or lumens/m2.
Based on the type of notification being provided (private
mode or public mode) strobes may be placed to provide
notification to all the occupants, or only the occupants
responsible for responding.
Emergency Control Functions
The fire alarm control unit can be used

to control the function of other systems
such as elevator recall, door closers,
smoke control systems, and so on. The
most common way that the fire alarm
can do this is through the use of a
control circuit and a relay.
A control circuit is essentially a

notification appliance circuit (NAC) that is
used to send power to a relay instead of
notification appliances. A relay is a switch
that is open and closed
electromechanically and allows the fire
alarm control unit to operate emergency
control functions.
This is beneficial because multiple output

modules can be controlled by the same SLC,
which can control each module separately. For
example, all output modules controlling all of
the door hold opens in a building could be on
the same SLC, but based on the specific input
to the control unit, only specific doors can be
closed. If all of these modules were on the
same control circuit, the control unit would
only be able to close all the doors.
The fire alarm control unit can also be used to

send a signal to the elevator controller to
initiate elevator recall or shutdown. The fire
alarm control unit will send a signal to send the
elevator to the designated level (typically street
level) when a smoke detector on any floor lobby
or in the elevator machine room detects smoke,
if smoke is detected in the designated level
lobby the elevator will be sent to the alternate
level (typically the level above the designated
level).
Many building designs include the use of

large open spaces such as atriums that
connect multiple floors of a building. To keep
occupants safe in the event of a fire, a smoke
control system may be needed to maintain
the level of smoke above the occupants as
they are exiting the building.
If a fire were to start within a building,

an important objective is to contain the
fire and products of combustion within
an enclosed space for as long as
possible.
Communication to Supervising Station

Supervising stations monitor the premises and include Central Station Service, Proprietary
Supervising Stations, and Remote Supervising Stations.
Regardless of the system, in today’s world they all consist of a type of transmitter at the
protected premises that uses a transmission and/or communications channel and
pathway to send signals to a receiver at the supervising station or public
communications center.
A Public Emergency Alarm Reporting System (PEARS), otherwise known as a Municipal

Emergency (Fire) Alarm System is a communication infrastructure, other than a public
telephone network that is used to communicate with a communication center. Typically,
this communication infrastructure is owned, operated, and controlled by a public
agency.
One way the interface between the fire alarm control

unit and the PEARS is completed is using a master fire
alarm box, which is an addressable manual pull station
on the PEARS system that has an interface circuit that
allows a fire alarm control unit to actuate the master
box when the system initiates a fire alarm signal.
If off-premises signaling is provided by a private company, it is most likely

completed using a supervising station alarm system. A supervising station alarm
system consists of everything connected to the supervising station, including the
protected premises fire alarm control unit and devices.
Supervising Station Alarm Systems are further divided into three specific types. They are

1. Central Station Service Alarm Systems

2. Proprietary Supervising Station Alarm Systems
3. Remote Supervising Station Alarm Systems.
A Central Station Service Alarm system

consists of a remotely located supervising
station. In addition to monitoring, it provides
several other services including record keeping
and reporting, testing services, and runner
service. This option can also be chosen by a
building owner who wants to have a single
contract with a provider who supplies
monitoring as well as inspection, testing, and
maintenance and other services required of
central stations.

A Proprietary Supervising Station Alarm

System consists of a supervising station
under the same ownership as the protected
building that it supervises. These can be
useful to owners who have very large
buildings or a campus or for owners who
have numerous buildings in many locations
and who are able to dedicate the space and
staffing levels to accomplish this
Proprietary supervising stations can be located on the same premises as the fire alarm
system or at another location; these are most often used by large airports, industrial
plants, college campuses, large hospitals, and retail chains, among other facilities.
A Remote Supervising Station Alarm

Systems consists of a constantly attended
location that receives signals from various
protected premises typically owned by
different parties. Unlike central station fire
alarm systems, contracts for this service
are typically limited to the monitoring and
recording of signals from the fire alarm
system.
FIRE PROTECTION
SYSTEM
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM
- are standard building features that either actively or passively help to

control the amount of damage that can occur to a building and protect its
occupants in the event of a fire.


Fire-protection systems fall into two main categories —
active fire protection and passive fire protection .
Active fire-protection measures are those
that take direct physical action to reduce the
growth rate of fire or the migration of smoke.
Includes features as
Automatic Fire Sprinkler -a sprinkler is activated by the heat put off by the fire once it
reaches a certain temperature at the ceiling around that particular head
distance of sprinkler- 3.7 m minimum
5-6 m maximum
Stand Pipes - Standpipes that are specified to be

located within stairway enclosures shall be located at
each floor landing.
Fire Department Connection- is an important

component found on most sprinkler and standpipe
systems
Smoke Control System- smoke control systems work to
limit the spread of smoke through a building, ideally
limiting the amount of damage the smoke can do to both
the building and its occupants.
Post Fire Smoke Purge -Similar to smoke control
systems, the post-fire smoke purge involves a series of
fans and shutters that help to eliminate the smoke from a
building and can include automatic ventilation from
windows and doors to flush smoke from a building,
preventing further damage.
Fire Command Sysytem-These systems are highly beneficial in
evaluating, maintaining, and communicating the vital aspects of the fire,
as well as providing updates in real-time.
Passive fire protection- involves the use of building components to control or limit a fire. Like ,
Walls,doors, floors, and ceilings can be designed and constructed to resist the passage of fire
and smoke.
EXAMPLE:
FIRE WALL
PARTY WALLS:
SMOKE BARRIERS

