SYLLABUS – SEM 6

 FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS – Introduction | Fire Regulations |

Code of Safety | Design Considerations | Fire Escape Routes |
F i r e R e s i s t a n c e o f B u i l d i n g M a t e r i a l s | M a i n t e n a n c e | Wa t e r
S u p p l y f o r F i r e F i g h t i n g | S y s t e m s o f F i r e F i g h t i n g | We t & D r y
Risers | Sprinkler systems

 V E R T I C A L T R A N S P O R TAT I O N S Y S T E M S – E l e v a t o r s & E s c a l a t o r s

 S E RV I C E S F O R H I G H R I S E B U I L D I N G S – Wa t e r S u p p l y & E l e c t r i c a l s
 1. FIRE PREVENTION
Covering aspects of fire prevention
pertaining to
design and construction of buildings
on fire protection measures
PA S S I V E F I R E
MEASURES 2. LIFE SAFETY
Covering life safety provisions,
emergencies, also occupancy features
that are necessary to minimize
danger to life from fire, smoke

3 . F I R E P ROT E C T I O N
Covering the guidelines for selecting
ACTIVE FIRE the correct type of equipment and
installation meant for fire
MEASURES protection of the building, depending
upon the classification and type of
the building.
 TERMINOLOGY

1. EXIT AC C E S S - That portion of a means that leads to an exit (Eg.

d o o r way s, s t a i r c a s e l o b by, r a m p s, p a s s a geway l e a d i n g t o a n ex i t ) .

2. EXIT DISCHARGE - A means of egress between the termination of an

ex i t a n d a p u b l i c way.

3. EXIT/ EGRESS - That unobstructed component whic h is between the exit

a c c e s s a n d t h e ex i t d i s c h a r ge o r p u b l i c way.

4. FIRE EXIT - A way out leading from exit access with or without panic
b a r p r o v i d e d o n t h e d o o r.

5. ROOF EXISTS - A means of escape on to the roof o f a building, where

the roof has access to it from the ground through alternative staircase
or adjacent building.

6 . H O R I Z O N TA L E X I T - A staging arrangement, providing safety from fire

and smoke originating from the area of incidence.
7 . O C C U PA N C Y - T h e p r i n c i p a l o c c u p a n c y f o r w h i c h a b u i l d i n g o r a p a r t o f
a building is used or intended to be used.

8 . O C C U PA N C Y L OA D - M a x i m u m n u m b e r o f p e r s o n s t h a t m i g h t o c c u py a
building or portion thereof at any one time.

9 . T R AV E L D I S TA N C E - T h e d i s t a n c e t o b e t r a v e l l e d f r o m a n y p o i n t i n a
building to a protected exit or external escape route or final exit
measured along the line of travel.

10. REFUGE AREA - An area within the building for a temporary use during
egress. It generally ser ves as a STAGING AREA.

1 1 .F I R E BA R R I E R - a Ve r t i c a l l y o r H o r i zo n t a l l y a l i g ne d m e m b e r s u c h a s a
wall or a fire cur tain, or a floor to limit the spread of fire that also
restricts the movement of smoke.

7 . F I R E C O M PA R T M E N T - A s p a c e w i t h i n a b u i l d i n g t h a t i s e n c l o s e d by f i r e
barrier or fire resistant walls on all sides, including the top and bottom.
12.FIRE FIGHTING SHAFT / FIRE TOWER - An enclosed shaft having
protected area of fire resistance rating comprising protected l o b by,
staircase and firemen’s lift connected directly to exit disc harge .

1 3 . F I R E L I F T / E VAC U AT I O N L I F T - A s p e c i a l l i f t d e s i g n e d f o r t h e u s e o f
fi re ser vi ce s p ro po sa l i n t ha t e ve nt o f fire or o t he r e me rge nc y. I t can b e
also used for self-evacuation.

14.FIRE R E S I S TA N C E - Fire resistance is a property of an element of

building construction and is the measure of its ability to satisfy for a
stated period.

15.FIRE PROOF DOOR - A door or shutter fitted to a wall opening and

constructed and erected with the requirement to c heck the transmission
of heat and fire for a specified period.

16.FIRE S E P E R AT I O N - The distance in meter measured from any other

building on the site or from another site or from the opposite side of a
street or other public space to the building.
17.ALARM SYSTEM - A system comprising components required for
automatically detecting smoke, heat or fire initiating an alar m and other
actions as appropriate.

18.FIRE PUMP - A mec hanical / electrical device whic h boosts up the water
pressure at the top level of a multi-story building.

19.FIRE SERVICE INLET - A connection provided at the base of a building

for p ump i ng up wa te r thro ug h i n-b ui lt fire fig hti ng arra nge me nts by fi re
service pumps.

20.ESCAPE LIGHTING - That part of the emergency lighting which is

provided to ensure that the escape route is illuminated at all material
times.

21.FIRE SUPRESSION SYSTEM - Gas based systems | Wa t e r based

systems.

2 2 . C O M B U S T I B L E M AT E R I A L - A material which either burns itself or adds

heat to a fire.
 FIRE GROWTH IN ROOMS

 Fires in rooms can follow different growth patterns depending upon

various factors.

