Fire Protection Systems

Fire Protection Systems

Fire protection is critical for life safety and property preservation. Systems are categorized into Passive (structural, architectural) and Active (mechanical/electrical intervention).

Fire Detection and Alarm System (FDAS)

The FDAS acts as the early warning system.

Devices

• Initiating Devices: Sensors that trigger the alarm.
  • Smoke Detectors: Ionization (fast flames) or Photoelectric (smoldering).
  • Heat Detectors: Fixed temperature or Rate-of-rise.
  • Manual Pull Stations: Break-glass switches.
• Notification Appliances: Alert occupants.
  • Bells/Horns: Auditory signal.
  • Strobes: Visual signal (for hearing impaired).

Fire Suppression Systems

Sprinkler Systems

Automatic water sprayers triggered by heat.

• Wet Pipe: Pipes always filled with water. Most common.
• Dry Pipe: Pipes filled with air; water enters when head opens. For freezing environments.
• Pre-action: Requires both a detector signal and heat at the head. For data centers.

Standpipes and Hoses

Piping systems that provide water for fire hoses.

• Class I: 2.5" outlets for fire department use.
• Class II: 1.5" hose cabinets for occupant use.
• Class III: Combined Class I and II.

Fire Extinguishers

Portable units for small, incipient fires.

• Class A: Ordinary combustibles (Wood, Paper).
• Class B: Flammable liquids (Oil, Gas).
• Class C: Electrical equipment.
• Class K: Kitchen fires (Grease).

Passive Fire Protection

• Fire Walls: Walls with a specified fire-resistance rating (e.g., 2-hour, 4-hour) that subdivide a building to prevent spread.
• Fire Doors: Self-closing doors that resist fire penetration.
• Firestopping: Sealing penetrations (pipes, wires) in fire walls.

Application: Sprinkler Head Spacing

Summary

An effective fire protection strategy combines rapid detection (FDAS), automatic suppression (Sprinklers), and containment (Passive) to allow safe evacuation and minimize damage.