Fire Protection Systems

Building Utilities 1 - Plumbing and Sanitary Systems

2nd Semester 2023-2024

Katrina Faye M. Macasinag

BSAR-2F

09926217807
kfmm2022-6330-92173@bicol-u.edu.ph

Ar. Maureen M. Sia

Instructor

Fire Protection Systems

Fire protection refers to measures taken to prevent fires from igniting, reducing the impact of an
uncontrolled fire, or extinguishing fires.It also refers to the steps that a company takes to
prevent fires from becoming destructive to the point of requiring costly repairs. Whether these
costs are seen as human injury and death or large amounts of property loss from an
uncontrollable fire, each company should strive to invest in some sort of fire protection initiative
to prevent these damaging occurrences.

The aim of a fire protection system is to protect a building’s occupants and minimise the
damage associated with fire. Overall, the goal is to provide the widest possible window for a
safe evacuation, whilst also reducing potential repair costs.

Fire protection systems can be categorized as either active or passive. While active systems are
designed to help fight fires (such as fire alarms and sprinklers), passive fire protection describes
the structural measures which prevent the passage of flames and smoke.
Comparative to Fire Prevention and Suppression System

Fire Prevention System

Fire prevention systems are put in place so a building’s fire load is as low as it can possibly be.
‘Fire load’ is a term used by fire protection professionals to determine the potential severity of a
fire in a building, based on the presence of certain hazards. Essentially, fire prevention reduces
the likelihood of a serious fire. By safely storing combustible materials, and taking care of points
of ignition (such as heating systems and plug sockets), we are reducing the risks associated
with fire.

We must always be vigilant of any potential fire hazards – a big part of this is carrying out
regular fire safety inspections and risk assessments. However, fire prevention measures are
mostly just common sense. We don’t need to be trained fire safety technicians to know the
dangers of smoking indoors or blocking fire exits. We do, however, need to be advised on any
specific measures put in place to prevent fire in a building. This applies to both residential and
commercial buildings.

Fire Suppression System

The sole objective of a fire suppression system is to extinguish a fire as quickly as possible.
Once occupants are alerted to the presence of a fire, the system will begin to emit a
concentrated substance to suppress the flames. The exact nature of this substance can vary,
based on the environment the system is designed to protect. Common examples include carbon
dioxide and inert gas, as well as a range of both liquid and dry chemical agents.

One of the defining features of fire suppression systems is that they don’t use water. The only
exception is water mist suppression systems, which we explore in our article on fire protection
and suppression technologies. For this reason, fire suppression systems are often used in
spaces which are particularly susceptible to water damage, such as rooms with large amounts
of electrical equipment. Fire suppression systems also tend to be installed in galleries and
museums, as they usually contain highly valuable and fragile materials.

Fire suppression is the final measure put in place to fight the spread of fire. In this context, we
can understand fire prevention, protection, and suppression as a three-stage process, with each
stage containing specific measures to prevent and fight fires. Therefore, we have a
responsibility to regularly review and assess each part of the system, so we can quickly identify
risks and rectify any damage or neglect. To briefly summarise, here are the main differences
between fire protection, prevention and suppression:

● Fire prevention systems aim to minimize potential fire hazards.

● Fire protection reduces damage and helps to safely evacuate a building.
● Fire suppression systems are intended to extinguish the flames.
Fire protection measures are a broad category that includes:

1. Safety drills

The purpose of a fire drill is to familiarize and reinforce proper evacuation routes and practices.
The goal is to have the proper actions be an automatic response whenever fire alarms sound,
so that everyone safely evacuates the area in an orderly manner. Safety drills are essential for
preparing the potential victim such like workplace for emergencies and disasters. These can
help them identify the potential hazards, test their response plans, and improve safety culture.
However, conducting a successful safety drill requires careful planning, communication, and
evaluation.

2. Education and training on fire risks and safety

Fire safety education and training is not only required by law, but it is also a critical skill to
acquire for the safety of employees and others who may be present in the building.
Inflammation causes property damage, injury or death, and can even result in job loss because
many buildings destroyed by fire are not rebuilt. Proper fire safety training is the key to avoiding
these dire consequences.

