FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

Fire Protection System Design Strategy

Comprehensive Strategy

Prevent fires from starting in the first place

Education Administrative procedures Signage Inspections Fire safety program Detect fires early to initiate quick evacuation Exits, Stairwells, Corridors Emergency lighting and ventilation
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Fire alarm and detection systems

Design safe egress from building

Design Strategies (contd)

Fire suppression systems

Sprinkler Standpipe and Hose Chemical Remove smoke from exits Provide fleeing occupants with breathable air

Smoke Control systems

Design Strategies (contd)

Compartmentalization

Break a building into small compartments to contain fire and smoke

Fire Separation

Fire rated wall, floor, ceiling assemblies that impede the spread of fire

Use of non-combustible materials Use of low flame spread and smoke developed finish material
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Flame Spread

ASTM E84 Test Method for Surface-Burning Characteristics of Building Materials (Steiner tunnel test). Rates surface-burning characteristics of building materials and interior finishes, and provides data on smoke density. Flame spread classifications:

Class A: 0-25 Class B: 26-75 Class C: 76-200

Local building codes generally restrict use of materials in different occupancies based upon flame spread and smoke developed ratings.

For example, NYSED Manual of Planning Standards requires finishes in corridors, passageways, stairways to be Class A.
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Sources of Ignition

Spontaneous Combustion Electrical Sources

Arcing Lightning Friction Intentional (arson) Cigarettes

Mechanical

Other

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Fire Issues

Products of combustion CO, CO2, other gases Fire quickly consumes oxygen Lack of oxygen

Rapid deterioration of human capabilities Muscle control Thinking, consciousness, etc.

Poor visibility
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Fire Issues (contd)

Vertical shafts promote spread of smoke, heat

Elevators Escalators Atriums

HVAC systems can spread smoke Windowless buildings prevent entry by firefighters Interior finishes can spread fire, give off smoke High rise buildings (g.t. six stories) complicate firefighting, rescue
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Fire Alarm and Detection Systems

Design Standards Fire Code of NYS defines minimum standards where fire alarm and detection system is required, general design requirements NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm Code defines specific design standards Functions of a fire alarm and detection system: Initiate alarm Manually Automatically Notify occupants Audible alarms Visual alarms
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Functions (contd)

Automatically signal fire department or central station Recall elevators Supervise special systems: Fire pump operation, power availability Sprinkler system status Unlock doors Automatically close doors that are part of fire separations Automatically release smoke relief hatches Control operation of HVAC supply and exhaust fans Total shut down Special smoke management systems

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Typical Fire Alarm System

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Fire Alarm Control Panel

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Fire Alarm Systems (contd)

Types

Conventional (off/on dumb devices) Addressable

Analog Digital

Equipment

Manual Fire Alarm Boxes (Pull Stations) Mounting not less than 3.5 and not more than 4.5 ft above floor level (ADA requires maximum 48 high forward reach) Spacing:

At exit doorways within 5 of each exit doorway on each floor; on both sides of opening 40 feet and wider, and within 5 feet each side Additional boxes such that distance of travel to any box less than 200 feet on same floor
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Manual Alarm Station at Exit

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Fire Alarm Systems (contd)

Heat Detectors

Applications

Where smoke is ordinarily present Top of elevator shafts where sprinklers are present Fixed Combination fixed/rate of rise On ceiling not less than 4 from sidewall, or on sidewall between 4 and 12 of ceiling
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Types

Location

Fixed Type Heat Detector

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Fire Alarm Systems (Contd)

Heat Detectors (contd) Typical Spacing

Fixed: 15x15 Combination fixed/rate of rise: 50x50 All points on ceiling within 0.7 x listed spacing

Special considerations beam construction, sloped ceilings refer to NFPA 72 for spacing requirements.

