FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

SUBMITTED BY: HANSANEE MAGO

4TH YEAR SEC-B
ROLL NO.:-16
VASTU KALA ACAMEMY

Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material in the exothermic process of combustion, releasing heat, light,
smoke and various reaction products like ash. Usually fire occurs when a source of heat comes in
contact with combustible material in the presence of air. Three elements are required for combustion
to occur: 1) FUEL: - to vaporize and burn
2) OXYGEN: - to combine with furl vapour
3) HEAT: - to raise the temperature of the fuel vapour to its ignition point
FIRE TRIANGLE: - It is also known as combustion triangle. It is basically a simple model for
understanding the components that are necessary for the occurrence of fire. When oxygen and fuel
are in the right proportions and the heat is of the adequate intensity to initiate ignition of this
mixture, a fire occurs.
A fire naturally occurs when these elements are mixed together in the right proportions. Fire is
prevented
extinguished
by removal of any one element.
STAGES OForFIRE:
1) Insipient Stage: - At this stage, the fire just gets started and a spark is seen. It is
characterized by no visible flame, no smoke and very little heat. A significant amount of
invisible combustion particles may be created. This stage develops slowly.
2) Smoke stage: - As the fire develops from the previous stage, hidden smoke comes out. It is
characterized by visible smoke, no flame and little heat.
3) Flame stage: - This is the beginning of a full-fledged fire. It is characterized by visible flame,
more heat and often less or no smoke particularly in case of flammable liquids or gas fires.
This stage demands the actuation of fire hydrants.
4) Heat stage: - At this stage the fire is fully developed. This stage is characterized by large
amount of heat, visible flame and smoke or toxic gases are also produced. The transition
from the previous stage may occur within minutes. Only multiple hydrants at this stage can
control the fire.
METHODS OF SPREADIND FIRE: CONDUCTION: -It is referred to the movement of fire from one room to another by direct contact
with the materials present.
CONVECTION: - Convection basically means through sir. Convection currents carry fire from one
part of the building to another through shafts and vertical circulation areas like lift well or
staircase well.
RADIATION: - Radiation means without physical contact. The radiation of heat ejected due to a
fire from within the building to an exposed surface results in the degradation of the surface.
The major combustion products to cause fire hazards are heat and smoke. While heat increases
the ambient temperature of the building, smoke has catastrophic effect on the occupants and
causes asphyxiation, toxication and eventually death. However smoke does not damage the
building physically except the deterioration of finishing material.
Buildings that are most vulnerable to fire are categorized into high hazard buildings. These
include chemical factories, petroleum plants, shops selling electrical equipments etc.

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

SHEET
NO.:-

HANSANEE MAGO
4TH YEAR SEC-B
ROLL NO.:-16
VASTU KALA ACAMEMY

TYPES OF FIRE DETECTING SYSTEMS

SMOKE DETECTORS
PHOTOELECTRIC
TYPE
IONIZATION TYPE

FLAME
DETECTORS
UV TYPE
IR TYPE

HEAT DETECTORS
FIXED TEMPERATURE TYPE
RATE OF RISE
TEMPERATURE
RATE COMPENSATION
Fire detection systems are designed to detect the presence of unwanted fire by monitoring the environmental changes associated with
TYPE
combustion products i.e. heat and smoke. Fire detection systems are based on the stages of fire and early detection of fire saves lives and
damage to property. Therefore fire detection at the insipient stage is the best.
SMOKE DETECTORS: - A smoke detector is a device that indicates the presence of smoke as an early detector of fire and a warning to life
safety. This is done either by optical detection (photoelectric type) or by physical detection (ionization type). Essentially the best detection
system will be a combination of both.
Smoke detectors are typically housed in a disk-shaped plastic enclosure about 150 mm in diameter and 25mm thick. These are generally
screwed to the ceiling as that is where smoke rises, being lighter than air and are powered by the central fire alarm system of the building.
IONIZATION TYPE: - This detection type is designed with a large opening at the bottom. The system contains a radioactive source that
continuously emits ions (alpha particles) towards the negative electrode. These particles crash with the air molecules that converts them
into positively charged ions and negatively charged electrons that move in opposite direction to allow a continuous passage of current. If
any smoke or dust particles enter the chamber, the ions gets attached to the smoke particles thereby reducing the current flow and reducing
it. An electric circuit detects the drop of current and sends an alarm.
ADVANTAGE: - It is cheap and easy to install.
It is sensitive and can detect very small fire.
DISADVANTAGE: - Due to its sensitivity, it can raise false alarms as it can detect smoke particles too small in size and dust particles can
easily enter into the chamber which might not be associated with any kind of fire.
It loses efficiency when installed at a ceiling height of more than 1.5m.
PHOTOELECTRIC TYPE: - Photoelectric type of detector is used when smouldering fires are expected and is useful to detect large smoke
particles. The detector is designed with a large opening in the bottom. An invisible infrared beam shoots across the chamber emitted by a
LED and strikes a photocell. A photocell is an electronic light detector that generates electricity as long as light falls on it. As long as there is
no smoke in the chamber the electronic circuit detects all is well. As soon as smoke enters the chamber it interrupts the beam. As there is
no light falling on the photocell, it does not generate any electric current. The electric circuit stops and an alarm is raised.
ADVANTAGE: - They are quicker to sound in response to a slow smouldering fire.
They are less likely to go off as false alarms (during cooking, smoking etc.) as it only detects large particles.
DISADVANTAGE: - It is less sensitive. It is turned to a specific initial intensity of smoke. Hence it will not be able to detect fire at insipient
stage.
The intensity of smoke affecting the detector depends upon the height of mounting the detector. Larger the height lower is the intensity of
affecting the detector.

