Programme Code: EG423701P

Programme Title: Diploma in Plumbing Engineering

Name of Lecturer : Fok Chiu Wah

Venue : IVE(KC)

1
Module Code: MBS3019X
Module Title: Fire Services (Plumbing and Pipefitting)

Name of Lecturer : Fok Chiu Wah

Venue : IVE(KC)
Date : October 2021

2
Concept of fire
• Fire is a rapid oxidation process accompanied by the
evolution of heat, light, flames (a growing mass of gas) and
the emission of sound, i.e. and unwanted combustion.
• Fuel + Oxygen → Product + Heat
• Understanding the "fire triangle" is the most basic concept in
fire prevention and control. In order for any fire to occur,
three critical elements must be present
• A fuel or combustible material
• An ignition or heat source
• Oxygen in sufficient quantities to support combustion

3
Stages in an Enclosure Fire

• When fire occurs in a room, its course is determined by the

combustible contents, the nature of the surrounding
construction (wall, ceiling and floor) and the air supply
• There are three stages in a fire
1. Growth stage
• This starts from the ignition up to flashover when all
materials are heated to their ignition temperatures
• If inadequate ventilation during the growth period,
flashover fails, fire may die out or smolder
2. Development stage
• The whole content is under combustion and the
temperature increases at a significantly slower rate

4
Stages in an Enclosure Fire

3. Decay stage
• The fire is extinguishing because either the fuel is
burning out or there is insufficient air supply
• The temperature of the enclosure drops gradually
• The length of each stage depends on the combustibility,
calorific value of materials, nature of surrounding
construction and the supply of air.

5
Stages in an Enclosure Fire

6
Stages in an Enclosure Fire
A flashover is the near-simultaneous ignition of most of the directly
exposed combustible material in an enclosed area.

7
Fire control

• Extinguishment by cooling
• The most effective way to extinguish a fire by cooling is
through direct application of water to the involved
surface
• The extinguishing mechanism depends upon cooling
the fuel, thereby reducing and stopping the rate of
release of combustible vapors and gases
• The goal is to apply water to the burning materials in
sufficient volume such that the water is absorbing more
heat than the fire is generating

8
Fire control

• Extinguishment by oxygen dilution (smothering)

• The term dilution can only be applied to the gaseous
state as in the combined state oxygen is locked into the
molecule and no dilution is possible
• A typical example of the use of the oxygen dilution
principle is when carbon dioxide is used in the total
flooding of closed or semi-closed spaces
• Extinguishment by fuel removal (starvation)
• Fire extinguishment can be accomplished by removing
the fuel, or indirectly by shutting off the fuel vapors to
combustion
• The cooling of a fuel surface essentially results in the
removal of fuel vapor

9
Fire control

• Extinguishment by chemical flame inhibition

• Extinguishment by chemical flame inhibition applies to
the flame mode only
• The extinguishing agents do not combat glowing and
smouldering fires
• The outstanding effect of this method is the extreme
rapidly and the high relative efficiency with which flames
can be extinguished
• The mechanism depends upon the removal of H and O
atoms formed in a combustion process

10
Classification of fire risk

• Fires are classified according to the fuel involved

• Classification based on British Standards Institution (UK)
• Class A fire
• Carbonaceous material such as wood, cloth and
paper, where cooling by water is the most effective
method of reducing the temperature o the burning
material. Most fires are in this class
• Class B fire
• Fires in inflammable liquids including petrol, oils,
greases, paints, varnishes and fats, where the
blanketing or smothering effect of agents, which
exclude oxygen, is most effective.

11
Classification of fire risk

• Class C fire
• Fires in inflammable gases such as acetylene,
methane, propane and natural gases, where the
extinguishing by blanketing or smothering to
prevent oxygen combining with the gas is the most
effective.
• Class D fire
• Fires in inflammable metals such as uranium, zinc
and aluminium, where the extinguishing or
smothering effect of agents which exclude oxygen
is most effective.

12
Classification of fire risk

• Class E fire
• This is not a strictly separate classification, but
includes all risks where the problem of
extinguishing the fire is increased, due to the
danger of an electric shock. The fire is in the
presence of live electrical equipment or wiring and
a non-conducting extinguishing agent is therefore
required.
• Class F fire
• Fires involve kitchen wares.

13
Hazard classification

• According to BS EN 12845:2004, this classification depends

on the occupancy and the fire load and shall be classified as
belonging to the appropriate hazard class, as follows:
• Light hazard (LH)
• Occupancies with low fire loads and low
combustibility and with no single compartment
greater than 126m2 with a fire resistance of at least
30 minutes.
• Typically: Schools and other educational institutions,
and offices (certain areas)
• Ordinary hazard (OH)
• Occupancies where combustible materials with a
medium fire load and medium combustibility are
processed or manufactured.
14
Hazard classification

• OH is sub-divided into 4 groups:

• OH1, Ordinary Hazard Group 1
• OH2, Ordinary Hazard Group 2
• OH3, Ordinary Hazard Group 3
• OH4, Ordinary Hazard Group 4

15
Hazard classification

• High hazard (HH)

• High Hazard, Process (HHP) - High hazard,
process, covers occupancies where the materials
concerned have in a high fire load and high
combustibility and are capable of developing a
quickly spreading or intense fire. HHP is sub-
divided into 4 group
• HHP1, High Hazard Process Group 1,
• HHP2, High Hazard Process Group 2,
• HHP3, High Hazard Process Group 3,
• HHP4, High Hazard Process Group 4.