3. Place inspections aimed at identifying fire hazards

A fire safety inspection is the process of identifying potential fire hazards in a building or facility
and facilitating compliance with fire codes, regulations, and standards. Fire safety inspections
are carried out by qualified fire inspectors, who are typically members of the local fire
department or a third-party organization. Fire safety inspections are intended to prevent fires,
protect lives and property, and educate the public on fire safety.

Core Elements of a Fire Safety Inspection

a. Pre-inspection

This is the preparation phase, where the fire inspector reviews the building plans, fire records,
previous inspection reports, and applicable fire codes and standards. The fire inspector also
contacts the building owner or manager to schedule the inspection and inform them of the
scope and purpose of the inspection.

b. Inspection

This is the main phase, where the fire inspector visits the building or facility and conducts a
thorough and systematic examination of its fire safety features and conditions. The fire inspector
checks for the presence, functionality, and adequacy of fire protection systems, such as fire
alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers, and emergency lighting. The fire inspector also looks for any
fire hazards, such as combustible materials, electrical faults, blocked exits, or improper storage
of flammable liquids or gasses. The fire inspector may use various tools and equipment, such
as flashlights, cameras, thermometers, or testing devices, to perform the inspection. The fire
inspector may also interview the building occupants, staff, or management to assess their fire
safety knowledge and practices.

c. Post-inspection

This is the follow-up phase, where the fire inspector documents the findings and
recommendations of the inspection in a written report. The fire inspector also communicates the
results of the inspection to the building owner or manager and provides them with a copy of the
report. The fire inspector may also issue a notice of violation or a citation for any non-
compliance or deficiency found during the inspection. The fire inspector may also require the
building owner or manager to correct the violations or deficiencies within a specified time frame
or face penalties or legal actions. The fire inspector may also conduct a re-inspection to verify
the compliance or correction of the violations or deficiencies.

4. Fire-resistant building materials and designs

A successful passive fire suppression strategy includes evaluating construction materials' ability
to prevent flame passage. This ensures the appropriate levels of protection for a building in the
event of a fire, in accordance with stringent building and construction codes. When selecting the
best fire-resistant material, a variety of factors are considered, ranging from load-bearing
capacity and thermal conductivity to decay tendency.

Specific Fire-Resistant Properties of Common Building Materials

a. Bricks and Mortar

An individual brick offers high levels of heat resistance, with the ability to withstand a maximum
temperature of 1200°C. A commonly-cited reason as to why bricks have such a high fire-
resistance rating is because they are usually made in a fire kiln.

Most mortar is fire resistant to some extent, as the materials that make it (usually a mix of clay,
cement, lime, and sand) are resistant to fire and heat. However, a drastic increase in
temperature can cause mortar to crack and expand. Despite this, brick has endured as the most
popular fire-resistant material for buildings, being widely used for external walls and other
common building elements.

b. Stone

Stone is susceptible to the effects of fire and is prone to disintegration when suddenly cool.
Exothermic reactions vary greatly depending on the type of stone. For example, granite
explodes when exposed to heat, necessitating extensive risk management when used as a
construction material. While excessive heat often causes limestone to crumble, sandstone's
unique composition (made up of small mineral particles and rock fragments) allows it to
withstand moderate fire conditions and is less likely to crack and break apart than other stone
materials.

c. Timber

While wood is known to be a good heat conductor, timber used in heavy construction can be
reasonably fire resistant. The fire resistance levels of building materials frequently vary after the
addition of surface chemicals such as ammonium phosphate, sulphate, and zinc chloride.
Timber can also be painted to add another layer of fire protection. This emphasizes the
importance of distinguishing between raw materials and structural materials (which are
frequently treated during the design and construction processes). Fire-retardant materials are
not to be confused with fire-resistant materials. Fire-retardant materials burn much slower than
their more flammable counterparts, such as plywood and fiberboard.