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Smoke From Cooking Appliances Can Set Off Smoke Detector

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Stages of a Fire

Incipient invisible combustion gases, without smoke or flame, no appreciable heat release Smoldering heat still absent, combustion gases now visible as smoke Flame actual fire is produced, a column of gases made luminous by intense heat Heat follows concurrently or just after flame stage tremendous amounts of heat released

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Smoke Detectors

Types

Spot Beam Ionization Photoelectric Integral alarm

Design:

Spot Detector Accessories

Typical use motels and similar sleeping spaces

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Photoelectric Spot Smoke Detector with Integral Alarm

Photoelectric detectors operate using principle of smoke obscuration Smoke interposed in light beam between small emitter and detector Decreased light intensity at detector causes alarm to sound Device in photo also includes integral alarm used in motels and similar sleeping spaces.
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Principle of Operation Ionization Detector

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Smoke Detectors (contd)

Applications

Spot detectors For general fire detection Close doors, operate smoke dampers Beam detectors High ceilings where spot detectors impractical On ceiling not less than 4 from sidewall, or on sidewall between 4 and 12 of ceiling

Location

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Smoke Detector Mounted on Wall

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Smoke Detectors (contd)

Typical Spacing (spot)

30x30 All points on ceiling within 0.7 x listed spacing g.t. 3-0 from HVAC diffusers, supply grilles

Special considerations beam construction, sloped ceilings refer to NFPA 72 for spacing requirements.

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Typical Listed Smoke Detector Spacing

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Incorrect Application of Smoke Detector

Area covered = 60 x 15 = 900 s.f. Distance to corner exceeds 0.7 x listed spacing (0.7 x 30 = 21) Two smoke detectors would be required for this room.
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Beam Smoke Detector

Smoke rising to ceiling will obscure light beam. Receiver will detect change in beam intensity and cause alarm to sound. Often used in atrium spaces, high cathedral ceilings, similar spaces.

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Notification Appliances

Audible

Refer to NFPA 72 for sound pressure levels Mounting Wall top not less than 90 a.f.f., not less than 6 below ceiling (where ceiling heights allow) If combined with visual appliances, entire lens of visual appliance not less than 80 nor greater than 96 a.f.f. Spacing Such that they can be heard throughout building 29 Refer to NFPA 72 for specific requirements

Audible Visual Device in School Cafeteria

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Audible Visual Fire Alarm Appliance

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Notification Appliances (contd)

Visual Appliances

Location

Wall mounted entire lens 80 -96 a.f.f. Ceiling mounted permitted when device is specifically listed for this application. Refer to NFPA 72 When two or more in same field of view, must be synchronized (can be harmful to persons with epilepsy)

Spacing

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Remote Annunciator Panel at School 80

An annunciator panel displays at remote entries and other locations the zone or device that is in alarm generally located at main entries.
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FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS

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Types of Fire Suppression Systems

Standpipe and Hose Systems

A reliable water supply, piping, hose connections to permit manual extinguishing of a fire.

Sprinkler Systems
A reliable water supply, piping, sprinklers, to permit automatic extinguishing of a fire.

Chemical Extinguishing Systems

Both manual and automatic systems Use a chemical extinguishing agent where water is not effective, or cannot be used.
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Standpipe and Hose Systems

Classification: Class I 2-1/2 hose connections for firefighters use, 100 psi at uppermost hose connection. Class II 1-1/2 hose connections for occupant use, 100 psi at uppermost hose connection. Class III 2-1/2 and 1-1/2 hose connections for both firefighters and occupant use.
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Diagram of a Typical Standpipe System

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Standpipe Hose Valve at Intermediate Stairwell Landing

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Typical Backflow Preventer for Fire Protection Service

A backflow preventer prevents water contained in building piping systems from flowing back into the community water main. Water piping in buildings may contain foul and/or hazardous materials.
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Classification (contd)

Type I and III standpipes are the most common. Design Standard

NFPA 14 Standard for the Installation of Standpipe, Private Hydrant, and Hose Systems. Current edition is 2003 As of 2004, NYS Building Code adopts the 2000 edition.
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Combined Systems

A combined system is a standpipe that also supplies automatic sprinklers on each floor. Combined systems were first permitted by NFPA in 1976 to encourage owners of high rise buildings that already had standpipes to install sprinkler systems. A sprinkler crossmain is connected to the standpipe at each floor. A typical connection detail is contained in NFPA 14 Figure A-5-9.1.3.1 (a) and (b).
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Diagram of a Typical Combined Sprinkler and Standpipe System