16
Hazard classification

• High Hazard, Storage (HHS) - High hazard, storage,

covers the storage of goods where the height of storage
exceeds the limits in OH. HHS is sub-divided into 4
categories:
• HHS1, High Hazard Storage Category 1,
• HHS2, High Hazard Storage Category 2,
• HHS3, High Hazard Storage Category 3,
• HHS4, High Hazard Storage Category 4.
• Typical examples, in OH, extracted from BS EN 12845: 2004,
are shown in the following tables.

17
Hazard classification

18
Hazard Classification

19
Fire Detection and Alarm System

• Automatic fire detection system (AFA)

• It consists of detection system for early detection of fire
and alarm system for warning of occupants and
triggering of automatic fire fighting system
• Connection of AFA:
• Fire detectors
• Direct link to Hong Kong Fire Services Department
(HKFSD)
• Manual call points (break glass units) and fire alarm
bells
• All the fire system actuation and alarm sensors

20
Fire Detection and Alarm System
• Fire Detectors
• Factors affecting the choices of fire detectors:
• Danger of producing false alarms.
Environmental is the main problem: humidity,
dirt, air velocity and smoke
• Danger of lowering the sensitivity
• Nature of occupancy
• Ceiling height and shape of space
• Building ventilation system
• Fire load
• Types of Fire Detectors
• Optical Smoke detectors
• Smoke detector is first used at 1900
• Smoke detector will only detect visible particles

21
Fire Detection and Alarm System
• Ionization smoke detector
• Detect both visible and invisible aerosols that can
occur in the very early stage of a fire
• Working principle: radioactive source causes
ionization of air, movement of ions between the
electrodes reduce the resistance of air resulting in
the flow of electric current, during fire, smoke will
attach to the ions and slow down their movement,
resulting in the reduction of current flow and cause
actuation of alarm
• Because of high sensitivity, suffer from false alarm
problems – such as smoke, open window, high
humidity (>95%), condensation and air movement
• Dust build up can affect the amount of ionization
particles produced
22
Fire Detection and Alarm System
• Ionization smoke detector

23
Fire Detection and Alarm System

• Optical smoke detector

• Light scattering type detectors which make use of
the scattering property of smoke
• Smoke cause deflection of light beam to the photo
cell resulting in electric current flow to actuate the
alarm
• More suitable for sensing dense smoke since it only
detect visible white smoke and applicable for
smouldering fire

24
Fire Detection and Alarm System
• Optical smoke detector

25
Fire detection and alarm system

Optical smoke detector 26

Fire Detection and Alarm System

• Heat detector
• Fixed temperature type
• Make use of a bi-metal strip or a fusible alloy to
make electrical contact at a pre-determined
temperature
• Electronic resistor calibrated as temperature sensor
is employed
• Less likely to cause false alarm where temperature
fluctuation is normal, but the response time is slow

27
Fire Detection and Alarm System
• Heat detector

28
Fire Detection and Alarm System

• Rate-of-rise of temperature type

• Response more quickly, depending on the rate of
temperature rise
• Consist of 2 bi-metal strips, one exposed and one
shielded connected in series
• The shielded one responds slower and both
contacts will only be closed if temperature rise is
quick enough
• Temperature range: 57 0C – 102 0C
• Coverage protected area: 50 m2

29
Fire Detection and Alarm System

30
Fire Detection and Alarm System
• Flame detector
• Infra-red and ultra violet light sensors used as
flame detectors
• Senses radiant energy from the fire in the infra-red
or ultra-violet spectrum with photoelectric cell
reacting
• Adapted to respond to flickering source to avoid
false alarm (4 to 15Hz)
• Suitable for areas with storage of flammable liquids
and in large volume spaces where prediction of
smoke behavior is difficult
• Not suitable for fires which produce smoke or
smoulder before flames appears
• False alarm problem by sunlight reflected from
water surface
31
Fire Detection and Alarm System
• Comparison for different type of detector

32
Fire Detection and Alarm System
• Comparison for different type of detector

33
Fire Detection and Alarm System
• Comparison for different type of detector
• Examples of applications :

Type of detector Suitable location of application

Fixed Temp. heat Kitchen, E/M plant room, laundry
detector workshop, where steam, dust and fire are
always in place
Rate-of-rise heat Kitchen, E/M plant room, laundry
detector workshop, where steam, dust and fire are
always in place
Optical smoke Office, lounges where there is not enough
detector combustible to cause a flaming fire
Ionization smoke Hotel bedroom where there is lots of
detector combustible to act as fuel for the fire
34
Manual call point and fire alarm bell
• The break glass unit for manual operation of fire alarm through
breaking of glass cover.
• Normally it is located with alarm bell at the same location as hose
reel.
• It is a simple device to let people activate the building fire alarm
system as human can be excellent fire detectors.
• They are simple device, and can be highly reliable when the building
is occupied. The key disadvantage is that they will not work when the
building is unoccupied.

• What is the difference ?