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

SHEET
NO.:-

HANSANEE MAGO
4TH YEAR SEC-B
ROLL NO.:-16
VASTU KALA ACAMEMY

HEAT DETECTORS: - A heat detector is a fire alarm device designed to respond when the conductive thermal energy of fire increases the
temperature of a heat sensitive element. It is of the following three types: 1) FIXED TEMPERATURE HEAT DETECTOR: - This type of detector is most commonly used. It comprises of a bimetallic strip and a feasible
link (spring) in between. The bimetallic strip is basically a eutectic alloy formed by two or more metals whose melting point is lower
than the melting points of the individual metals. When the ambient heat reaches to a threshold value, the bimetallic strip changes state
from solid to liquid like a solder thereby releasing the spring under pressure and to make an electric circuit to actuate the alarm. This is
also known as electro-mechanical heat detectors.
2) RATE OF RISE HEAT DETECTOR (ROR): - This type of detector responds to rapidly increasing temperature caused by rapidly increasing
fire, irrespective of the starting ignition temperature. It comprises of a vented chamber containing a diaphragm that moves due to
pressure differential according to the rate of change of ambient temperature. When the ambient temperature changes faster than the
calibrated rate which the vent is designed to release, the diaphragm moves sufficiently to start an electric circuit to indicate an alarm. It
is not used in areas having fluctuating ambient temperature to avoid false alarms.
3) RATE COMPENSATION TYPE: - This type of detector utilizes the rate-compensation principle to minimize the thermal lag, which slows the
response of the detector, caused by the delay in the transfer of ambient heat to the detectors body. It responds when the temperature
of air surrounding the detector reaches a pre-determined level regardless of rate of temperature increase. This type of detectors are
sealed, more sensitive in nature. These detectors are designed for dusty and moisty areas and severe environments like historical
monuments.
FLAME DETECTOR: - A flame detector is designed to detect and respond to a fire at the flame stage by using optical sensors. Flame
detectors are basically of 2 types: UV and IR. Flame detectors are designed to respond to the production of one or a combination of
ultraviolet or infrared spectrum at the time of fire. These detectors are comprised of an electric circuit and an electromagnetic radiation
receiver. The detectors are actuated when the electromagnetic radiation receiver is hit by one or more defined rays of defined wavelength
according to their design in the UV/IR spectrum.

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

SHEET
NO.:-

HANSANEE MAGO
4TH YEAR SEC-B
ROLL NO.:-16
VASTU KALA ACAMEMY

LOCATION OF FIRE DETECTORS: - The location of fire detectors is done according to the smoke and heat movements: 1) Smoke has high kinetic energy and moves immediately to a height of minimum 6 meters where it starts to get cooled down and then
moves horizontally. At lower heights the smoke fills up the ceiling level.
2) Heat moves vertically upwards and fills up at the soffit of the slab, thus the detectors are mounted at the bottom of the ceiling slab.
3) For a general layout, a smoke detector can cover an area of approximately 80 sqm from the farthest point at a height of 6 meters and a
heat detector can cover an area of 50 sqm approximately from the farthest point at the height of 5 meters.