 An enclosed fire will pass through a series of stages after ignition : A

period of Growth, one of Stability and then a period of Cooling.

 The plotting of the temperature of a fire against time from ignition will
g i v e “A F I R E G R O W T H C U R V E ” .

 Typical fire s in compar tments will have different stages –

1. AN INCIPIENT STAGE,

2. GROWTH STAGE,

3 . F U L LY D E V E LO P E D ( S TA B L E ) &

4 . O N E O F D E C AY ( C O O L I N G ) .
FIRE GROWTH CURVE
FIRE DEVELOPMENT
 EFFECTS OF FIRE ON BUILDINGS

 Building Systems such as E l e c t r i c i t y, H VAC , Lifts, Other services are

affected by fire, and/or contribute to the spread o f fire.

 All elements of a building - walls, floors, roofs, beams and columns are
affected by fire.

 To p e r f o r m t h e i r f u n c t i o n , t h ey m u s t b e a b l e t o m a i n t a i n t h e i r i n t e g r i t y
for the duration of a fire.

 Structural members can expand, resulting in forces on connected

members.

 As their temperatures rise, materials can deteriorate, and lose their

load bearing capacity.

 Different types of structural failures are possible because of this.

 1. FIRE PREVENTION
Covering aspects of fire prevention
pertaining to
design and construction of buildings
on fire protection measures

2. LIFE SAFETY
Covering life safety provisions,
emergencies, also occupancy features
that are necessary to minimize
danger to life from fire, smoke

3 . F I R E P ROT E C T I O N
Covering the guidelines for selecting
the correct type of equipment and
installation meant for fire
protection of the building, depending
upon the classification and type of
the building.

3. DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO FIRE SAFETY

 CODE BASED DESIGN:
• Based on past experience and Empirical data.
• The approac h to Fire safety design consists of identifying certain
components and prescribe certain standards.
• This can be termed as ‘prescriptive’ or ‘code based’ approac h.
( Building Height & Area | Travel distances & routes | Str uctural Fire
Protection | Compartmentation | Fire brigade access | Fire fighting
equipment | Fire detection/alarm Systems | Emergency signs/lighting )

 PERFORMANCE BASED DESIGN:

• Is an alternative approach to ac hieving Fire safety in buildings.
• Generally called the ‘Fire Engineering’ or the ‘performance based’
approach.
• Thi s d e ma nd s a n und e r s t a nd i ng o f t he f und a me nt a l s o f f i r e s a f e t y.
• Different scientific and engineering tools/ software's are used to
support the design of the building.
• As of n o w, only a handful of developed countries allow
performance based design.
 T Y P E S O F O C C U PA N I E S

• Occupancy groups are a method of combining similar type occupancies into

groups for the purpose of enforcing the code.

• The main groups are –

1. RESIDENTIAL GROUP A

2 . ED U C ATI ONA L GROUP B

3. INSTITUTIONAL GROUP C

4 . A S S E M B LY GROUP D

5. BUSINESS GROUP E

6. MERCANTILE GROUP F

7. INDUSTRIAL GROUP G

8. STORAGE GROUP H

9. HAZARDOUS GROUP J

10.DETENTION / CORRECTION
M A RG I N A L S PAC E S F O R T H E P RO P O S E D H E I G H T O F B U I L D I N G - DCR(Pg.74)

AC C E S S F O R F I R E E N G I N E A RO U N D H I G H R I S E B U I L D I N G - D C R ( P g . 1 3 0)

F L O O R S PAC E D I V I S I O N - D C R ( P g . 2 6 9 )

BASEMENTS - DCR(Pg.268)

REFUGE AREA - DCR(Pg.129)

REFUGE CHECK FLOOR - DCR(Pg.130)

FIRE ESCAPE CHUTES - DCR(Pg.130) | NBC(Pg.21)

VERTICAL OPENINGS - NBC(Pg.21)

SERVICE DUCTS AND SHAFTS - NBC(Pg.20)

S U R FAC E I N T E R I O R F I N I S H E S - N B C ( P g . 2 6 )
 C O N S T RU C T I O N M AT E R I A L S

• The type of materials used are

important factors;
• The building resistant to a complete
burn-out and
• In preventing the rapid spread of
fire, smoke or fumes.

In tec hnical terms, this is written as :

F I R E R E S I S TA N C E > F I R E S E V E R I T Y

• FIRE RESISTANCE is a measure of the

ability of the structure to resist failure.

• FIRE SEVERITY is a measure of the

destructive impact of the fire, or of
forces or temperatures which could
cause collapse or other failure.
P RO P E R T I E S O F B U I L D I N G M AT E R I A L S

• Some desirable properties because of

whic h they are used in constr uction
STRENGTH | APPEARANCE | DURABILITY |
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY | RESISTANCE
TO CORROSION AND INSECTS

• These materials will ser ve their

purpose in normal conditions, THEY
M AY R E AC T ADVE R SE LY TO
ABNORMAL CONDITION.

• Properties which are considered

important for Fire Safety are;
a. COMBUSTIBILITY
b. THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
c. R AT E O F T H E R M A L E X PA N S I O N
d. VA R I AT I O N OF STRENGTH WITH
TEMPERATURE
 WOOD
• Wo o d i s a c o m m o n l y u s e d b u i l d i n g m a t e r i a l .