35
Manual call point and fire alarm bell
• Alarm bells are adequately located to ensure early and easy
detection by occupants
• The sound level of alarm bell shall be ranged from 60 dB to 65 dB
depending on types of building as detailed below :
• According to the CoP of the Fire Services Department, the sound
level of alarm bell shall be tested in accordance with the following
requirements :
• (i) Domestic building ;
the minimum sound level of alarm sounders is measured at 3 m
from the inside of the main entrance door with all doors shut off
and all windows open at all flats and the results is :
(a) > 60 dB and,
(b) > 5 dB above background noise

36
Manual call point and fire alarm bell

(ii) Non-domestic building ;

the minimum sound level of alarm sounders is measured at 3 m from
the inside of the main entrance door with all doors shut off and all
windows open at all flats and the results is :
(a) > 65 dB and,
(b) > 5 dB above background noise

37
Manual call point and fire alarm bell

• In some cases and according to the Design Manual-Barrier Free Access

(BD), visual signals are also required to give an additional warning
particular in areas with deaf people
• The visual alarm signal shall be in form of red flashing light and the
minimum rating of a VFA (Visual Fire Alarm) shall be 15 cd.
• For spacing, the basic requirement is that the flashing light should be
visible to normal eyesight in all areas required to be protected. A broad
guideline for the installation is that one VFA point shall be located near
every hose reel and alarm point, Each compartment shall be provided
with at lease one VFA point and the maximum distance between two
VFA points shall not exceed 60 m.
• Where two or more strobes can be seen, their operation must be
synchronized.

38
Addressable fire detection system circuit
• Microprocessor are used widely to control the system by
programming
• Detectors become an individual sensor giving precise
location of fire signal in addition to zoning indication
• System continue to communicate with all components in the
circuit by scanning rate of 50 cycle/second

39
Addressable fire detection system circuit

40
 Sprinkler System
• Sprinklers are an active system that detect and extinguish
fire
• Sprinklers have a number of advantages, such as:
• Detects and extinguishes
• Immediate action
• Always ready attacks the seat of the fire
• Restricts fire growth
• Reduces smoke spread
• Requires no human intervention to operate

41
 Sprinkler System

• Sprinkler operation
• On the outbreak of fire, the fire heats the sprinkler head
until a preset temperature is exceeded
• The head opens allowing the water in the pipe to spray
down on the fire
• The water flow in the pipe is detected by a flow detector
that automatically starts the fire pumps, and signals the
fire alarm panel, which in turn signals a common fire
alarm and notifies the Fire Services Department through
a direct telephone line
• The sprinkler system will continue to operate until it is
either switched off manually, or runs out of water

42
 Sprinkler System

• Major Components
• In general, a sprinkler system consists of the following
components:
• A water storage tank / sprinkler water tank
• Sprinkler pumps and jockey pump
• Distribution pipework for conveying water to
sprinkler heads
• A sprinkler installation valve connected to a
hydraulic motor alarm gong
• Sprinkler heads
• A detector system (can be the sprinkler head itself)
to actuate the fire fighting system
• Other features including flow detectors, pressure
switches for starting pumps
43
 Sprinkler System

• Schematic of a sprinkler system for high-rise building

44
 Sprinkler System

• Sprinkler pumps
• The Code requires that there are two pumps, each
capable of handling the entire load of the system
• The sprinkler duty pump shall be started when the
design pressure dropped to 85% of the design value
• Standby pump is connected in parallel with the duty
pump and is activated when the duty pump fails to start
• Jockey pump is installed to replenish small leakage in
the sprinkler system
• Jockey pump shall be started when the design pressure
dropped to 95% of the design value.
• The pumpset must be protected, so it is normally
housed in a fire rated room supplied with lighting and
ventilation from an emergency supply
45
 Sprinkler System
• Sprinkler Control Valve

46
 Sprinkler System
• Sprinkler Control Valve

47
 Sprinkler System
• Zone Control Valve

48
 Sprinkler System
• Distribution pipework
• The first part of the distribution pipework is the riser
which runs vertically in the building; it connects the
installation valves with distribution pipes
• Branching from the riser to serve each floor or part of a
floor are the distribution pipes
• Branching off from these distribution pipes are the final
range pipes that contain the sprinkler heads

49
 Sprinkler System

• Sprinkler heads
• There is a standard range of temperature settings for
sprinkler heads
• The normal rating for most occupancy is 570C or 680C
• The color rating for bulb type sprinkler heads are as
follows
Sprinkler rating Color of bulb

57 Orange
68 Red
79 Yellow
93 Green
141 Blue
182 Mauve
204 to 260 Black 50
 Sprinkler System

• Types of sprinkler systems

• There are numerous types of automatic sprinkler
systems, each ideally suited for certain spaces
• Wet-pipe system
• Automatic sprinkler are attached to a piping
system that contains water under pressure at
all times
• Water discharges immediately from sprinklers
opened by a fire
• Wet pipe system is the most reliable and
simple of all sprinkler systems since no
equipment other that the sprinklers themselves
are required to actuate the system

51
Sprinkler System

• Dry-pipe system
• Automatic sprinklers are attached to a piping
system that normally contains air under pressure
• The release of air from the opening of a sprinkler
permits water pressure to open the dry pipe valve
• Water then flows into the piping system and
discharges only from those sprinklers which have
been operated by heat over the fire
• Dry-pipe installation are necessary either where
there is a danger of the water in the pipes freezing
(< 5oC) or where temperature above 70oC may be
encountered

52
Sprinkler System

• Deluge system
• Open sprinklers are used
• A deluge valve holds back the water from the piping
under normal condition
• A separate fire detection system is used to activate
the system under fire condition
• The fire detection system opens the deluge valve,
which then admits water into the piping network,
and water flows simultaneously from all of the open
sprinklers
• Deluge sprinkler system is used for protection
against rapidly spreading high-hazard fires

53
Sprinkler System

• Deluge system application

54
Sprinkler System

• Preaction System
• Similar to deluge system except automatic
sprinklers are used, rather than open sprinklers
• There is no water in the piping under ordinary
circumstances
• A small air pressure is usually maintained in the
piping network
• A decrease in air pressure is an indication of a leak
• The flow of water from the system does not take
place unless heat from the fires has also activated
one or more sprinklers
• Preaction system are generally used where there is
special concern that accidental discharge of water
may cause considerable damage to the area being
protected 55
Sprinkler System

