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Fire Protection Systems Essay
University FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 2 Fire protection systems are among some of the most important fundamental elements
within our building structures today. These protection systems were precisely intended to not
only detect fires, but to extinguish and increase the odds of survival for the occupants
withstanding a building fire. Fire protection systems have a multitude of different ways that they
can be utilized. One way that they are used is to be independently and exclusively installed as a
solitary source of protection. Another way that they can be commonly used is in combination
with additional protection systems that then coincide as one for recognition and suppression of
fires. Within this paper, I will examine the mechanisms of some of these systems. I will discuss
how it is exactly that they work as a team. Finally, I will talk about the impact that these systems
may leave with firefighters and civilians. All of these systems that I will be talking about are
systems that have been developed from nothing. They are systems that have come such a long
way and have advanced the way fire service is looked at and utilized. Although no system is
perfect and no system is ever going to be good enough unless not one person is injured or killed
along the way, these systems have saved countless lives, changed many lives, provided lots of
jobs and saved many properties from damage.
I know that my first thought that comes to my mind when I think of fire protection
systems are fire alarms. This may be since fire alarm systems are, by a landslide the most
common. These systems offer the chance at an early warning to a possibly developing fire, for its
occupants. This simple sounding system may just be the thing that gives them sufficient escape
time so that the odds of injuries and fatalities can be diminished. (Aherns, 2010) Another
advantage to these systems is that it may give just enough adequate time for fire crew members
to extinguish and control a fire before it is too far gone. For these systems to be effective, they do FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 3 have a few requirements. First, they must have a working power source. Second, they must be
near the smoke sufficiently enough to activate it. Third, the alarm must be loud enough to hear it
clearly. NFPA 74 also known as the “Household Fire Warning Equipment”, made it mandatory
for new construction buildings to utilize hardwired, interconnected smoke alarms. (Aherns,
2010). According to a study conducted between the years of 2003 to 2006 by the National Fire
Incident Reporting System and The National Fire Protection Association, roughly forty percent
of fire associated bereavements were the results of absentee smoke alarms in homes.
Approximately twenty-three percent of demises happened within the homes of those whose
detectors unsuccessfully initiated. When putting simple hardwired detectors into comparison
with interconnected hardwired detectors, the interconnected detectors came to be more reliable
than the latter. Smoke detectors are at their best when their locations are in bedroom areas as well
as “common areas” (Aherns, 2010).
The next system I will discuss is fire alarms systems. These systems consist of numerous
components. They exploit various sorts of detectors to activate alarms. There are two ways that
these systems can range within large commercial buildings. The two ways are known/classified
as simple and complex (Sturzenbecker, Adams & Burnside, 2010, p. 22). The key components
that fire alarm systems consist of include fire alarm control panels, which monitor the fire alarm
system by receiving and processing the signals from initiating devices. A primary power supply,
which are normally attained through the main power supply of the building. However, in
infrequent cases they can be power-driven by a generator. A secondary power supply, consists of
charged batteries, generators that maintain storage battery, and even multiple generators. They
also consist of initiating devices. These devices have the ability to be manually OR automatically
activated when detection of combustible products and other possible dangers are present. FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 4 In addition, another element known to fire protection systems that is usually the first
safety measure taken during fire situations are portable fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers are
utilized to extinguish and/or contain small fires. In the amount of time it would take for
emergency personnel to arrive on the scene, the fire could have more quickly been contained and
regulated using a fire extinguisher. (Sturzenbecker, 2012). There are multiple different
classifications used to distinguish types of fire extinguishers by which they are capable of
containing/extinguishing. These classes include A, B, C, D, and K. The class of fire can be found
on the extinguisher. It is represented by what is known as a letter and symbol system. The letters
are shown as white, bold letters. The letters are in the middle of a color-coded shape. These
symbols include a yellow star, a green triangle, a blue circle, a black hexagon, and a red square.