• Advantages:

1. Natural product,

2. Cheap to produce,

3. Easy to work and

4. Medium strength

• Disadvantages:

1. Shrink or Swell,

2 . A f f e c t e d by we a t h e r,

3. Decay due to insect damage, etc.

• More i m p o r t a n t l y, IT IS COMBUSTIBLE at high

temperatures.

• H owe ve r, large pieces of wood, such as those

us e d fo r co l umns d o no t b ur n e a s i l y.
 F I R E R E T A R DA N T T R E A T M E N T

Even in natural form, wood forms CHAR when it

burns, thus preventing heat travel and reducing
the formation of volatile gases.

Wo o d can be treated to reduce its

co mb ust i b i l i t y.

Two m a i n m e t h o d s o f fire retardant treatment

for wood are;
• P R ES S U R E I MP R EGNATI ON &
• S U R FAC E C OATI NG

Some chemicals used for fire retardant

treatment
- ammonium phosphate, ammonium sulfate, boric
acid, zinc c hloride, etc.
 M A S O N RY
• Brick

• Concrete blocks

• Stone Clay tile/gypsum block

• Mortar

• It is inherently resistant to fire, and will retain its

structural integrity even at high temperatures.

• Advantages:

1. Durable

2. Resistant to fire & insects.

• H owe ve r, sustained exposure can affect its

properties.

• Disadvantages:

1. Deteriorating of mortar joints result in

weakening of mortar construction.

 F I R E R E T A R DA N T T R E A T M E N T
• Due to fire exposure, there can be A LOSS OF

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH.

• Unequal thermal expansion of the two faces of

a wall can cause crac king of connecting webs

and separation of wythes.

• Resistance to the effects of fire IS DIR E C T LY

PROPORTIONAL TO THICKNESS, hence

increasing thickness of masonry walls is an

accepted practice for increasing fire resistance.

• All types of masonry give much better

performance if plaster is applied, which

improves insulation and reduces thermal shock.

 CONCRETE
• Concrete has many applications.

• S PA L L I N G is a physical process of the

breakdown of surface layers of concrete whic h

crumble into small pebble-like pieces in

response to high temperatures.

• Uneven expansion of materials that make up

concrete (suc h as cement, sand, gravel, steel),

is mainly responsible for this.

• Expansion of water inside concrete to steam

also contributes to this phenomenon.

• Application of cold water to a heated concrete

surface during firefighting can also cause

spalling.
 F I R E R E T A R DA N T T R E A T M E N T
• Concrete in the right mix ratio and properly cured is inherently resistant to

the effects of fire.

• It has been obser ved that properly cured concrete will spall less as

compared to concrete poorly or incompletely cured.

 STEEL

• Advantages:

1. Resistant to aging and

2. Dimensionally stable

• Steel is used in construction in a variety of

forms like beams, columns, doors and frames.

• Steel is also used as part of other materials

suc h as RCC, and for decorative purposes.

• Disadvantages:

1 . Te n d e n c y t o r u s t a n d

2. Loses strength when exposed to the heat

of a fire.
 F I R E R E T A R DA N T T R E A T M E N T

• Typical method of fire proofing steel columns ;

• A l a y e r o f c o n c r e t e o r m a s o n r y i s a p p l i e d a ro u n d t h e m e m b e r.

• Protecting of vertical and horizontal steel members using board systems.

• Application of Fire resistant coating to Steel beams.

 GLASS
• Different types of glass are being increasingly used in buildings, both

F O R A E S T H E T I C E F F E C T, a s a l s o t o u s e T H E N AT U R A L L I G H T I N D O O R S .

• Is brittle, & shatters when it is str uc k. This property is useful for fire

fi g ht i ng a s i t i s e a sy t o ve nti l a te by b re a ki ng g l a ss me mb e rs.

• GLASS IS NONCOMBUSTIBLE BUT IT IS NOT FIRE RESISTIVE.

• Different types of glass used in construction–

• ORDINARY

• TEMPERED – about 4 times stronger

• HEAT STRENGTHENED – not as strong as tempered glass, but costs less.

• LAMINATED – consists of a layer of vinyl bonding between two layers of

glass.

• GLASS BLOCK – solid or hollow units, used mainly for decorative purposes.
 F I R E R E T A R DA N T T R E A T M E N T

• For fire resistant applications, two types of glass are presently used –

1. WIRED GLASS – made by rolling a mesh of wires into the sheet o f hot

glass.

2 . F I R E R AT E D G L A S S – m a d e f ro m a c o m b i n a t i o n o f g l a s s a n d p l a s t i c .

H o w e v e r, m o r e e x p e n s i v e t h a n w i r e d g l a s s .
 G Y P S U M B OA R D

• H a s L O W S U R FAC E F L A M M A B I L I T Y i n s p i t e o f t h e p a p e r f a c i n g .

• When exposed to fire, heat is conducted to the inner cor e, wher e the

moisture acts to absorbs heat.

• The surface paper may be scorc hed but contributes little to progressive

burning.

• Gypsum board is inherently fire resistant.