FIRE RATED DOORS: - This type of door is provided in buildings to prevent the passage of fire or smoke between 2 compartments/ areas. A
fire rated door provides insulation, integrity and stability.
1) INSULATION: - A fire rated door is simply a door that can withstand a temperature of 1000 deg C on one side while maintaining a
temperature on the other side that does not increase 40 deg C over the ambient temperature.
2) STABILITY: - The door frame should be able to withstand high temperature and should not char.
3) INTEGRITY: - There should be no development of minor cracks to avoid fire and smoke to penetrate from one side to the other.
Fire rated doors, used in fire escape staircases, electric rooms, boiler rooms and kitchens are usually made of hardwood teak insulated with
mineral wool, calcium silicate board, glass wool etc. and have smoke seals on the door jambs.
It can be rated as 30min, 60min, 120min etc. according to the time which is required for the fire to initiate through the door and spread
further.

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

SHEET
NO.:-

HANSANEE MAGO
4TH YEAR SEC-B
ROLL NO.:-16
VASTU KALA ACAMEMY

FIRE ESCAPE STAIRCASE: - A fire escape staircase is an emergency exit usually mounted to the outside of a building (3-way open),
occasionally inside, but is kept separate from the main areas of the building. It provides a method of escape during a fire or any other
emergency that makes the staircase inside the building inaccessible.
1) The staircase should be equipped with a 120 minute rating fire door and this door should open into the staircase.
2) The fire escape staircase should be 1 meter wide for residential buildings, 1.5 meter wide for hostels and educational buildings and 2
meter wide for hospitals and assembly buildings. The tread should be 250-300mm and the riser should be 150mm.
3) All internal staircases should be positively pressurized i.e. forcible air pressure by using fans, to prevent the entry of smoke from other
parts of the building (air passes from staircases in to the internal areas of the building) and no service shaft should pass through it.
4) Any building having an area of 500 sqm or above per floor should have 2 fire escape staircases and at least one of them should be
ventilated directly to the outside external wall because in an enclosed staircase, any smoke entering will cause smoke logging if not
vented out. This will reduce the light in exit and cause inhalation of toxic fumes which may be lethal to human health.
5) The staircase leading from a higher floor to the ground floor should be segregated from the basement staircase so that any fire from the
basement should not reach the ground floor. Subsequently two separate exists are also required.
FIRE ESCAPE TRAVEL DISTANCE: - It is the maximum distance that a person has to travel to reach the fire escape staircase/ ramp in case of
a fire in any building. It is measured as the distance from the farthest corner of a room through a door, passage or any other obstruction to
the way of the fire escape staircase. It should be 22.5m for residential building, 30m for commercial building and 45m for industrial
buildings.
If a building is equipped with a sprinkler system, the above mentioned distances are increased by 50% for each category. And if it is a
basement then these distances are usually halved.
REFUGE AREAS: - The purpose of a refuge area is to allow people on higher floors to reach a position of safety on the upper floors itself, if
the vertical means of escape are blocked or ineffective. The occupants of the refuge area are then evacuated by fire brigade staffs through
special recovery vehicles that can reach higher heights.
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR REFUGE AREAS: 1) It should be a secure place where fire should not reach and so its entry should be with a 60 min fire rated door.
2) The periphery of the building facing the refuge area should have 230 mm brickwork or non-combustible construction.
3) A Refuge area should be provided for a building with more than 24 m height i.e. a building with more than 7-8 floors.

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

SHEET
NO.:-

HANSANEE MAGO
4TH YEAR SEC-B
ROLL NO.:-16
VASTU KALA ACAMEMY

FIRE SUPPRESSION AND CONTROL SYSTEM: - Suppression system uses a combination of dry chemicals and/or wet agents to suppress fires.
Most common method is cutting on heat and the best way is to use water.
1) Hydrant and Hose pipe system
2) Sprinkler system
3) Down comer system
4) Wet riser system
5) Down riser system
6) Gaseous suppression
7) Manual fire extinguishers
HYDRANT SYSTEM: - In this system, red colour pipes runs on the periphery of the building and have control valves at intervals to restrict the
flow of water and maintain the pressure. In the hydrant pipes, water is stored under pressure. In case of a fire the valve is opened, water is
released, pressure is reduced and this reduction in the pressure automatically initiates the pump. It is a manual system. In case of its use
the folded hose reel with a nozzle in the end has to be unfolded and connected to the hydrant. The minimum pressure that a fire hydrant
valve generates is 3.5kg/cm2 and the maximum pressure ranges from 7-10kg/cm2 . In order to maintain this pressure all throughout the fire
fighting process, pumps are required. It is a water-based system that has outlets for pressurized water at all floor levels.
PLANNING IMPLICATION OF HYDRANTS: 1) Generally a hose station shall be provided per 1000 sqm. Additional may be provided if the buildings length is more than 30 meters.
2) Hose stations may be of 1 meter in length along the corridor and depth should be 0.6 meters.
3) Hydrant cabinets must be within 36 meters or less from any point on the floor.
4) The location of hydrants should be preferably near the fire exists or fire escape passages so that they do not impede in the way.
5) Garden/ external hydrants shall be located less than 6 meters away from the building and not more than 60 meters from any point in the
building.
6) Fire tender movement shall be unobstructed on a 6 meter hard paved easily trafficable road.