d. Steel
Steel is well-known for its structural durability and high tensile strength. Steel structures are
resistant to degradation, withstanding the negative effects of termites, rust, and decay.
However, steel is less resistant to fire temperatures. When steel beams and columns are
exposed to fire for an extended period of time, they sag and buckle, causing the structure to
collapse. Temperatures above 600°C can cause stress in mild steel, and at 1400°C, steel melts
completely. As a result, fire protection is an important consideration when designing steel
structures. When exposed to extreme temperatures, this paint forms a carbonaceous layer that
provides additional protection to steel beams.

e. Concrete

How concrete behaves under high temperatures depends upon its composition of materials.
This is to say that the quality of both cement and aggregates used will affect the fire resistance
of building elements. Usually, reinforced concrete will tolerate temperatures of up to 1000°C for
about sixty minutes before it begins to lose its strength. We cover this subject in more detail in
our guide to the fire resistance of concrete structures.

f. Glass

Much like stone, glass will crack and shatter when it is exposed to heat and then left to then cool
down again. Therefore, for safety reasons site teams will commonly use reinforced, toughened
and laminated glasses. These glasses, especially those that feature steel wire, are far more fire-
resistant than ordinary glass.

g. Cast Iron
Cast iron is not frequently used as a common building material. This is because of its behaviour
under high temperatures. When exposed to heat and then suddenly cooled, cast iron will shatter
into pieces. Because of this, it will often be covered with brickwork or another more stable fire-
resistant material, such as concrete.

Fire-resistant materials are treated to reinforce them against extreme temperatures. However,
these materials cannot be 100% fire-resistant; fireproofing is a method that works to massively
reduce their susceptibility to fire. Ultimately there is not a single material that cannot be
destroyed by the effects of heat. It is for this reason that passive fire protection is so important.

5. Maintenance programs for fire suppression systems

Proper maintenance significantly extends the lifespan of fire suppression systems. Regular
inspections, cleaning, and preventive maintenance help prevent premature wear and tear,
corrosion, or deterioration of system components. By addressing minor issues promptly,
maintenance activities contribute to the overall longevity and durability of the system, providing
reliable fire protection for years to come.

Maintenance activities, such as cleaning sprinkler heads, checking pressure levels, and testing
alarm systems, help optimize the performance of fire suppression systems. Regular inspections
ensure that the system is free from obstructions or debris that could hinder its effectiveness.
The system can perform at its best when it matters most by maintaining proper pressure levels
and ensuring functional alarms and control panels.

Three Major Requirements of Fire Protection Initiative Implementation

A. The Assessment of Fire

This section includes all the different risks that may cause a fire. It also includes training on
using fire extinguishers and other kinds of extinguishing equipment. This part of fire protection
involves regulations and rules that are related to buildings and their construction.

B. Active Fire Protection Systems

These systems offer protection by controlling, suppressing, or extinguishing fires. Active fire
protection systems include condensed aerosol systems, automatic sprinkler systems, dry
chemical systems, and clean agent systems.

Common Fire Protection Systems

1. Dry pipe system

 - automatic sprinklers attached to a piping system that supplies pressurized air or nitrogen

Dry pipe sprinkler systems are filled with pressurized air or nitrogen instead of water to prevent
frozen and burst sprinkler pipes in areas with colder temperatures. The pressurized air in the
sprinkler pipes prevents water from entering the pipes. When a fire is detected, the air pressure
in the pipes is reduced and a valve opens to allow water to flow into the sprinkler pipes and
extinguish the fire.

Pros:

● Will not freeze in cold temperatures

● Can be installed in addition to a wet system to protect colder environments
●
Cons:

● More difficult to maintain

● More expensive to install
● Slightly longer response time during a fire

2. Wet fire sprinkler systems

- these are automatic sprinklers attached to a water supply system

Wet pipe systems are the most common fire sprinkler system. A wet pipe system is one in which
water is constantly maintained within the sprinkler piping. When a sprinkler activates this water
is immediately discharged onto the fire.

Pros:
 ● System simplicity and reliability - Wet pipe sprinkler systems have the least number of
components and therefore, the lowest number of items to malfunction. This produces
unexcelled reliability which is important since sprinklers may be asked to sit in waiting for
many years before they are needed. This simplicity aspect also becomes important in
facilities where system maintenance may not be performed with the desired frequency.

