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Essentials of Fire Fighting, 6th Edition Fire Protection Systems

Chapter 20Fire Protection Systems

Lesson GoalAfter completing this lesson, the student shall be able to explain the fundamentals of fire protection systems.

ObjectivesUpon successful completion of this lesson, the student shall be able to:

1. Describe fire alarm systems. [NFPA® 1001, 6.5.3]2. Identify alarm initiating devices. [NFPA® 1001, 6.5.3]3. Explain the ways automatic sprinkler systems work. [NFPA® 1001, 6.5.3]4. Describe standpipe and hose systems. [NFPA® 1001, 6.5.3]5. Explain the ways smoke management systems work. [NFPA® 1001, 6.5.3]

Fire Protection Publications Firefighter II 20-1Oklahoma State University


Instructor InformationThis is the lesson covering fire protection systems. This lesson describes the components and classifications of various fire suppression and detection systems.

Important instructor information is provided in shaded boxes throughout the lesson plan. Carefully review the instructor information before presenting the lesson.

This lesson includes an activity that guides students through the steps to prepare a preincident survey. The activity is developed for the student to identify occupancy information, note items of concern, and prepare any sketches or diagrams need for the survey. This activity will meet the requirements of NFPA® 1001, 6.5.3. All required documents and directions are provided in the curriculum package.

MethodologyThis lesson uses lecture, discussion and a learning activity. The level of learning is application.



Outline Contents

Section Outline Pages

Text Pages

Section I: Fire Alarm Systems 5 1178Section II: Alarm-Initiating Devices 12 1184Section III: Automatic Sprinkler Systems 22 1194Section IV: Standpipe and Hose Systems 41 1209Section V: Smoke Management Systems 46 1213Section VI: Summary and Review 52 1216

Audiovisuals Visuals 20.1 to 20.66 (PowerPoint® Presentation)

Evaluation Chapter 20 Quiz Chapter 20 Test



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Each object is labeled in the Lesson Outline and indicated in the PowerPoint® presentation by a RED arrow in the top left corner of the image. This lets instructors know to use the mouse to explore all of the information on the slide.

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Videos are used as discussion starters or to illustrate a concept or process discussed in the chapter.

These are labeled in the Lesson Outline and indicated in the PowerPoint® presentation by the Click image to play arrow on the left side of the slide.



Section I: Fire Alarm Systems

I. FIRE ALARM SYSTEMSpp. 1178-1184 Objective 1 — Describe fire alarm

systems.A. Fire Alarm Systems

1. Provide notification of emergency condition to building occupants; possibly local response organization

2. Requirements established by authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)

B. Alarm System Components

1. Fire alarm control panel (FACP)a. Contains electronics that

control, monitor fire alarm system

b. Serves as “brain” for alarm systemi. Receives signals from

alarm initiating devicesii. Processes signalsiii. Produces output signals

c. Power, fire alarm circuits directly connected to panel



d. Power boosters, power supplies for notification system are part of

e. Controls for alarm system located in FACP

f. Other functions for FACPi. Control of remote

annunciator panelii. Operation of relays that

capture, recall elevatorsiii. Public address, mass

notifications2. Power supplies

a. Primary i. Usually obtained from

building’s main connect to local utility provider

ii. If interrupted, alarm signal must be activated

b. Secondaryi. Ensures system will

operate even if primary fails

ii. Sources can include batteries with chargers, auxiliary generators

3. Initiating devices



a. May be manually operated or automatic

b. Automatic – Sense presence of products of combustion, other hazardous conditions

c. Send signal to FACP – May be hard wired or connected over special radio frequency

4. Notification appliancesa. Activated by control unit

once initiating device sends signal to FACP

b. System may include ability to send signal to central alarm monitoring center or directly to fire department

c. Local devicesi. Bellsii. Buzzersiii. Hornsiv. Recorded voice messagesv. Strobe lightsvi. Speakers

d. Audible notification signaling appliances – Most common types of alarm-signaling systems used



e. Local alarm may sound only in area of activated detector, or in entire facility – Depends on design

f. Notification appliance categoriesi. Audible – Approved

sounding devices (horns, bells, speakers) that indicate fire or emergency condition

ii. Visual – Approved lighting devices (strobes or flashing lights) that indicate fire or emergency condition

iii. Textual – Visual text or symbols indicating fire or emergency condition

iv. Tactile – Indication of fire or emergency condition through sense of touch or vibration

5. Fire command centera. Consolidates all fire

protection system controls for structure in one room

b. Allows systems to be monitored, controlled as needed

c. May include



i. Fire alarm control panelii. Smoke control stationiii. Fire pump status

indicatorsiv. Emergency elevator

controlsv. Emergency

communication systemsvi. Spare sprinklers, fusesvii.Building plans, system

diagramsReview Question: What are the basic components of an alarm system?See pp. 1178-1181 of the manual for answers.