• Size of sprinkler tank and zoning

• Where tank is not dependent on inflow, it implies
the town main is single end feed
• Where tank is dependent on inflow, the town mains
is double end feed
• The rules of the Fire Office Committee’s (FOC) for
automatic sprinkler installations provides guidance
on the design of sprinkler installations where the
maximum height difference between the highest
and lowest sprinklers does not exceed 45m
• The maximum number of sprinkler for the multi-
storey building is 500 per zone
• According to BS EN 12845: 2004, the minimum
water volume for pre-calculated LH and OH
systems is shown in the following table. 56
Sprinkler System

57
 Sprinkler System
However, with double end feed and Direct Telephone Link, sprinkler tank
capacity can be adjusted as follows :

58
Sprinkler System

• In general, each water supply shall have sufficient

capacity for the following minimum duration:

59
Fire Hydrant and Hose Reel System

• Fire hydrant is designed for firemen’s use in order to provide

quick and convenient means for obtaining water through out
a building whereas hose reel enables first-hand fighting of
fire by occupants
• Major Components
• The system comprise of hydrant outlet, hose reel, fire
pump, supply tank, rising main and fire service inlet
together to form a wet riser system.
• Hydrant outlet
• There shall be sufficient hydrants on each floor
• The outlets of all hydrants shall be 63.5 mm standard

60
Fire Hydrant and Hose Reel System

• Hydrant outlet
• They shall be mounted not less than 800 mm or more
than 1200 mm above floor level
• The hydrant for industrial building shall be twin outlet
while other types of building may use single outlet
• Each outlet shall be individually controlled by a wheel-
operated screw valve designed to open by counter-
clockwise rotation
• Water pressure at hydrant outlet shall be 350 kPa to
850 kPa with minimum flow rate of 450 L/min per outlet

61
Fire Hydrant and Hose Reel System
Hydrant outlet with parity valve

62
Fire Hydrant and Hose Reel System
Hydrant outlet installation

63
Fire Hydrant and Hose Reel System

• Hose Reel
• The internal bore of the hose reel tubing shall not be
less than 19 mm, such tubing shall have a pressure of
not less than 2700 kPa
• The tubing of every hose reel shall not exceed 30 m in
length and be capable of being wound round a drum of
not less than 150 mm in diameter
• The tubing shall be capable of projecting a jet not less
than 6 m in length
• Rising mains and associated pipework used for the
hose reels shall be not less than 40 mm nominal bore
and pipes feeding individual hose reel shall not be less
than 25 mm nominal bore

64
Fire Hydrant and Hose Reel System
• Hose Reel

65
Fire Hydrant and Hose Reel System

• Hose Reel
• The hose reel should normally be located in occupied
units/areas to enable the occupants of the building to
attack a fire. However, in case of a building having a
number of small units, hose reels may be located in
common areas immediately outside the occupied
units/areas on that floor
• Manual fire alarm call points shall be positioned at
prominent and accessible position near the hose reels

66
Fire Hydrant and Hose Reel System

• Rise Main
• Each wet riser shall be connected to a fire services inlet
on ground floor
• The nominal bore of the rising main in industrial
buildings shall be not less than 100 mm and 80 mm for
other types of building

67
Fire Hydrant and Hose Reel System
• Fire Services Inlet
• Each rising main shall be provided with a standard Fire
Service Inlet at ground floor level in a prominent position
on the exterior of the building and shall be enclosed by
glazing
• Its location shall be approved by FSD. In principle, it
should be situated within easy reach of a fire appliance
parked near the building

68
Fire Hydrant and Hose Reel System
Fire Services Inlet

Remote on/off
switch for IBP with
pump running
indicating lamp

The centre of inlet couplings shall be not less than 600 mm nor more than 1 000
mm above the ground level and shall be of a standard pattern approved by the
Director of Fire Services. There shall be a non-return valve behind each inlet.

69
Fire Hydrant and Hose Reel System
• Fire Services Inlet

70
Fire Hydrant and Hose Reel System

• Fire pumps shall be started automatically once any fire

alarm point is actuated
• All fire pumps shall be arranged in a duty and standby
manner. Should the duty pump fails to operate in 15 seconds,
the standby pump shall become the duty pump immediately
• Fixed fire pump
• It is normally required for buildings having a height of
not more than 60 m
• The minimum running pressure of fixed fire pump shall
be 350 kPa
• The minimum flow rate of industrial building and other
types of building shall be 1350 L/min and 900 L/min
respectively

71
Fire Hydrant and Hose Reel System

• Intermediate booster pump

• Intermediate booster pump shall be provided when the
height between the topmost hydrant and the lowest fire
service inlet is in excess 60 m as the pumping pressure
available from the fire engine is limited to 800 kPa
• Suitable start/stop push buttons together with an
indication and alarm buzzers shall be provided adjacent
to the fire service inlet to enable fire service personnel
to exercise control of the intermediate booster pumps
• The running pressure at any hydrant outlet when
delivering 450 L/min shall be not less than 350 kPa

72
Fire Hydrant/Hose Reel System Schematic

From transfer sump

& pump

73
Fire Hydrant/Hose Reel System Schematic

74
Fire Hydrant/Hose Reel System Schematic

75
Fire Hydrant and Hose Reel System

• Supply tank
• The minimum quantity of water required to be available,
having regard to the floor area factor of the largest floor
is as follows:

Floor area (gross) in m2 Water storage required in m

Not exceeding 230 9
Over 230 but not exceeding 460 18
Over 460 but not exceeding 920 27
Over 920 36