● Relative low installation and maintenance expense - Due to their overall simplicity, wet
pipe sprinklers require the least amount of installation time and capital. Maintenance
cost savings are also realized since less service time is generally required compared to
other system types. These savings become important when maintenance budgets are
shrinking.

● Ease of modification - Wet pipe fire sprinkler systems are advantageous since
modifications involve shutting down the water supply, draining pipes and making
alterations. Following the work, the system is pressure tested and restored. Additional
work for detection and special control equipment is avoided which again saves time and
expense.

● Short term down time following a fire - Wet pipe sprinkler systems require the least
amount of effort to restore. In most instances, sprinkler protection is reinstated by
replacing the fused sprinklers and turning the water supply back on. Pre-action and dry-
pipe systems may require additional effort to reset control equipment.

Cons:

● Wet pipe systems are not suited for sub-freezing environments.

● There may also be a concern where piping is subject to severe impact damage and
could consequently leak.

3. Dry chemical fire suppression systems

- these deploy pressurized dry chemicals

A dry chemical fire suppression system is a type of fire protection system that makes use of a
dry chemical powder to extinguish a fire. Most dry chemical fire suppression systems make use
of a large tank that is filled with the dry chemical powder, and then pressurized.

When the system is activated, either electrically or manually, the valve on the pressurized tank
opens, and the dry powder is released into a piping system and out the nozzles of the fire
suppression system. The dry chemical powder works to smother and extinguish the fire as soon
as possible.

Gaseous fire suppression systems

these release fire extinguishing gasses, such as carbon dioxide (CO2)

Foam suppression systems

spraying foam on a fire cuts off its oxygen supply, helps control it rapidly, and is especially
useful when dealing with flammable liquids that have ignited.

Fire alarm systems

 are also considered active, as their smoke and heat-detecting sensors respond to the presence
of fire. They can also be connected to extinguishing systems, which activate when the alarm
sounds.

C. Passive Fire Protection Systems

These systems are components of a building, its infrastructure, or adjacent design elements that
provide constant fire protection, without needing to be used or activated.

These passive measures include building designs that limit the spread of fire, fire-resistant
construction materials, fire walls and doors, and signage with fire safety information such as
evacuation routes or reminders to remain low to reduce exposure to smoke.

Many passive fire protection systems are designed to compartmentalize a fire, preventing or
slowing its spread to other areas of the building. These systems are rated according to how long
they can withstand standardized exposure tests. For instance, a wall rated for one hour will be
capable of preventing a standard fire from spreading for a duration of one hour.

Importance of Fire Protection System

1. Fire prevention

Fire safety inspections can help identify and eliminate fire hazards and reduce the risk of fire
occurrence and spread. Fire safety inspections can also ensure that fire protection systems are
working properly and can activate in the event of a fire. Fire safety inspections can also educate
the building occupants and staff on fire prevention measures and practices.

2. Life safety

Fire safety inspections can help protect the lives of the building occupants, staff, visitors, and
firefighters in the event of a fire. Fire safety inspections can ensure that the building has
adequate and clear means of escape and emergency signage. Fire safety inspections can also
ensure that the building has sufficient fire resistance and compartmentation to prevent fire and
smoke from spreading to other areas. Fire safety inspections can also ensure that the building
has adequate ventilation and smoke control systems to reduce the exposure to toxic gases and
heat.

3. Property protection

Fire safety inspections can help protect the property and assets of the building owner and
occupants from fire damage and loss. Fire safety inspections can ensure that the building has
appropriate fire protection systems and equipment to control and extinguish a fire. Fire safety
inspections can also ensure that the building has adequate fire insurance coverage and meets
the requirements of the insurance company.

4. Code compliance

Fire safety inspections can help ensure that the building complies with the relevant fire codes,
regulations, and standards that apply to its location, occupancy, use, and construction. Fire
safety inspections can also help avoid fines, penalties, or legal actions for non-compliance or
violation of the fire codes, regulations, and standards.

References

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Fire Resistance of Building Materials | CLM Fireproofing. (2020, September 1). CLM.
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Security, K. F. &. (n.d.). How to Ensure Reliable Protection With Fire Suppression Maintenance.
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