• H owe ve r, gy p s u m b o a r d c a n b e p ro d u c e d fo r h i g h e r f i r e r e s i s t a n c e u s i n g

additives such as glass fibers, which provide tensile strength and

prevent deterioration when exposed to fire.

• It is used for applications suc h as corridor partitions, stair enclosures,

membrane ceilings and column protection.

• Can have fire resistance rating from one to four hours.

 1. FIRE PREVENTION
Covering aspects of fire prevention
pertaining to
design and construction of buildings
on fire protection measures

2. LIFE SAFETY
Covering life safety provisions,
emergencies, also occupancy features
that are necessary to minimize
danger to life from fire, smoke

3 . F I R E P ROT E C T I O N
Covering the guidelines for selecting
the correct type of equipment and
installation meant for fire
protection of the building, depending
upon the classification and type of
the building.

3. DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO FIRE SAFETY

1. INGRESS AND EGRESS PROVISIONS

 GENERAL NEEDS
1. STAIRS
2. CORRIDORS
3. RAMPS
4. LIFTS

 FIRE-EXIT NORMS
1. NBC
2. DCR – Chapter 9

 O C C U PA N T L OA D

 EGRESS COMPONENTS

 FIRE LIFTS

 REFUGE AREAS
 FIRE NORMS

 GENERAL EXIT REQUIREMENTS : (NBC 2016 – Pg.27/28/29)

• BUILDING

• BASEMENT

 TYPES OF EXITS :

• E x i t s s h o u l d b e h o r i z o n t a l o r Ve r t i c a l .

1 . A H O R I Z O N T A L E X I T – D o o r w a y | C o r r i d o r | Pa s s a g e To A n I n t e r n a l

E x t e r n a l S t a i r wa y | Ra m p | Ve r a n d a h | Te r r a c e .

2. A VERTICAL EXIT – STAIRCASE | RAMP but NOT A LIFT.

 GENERAL EXIT REQUIREMENTS : (DCR – Pg.126)

  E X I T AC C E S S
EGRESS COMPONENTS
1. C A PAC I T Y
2. T R AV E L D I S T A N C E
3. DIRECTION

 EXITS
1. NUMBER OF EXITS
2. ARRANGEMENT

 TYPES OF EXITS
1. D O O RWAY S
2. C O R R I D O R S & PA S S AG WAY S
3. STAIRCASES
a. Internal
b. Curved
c. External
4. RAMPS
5. FIRE LIFTS
6. REFUGE AREAS

 SMOKE CONTROL OF EXITS

 FIRE OFFICER
 FIRE DRILLS & ORDER
 1. FIRE PREVENTION
Covering aspects of fire prevention
pertaining to
design and construction of buildings
on fire protection measures

2. LIFE SAFETY
Covering life safety provisions,
emergencies, also occupancy features
that are necessary to minimize
danger to life from fire, smoke

3 . F I R E P ROT E C T I O N
Covering the guidelines for selecting
the correct type of equipment and
installation meant for fire
protection of the building, depending
upon the classification and type of
the building.

3. DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO FIRE SAFETY

 FIXED FIRE FIGHTING INSTALLATIONS
 OBJECTIVES :

a. To e x t i n g u i s h t h e f i r e a t i t s i n c e p t i o n o r t o c o n t r o l i t s s p r e a d .
b. Life safety & Property Protection.
c. Environmental concerns

They assume many different for ms :

1. FIRST AID FIRE FIGHTING ARRANGEMENTS
H a nd -he l d Po r tab l e fire exti ng ui shers | Fi re hose ree ls | Fi re b l a nkets
| Fire buckets.
2. FIRE SUPRESSION SYSTEMS
CLASSIFICATION OF FIRES
 CLASSIFICATION OF HAZARDS

1. LOW (Light) HAZARD L o c a t i o n s w h e r e t h e T O TA L A M O U N T

O F C L A S S A c o m b u s t i b l e m a t e r i a l s i n m i n o r.

2 . M O D E R AT E ( O r d i n a r y ) H A Z A R D Locations where CLASS A

combustibles & CLASS B flammables are present in greater amounts
than expected under light hazard occupancies.

3. HIGH (Extra) HAZARD Locations with large quantities of

HIGHLY COMBUSTIBLE M AT E R I A L S & conditions are such that fires
could develop quickly with high heat release.
TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
 HOSE REEL

HOSE

HOSE GUIDE ARM

NOZZLE LOCK

NOZZLE

M A I N VA LV E
 FIRE HOSES

 A F I R E H O S E i s a h i g h - p r e s s u r e h o s e t h a t C A R R I E S WAT E R O R O T H E R
F I R E R E T A R D A N T ( S U C H A S F O A M ) T O A F I R E T O E X T I N G U I S H I T.

 Outdoors, it attac hes either to a fire engine or a fire hydrant.

 Indoors, it can permanently attach to a building's standpipe or
plumbing system.

 Modern fire hoses use A VA R I E T Y OF NATU R A L AND SYNTHETIC

FABRICS in their construction.
 These materials ALLOW THE HOSES TO BE STORED WET without
rotting and to resist the damaging effects of exposure to sunlight
and chemicals.
 Modern hoses are ALSO LIGHTER WEIGHT than older designs, and this
has helped reduce the physical strain on firefighters.