76
Design of fire detection system

• The design of fire detection system can be according to FOC

Automatic Fire Alarm System and reference to BS 5839-1:
2002 – Fire detection and alarm systems for buildings. Code
of practice for system design, installation, commissioning
and maintenance.
• Design restriction for different types of fire detectors:

Rate-of-rise
Fixed Temp

77
Design of fire detection system

• Other design considerations for provision of fire detectors:

• Ceiling void ≥ 800mm
• Partition’s highest point ≤ 300mm from the ceiling
• Depth of ceiling obstruction (beam) ≥ 1/10 of the clear
floor height
• Detector shall be sited at ≤ 1.5m from opening of floor

78
Design of fire detection system
Smoke Detector Space

79
Design of fire detection system

80
Design of fire detection system
Heat Detector Installation

81
Design of fire detection system

82
Design of fire detection system
Ceiling void > 800mm

83
Design of fire detection system
Fire detectors shall be installed when :
• Partition height < 300mm from the ceiling
• Ceiling obstruction (beam) > 1/10 of the clear floor height

84
Design of fire detection system

85
Design of fire detection system
Fire detector shall be > 1m from ventilation opening

86
Design of fire detection system
Vertical shafts like lifts and stairways should have a detector mounted
within 1.5m of any opening.

87
Design of fire detection system

• Causes of unwanted alarm

• To understand the problem of unwanted alarms from AFA
system, design engineer should carefully consider all
possible causes of alarms and some of them are:
• Environmental factor
• Dusty environment
• Fog and high humidity
• High air velocity
• Insects
• Smoking
• Human activities
• Steam from cooking or shower
• Burning joss sticks
• Construction works
88
Design of fire detection system

• Causes of unwanted alarm

• Installation contractor works
• Malicious action
• Inappropriate design
• Installation design and maintenance
• Defective equipment
• Lack of cleaning and maintenance

89
Sprinkler system design

• Sprinkler location:
• Sprinkler heads should be 75 – 100mm below the
ceiling or roof but may be installed at lower levels under
exceptional conditions. A clear space of at least 0.5m
should always be maintained below the level of the
sprinkler heads.
• Girders, beams, joists and structures or services below
the level of sprinkler heads can interrupt the distribution
pattern from it. Heads should be placed away from
these obstacles so that the sprinkler discharge is not
affected.

90
Sprinkler system design

• Sprinkler location:
• Concealed spaces, such as ceiling voids, should be
sprinklered unless the depth of the void is less than
0.3m and containing no other materials except :
• Bare metal pipework
• Metallic floor box
• Cables (with voltage less than 250V, single phase)
in metallic conduit or trunking
• Cables complying with FSD CL No. 2/2017
Minimum Fire Resisting Cable Requirements for
Fire Service Installations

91
Sprinkler system design

• Sprinkler spacing:
• Sprinkler heads should be spaced so that the area
wetted by each sprinkler overlaps that of its
neighborhood leaving no part of the floor unprotected.
The maximum distance allowed between heads
depends on the hazard class. A minimum distance of
2m is required unless baffles are installed.
• Sprinkler spacing can be classified into:
• Standard spacing: the standard method for
arranging sprinklers is to locate them in square or
rectangular formation within the protected area.

92
Sprinkler system design

• Standard layout
• S is spacing between sprinklers on range pipes, and
• D is spacing between range pipes

93
Sprinkler system design

• Sprinkler spacing:
• Staggered spacing: this can be used for ordinary hazard
only. It allows the sprinklers to be more than 4m apart
on range pipes but reduces the distance between range
pipes.

94
Sprinkler system design
• Sprinkler spacing:
• Max. distance between sprinkler heads for Standard
and Staggered layout.

95
Sprinkler system design

• Sprinkler pipe sizing

• Pipe sizes can be determined by either of the following 2
methods:
• Full hydraulic calculation: an iterative calculation such
that the sprinkler discharge density and pressure is
satisfied for the hazard class.
• Precalculated: range pipes sizes and maximum number
of sprinklers fed by each pipe size are specified in
tables in LPC.

96
Sprinkler system design

• Pipe sizing procedure for ordinary hazard class

• Range pipe sizing - Identify the type of layout of the range
pipes required: end-side layout / end-centre layout / all other
layout.
• 2 end-side layout (2 sprinklers on each range pipe)

97
Sprinkler system design

• 3 end-side layout (3 sprinklers on each range pipe)

98
Sprinkler system design

• Use the appropriate table to size the range pipes; note the
difference between last ranges and all other ranges.

99
Sprinkler system design

• Distribution pipe sizing

• Locate the design point; the location of the design point
depends on the layout type and the number of sprinklers.
• Size the pipes between end of distribution pipe and design
point from table.

100
Sprinkler system design

• Distribution pipe sizing

Location of Design Point :

101
Sprinkler system design

• Distribution pipe sizing

102
Sprinkler system design
• Sprinkler system pipe sizing

103
Maintenance of the Systems

• To ensure that all fire service installations work efficiently at

all times, a registered fire service installation contractor
should be employed by the building owners to inspect and
maintain at least once every year.
• Inspections should follow the latest Code of Practice Code of
Practice for Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of
Installations and Equipment published by the Fire Services
Department.
• When the fire service installations are found to be not
working properly or damaged, a registered fire service
installation contractor should be employed immediately to
inspect and repair as necessary.

