Fire suppression systemsSprinklerStandpipe and HoseChemicalSmoke Control systemsRemove smoke from exitsProvide fleeing occupants with breathable air*

CompartmentalizationBreak a building into small compartments to contain fire and smokeFire SeparationFire rated wall, floor, ceiling assemblies that impede the spread of fireUse of non-combustible materialsUse of low flame spread and smoke developed finish material

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TypesConventional AddressableAnalogDigitalEquipmentManual Fire Alarm Boxes (Pull Stations)Mounting not less than 3.5 and not more than 4.5 ft above floor level (ADA requires maximum 48 high forward reach)Spacing:At exit doorways within 5 of each exit doorway on each floor; on both sides of opening 40 feet and wider, and within 5 feet each sideAdditional boxes such that distance of travel to any box less than 200 feet on same floor

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Heat DetectorsApplicationsWhere smoke is ordinarily presentTop of elevator shafts where sprinklers are presentTypesFixedCombination fixed/rate of riseLocationOn ceiling not less than 4 from sidewall, or on sidewall between 4 and 12 of ceiling *

TypesSpotBeamDesign:IonizationPhotoelectricSpot Detector AccessoriesIntegral alarmTypical use motels and similar sleeping spaces*

*Photoelectric detectors operate using principle of smoke obscurationSmoke interposed in light beam between small emitter and detectorDecreased light intensity at detector causes alarm to soundDevice in photo also includes integral alarm used in motels and similar sleeping spaces.

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ApplicationsSpot detectorsFor general fire detectionClose doors, operate smoke dampersBeam detectorsHigh ceilings where spot detectors impracticalLocationOn ceiling not less than 4 from sidewall, or on sidewall between 4 and 12 of ceiling

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Standpipe and Hose SystemsA reliable water supply, piping, hose connections to permit manual extinguishing of a fire.Sprinkler SystemsA reliable water supply, piping, sprinklers, to permit automatic extinguishing of a fire.Chemical Extinguishing SystemsBoth manual and automatic systemsUse a chemical extinguishing agent where water is not effective, or cannot be used.

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Classification:Class I 2-1/2 hose connections for firefighters use, 100 psi at uppermost hose connection.

Class II 1-1/2 hose connections for occupant use, 100 psi at uppermost hose connection.Class III 2-1/2 and 1-1/2 hose connections for both firefighters and occupant use.*

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A backflow preventer prevents water contained in building piping systems from flowing back into the community water main.Water piping in buildings may contain foul and/or hazardous materials.*

A combined system is a standpipe that also supplies automatic sprinklers on each floor.Combined systems were first permitted by NFPA in 1976 to encourage owners of high rise buildings that already had standpipes to install sprinkler systems.

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Fire PumpsSince most water main pressures are generally less than 100 psi at the street, a fire pump is usually required to provide adequate pressure.Fire pumps must be provided with an emergency power source.Fire pumps generally require a separate, fire rated (2 hr.) room or enclosure.

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Definition and purpose a reliable water supply, piping, sprinklers, valves and accessories for the purpose of automatically extinguishing a fire.

Governing Design StandardsLocal building code or ordinance prescribes where sprinkler systems are required NFPA 13 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems prescribes how sprinkler systems are to be designed and constructedFactory Mutual (FM) An insurance company standards organization; it may, through the building owners insurance company, impose additional restrictions/requirements for overall building fire protection systems.*

Types of sprinkler systems:WetDryPre-actionDeluge*

Both pendant and upright sprinklers may be used.During operation, the alarm check valve diverts a small portion of water to the water motor alarm does not rely on electricity to sound alarm.*

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*An electric alarm bell is operated through a water flow switch inserted into the main riser.When a sprinkler opens, water flow activates flow switch, and alarm sounds.Requires a reliable source of power from an emergency source.

Dry systemPiping is filled with compressed air.A dry system valve blocks the entry of water into the piping. Air pressure in the piping holds the valve closed.When one or more sprinkler heads openAir is first released through the head(s)Air pressure in the piping system drops.Dry system valve swings open.Water floods the piping system.Used in unheated buildings, or portions of buildings that are not heated, e.g., attics.*

*Upright heads must be used, in order to allow the piping to drain completely.

Recessed Pendant SprinklerGlass tube holds metal disc seated in valve seatGlycerin in glass tube expands when heated and will shatter glassWater is releasedSpray pattern is established by deflector*

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*Decorative white disk is soldered to the sprinkler body solder melts first, plate falls to floor, exposing sprinklerExposed sprinkler will now operate like a standard sprinkler - releases water as temperature increasesCan be used in Light Hazard Occupancies

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Sprinkler ClassificationsDesign and performanceArea of coverageSpeed of responseStandard responseFast responseOrientationConcealedFlushPendentRecessedSidewallUpright*

Manual Fire Detection - Pull StationsManual fire detection is the oldest method of detection. In the simplest form, a person yelling can provide fire warning. In buildings, however, a person's voice may not always transmit throughout the structure. For this reason, manual alarm stations are installed. The general design philosophy is to place stations within reach along paths of escape. It is for this reason that they can usually be found near exit doors in corridors and large rooms. The advantage of manual alarm stations is that, upon discovering the fire, they provide occupants with a readily identifiable means to activate the building fire alarm system. The alarm system can then serve in lieu of the shouting person's voice. They are simple devices, and can be highly reliable when the building is occupied. The key disadvantage of manual stations is that they will not work when the building is unoccupied. They may also be used for malicious alarm activations. Nonetheless, they are an important component in any fire alarm system.2007 NFPA 72, 3.3.63.3 Manual Fire Alarm Box. A manually operated device used to initiate an alarm signal.

Automatic Detectors Spot type2007 NFPA 72, 3.3.43.21 Spot Type Detector. A device in which the detecting Element is concentrated at a particular location. Typical examples are Bimetallic detectors, fusible alloy detectors, certain pneumatic rate-of-riseDetectors, certain smoke detectors, and thermoelectric detectors.

Conventional control panels range in size from 1 zone to over 100 zones.Zones typically consist of some or all of the initiating devices in an area or floor of a building.Some control panels zone capacity is expandable while others are not, limiting its usefulness if a facility adds additional buildings or rooms.Comparing System TypesTo better understand todays newer technology, a firm understanding of the types of systems available is necessary. The three most popular types of systems installed today are:

ConventionalAddressableAnalog Addressable

Zone 14.7K EOLRZone 2FACPNAC 1Multiple devices are combined into a single zone. Zones can contain 30 or more devices.4.7K EOLR

Detectors in an analog addressable systems become sensors relaying information to the control panel corresponding to how much smoke or heat that detector is sensing.The control panel makes the decisions based on this information when to alarm etc.

ConventionalLower initial equipment costs.Wide range of compatible devices.Can be easier to program.Limited expansion capability.AddressableEasier to install.More system status information at the panel and central station.Input/Output programming much more flexible.Usually much more room available to expand.

Addressable Device - A fire alarm system component with discreet identification that can have its status individually identified or that is used to individually control other functions.Analog Addressable Sensor - An initiating device that transmits a signal indicating varying degrees of condition as contrasted with a conventional or addressable initiating device, which can only indicate an off/on condition.Signaling Line Circuit (SLC) - A circuit or path between any combination of circuit interfaces, control units, or transmitters over which multiple system input signals or out put signals or both are carried.SLC Interface - A system component that connects a signaling line circuit to any combination of initiating devices, initiating device circuits, notification appliances, notification appliance circuits, system control outputs and other signaling line circuits.Protocol - A language for communicating between control panels and their proprietary devices.

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