 There are several types of hose designed specifically for the fire
service.
 Tho se D ES I GNED TO OP ER ATE U ND ER POS ITIVE PRES S URE ARE CAL L E D
DISCHARGE HOSES.

1 . AT TAC K H O S E - F A B R I C - C O V E R E D, F L E X I B L E H O S E u s e d t o b r i n g
water from the fire pumper to the nozzle.

2 . S U P P LY HOSE & R E L AY HOSE - LARGE-DIAMETER, FABRIC-

C OV ER E D, F L E X I B L E H O S E S u s e d t o b r i n g wa t e r f ro m a d i s t a n t
hydrant to the fire pumper or to relay water from one pumper to
another over a long distance.

3 . F O R E S T RY HOSE - FA B R I C - C OV E R E D, FLEXIBLE HOSE used to

fight fires in grass, brush, and trees where a lightweight hose is
needed.

4. BOOSTER HOSE - R U B B ER - C OV ER E D, T H I C K - WA L L E D, FLEXIBLE

HOSE used to fight small fires.

 Those DESIGNED TO O P E R AT E UNDER N E G AT I V E PRESSURE ARE

CALLED SUCTION HOSES.
 P L A N N I N G F O R F I R E P ROT E C T I O N
 STEP 1 : DETECTION – T h e p re se n c e o f a F i r e i s de te cte d M A N UA L LY
o r AU TO M AT I C A L LY.

 STEP 2 : SIGNALLING – T H E B U I L D I N G ’ S M A N A G E M E N T, I T S O C C U PA N T
A N D T H E F I R E D E PA R T M E N T A R E N O T I F I E D o f t h e p r e s e n c e o f t h e f i r e .

 STEP 3 : SUPPRESSION – MA NU A L OR AU TOMATIC FI R E S UP PR ES S ION

EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS ARE USED to extinguish the fire and remove the
smoke.

- 3A (Initial Effor t): P O R T A B L E & M A N U A L F I R E F I G H T I N G E Q U I P M E N T, S U C H

A S F I R E E X TI N GU I S H E R S, FA N S, & A F I R S T- A I D F I R E H O S E a r e u s e d t o ex t i n g ui s h
the fire and to remove smoke by dilution or exhaustion .

- 3B (Main Effort): FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS, SUCH AS AUTOMATIC

SPRINKLER, FIRE HOSES AND OTHER SYSTEMS are used to extinguish the fire.
Smoke control systems are activated to remove or confine the spread of smoke.

- 3C (Last Effort): The fire department takes over the fire fighting effort
when all previous efforts are ineffective.
 1. DETECTION
DETECTORS

SMOKE H E AT FLAME

Typically a disk-shaped Temperature Used to detect the direct

plastic enclosure about 150mm activated sensors to radiation of a flame in
(6inch) in dia and 25mm initiate an Alarm. the visible, infrared &
(1inch) thick. ultraviolet ranges of the
spectrum.
Usually powered by a central
fire alarm system, which is
FIXED
Mostly used in industrial
powered by the building T E MPE RAT URE processes for the
power with a battery backup. protection of combustion
equipment.
When mounted on a flat
ceiling, smoke detection RAT E O F RI S E Thermal or smoke
devices have an individual detectors would be
coverage of 7.5m Radius. unreliable and generate
false alarms in these
These radii must overlap to environments.
CO MB I N AT I O N
ensure there are no Blind
spots.

PHOTOELECTRIC I O N I ZAT I O N U L T R AV I O L E T INFRARED FLAME FLICKER

 HEAT/THERMAL DETECTORS
 F I X E D T E M P E R AT U R E T Y P E : T h i s s e n s o r
consists of normally open contact held
by b i meta l l i c e l e me nts that wi l l cl o se the
contacts when the ambient temperature
reaches a fixed setting.

 R AT E - O F - R I S E ( RO R ) T Y P E : T h i s s e n s o r
reacts to the rate at which the
temperature rises. It contains a sealed
but slightly vented air chamber which
expands quickly when the temperature
ne ar t he de vice r is es q ui c kl y. Whe n t he
air c hamber expands faster than it can
be vented, electrical contacts attached
to the chamber begin to close and thus
initiate an alarm.

 C O M B I N AT I O N T Y P E : T h i s d e v i c e r e a c t s
to both a fixed temperature and a ROR.
 2. SIGNALLING (Alarm)
MANUAL ALARM SYSTEMS :
1. BELLS, GONGS & STROBES (Flashing-lights)are manually activated by a
switch.
2. SPEAKERS, SIRENS & HORNS are used in loud spaces to overcome the
running noise.

Any system must be;

 Easily operated and audible throughout the workplace.
 To a v o i d a c c i d e n t a l o p e r a t i o n o f t h e s w i t c h , t h e s t a t i o n i s u s u a l l y d e s i g n e d s o
that A PERSON MUST BREAK A GLASS PA N E L OR GLASS ROD OR MUST
P E R F O R M O T H E R P R E L I M I N A RY AC T I O N S b e f o r e t h e a l a r m c a n b e o p e r a t e d .
 T H E M A X I M U M T R AV E L D I S T A N C E T O O P E R AT E T H E A L A R M I S 3 0 M L O C AT E D AT
1 . 4 M A B O V E F. F. L .
 F I R E A L A R M C O N T R O L PA N E L ( F A C P ) i s t h e c o n t r o l l i n g c o m p o n e n t o f a
Fire Alarm System.