104
Maintenance of the Systems

• Local government regulations require fire systems to comply

with a standard of performance and regularly be tested,
serviced and maintained
• Equipment and systems life expectancy can be increased
• Operating costs can be reduced
• Insurance premiums may be reduced
• Equipment warranties may be extended
• Peace of mind that your equipment and systems are in
working order, ready to operate should an emergency occur

105
Maintenance of the Systems

• The maintenance for the fire protection in the building mainly

focuses on:
• Sprinkler system
• Hose reel and hydrant system
• Fire alarm system
• Portable fire extinguisher

106
Maintenance of the Systems
• After the completion of the maintenance works, Form FS251 shall be
submitted to the Fire Services Department for record.

107
Maintenance of the Systems

108
Maintenance of the Systems

109
Maintenance of the Systems

• The common defects can be found in fire service

installations.

110
Maintenance of the Systems

• The common defects can be found in fire service

installations.

111
Maintenance of the Systems
• The common defects can be found in fire service
installations.

112
Maintenance of the Systems
• The common defects can be found in fire service
installations.

113
Maintenance of the Systems

• The common defects can be found in fire service

installations.

114
 Maintenance of the Systems
• Sprinkler and piping
• A visual inspection should be conducted of all
sprinklers to assure that they are properly installed,
and they are not obstructed, and proper clearances
from structural members are maintained.
• Sprinkler inspections should be done on regular
basis. There are several guidelines to be followed:
• Keep supply valve open
• Do not shut supply valve off prematurely during
a fire
• Check valves frequently in accordance with
manufacturer recommendation

115
Maintenance of the Systems
• Sprinkler inspections should be done on regular basis. There
are several guidelines to be followed:
• Check out for corrosion of sprinklers in all areas where
chemical are processed

• Continually verify that there is an adequate water supply

and that water supply conditions have not changed
since the installation
• Check pitch of pipes (necessity for pipe flushing)
• Flush out system on a regular basis 116
Maintenance of the Systems
Why fire services pipe flushing important ?

117
Maintenance of the Systems

• Sprinkler inspections

118
 Maintenance of the Systems
• Sprinkler inspections
• Monthly (sprinkler system)
• Inspect fire department connections
• Connections should be accessible and visible at all times
• Caps or plugs should be in place and threads clean, undamaged and
lightly lubricated with graphite (石墨潤滑劑)
• Water supply valve, including roadway valves, should be checked to
make sure that they are open
• Check alarm devices to make sure they are being free from physical
damage
• Secure electrical connections

119
 Maintenance of the Systems
• Sprinkler inspections
• Monthly (sprinkler system)
• Inspect fire department connections
• Connections should be accessible and visible at all times

120
Maintenance of the Systems

• Sprinkler inspections
• Monthly (sprinkler system) - con’d
• Inspect water pressure gauges to ensure pressure
within the normal range
• Record system pressure
• Gauges are in good condition
• Check the supply of spare sprinklers to ensure proper
number and type
• Spare sprinklers shall be housed in a cabinet and easily
accessible position where ambient temperatures do not
exceed 27°C

121
Maintenance of the Systems
• Sprinkler inspections
• Monthly (sprinkler system) - con’d
• Check the supply of spare sprinklers to ensure proper
number and type

122
Maintenance of the Systems
• Sprinkler inspections
• Monthly (sprinkler system) - con’d
• Spray coating areas: check the sprinklers in spray
coating areas for overspray accumulation

123
 Maintenance of the Systems
• Sprinkler inspections
• Monthly (sprinkler system)
• Stock of Spare Sprinklers according to BS EN 12845 :

Hazard Min. no. of spare sprinklers Min. no. of spare sprinklers

Class (For one sprinkler system) (more than one sprinkler system)
LH 6 9
OH 24 36
HH 36 54

124
Maintenance of the Systems
• Sprinkler inspections
• Monthly (sprinkler system)
• Stock of Spare Sprinklers according to NFPA 13
(include all types and ratings ) :

Sprinkler count Min. no. of spare sprinkler

Less than 300 6
300 to 1000 12
More than 1000 24

125
Maintenance of the Systems
• Sprinkler inspections
• Quarterly (sprinkler system)
• Water flow alarms
• Test alarms by opening the inspector’s test
connection. This simulates the flow of water from
one sprinkler and will activate the water motor
alarm as well as the flow switch or pressure switch
• Operate each valve through its full range and return to
its normal position
• Reseal or relock if appropriate

126
Maintenance of the Systems
• Sprinkler inspections
• Annually (sprinkler system)
• Inspect sprinkler heads to make sure they are free of
• Corrosion
• Obstruction to spray pattern
• Foreign materials
• Physical damage
• Inspect sprinkler piping to make sure it is
• in good condition
• free of mechanical damage
• no leakage
• no corrosion
• not subject to external loads

127
Maintenance of the Systems

• Sprinkler inspections
• Annually (sprinkler system)
• Lubricate all valve stems
• Graphite in light oil should be applied to the valve stem.
The valve should be fully closed and reopened to reset
its operation and distribute the lubricant on the valve
stem

128
Maintenance of the Systems

• Sprinkler inspections
• Every 3 years (sprinkler system)
• A full flow trip test should be conducted whenever the
sprinkler system undergoes a major alternation or
extension

129
Maintenance of the Systems

• Sprinkler inspections
• Every 5 years (sprinkler system)
• Inspect wet pipe alarm valves
• Inspect check valves
• in good condition
• Sprinkler testing
• Remove representative sample of sprinklers with
temperature classification of Extra High or greater
which are located in an area in which they are
exposed to semi-continuous maximum allowable
ambient conditions
• Provide new sprinklers of the same rating to
replace the removed sprinklers