In addition, shown is also the kind of fires that it is intended to extinguish known as the
pictograph system. Distribution of the extinguishers within a building is contingent upon the size
and the possible hazards within said structure (Sturzenbecker, 2012). The standard NFPA 10
contains the guidelines for distribution of extinguishers, which feature the means of calculation
for the dispersal of specific extinguisher types. Also, per the guidelines, easy accessibility and
uniform distribution must be maintained. As well as free pathways in locations of common travel
and near the exits and entrances of the building. (NFPA 10, 2013, E.2). Maintenance is to be
completed by certified technicians and inspected by at least a building inhabitant to confirm that
the location is correct, damage free, in working order, and fully charged.
The next system is known as automatic sprinkler systems. Dry systems and wet systems
are among the most popular of the four types of systems. (Sturzenbecker, 2012). A dry systems
piping is occupied with nitrogen or compressed air that clasps a clapper valve back by the main
control valve. Upon activation of the sprinkler head, the compressed air/nitrogen gets set free, FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 5 thus permitting release of the water behind it the clapper valve in the piping. A wet systems
piping is water filled right up to the sprinkler head, which contains a fusible link or frangible
bulb which are regarded for failure at a prearranged temperature. Water flow through the
sprinkler into the protected area are the result of the failure of the device. There are many
mechanisms that make up a sprinkler system. These include but are not limited to the following:
the distribution piping, which is the piping that links the system to the water supply then carries
it to the sprinkler heads. The water flow begins at the source of water (private or municipal) to
the main control valve. It then proceeds through the system riser that feeds cross or feed mains
the valves, the sprinklers, and the fire department connections. The riser is linked to the main
control valve which is utilized to shut down the water supply in order to make repairs or for
maintenance. The valves are required to be kept in an open position, to ensure that they are not
kept closed on accident, they should be indicating valves. The activation of a sprinkler head
allows for water flow within the piping system to move it past the alarm check. In turn, this
activates the alarm in the structure and outside of the structure. Next up is known as the retard
chamber. It is intended for the absorption of water surges within the main to prevent the surge
from lifting the alarm check clapper. The FDC (fire department connections) is originated in
multiple configurations of mounting including into the exterior of a wall, on a post in close
proximity of the building, as a configuration of 2 ½” female connections. (Sturzenbecker, 2012).
The last element of a sprinkler system is the actual sprinkler heads. They have certain
characteristics including: temperature ratings, response times, and deflector types
(Sturzenbecker, 2012). They are obligated to be installed within the hot gas layer that is formed
nearby the ceiling through ignition. They are required to be installed to ensure that the water is
not affected by construction elements. The sprinkler head spacing is reliant on the tenancy risk it FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 6 is envisioned to defend. Conditional upon the residency, the sprinklers ought to be spread
between 6 and 15 feet. As well as no less than 1 foot from the ceiling, approximately 3 to 7.5 feet
from the wall. In conclusion, the utilization of sprinkler systems diminishes the likelihoods of
death from fire by one third to two thirds as well as slashed in half property loss. This is Per the
U.S. Fire Administration,
Next up we have water supply systems. These can be either municipal or private. They
are the source to water supply that is needed in order for a sprinkler system to function properly
as well as utilization for fire department FDCs. Water supply systems obtain water from two
places. One being surface water and the other being groundwater. Water supply systems that are
created in order to move water in three ways including: direct pumping, gravity, and a
combination, is a municipal system. (Sturzenbecker, 2012) Direct pumping systems have at least,
if not more pumps. These pumps move water from the main source into the distribution system.
The gravity system partakes as its own primary source to water. It is located at a more advanced
elevation than the distribution system. This allows for the gravity to move the water. A
combination system uses direct pumping AND the gravity method to bring water into the
distribution system. This system uses pumps to move water from the source into the distribution
network, however within the distribution network are raised storage tanks that are filled when
water consumption is low and offer spare water when consumption is high. The water
distribution system is a grid of piping that transmit water to the consumers which contains
primary feeders. Primary feeders are large pipes proficient in transmitting great quantities of
water. The secondary feeders are midway size piping. They obtain water from the primary
feeders and then transport it to distribution feeders. The distribution feeders supply fire hydrants,
buildings, etc. with water. Private water supply systems are mainly located on vast commercial, FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 7 institutional, industrial properties. They usually obtain their water from municipal sources. They
can however have their own individual water source. They are used to deliver supply water to
properties with the purpose of fire protection and manufacturing. These systems are designed
pretty similar to the municipal systems.