 The PA N E L RECEIVES I NFORMATI ON FROM ENVIRONMENTAL SENSORS

designed to detect changes associated with fire.
 It monitors their operational integrity and provides for automatic control
of equipment.

 There are 2 types of control panels;

1. CONVENTIONAL SYSTEM – Can detect only a ZONE.

1. ADDRESSABLE SYSTEM – Can detect exactly which Detector and Room has
caught fire.
WHERE SHOULD THE CONTROL PA N E L

B E L O C AT E D ? ? ?

 Preferably in AN AREA OF LOW FIRE

RISK AND ON THE GROUND FLOOR.

 Near the ENTRANCE USED BY THE

FIRE BRIGADE.

 P r e f e r a b l y V I E WA B L E F R O M O U T S I D E
OF THE BUILDING.

 It should be located in AN AREA

COMMON TO ALL BUILDING USERS
and where automatic detection is in
u s e, t he C o nt ro l Pa ne l s h o u l d b e i n
a protected area.
 BUILDING DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

 At this level, WAT E R IS CONVEYED FROM THE STREET MAINS TO THE

I N D I V I D U A L BU I L D I N G, a n d t h e n t o t h e t a p s a n d o t h e r f i x t u r e s.

 The supply from the Main line to the individual is made through the house
ser vice connection. The house service connection consists of two types:

1 . C O M M U N I C AT I O N PIPE – The pipe which runs from the street

mains/municipal distribution/ service mains to the boundary of the
premises.
2 . S UP P LY PIPE – The p i p e w hi c h r uns i ns i d e t he B ui l d i ng p r e m i s e s .
STREET TO SITE – Water Distribution system
1. FERRULE CONNECTION :

 For cast iron Main pipes.

 Drilling is made at the centre of
upper level on the main, a brass
ferrule cock (a T- J U N C T I O N
available of 15, 25mm) is
threaded inside.
 The pressure of water supply is
co nt ro l l ed by the fe rr ul e .
 It is made up of brass and
bronze.
 It has a vertical inlet for
screwing to the water main and
horizontal outlet to be
connected to the service pipe.
 The temporary disconnection is
made at the stop cock.
 And permanent disconnection is
made at the ferrule.
 WATER SYSTEMS
 S TAT I C TA N K :

 Every property to be protected by a fire protection system needs sufficient

water whic h should be available at all times to fight the fire. The static storage
is provided at the ground level and terrace level of the building by means of
water storage tanks.

 The storage is provided generally in suc h a way that the municipal water supply
is first received in the fire static storage tank from where it overflows to the
domestic tank. This holds good for overhead storage too.
 FIRE PUMP:

 A f i r e p u m p i s a p a r t o f a f i re s pr i n k le r sy ste m ' s wa te r s u p p ly an d
p owe red by e l e ctri c, d i e se l o r ste a m .

The pump intake is either connected to the public underground water supply
piping, or a static water source.

F i r e p u m p s a r e U S E D T O B O O S T T H E WAT E R P R E S S U R E I N S P R I N K L E R A N D
S TA N D P I P E S Y S T E M S a n d t o d e l i ve r t h e r e q u i r e d a m o u n t o f wa t e r.

 The pipes supplying water to the hoses are pressurized all the time.

 Three pumps supply the water from the tank to the hoses. The pumps are

the D U T Y P U M P, T H E S T A N D - B Y P U M P, A N D T H E J O C K E Y
PUMP.

 Pressure switc hes along the pipe control at the starting of eac h pump.
The pressures are monitored at the pump room to control the pumps.
 SIAMESE CONNECTION: (Breeching Inlet points)

A S i a mese conne ct i o n or spl i t ter i s A P I PE FI TTI NG TH AT A LLOWS TWO OR

MOR E FI R E H OS ES TO B E CONNEC TED TO A S I NGLE S TAND P I P E R I S ER AT TH E
S A ME GENER A L LOC ATI ON .

It is so-called due to the visual similarity to Siamese twins.

 This fire department connection

(FDC) FEATU RES TWO FEMALE
INLETS, and plays an essential
role in providing supplemental
water to sprinkler and
standpipe systems.

 Fire departments typically

utilize FDCs when large fires
have threatened or byp assed
initial suppression efforts.
 S TA N D P I P E :

Standpipe systems are A SERIES OF PIPE WHICH CONNECTS A WAT E R SUPPLY TO

HOSE CONNECTIONS that are intended for fire department or trained occupant use.
They vary in design, use, and location.
At times building are provided with only piping for the standpipe system. Many
current designs include a combination system which supplies the sprinkler system
and standpipe system.