130
Maintenance of the Systems

• Sprinkler inspections
• Every 5 years (sprinkler system)
• Sprinkler testing
• The removed sprinklers should be sent to a
laboratory for operational testing in accordance with
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) –
“NFPA 25: Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and
Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection
Systems”

131
Maintenance of the Systems

• Sprinkler inspections
• Every 5 years (sprinkler system)
• According to (National Fire Protection Association)
NFPA 25, one percent (or no less than 4 numbers) be
removed and submitted to a testing laboratory for
evaluation
• Consideration should be given to upright and pendent
sprinklers separately

132
 Maintenance of the Systems
• Obstruction of Sprinkler System and the remedial actions
• Obstructed by internal decorations, such as, false ceiling or
storage rack
• Reduce the designed effectiveness of the sprinkler
system and thus constitutes a fire hazard
• The following irregularities are commonly observed:
• False ceiling blocks the sprinkler heads and thus affects
their sensibility and water pattern discharged in case of
fire
• Rectification method is either by removing the
whole false ceiling, or installing / extending the
sprinkler heads below the false ceiling

133
 Maintenance of the Systems
• Obstruction of Sprinkler System and the remedial actions
• Partition may reduce the coverage of adjacent sprinkler
heads
• Rectification method can be made either by
removing/rearranging the partition, or relocating/adding
sprinkler heads
• Ventilation air duct may also affect the coverage of sprinkler
heads
• Rectification method can be made either by removing /
rearranging the air duct, or relocating / adding sprinkler
heads
• Obstruction by goods/obstacles
• Generally speaking, a 0.5m clearance below the
sprinkler heads should be kept free from any
goods/obstacles
134
Maintenance of the Systems
In accordance with BS EN 12845 requirements

• Sprinkler inspections (BS EN 12845)

It is a requirement of sprinkler systems designed in

accordance with the LPC and BS EN 12845 that a sample
number of sprinkler heads should be removed and tested
by an independent, third party testing laboratory. This
should be carried out when the system is a maximum of 25
years old and may be sooner if the system is in poor
condition or if recommended by the sprinkler head
manufacturers.

135
Maintenance of the Systems
In accordance with BS EN 12845 requirements

• Sprinkler inspections

• Total number of sprinklers within installation or system and

number of sprinklers to be removed and inspected :

Total number of sprinkler Number of sprinklers to be

within installation or system removed & inspected
Less than or equal to 5000 20
Less than or equal to 10000 40
Less than or equal to 20000 60
Less than or equal to 30000 80
Less than or equal to 40000 100
136
 Maintenance of the Systems
• Obstruction of Other Fire Service Installation or
Equipment
• Apart from sprinkler system, other fire service
installations e.g. fire alarm, hose reel system,
heat/smoke detectors, extinguishers, etc. shall also not
be obstructed by obstacles
• It should be properly maintained for ready use in case
of fire
• If alteration to fire service installation is involved
• It must be carried out by a Registered Fire Service
Installation Contractor, who shall issue to the person
on whose instruction the work was undertaken a
certificate and forward a copy thereof to the Director of
Fire Services within fourteen days after completion of
works
137
Maintenance of the Systems
• Hose Reel and Hydrant System inspections
• Monthly (HR/Hydrant)
• Inspect all fire hose reel, nozzles, valves, fittings
monthly and ensure that they remain intact, not
damaged or misused for other purposes
• Inspect control valves
• The valve should be checked to ensure it is not
damaged and protective cap is in place and it is readily
accessible
• Inspect hose cabinets
• The hose should be visually checked for damage, and
to make sure it is properly racked in the cabinet and
that the nozzle is attached
• Inspect hose cabinet signs
• Inspect any water tanks or fire pumps
138
Maintenance of the Systems

• Hose Reel and Hydrant System inspections

• Quarterly (HR/Hydrant)
• Water flow alarm devices
• Water flow through the system to activate the flow alarm
device

• Annually (HR/Hydrant)
• Confirm that nozzles can be easily opened and closed
• Test the pressure of hydrants and hose reel
• Test fire pumps

139
Maintenance of the Systems
• Hose Reel and Hydrant System inspections
• Annually (HR/Hydrant)
• Re-rack hose
• The hose in standpipes should be removed and re-
racked so that it will not deteriorate at the bends.
When the hose is re-racked, different parts of the
hose should be located at the bends
• Use graphite to lubricate the swing-out hose racks
and/or hose reels so they operate easily

140
Maintenance of the Systems

• Hose Reel and Hydrant System inspections

• Annually (HR/Hydrant)
• Hose Reel Drum
• The drum, nozzle and swing arm assembly, where
applicable, of the hose are duly lubricated and
tested to operate freely through their full range of
operation.

141
Maintenance of the Systems

• Hose Reel and Hydrant System inspections

• Every 5 years (HR/Hydrant)
• Perform flow test
• Conduct flow test from hydraulically most remote
fire hydrant outlet.
• The minimum flow should be 450 L/min from one
hydrant outlet with a minimum running pressure of
3.5 bar

142
Maintenance of the Systems

• Fire Alarm System inspections

• Fire alarm systems are installed to give the facility for giving
warning by sounders of fire when activated manually by
operation of a call point or automatically by heat/smoke
detectors
• Other devices may be attached to the fire alarm systems to
provide for safe conditions when the alarm is activated
• To ensure that the systems and devices remain in good
working order they must be subject to a regime of
maintenance and testing
• Improper and insufficient maintenance of fire alarm system
is believed to be one of the major causes of unwanted
alarms