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

SHEET
NO.:-

HANSANEE MAGO
4TH YEAR SEC-B
ROLL NO.:-16
VASTU KALA ACAMEMY

SPRINKLER SYSTEM: - This system consists of a network of pipes with continuous flow of water and heat sensitive sprinklers lined all over
the pipe in intervals. It is both a detection system as well as a suppression system. This makes this system very reliable.
The sprinklers consists of a bulb filled with a small amount of liquid having very low boiling temperature (usually alcohol). When heat from
the fire reaches the sprinkler, it is absorbed by the liquid causing the glass bulb to break due to the pressure generated by the boiling liquid
and pen the nozzle down that the bulb hold in position.
Water under pressure is discharged and forms an umbrella pattern of water droplets that covers an area of 3.5-4 sqm of the room. The lower
the height of the sprinkler less area it will cover and less effective it shall be. The reduction in pressure of water in the pipes is detected by
the pumps and they start up automatically to ensure continuous water supply under pressure. The maximum distance between 2 sprinklers
should be 4.6 meter and the minimum distance should be 1.8 meter. The minimum distance between 2 sprinklers is restricted to avoid
disturbance in water pressure reaching the affected area.

DOWN COMER SYSTEM: - It is an arrangement for fire fighting within a building in the form of internal
hydrant system. It is charged by water from the water tanks on the terrace using the natural
gravitational flow of water.
Water tank placed on the roof adds up to the dead load of the building and water overflow might affect
the roof. This is why, this system is k=not used commonly.
This system comprises of a high level water storage tank discharging into the mains (riser pipe) not less
than 100mm internal diameter with landing valves on each floor to which hose with nozzles can be
attached directly and water under pressure can be used to suppress the fire.
The storage water tank is fitted with inlet connections at the ground level and a terrace pump for
charging it with water.
As there are no pumps attached to the riser pipes, the water in the pipes flows at a static pressure
attained due to the potential energy of water stored at a height. This system is not suitable for high rise
buildings.

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

SHEET
NO.:-

HANSANEE MAGO
4TH YEAR SEC-B
ROLL NO.:-16
VASTU KALA ACAMEMY

WET-RISER SYSTEM: - This is a system of pipes having 3-4.5 inch diameter that are charged with pressurized water supplied by a main pump
and a storage tank fitted with a booster pump. Generally wet-riser system is installed in a building 60 meter above the ground level and
such systems can be identified from the outside as there will not be any visible pipe system or water inlet for the fire brigade. It is basically
similar to down comer system only the location of the storage tank is different. Inside the building, internal outlet valves are located on the
landing of the staircase or at each lift lobby (exceptional) and are clearly labelled. In case of fire, the fire service will connect the hose along
with the nozzle to the wet riser system. when the outlet valves are opened the water immediately begins to flow at a high pressure. As the
stored pressurized water leaves the wet-riser pipes the pumps activate and begin to refill the pipes with more pressurized water. This
ensures a constant, steady supply of water that allows the fire brigade to put out the fire efficiently.
LOCATION OF THE PUMP HOUSE: - pump house of water tank should be located on ground floor level only (as near to the system as
possible) so that tank can be refilled easily & water is readily available for fire fighting and not on roof because it adds to the dead load of
the building, the building height gets reduced, water overflow might affect the roof and the systems becomes less effective. But if it is
placed on the roof level, overflow of the tank needs to be checked and transferred to another empty tank.

DRY RISER SYSTEM: - A dry riser system consists of a main vertical pipe intended to
distribute water to multiple levels of a building less than 15 meters in height as a
component of the fire suppression system.
The pipe is maintained empty of water. It is the opposite of wet riser system where the
pipes are charged continuously with water under pressure.
Dry pipe fire sprinkler system is a network of pipes connected to fixed sprinklers inside
the building which a full of air until one of the sprinklers is triggered.
As soon as the sprinkler is triggered pumps supply water to the riser mains from the
storage tank.
Dry risers in occupied buildings have to be within fire resistant shafts, usually one of
the buildings fire escape staircase enclosures.

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

SHEET
NO.:-

HANSANEE MAGO
4TH YEAR SEC-B
ROLL NO.:-16
VASTU KALA ACAMEMY