Standpipes classes are as follows:

 CLASS I SYSTEM - A system providing 2 1/2-

inc h (64mm) hose connections to supply water
for use by fire depar tments and in handling
heavy fire steams.
 CLASS II SYSTEM - A system providing 1
1/2-inch (38mm) hose connection to supply
wa t e r fo r u s e by t h e f i r e d e p ar t m e n t d u r i n g
initial response.
 CLASS III SYSTEM - A system providing both
1 1/ 2-inch (38mm) and 2 1/2-inch (64mm)
hose connections.
 S TA N D P I P E & R I S E R S Y S T E M S :

There are four types of standpipes:

• AUTOMATIC DRY
• AUTOMATIC WET
• MANUAL DRY
• MANUAL WET

Many high-rise or other large buildings have

an internal system of water mains (Stand-pipes)
connected to fire-hose stations and landing
valves.

Trained occupants or employees of the building

management operate the hoses until the fire
department arrives.

There are two types of Riser System:

1. “WET RISERS”
2 . “ D RY R I S E R S ”
WET RISER:

We t R i s e r s a r e a f o r m o f I n t e r n a l H yd r a n t f o r
t h e f i r e m a n t o u s e a n d a r e A LWAY S C H A R G E D
W I T H WAT E R .

Are only required for building where the

topmost floor is higher than 30.5mts above the
fire appliance access level.
Adopted in high rise Buildings as well as Public
buildings such as Cinemas, malls, Multiplexes
etc.
The system consist of providing 100 to 150 mm
dia. ver tical G.I.Pipes (Risers).
We t R i s e r s y s t e m c o m p r i s e s d u t y F i r e p u m p s w i t h
S t a n d by p u m p d i s c h a r g i n g i n t o r i s e r p i p e w i t h
landing valves at eac h level and to jet at the
fire.
A j o c key p ump i s usua l ly p ro vi de d t o ma i nta in
system pressure.
D RY R I S E R :

D ry R i se rs are a for m o f Inter na l H yd rant for the fire ma n t o use a nd are

n o t c h a r g e d w i t h wa t e r.

They are only required for building where the topmost floor is higher than
18.3mts and less than 30.5mts.

Dry Risers are normally dry and depend

on the fire engine to pump water into the
system.
They comprise of a riser pipe with landing
valves at eac h floor and to whic h rubber-
lined hose with nozzles can be connected
to direct the water jet at the fire.

Breeching inlet into which the firemen

pump water are provided at ground level
and connected to the bottom of the dry
risers.
EXTERNAL HYDRANT:

A system of PIPE WORK CON N ECT E D DIRECTLY

TO T H E WAT E R S U P P LY M A I N t o p ro v i d e wa t e r
to eac h and every hydrant outlet.

 These are provided on a ring main of 150

mm dia. in the ground around the building
periphery.

 The ring main gets water from under ground

water tank with pressure, so that available
pressure at eac h hydrant is of the order of
about 3.5 to 4 kg/cm.

 It is intended to provide water for the

firemen to fight a fire.

 The water is disc harged into the fire engine

form which it is then pumped and sprayed
over fire.
EXTERNAL HYDRANT:

Where the water supply is not reliable or

inadequate, hydrant pumps should be
provided to pressurize the fire mains.

 IN CITIES THE DISTANCE BETWEEN FIRE

HYDRANTS SHOULD NOT EXCEED MORE THAN
100 M.

 THE D I S TA N C E BETWEEN BUILDING

HYDRANTS SHOULD NOT EXCEED MORE
THAN 30 M.
 SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

 A FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM IS AN ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION method, consisting of a water

supply system, providing adequate pressure and flowrate to a water distribution piping system,
onto which fire sprinklers are connected.
 It has two functions to perform.
1. It must first DETECT A FIRE, and must then
2. provide an ADEQUATE DISTRIBUTION OF WATER to control or extinguish it.
 SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
 Each installation consists of a set of control valves.
 The sprinkler heads are fitted at specified locations at the roof or ceiling.
 The sprinklers operate at pre-determined temperatures to discharge water over the affected
part of the area below.
 The operating temperature is generally selected to suit ambient temperature conditions.
 Only the sprinklers in the vicinity of the fire, that is, those which become sufficiently heated,
operate.
 SYSTEMS

WAT E R B A S E D GAS BASED F OA M B A S E D CO2 BASED

Water remains an Clean Agent Most commonly Inexpensive and

effective and suppression used on fuel effective
inexpensive method system, provides a fires, though are alternative for
to fight some types waterless effective on a large unoccupied
of fire. Water is alternative. That wide range of areas. This
cheap and makes it perfect blazes. They application is
plentiful, and for areas create a frothy perfect for
cleanup is easy. containing blanket that chemical storage,
There are no sensitive covers the transformer rooms,
harmful chemicals electronics and flames, turbines,
to sicken people. documents, smothering them. generator plants,
Water spray telecommunication For this reason, and food
systems can be and military foam is often manufacturing
delivered using equipment. There’s used in aircraft facilities. The gas
several methods. no residue, no hangars, is stored in tanks
Often, a series of flood, and no maintenance and delivered
pipes leads to a mess to clean up garages, and the through a system
sprinkler system. after. steel industry. of pipes.