143
Maintenance of the Systems

• Fire Alarm System inspections

• Unlike portable fire extinguishers or gaseous agent fire
suppression systems, determining the frequency for fire
alarm system maintenance is not a simple matter
• Fire alarm test and inspections should be done on a regular
basis
• The person assigned to this task should be qualified and
trained in this field
• The following equipment should be checked when each test
is performed:
• Main panel
• Smoke detectors
• Heat detectors
• Break glass unit
144
Maintenance of the Systems

• Fire Alarm System inspections

• The following equipment should be checked when each test
is performed:
• Alarms Bell
• Automatic smoke door releases (automatically close in
fire alarm condition)
• Backup power, Battery/Generator
• Signal received by/transmitted to central station or fire
department

145
Maintenance of the Systems

• Fire Alarm System inspections

146
Maintenance of the Systems

• Fire Alarm System inspections

• Smoke detectors
• Recalibrated annually
• If sensitivities are stable from those recorded previous year,
conduct the recalibration test every second year thereafter
instead of annually
• Requires specific detector manufacturer’s sensitivity
instrument be used in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions
• About 20% of the detectors chosen at random with at
least one unit in each zone shall be subjected to a
simulated functional test
• Smoke detectors shall be tested with simulated smoke

147
Maintenance of the Systems

• Fire Alarm System inspections

• Smoke detectors
There are several reasons that cause smoke detectors to
get less sensitive smoke over time. One of the things is
dust. Dust that's normally present in the air gets into the
detection chamber and builds up. That will cause the
detector to be less sensitive to smoke.
Another thing that happens is the electronics inside the
detector will age and over time they will become more
resistive to electronic current flow and that will impact the
sensitivity and they'll get less sensitive.

148
Maintenance of the Systems

• Fire Alarm System inspections

• Smoke detectors
• Many of today's addressable fire alarm panels automatically
do the sensitivity test so when the panel sees that the
detector is out of sensitivity, it will generate a sensitivity
trouble signal at the panel. That's a feature that the fire
alarm panel manufacturers have included to help reduce the
cost of maintaining their systems.

149
Maintenance of the Systems

• Fire Alarm System inspections

• Smoke detectors
• When we find a detector that's out of sensitivity, we have to
do maintenance on those detectors by cleaning
them. That's really the only maintenance that we can do to a
smoke detector.
• So when we find a detector that is out of its listed sensitivity
range, we clean it or we replace it. If we clean and it doesn't
return to its normal sensitivity, then our only option is to
replace it.

150
Maintenance of the Systems

• Fire Alarm System inspections

• Smoke detectors
• Require periodic cleaning to remove accumulated dust
or dirt
• The frequency of cleaning depends upon the
atmosphere in which the detector operates
• Cleaning of detectors carrying out without notifying the
Architect shall not be accepted and the Contractor shall
be required to clean the detectors again no matter
whether they have done so or not

151
Maintenance of the Systems

• Fire Alarm System inspections

• Heat detectors
• About 20% of the detectors chosen at random with at least
one unit in each zone shall be subjected to a simulated
functional test
• Heat detectors with an artificial heat source, e.g. hair dryer

152
Maintenance of the Systems

• Audible alarm appliances inspections

• Audible alarm must be heard in all occupied areas
• It is recommended that their sound level be at least 5dBA
above background sound level and at least 60dBA having
duration of 60 seconds or more
• “quick check” to give reasonable assurance that a fire
extinguisher is available, fully charged and operable
• The frequency will vary from monthly to quarterly, based on
the needs of the situation

153
 Maintenance of the Systems
• Fire Extinguisher inspections
• The extinguisher is not blocked by equipment, coats or
other objects that could interfere with access in an
emergency
• The pressure is at the recommended level
• On extinguishers equipped with a gauge, the needle
should be in the green zone - not too high and not too
low
• The nozzle or other parts are not hindered in any way
• No dents, leakage, rust, chemical deposits
• Wipe off any corrosive chemicals, oil etc. that may
have deposited on the extinguisher
• Some manufacturers recommend shaking your dry
chemical extinguishers once a month to prevent the
powder from settling

154
Maintenance of the Systems

• Fire Extinguisher maintenance

• It should be maintained at regular intervals (at least once a
year)
• A “thorough check” of the extinguisher
• It is intended to give maximum assurance that it will operate
effectively and safely
• Including any necessary repair, recharging or replacement
• It will normally reveal the need for hydrostatic testing of an
extinguisher
• Fire extinguishers should be pressure tested (hydrostatic
testing) after a number of years to ensure that the cylinder is
safe to use
• Testing is very important because such containers can
explode if they fail when containing compressed gas
155
Maintenance of the Systems
• Fire Extinguisher maintenance

156
Maintenance of the Systems

• Fire Blankets
• Use on fires involving flammable liquids, such as small fires
in the kitchen and laboratory
• Method For Use:
• Drape the blanket over the flames to seal off air
• Switch off heat and leave in position until cool

157
Maintenance of the Systems

158
Maintenance of the Systems

• Fire Blankets Maintenance

• This blanket should be examined every 12 months or after
use in fire
• Check for any deterioration
• Cleaning in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions
as necessary
• If manufacturer’s instructions are not available, fire blanket
can be washed (soak overnight in detergent, gently hand
rinse in warm water). Do not machine wash or dry clean

159
Maintenance of the Systems

• Fire blankets are classified into two categories:

• "Heavy Duty" fire blankets (BS 7944:1999)
• "Light Duty" fire blankets (BS EN 1869:1997)
• Only "Heavy Duty" and "reusable" fire blankets will be
approved as a Fire Services Standard Requirement
• "Light Duty" fire blankets may be accepted for use on a
private basis and should be disposed of after use

160