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A Typical Flow Control Assembly Located in a Stairwell

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Buildings that Require Standpipe and Hose Systems

Buildings where standpipes and hose systems are required:

Any building where the highest floor level is 30 ft. or more above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. Places of Assembly Covered Mall Buildings (e.g. Shopping Malls) Stages Underground Buildings Check the applicable building ordinance for specifics (NYS 905.3)
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Water Supplies

Water supply must be among the following:

Public waterworks with adequate pressure Automatic fire pump connected to public waterworks Manually controlled fire pump in combination with pressure tanks. Pressure tanks installed in accordance with NFPA 22
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Water Supplies (contd.)

Manually controlled fire pumps operated by remote control devices at each hose station. Gravity tanks in accordance with NFPA 22 Automatic fire pumps connected to the public waterworks are the most common.

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Water Supply Capacity

Water supply capacity

The capacity of the supply is calculated as follows:

500 gpm for the first standpipe 250 gpm for each additional standpipe Not to exceed 1250 gpm

Water supply must have minimum 30 minutes duration for calculated flow
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Additional Classification of Standpipes

Wet

The standpipe system is always filled with water. The standpipe system contains no water. Generally used only in unheated buildings (e.g., parking garages.) Water supply capable of supplying system demand automatically. Most common type
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Dry

Automatic

Additional Classification of Standpipes (Contd)

Manual

Connected to small water supply to maintain water in the system, but inadequate to meet demand. Relies on fire department pumper to supply necessary system demand.

Other types: semi-automatic dry, manual-dry (see NFPA 14 for explanations.) The Building Ordinance (NYS Building Code) prescribes which type is required.
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Fire Pumps

Fire Pumps

Since most water main pressures are generally less than 100 psi at the street, a fire pump is usually required to provide adequate pressure. Fire pumps must be provided with an emergency power source. Fire pumps generally require a separate, fire rated (2 hr.) room or enclosure.
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Typical Electric Fire Pump Installation

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Location of Hose Connections

Location of Hose Connections

Height: not less than 3 ft and not more than 5 ft above floor (usually 4 ft). In exit stairways at each intermediate landing between floor levels. Each side of wall adjacent to exit openings of horizontal exits. Each exit passageway at entrance from building areas into passageway.
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Class I Systems

Location of Hose Connections (Contd)

In covered mall buildings at entrance to each exit passageway or exit corridor, and exterior public entrances to mall. At highest landing of stairways with access to roof, and on roof where stairways do not access the roof. Additional 2-1/2 hose connection at hydraulically most remote riser to facilitate testing. See NFPA 14 for more requirements.

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Location of Hose Connections (Contd)

Class II Systems

1-1/2 hose stations so that all portions of each floor level are within 130 ft of a hose connection. As required for both Class I and Class I Systems

Class III Systems

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Drainage of Standpipes

Each standpipe to be equipped with a means for draining Usually a drain valve is located at lowest point of standpipe, downstream of isolation valve Drain to an approved location

Often drained to spill at grade

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Fire Department Connections

At least one fire department connection for each zone of each Class I and Class III system High rise buildings require two remotely located fire department connections for each zone Height: +18 to +48 above adjoining grade

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Fire Department Connections (Contd)

A check valve is required downstream. No shutoff valve is permitted between the fire department connection and the system. Dry piping between connection and check valve should be galvanized steel. Signage is required at each connection. See NFPA 14, Ch. 4-3.5.2 for details.
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Sprinkler Systems

Definition and purpose a reliable water supply, piping, sprinklers, valves and accessories for the purpose of automatically extinguishing a fire. Governing Design Standards

Local building code or ordinance prescribes where sprinkler systems are required NFPA 13 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems prescribes how sprinkler systems are to be designed and constructed Factory Mutual (FM) An insurance company standards organization; it may, through the building owners insurance company, impose additional restrictions/requirements for overall building fire protection systems.