SPRINKLER
WET D RY P R E - AC T I O N DELUGE
SYSTEMS
 WET PIPE SYSTEMS are the MOST COMMONLY INSTALLED TYPE of fire protection setup,
being both COST-EFFECTIVE AND LOW MAINTENANCE.
 These systems are CONSTANTLY FILLED WITH WATER, allowing for immediate response in case
of fire detection.
 They also are the MOST RELIABLE, because they are simple.

 DRY PIPE SYSTEMS use PRESSURIZED AIR, which empties out of the pipe before water
escapes.
 These types of fire protection systems are IDEAL FOR BUILDINGS WITH LOW TEMPERATURES,
since there is no risk of the pipes freezing.
 The downside, however, is that most exhibit a DELAY OF ABOUT ONE MINUTE between
detection and water release.
 PRE ACTION SYSTEM is used where PRIOR WARNING OF SYSTEM DISCHARGE IS NECESSARY.
 It is a combination of wet pipe and dry pipe fire sprinkler system.
 In this system, WATER IS NOT STORED IN THE PIPES UNTIL A FIRE DETECTION DEVICE DETECTS A
FIRE.
 When it does detect a fire, the detection device opens a valve within the pipes to let the water in
before the sprinkler heads open. When the heads open, the pre-action fire sprinkler system reacts
as quickly as a wet pipe fire sprinkler system. You will find pre-action fire sprinklers installed in
areas that are at high risk for serious water damage in the event of accidental fire sprinkler
activation.

 DELUGE SYSTEM is very SIMILAR TO A WET PIPE FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM, except the FIRE
SPRINKLER HEADS ARE KEPT OPEN AT ALL TIMES - they are not activated by heat.
 Deluge fire sprinkler systems are OPERATED BY A SPECIAL FIRE ALARM THAT OPENS A VALVE TO
RELEASE THE WATER when activated. Once the valve opens, it must be shut off manually. Because
of the potential for water damage, deluge fire sprinklers are most commonly in places where
rapid fire spread is a concern.
 SPRINKLERS
A sprinkler head is, in essence, a thermally operated valve which when it opens acts as a distributor
of water over a specified area. It consists of a body which screws into a pressurized pipe, and
which contains a discharge orifice.
The orifice is normally sealed by a valve assembly which is held in place by a thermally sensitive
fusible element or glass bulb. ORIFICE

THREADING

PLUG
THERMAL
LINKAGE

FRAME

DEFLECTOR
 TYPES OF SPRINKLERS

SPRINKLERS ACCORDING TO RELEASE MECHANISM

1. FUSIBLE ELEMENT SPRINKLERS - A fusible element sprinkler is opened under the influence of heat
by melting of a component.
2. GLASS BULB SPRINKLERS - A glass bulb sprinkler is opened under the influence of heat by the
bursting of the glass bulb through pressure resulting from expansion of the fluid enclosed therein.

SPRINKLERS ACCORDING TO TYPE OF DISCHARGE

1. CONVENTIONAL SPRINKLERS - The conventional sprinkler has a spherical water distribution
directed towards the ground and the ceiling over a definite protection area. A conventional
sprinkler shall discharge from 40 to 60 percent of the total water flow initially in a downward
direction.
2. SPRAY SPRINKLERS - The spray sprinkler has a paraboloid water distribution directed towards the
ground over a definite protection area. A spray sprinkler shall discharge from 80 to 100 percent
of the total water flow in a downward direction.
3. SIDEWALL SPRINKLERS - The sidewall sprinkler has a one-sided (half paraboloid) water distribution
directed towards the adjacent wall and the ground over a defined protection area.
SPRINKLERS ACCORDING TO MOUNTING PATTERN
1. PENDENT SPRINKLER - A sprinkler intended to be installed so that its deflector is located below the
orifice and the water flows downward through the orifice.
2. UPRIGHT SPRINKLER - A sprinkler intended to be installed so that its deflector is located above the
orifice and the water flows upward through the orifice.
3. HORIZONTAL SPRINKLERS (SIDEWALL ONLY) - Sprinklers are designed to give the specified
distribution when the jet of water is directed horizontally against the deflector. This applies to
sidewall sprinklers only.
4. CEILING SPRINKLERS - Ceiling sprinklers are in which part of the body of the sprinkler (other than
shank) may be mounted above the lower plane of the ceiling.
 D E S I G N PA R A M E T E R S
 SPACING BETWEEN 2 SPRINKLERS : This depends on the coverage area of the sprinkler. Spacing is
generally kept between 3 to 4 mtrs. There are mainly two types of spacing provided as per the
design criteria. They are – TRIANGULAR SPACING (Staggered) AND RECTANGULAR SPACING.
Maximum area coverage per sprinkler : (9 -21 SQ.M.)
Maximum space between range pipes – 2.5- 4.6 m
 D E S I G N PA R A M E T E R S
 There are 3 types of piping layouts possible in fire protection designing. They are:

1. BRANCHING PATTERN WITH DEAD END. (TREE SYSTEM)

2. GRID PATTERN (GRIDIRON SYSTEM)

3. GRID PATTERN WITH LOOP. (CIRCULAR OR RING SYSTEM)

1. SUPRESSION GAS SYSTEM
2 . F OA M D E L U G E S Y S T E M
3. WET CHEMICAL SYSTEM