COMPARTMENTATION:
Older high-rise office buildings typically relied on
compartmentation as a primary fire protection system,
Common Fire Protection Systems
Wet Fire Sprinkler Systems -The wet-pipe system employs automatic sprinklers
attached to a piping system connected to a water supply. The water discharges
immediately from sprinklers opened by a fire. Only those sprinklers which have been
operated by heat over the fire will discharge water.
Dry Pipe Systems- The dry-pipe system employs automatic sprinklers attached to a
piping system containing air or nitrogen under pressure. When released, the water flows
into the piping system and discharges only from those sprinklers which have been
operated by the fire. Dry-pipe systems are installed in lieu of wet-pipe systems where
piping is subject to freezing.
Dry pipe sprinkler systems are installed in areas subject to freezing temperatures
when there is a risk of water freezing inside a sprinkler pipe and causing it to burst.
Special Hazard Fire Protection Systems– Special systems are designed to detect and
extinguish fires in locations where standard suppression systems are not appropriate or
adequate.
When Do You Need a Special Hazard Fire Protection System?
· Your building or facility contains a valuable or sensitive asset.
Your fire protection system needs to protect people.
Your facility has a higher risk of fire hazard.
Dry Chemical Fire Suppression System- A dry chemical fire suppression system is a
type of fire protection system that makes use of a dry chemical powder to extinguish a
fire. Most dry chemical fire suppression systems make use of a large tank that is filled
with the dry chemical powder, and then pressurized.
Dry chemical fire extinguishers are by far the most common fire extinguishers in the
home. They can handle all three types of fires you would find in a kitchen or workshop:
combustible solids like wood or paper, combustible liquids like gasoline or grease, and
electrical fires.
May locate.. Advantages
Public Hallways, Good extinguishing effect
Laboratories Can extinguish live equipment
Mech. Rooms Frost-resistant
Break room Disadvantages
Chemical sto. Areas A lot of collateral damage
Offices No/barely no cooling effect
Universities Damages electrical devices
etc. Increased risk of re-ignition
Shorter extinguishing time
Gaseous Fire Suppression Systems - is a fire extinguishing system that extinguishes fire with the
help of a gaseous extinguishing agent either through oxygen displacement (reduction of oxygen
content) or physical effects (heat extraction).
Gaseous fire systems are designed with the intent of fire extinguishment as opposed to fire control
normally provided by a traditional fire sprinkler system. The extinguishing process and characteristics
give gaseous extinguishing systems real advantages over sprinkler systems in cases where water
application may cause more damage than the fire itself.
Most commonly found in server rooms, computer suites and communication rooms a Gas
Suppression system is responsible for protecting the integral functions of your business.
Gaseous agents provide the following benefits:
Safe for People
Does not leave a residue
Electrically non-conductive and non-corrosive
Eliminates water damage
Foam Fire Suppression Systems - a type of wet sprinkler system that
combines both water and a foaming agent for large scale fire
extinguishment. This water-based fire sprinkler suppression system can
extinguish extensive fires in mere seconds with incredible efficiency.
May locate.. The Advantages of Foam Fire Extinguishers

Compatibility with different types of foam
Warehouse suppressants.
Marine applications Put out fires started by substances including gas, oil,
Flemmable liquid sto. and paint.
Easier clean-up than powder.
Jet engine Less conductivity compared to water, resulting in less
Testing facilities damage if sprayed on electrical equipment.
Disadvantage
More expensive than a powder fire extinguisher

Fire Supression

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FIRE CODE

RA NO. 9514: FIRE CODE OF THE

-AN ACT ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE FIRE CODE OF THE

RULE 10: Fire Safety Measures

Basic Design Restrictions

RULE 10: Fire Safety Measures

No Sprinkler: one-half (1/2) of the length of the maximum over-all diagonal

• Number of exits - for any storey, mezzanine, balcony, etc:

Smoke proof enclosures may be by any of the following means:

Stairway Pressurization - mechanically designed to establish air pressure

Ladders - not allowed as fire escape or means of egress.

Emergency evacuation plan - usually contain exit routes, locations of

FEATURES OF FIRE PROTECTION

DIVISION 10: Residential - Residential occupancies are those

Number of exits: at least 2 exits.

It uses water as a primary means for fire protection or

1.Water-Based Fire Suppression Systems

2. Chemical Foam Suppression Systems

3. Pneumatic Heat Detection Tube

4. Pressurized Gas System

5. Foam Deluge Systems

Fire alarm initiating devices

Fire notification devices

Alarm monitoring systems

Alarm monitoring systems are designed to

Alarm control panels

Alarm control panels give authorities and

Suppressant delivery systems

Primary and backup power supplies

Class A - Class A fires are defined as ordinary combustible materials

Types Fire Extinguisher Agents

How to use a Fire Extinguisher

Fire detection systems are

FIRE DETECTION SYSTEM

-The “Brain” of the Fire

FIRE DETECTION SYSTEM

the initiating device causes an increase in current

The device address allows for the location of

Different Types of Fire Alarm

Operating temperature: - 10 to +50 °C

The most common use of this type of detector is in car parks

E-TEC THERMO-VELOCIMETRIC HEAT DETECTOR

A restorable fixed temperature heat

A rate-of-rise detector utilizes an air chamber

An analog addressable heat

There are many different types of carbon monoxide

The most common type of fire detection system,

Smoke detectors are usually housed in plastic enclosures,

diodes (LEDs) to illuminate the surrounding area of the smoke

The light scattering smoke detector operates on the Tyndall effect; a

the chamber causes the

scattered and fall on the

output is being used to

This type of fire detection

equipment can be used to

light source and photocell

A beam smoke detector is like a

outbreak of fire by sensing the level of carbon monoxide in

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

inputs from both optical and heat

A Manual Call Point or Break Glass Call Point is a device

which enables personnel to raise the alarm by breaking the

Manual Call points should be positioned 1.4m (/-200mm)