C. Types of Alarm Signaling Systems

1. Protected premises (Local)a. Designed to provide

notification only to building occupants on immediate premises

b. When allowed – No automatic off-site reporting

c. May be activated manually or automatically

d. May be capable of alerting of supervisory or trouble condition – Ensure service



interruptions do not go unnoticed

e. Basic typesi. Noncoded alarm

(a)Simplest type of local alarm

(b)All alarm-signaling devices operate simultaneously

(c) Signaling continuously until FACP reset

(d)Not capable of identifying initiating device that triggered

(e)Only practical in small occupancies

ii. Zoned/annunciated alarm(a)Enables responders to

identify general location of alarm activation

(b)Alarm-signaling devices arranged in zones – Each with own indicator light or display

(c) Indicators on FACP illuminate for particular zone, giving responders better idea



of where problem is located

iii. Addressable alarm systems(a)Display location of

each initiating device on FACP or annunciator panel

(b)Responder can pinpoint specific device activated – Reduces amount of time needed to respond

(c) Allow for quick location and correction of malfunctions in the system

2. Supervising station alarm systems – Remote location monitored continuously a. Auxiliary alarm system –

Connected to municipal fire alarm systemi. Local energy system –

Has own power supply; ability to transmit during power interruption depends on design of system

ii. Shunt system – Municipal alarm circuit extends into protected property



b. Proprietary systemsi. Used to protect large

area; each building has own system wired into common receiving point in separate structure

ii. Trained personnel staff receiving station; should be able to automatically summon fire department response

c. Central station systems – Monitored by contracted services at receiving point; required to have ability to quickly remedy issues with system

d. Remote receiving systemsi. Not connected through

municipal alarm box system – Connected by another means (telephone line or dedicated radio frequency)

ii. Do not incorporate use of runner service

Review Question: How do protected premises and station alarm systems differ?See pp. 1182-1184 of the manual for answers.



Section II: Alarm-Initiating Devices

II. ALARM-INITIATING DEVICESpp. 1184-1194 Objective 2 — Identify alarm

initiating devices.A. Alarm-Initiating Devices

1. Identify presence of fire or products of combustion, send signal to alarm system

2. Type used depends on type of occupancy, contents



B. Pull Stations

1. Devices that allow occupants to initiate fire signaling system

2. Required to be red with white lettering – Must specifya. What device isb. How it is used

3. May be reset by firefighters or may require building owner, representative

C. Heat Detectors – Activate when temperature in monitored area reaches predetermined threshold

1. Fixed-temperaturea. Activate when heated to

temperature for which are rated

b. Installed in highest portions of rooms – Should have activation slightly above highest temperature normally expected

c. Least prone to false activations

d. Depending on installation location can be slowest to activate

e. Activation mechanisms



i. Expansion of heated material

ii. Melting of heated materialiii. Changes in resistance of

heated materialf. Fusible devices/frangible

bulbsi. Fusible link

(a)Metal strip held in place by solder with known melting temperature

(b)Device holds open spring-operated contact inside detector, when closed sends signal to FACP

ii. Frangible bulb(a)Holds electrical

contacts apart (b)Small glass vial holds

liquid with small air bubble – Designed to break when heated to predetermined temperature

(c) Manufacture has been discontinued; may still be in service



g. Continuous line detector – Detects heat over linear line parallel to detectori. Cable with conductive

metal inner core sheathed in tubing(a)Separated by

semiconductor material that keeps from touching – When current flow increases, signal is transmitted to FACP

(b)Restores itself when ambient temperature reached

ii. Two insulated wires with outer covering(a)When rated

temperature reached – Melts

(b)Wires complete circuit, send signal to FACP

(c) To restore, fused portion of wires must be cut out and replaced

h. Bimetallic detector i. Two metals with different

thermal expansion, bonded together; also attached to alarm circuit



ii. When heated – One expands faster, causing to arch; makes/breaks circuit, sends signal

iii. Most will reset automatically but must be inspected post-fire



2. Rate-of-rise heat detectors – Designed to initiate signal when rise in temperature exceeds 12°F to 15°F (7°C to 8°C) in one minute a. Benefits

i. Alarm can be initiated at temperature far below those required for fixed-temperature device

ii. Reliable, not subject to false activations

b. Pneumatic rate-of-rise line heat detectori. Used to monitor large

areas of building ii. System of pressurized

pneumatic tubing arranged over area of coverage

iii. Increased pressure of heated air activates alarm

c. Pneumatic rate-of-rise spot detectori. Same principle as line

heat detector ii. Spot is self-contained,

monitors specific locationd. Rate-compensated detector



i. Designed for areas normally subject to regular temperature changes slower than those under fire conditions

ii. System of two bowed struts that do not touch – When heated rapidly outer sleeve expands releasing tension, allowing to touch

e. Electronic spot-type heat detector – Uses system of thermistors that produce change in electrical resistance when exposed to heat

