Name: Vincent L.

Lita BS Architecture 2D

Fire Protection Systems

A fire protection system is a crucial safety mechanism designed to detect, control, and
extinguish fires, thereby protecting life, property, and the environment from the hazards
associated with fires. These systems are integral to building safety and are mandated in various
forms by building codes and safety regulations.

1. Active Fire Protection Systems

Active fire protection systems require some form of action to initiate a response to a fire event.

1.1. Fire Suppression Systems: These systems are

designed to extinguish or control fires. They include various
types, each suited for different fire scenarios.

1.1.1. Automatic Sprinkler Systems feature a

network of pipes filled with water or a fire
suppressant. When a fire is detected, the system
automatically releases the suppressant through
sprinkler heads to control and extinguish the fire.
These systems come in different forms including wet
pipe, dry pipe, pre-action, and deluge systems.

1.1.2. Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems use inert gases (like nitrogen or argon)
or chemical agents (like FM-200 or Novec 1230) to extinguish fires without leaving
residue. They are ideal for areas with sensitive electronic equipment, such as data
centers and server rooms, as they do not cause water damage.

1.1.3. Foam Fire Suppression Systems use a mixture of water and foam concentrate
to produce foam, which smothers and cools the fire, preventing re-ignition. They are
particularly effective for flammable liquid fires, such as those found in fuel storage areas,
aircraft hangars, and chemical plants.

1.2. Fire Detection and Alarm Systems: These systems

detect the presence of fire or smoke and alert building
occupants and emergency services.

1.2.1. Smoke Detectors are devices that sense

smoke particles in the air. There are two main
types: ionization smoke detectors, which are better
at detecting flaming fires, and photoelectric smoke detectors, which are more responsive
to smoldering fires. When smoke is detected, an alarm is triggered to alert occupants.

1
 1.2.2. Heat Detectors are devices that detect changes in temperature. Fixed-
temperature heat detectors activate when a specific temperature is reached, while rate-
of-rise detectors trigger an alarm when they sense a rapid increase in temperature.
These detectors are used in areas where smoke detectors might cause false alarms,
such as kitchens or garages.

1.2.3. Manual Call Points (Fire Alarm Pull Stations) are devices that allow building
occupants to manually trigger a fire alarm by pulling a lever or pressing a button. They
are strategically placed throughout buildings to ensure easy access in an emergency.

1.3. Fire Extinguishers: These are portable devices that

individuals can use to put out small fires. They come in
various types, each suited for different types of fires.

1.3.1. Water Extinguishers: Suitable for Class A fires

involving ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, and
cloth.

1.3.2. Foam Extinguishers: Effective on Class A and

Class B fires involving flammable liquids like gasoline,
oil, and paint.

1.3.3. Dry Chemical Extinguishers: Versatile and suitable for Class A, B, and C fires
(combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical equipment). They are filled with a
powder that interrupts the chemical reaction of the fire.

1.3.4. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers: Ideal for Class B and C fires. They
displace oxygen, suffocating the fire, and do not leave residue, making them suitable for
electrical fires.

1.3.5. Wet Chemical Extinguishers: Designed for Class K fires involving cooking oils
and fats. They cool and smother the fire while preventing re-ignition.

1.4. Standpipe Systems: These are piping systems

installed in buildings, particularly high-rise structures,
providing water for firefighting purposes. They include
hose connections and are often used by firefighters to
quickly access a water supply.

1.4.1. Class I Standpipe Systems: Designed

for use by firefighters and trained personnel,
providing 2.5-inch hose connections.

1.4.2. Class II Standpipe Systems: Equipped with 1.5-inch hoses and designed for use
by building occupants.

1.4.3. Class III Standpipe Systems: A combination of Class I and II, providing both 2.5-
inch and 1.5-inch hose connections. These systems ensure that firefighters have
immediate access to water in tall buildings and large structures.

2. Passive Fire Protection Systems

Passive fire protection systems are built into the structure of a building to prevent the spread of
fire and smoke. These systems do not require any action to function during a fire event.

2.1. Fire-Resistant Construction: This includes various methods and materials designed to
contain fires.

2
 2.1.1. Fire-Rated Walls and Partitions: These
structures are designed to withstand fire for a
specified period (e.g., 1 hour, 2 hours) to
contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to
other parts of the building. They are constructed
using fire-resistant materials such as gypsum,
concrete, and fire-rated bricks.

2.1.2. Fire Doors: Specially constructed doors

that can resist fire and heat, providing safe
evacuation routes and protecting escape paths.
They are equipped with intumescent seals that
expand when exposed to heat, sealing gaps to
prevent the passage of smoke and flames.

2.1.3. Fire-Resistant Glazing: Involves using windows and glass partitions that can
withstand fire and heat, maintaining structural integrity and visibility during a fire. These
are often used in fire-rated walls and doors to provide natural light and visibility while still
offering fire protection.

2.2. Compartmentation: This involves dividing a

building into separate sections to contain and limit the
spread of fire and smoke.

2.2.1. Fire Compartmentalization: Achieved

by creating fire compartments using fire-rated
walls, floors, and ceilings. Each compartment is
designed to contain a fire within a specific area
for a defined period, preventing it from
spreading to other parts of the building and
allowing for safe evacuation.

2.2.2. Firestopping: Involves sealing openings and penetrations in fire-rated walls and
floors with fire-resistant materials. This includes sealing around pipes, cables, ducts, and
joints to prevent the passage of fire and smoke between compartments.

2.3. Smoke Control Systems: These systems are

designed to manage and control the movement of
smoke within a building during a fire.

2.3.1. Smoke Barriers: Physical barriers such

as walls and partitions designed to prevent the
spread of smoke through a building. They work
by compartmentalizing smoke to specific areas,
limiting its movement.

2.3.2. Smoke Vents: Automatically open to release smoke and hot gases, improving
visibility and air quality for occupants and firefighters. These are typically installed in
roofs and high points of buildings to allow smoke to escape naturally.

2.3.3. Pressurization Systems: Maintain higher air pressure in escape routes such as
stairwells and corridors to keep them free of smoke. By creating a pressure difference,
these systems prevent smoke from entering protected areas, ensuring clear and safe
evacuation paths.

3
V. REFERENCES

1. Bloch, H. P., & Budris, A. (2004). Pump user’s handbook: Life extension (2nd ed.). Gulf
Professional Publishing. Available at:
https://books.google.com/books/about/Pump_User_s_Handbook.html?id=K8zrr6y3_cYC

2. Karassik, I. J., Messina, J. P., Cooper, P., & Heald, C. C. (2001). Pump handbook (3rd
ed.). McGraw-Hill. Available at:
https://books.google.com/books/about/Pump_Handbook.html?id=JUIiQ7Dwwk8C

3. Levy, M. (2011). Pumps and pumping systems. Springer. Available at:

https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4614-3005-9