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Sprinkler Systems (contd)

Types of sprinkler systems:

Wet Dry Pre-action Deluge

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Sprinkler Systems (contd)

Wet system

Piping is filled with water under pressure at all times. When one or more sprinkler heads open, water is automatically discharged. Used in heated buildings or portions of buildings that are heated. Most common type of system.
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Diagram of a Wet Pipe Sprinkler System with Water Motor Alarm

Both pendant and upright sprinklers may be used. During operation, the alarm check valve diverts a small portion of water to the water motor alarm does not rely on electricity to sound alarm.
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A Typical Wet Pipe Sprinkler Alarm Valve Installation

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Wet Pipe Alarm Valve

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Wet Pipe Sprinkler with Electric Alarm

An electric alarm bell is operated through a water flow switch inserted into the main riser. When a sprinkler opens, water flow activates flow switch, and alarm sounds. Requires a reliable source of power from an emergency source.
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Sprinkler systems (contd)

Dry system

Piping is filled with compressed air. A dry system valve blocks the entry of water into the piping. Air pressure in the piping holds the valve closed. When one or more sprinkler heads open

Air is first released through the head(s) Air pressure in the piping system drops. Dry system valve swings open. Water floods the piping system.

Used in unheated buildings, or portions of buildings that are not heated, e.g., attics.
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Diagram of a Dry Pipe Sprinkler System

Upright heads must be used, in order to allow the piping to drain completely.

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Sprinkler systems (contd)

Pre-action system Requires operation of both a fire detector and a sprinkler head opening before water is released.

Piping is filled with pressurized air. A fire detection system (smoke, heat detectors, manual pull station) is wired to the pre-action valve; valve is opened only when fire detection system is activated. Water floods piping.
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Pre-action system (contd)

Water is released from each sprinkler head that opens. Used for rooms that contain valuable equipment or materials that could be damaged be release of water, where fire detection must be verified independently.

Main frame computer rooms Laboratories

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Diagram of a Pre-Action System

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Sprinkler Systems (contd)

Deluge System

All sprinklers are open When water fills the piping system, all sprinklers discharge water simultaneously Diagram is similar to pre-action system Applications:

Where severe fire hazard exists that can be extinguished safely with water

E.g. a Fireworks Factory

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Sprinkler systems (contd)

Where required:

Governed by the local building code or ordinance If not required by code, insurance companies often offer reduced rates, or wont insure buildings without sprinkler systems.

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Some Sprinkler Types

Recessed Pendant Sprinkler Glass tube holds metal disc seated in valve seat Glycerin in glass tube expands when heated and will shatter glass Water is released Spray pattern is established by deflector
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Recessed Pendant Sprinkler with Brass Finish

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Old Style Sprinkler with Fusible Link, (Upright Style Shown)

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Sprinkler with Wire Guard and Deflector Disk (Pendant Style Shown)

This sprinkler would be used to protect combustible materials in storage racks Wire guard protects sprinkler from damage as racks are loaded/unloaded Deflector plate prevents water may be discharged from above from cooling this sprinkler and preventing its operation
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Concealed Sprinkler

Decorative white disk is soldered to the sprinkler body solder melts first, plate falls to floor, exposing sprinkler Exposed sprinkler will now operate like a standard sprinkler - releases water as temperature increases Can be used in Light Hazard Occupancies
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Partial Data Sheet for a Typical Concealed Sprinkler

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Sidewall Sprinkler

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Sprinkler systems (contd)

Requirements for water supply capacity and spacing of sprinklers depend upon the buildings occupancy classification Occupancy Classes:

Light Ordinary Group 1 Ordinary Group 2 Extra Group 1 Extra Group 2

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Light Hazard

Quantity and/or combustibility of contents is low; fires with relatively low rates of heat release are expected. Examples:

Churches Libraries Restaurant seating areas

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Ordinary Hazard

Group 1 combustibility is low, quantity of combustibles is moderate, stockpiles of combustibles do not exceed 8 ft, fires with moderate rates of heat release expected. Examples:

Automobile parking and showrooms Bakeries Restaurant service areas

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Ordinary Hazard (contd)

Group 2 quantity and combustibility of contents moderate to high, stockpiles do not exceed 12 ft, fires with moderate to high rates of heat release expected. Examples:

Chemical plants - ordinary Dry Cleaners Library large stack room areas
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Extra Hazard

Group 1 combustibility is low, quantity of combustibles is very high, dust, lint or other materials are present, possibility of rapidly developing fires with high rates of heat release, but little or now combustible or flammable liquids. Examples:

Aircraft hangers Plywood and particle board manufacturing Printing

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Extra Hazard (contd)

Group 2 moderate to substantial amounts of flammable or combustible liquids Examples:

Flammable liquids spraying Plastics processing Varnish and paint dipping

In all cases, refer to NFPA 13 and AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) for quidance in assessing occupancy classification
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Sprinkler systems (contd)

Maximum Area of Coverage (Standard Spray Upright and Pendant Sprinklers)

Light hazard: 225 s.f., maximum 15 between sprinklers Ordinary hazard: 130 s.f., maximum 15 between sprinklers Extra hazard: 90 s.f., maximum 12 between sprinklers (see NFPA 13 for exceptions) S x L, where S = spacing between sprinklers or twice distance to end wall, whichever is greater. L = spacing between branch lines or twice the distance to end wall, whichever is greater.
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Protection Area per sprinklers:

Sprinkler systems (contd)

Maximum distance from walls: less than spacing. Minimum distance to walls: 4 Where walls are angled or irregular, the maximum distance to any point on floor 0.75 spacing, with maximum perpendicular distance to wall not exceeded. Minimum distance between sprinklers: 6 (see exceptions NFPA 13)

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Sprinkler Location

Deflector position

Standard spray pendant or upright heads: minimum 1 to maximum 12 from ceiling. Standard spray sidewall sprinklers: minimum 4 to maximum 6 from ceiling. (In special situations, 6 to 12 see NFPA 13) Critical point the farther the sprinkler is from the ceiling, the longer it will take for the heat to collect at the ceiling plane and set off the sprinkler.
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Typical Symbols

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Sprinkler Spacing Examples

Light Hazard Occupancy 225 s.f. per sprinkler Maximum 15 between branch lines and between sprinklers on branch lines Maximum 15/2 = 7.5 from wall to outermost sprinkler and branch lines Here, S=L=15

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Sprinkler Spacing Example No. 2

Occupancy Hazard: Ordinary Group 1 Maximum coverage per sprinkler: 130 s.f. Maximum spacing: 15

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Example No. 2 Proposed Solution

Area of coverage is 10x 13 = 130 s.f. Maximum spacing is 13, which is less than the maximum 15 allowed Maximum distance to wall is 6.5, which is the largest spacing (13) Yet this solution does not comply with NFPA 13!
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Example No. 2 (contd)

Area of coverage of sprinkler in NW corner is: (6+5) x 13 = 141 s.f. The number of sprinklers required is actually (41 x 39)/130 s.f. per sprinkler = 12.3; the proposed solution has just 12
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Example No. 2 (contd)

Here is one correct solution. More sprinklers are required in order to comply with both spacing and area of coverage requirements. S=12 (2 x 6); L=9-8 A=12 x 9-8 = 116.04 s.f
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Example No. 2 (contd)

If a 2x2 suspended tile ceiling is used, the sprinklers will not be centered within the tiles.

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Example No. 2 (conclusion)

Since we have more sprinklers than are needed, we can shift the centerlines slightly to achieve center of tile placement of sprinklers. In this example, the dashed area represents greatest coverage, = (5-6 +5-0) x (5-0 + 6-0) = 126.5 s.f.
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Sprinkler Systems (contd)

Sprinkler Classifications

Design and performance

Area of coverage Speed of response

Standard response Fast response

Orientation

Concealed Flush Pendent Recessed Sidewall Upright

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Sprinkler Classifications (contd)

Special service conditions

Dry Corrosion resistant Intermediate level sprinkler/rack storage sprinkler

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