Smoke management systems minimalize the effects that smoke may take upon a building
or structure, its inhabitants and emergency service personnel. They are utilized in combination
with additional fire protection systems. Several kinds of smoke control systems include:
dedicated, non-dedicated, opposed airflow, passive, exhaust, pressurization, exhaust, dilution,
and zoned. The dedicated system is projected precisely in regards to smoke control and does not
function under ordinary circumstances. It is a simple design that permits separate air movement
and distribution. The nondedicated smoke systems share mechanisms with the buildings HVAC.
They are more dependable, they are more cost-friendly and they also necessitate a reduction of
space intended for mechanical equipment. The passive smoke control utilizes a barrier to deliver
fortification against fire spread. Passive smoke control systems include the discontinuing of
barrier penetrations. Their measures also include door gaskets and drop seals. As well as stair and
elevator vestibules. Pressurization smoke control systems operate fans and ventilation in order to
generate pressure differences athwart barriers. The pressure differences avert any possible smoke
from distributing to the locations of high pressure. There are actually two different types of
pressure systems. They consist of positive pressure systems which provides air to locations
adjacent to the fire area, and negative pressure systems which exhaust smoke from the fire zone.
Opposed airflow systems utilize high velocity air. This is done to prevent any possible smoke
from migration into the unaffected areas. Dilutions systems utilize supply and exhaust
ventilation. This is done to diminish the smoke concentration in an area. Last, zoned smoke FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 8 systems create the rift of a structure into diverse zones that are separated by dividers and floors.
Fans are also commonly utilized to hold smoke in the fire location. It also prevents smoke from
traveling to other zones (Sturzenbecker, 2012) Smoke control systems have a firefighters’ smoke
control station known additionally as FSCS. It offers monitoring, as well as control capability
over any and all of the equipment. This attribution alongside the complete design will assist in
search and rescue of the structures residents. It also helps with fire attack operations.
The above fire protection systems that I have spent time talking about and researching
throughout this course are used in conjunction and independently to improve, progress, and
advance the lowering of statistics towards fatalities and property when a fire occurs. The
knowledge is available and the roles and steps for prevention are there, they just need to be
utilized by not only emergency service personnel but by members of the community as well.
Courses and meeting that provide this knowledge should be made readily and easily available for
any and all members of the community so that we can all work as team to prevent the loss of life
and damage to our properties and communities. Fire alarm systems assist in giving an early
warning to structure residents. This allow the inhabitants to vacate a building safely and quickly.
In certain cases, it provides the opportunity for someone to utilize a fire extinguisher in order to
alleviate and control the fire situation. The sprinkler systems are extremely effective and
operative tools that suppress, contain and extinguish a fire. The three systems used in
conjunction can and will aid in the intensification of survivability for structure inhabitants.
Together, they also deliver a more plausible atmosphere to work in for fire service and
emergency personnel members. When alarms, sprinklers and management systems are combined
and utilized together, they generate and preserve a setting capable of nourishing and supporting FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 9 life. It also upsurges the period for evacuation. Water supply systems are a crucial factor to fire
protection systems since they deliver the number one foundation to fire extinguishment. References
Sturzenbecker, M. J., Adams, B., & Burnside, E. (2012). Fire detection and suppression systems
Ahrens, M. (2011, 07). Smoke alarm presence and performance in U.S. home fires. Fire
Technology, 47, 699-720.
doi:http://dx.doi.org.libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/10.1007/s10694-010-0185-6
NFPA 10: Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers
NFPA 13: standard for the installation of sprinkler systems. (n.d.).
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