FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM BASICS

BY: GENE LAMBERT R. GIRON, UAP, NAMPAP, PIEP

A Comprehensive Lecture on Fire Suppression Systems for MPLE

Types of FSS Design
1. Elevated Water Tank (Overhead/Downfeed
System)
2. Underground Reservoir with Stand-by Power
(Pneumatic)
3. Up-feed Pumping System
Types of FSS Design
 Elevated Water Tank (Overhead/Downfeed
System)
 Traditional Design of FS Systems utilizing gravity for
water distribution from an elevated fire reserve.
 To supply a constant pressure of water in the
distribution lines
 Store sufficient Water to balance the supply from the
demand
 Minimal Reliance to Pneumatic Measures
Types of FSS Design
 Elevated Water Tank (Overhead/Downfeed
System)
 Disadvantages are:
 Eyesore
 Expensive
 Excess Load
Types of FSS Design
 Underground Reservoir with Stand-by Power
(Pneumatic)
 Reservoir below Natural Grade Line With stored
water for Fire Reserve
 Reliant to Pumps whenever needed
 Pump must be Fuel-powered.
Types of FSS Design
 Up-feed Pumping System
 Conceptually Functions as Overhead and
Underground Reservoir System
 Provides a constant flow of water from a Reservoir
Fire Reserve to the distribution Pipes
 Expensive
 Reliable
 Minimized Pump Errors
Standpipe and Fire Hose Systems
 Standpipe
A pipe installed in buildings not as part of the water
supply but specifically for conveyance of water in case
of fire.
 Fire Hose
 Readily Available near the Fire Exit Stairs supplied by
the Stand pipe to be used by firemen as they access
the building suppressing fire.
Standpipe Systems
 Appurtenances
 Siamese Connection
 Manifold System

 Systems
 DryStandpipe
 Wet Standpipe
Standpipe Systems
 Wet Standpipe Systems
 Standpipewith Constant Pressure/presence of water
ready to be used.
 Dry Standpipe Systems
 Standpipe without Constant Pressure/presence of
water.
Standpipe and Fire Hose Systems
1. Manifold or Siamese Connection Connects to Fire
Hydrant
2. Firemen Connects Hose to Stand pipe outlets or;
3. Utilizes the Fire Hose Cabinets if Present
Automatic Sprinkler System
1. Wet Pipe
Mains and Distribution Pipe are constantly supplied
with water.
2. Dry Pipe
No water standing in the distribution pipe except in
occurrence of fire.
Automatic Sprinkler System
1. Types of Sprinkler Heads
1. Fountain/Upright
 Bare Ceiling
 Most Efficient Discharge
2. Pendent
 For Fixed or Finished Ceiling
3. Flush
 For Constricted Plenum Space
 Prevention of spreading fire
Automatic Sprinkler System
 Things to Know about Sprinklers
 2.40 to 3.60 meters maximum typical spacing of Sprinkler Heads depending on type
of Hazard of Occupancy.
 3.00 to 4.00 meters bay distance of Distribution Pipes Installed depending on Hazard
of Occupancy
 Presence of Cellulose
 Bulb at Sprinkler Heads open at 135 F to 160 F
 Distribution should be Centered where a line is present
 Avoid bends to minimize retardation of pressure