D. Smoke Detectors/Alarms

1. Both detect presence of smoke, other products of combustion

2. Detectorsa. Only capable of detection,

must transmit signal to another device that sounds alarm

b. In most cases, devices are installed in nonresidential and large multi-family residential occupancies

3. Alarms



a. Self-contained units capable of both detecting and sounding alarm

b. Typically installed in single-family residences, smaller multi-family residential occupancies

4. Smoke detector can initiate alarm more quickly than heat detector

5. Photoelectric smoke detectors – Also called visible products-of-combustion detectora. Works well on all types of

fires b. Usually responds more

quickly to smoldering fires than ionization-type

c. Automatically reset when conditions return to normal

d. Consist of photoelectric cell coupled with specific light sourcei. Projected-beam – Beam of

light focused across monitored area into cell; when beam obscured initiate alarm when current change threshold is reached

ii. Refractory application – Beam from light-emitting



diode passes through chamber at point away from light source; when light strikes particles device generates alarm signal



6. Ionization smoke detectorsa. Invisible products of

combustion detected by devices that use tiny amount of radioactive material to ionize molecules that enter chamber in detector

b. When air in chamber becomes less conductive, decrease in current transmits alarm-initiating signal

c. Generally respond faster to flaming than smoldering fires

d. Automatically reset when atmosphere cleared

7. Power sourcesa. Batteries or household

current can be usedb. Battery operated

i. Advantages – Easy installation, reliability

ii. Only as reliable as batteries used

c. Be aware of state/provincial, local laws that deal with smoke alarmsi. May designate power

source to be used



ii. Hard-wired systems may be required – Usually more reliable; except in areas with frequent power failures

E. Flame Detectors

1. Basic types – Detect light ina. Ultraviolet wave spectrum

(UV detectors) b. Infrared wave spectrum (IR

detectors)c. Light in ultraviolet and

infrared wave spectrums2. Among the fastest to respond to

fires3. Non-fire conditions may initiate

false activationsa. Located in areas where other

light sources unlikelyb. If blocked by opaque object,

will not activate4. Some single-band infrared (IR)

detectors sensitive to sunlight – Usually installed in fully enclosed area; require flicker motion to initiate alarm

5. Ultravioleta. Virtually insensitive to

sunlight



b. Can be used in areas not suitable for IR

c. Not suitable for areas where arc welding is done or where intense mercury-vapor lamps are used

F. Fire-Gas Detectors

1. Gases that may be released when fire burns in confined spacea. Released from all fires

i. Water vapor (H2O)ii. Carbon dioxide (CO2)iii. Carbon monoxide (CO)

b. Released based on chemical makeup of fueli. Hydrogen chloride (HCl)ii. Hydrogen cyanide (HCN)iii. Hydrogen fluoride (HF)iv. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S)

2. Initiate signal somewhat faster than heat detector, not as quickly as smoke detector

3. Can be designed to be sensitive to only gases produced by specific types of hostile fires; ignore those produced by friendly fires



G. Combination Detectors

1. Combine various systems into single device – Depends on design of system

2. Make detectors more versatile, responsive to fire conditions

Review Question: What are the major categories of alarm-initiating devices?See pp. 1184-1190 of the manual for answers.

Section III: Automatic Sprinkler Systems

III. AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

pp. 1194-1208 Objective 3 — Explain the ways automatic sprinkler systems work.A. Automatic Sprinkler Systems

1. Integrated system of pipes, sprinklers (sprinkler heads), control valvesa. Designed to activate during

fires byi. Discharging enough water

or extinguishing agent to extinguish fire

ii. Prevent fire spread until firefighters arrive



b. Systematically arranged to adequately distribute enough water or agent in protected area

c. May extend from exposed pipes, protrude through ceiling or walls from hidden pipes

2. Two general typesa. Complete coverage –

Protects entire buildingb. Partial coverage – Protects

only certain areasi. High-hazard areasii. Exit routesiii. Places designated by code

or AHJ3. Standards for primary design,

installation criteria in most occupanciesa. NFPA® 13, 13D, 13Rb. Include requirements on

i. Spacing of sprinklers in building

ii. Size of pipe to be usediii. Proper method of hanging

pipe



iv. All other details concerning installation of sprinkler system

c. Specify minimum design area that should be used to calculate system – Based oni. Maximum number of

sprinklers that might be expected to activate at one time

ii. Assumption that only portion of sprinklers will operate during fire

4. Failures generally not due to sprinklers – Other reasonsa. Partially or completely closed

main water control valveb. Interruption to municipal

water supplyc. Damaged or painted-

over sprinklersd. Frozen or broken pipese. Excess debris or

sediment in pipesf. Failure of secondary

water supplyg. Tampering, vandalismh. Sprinklers obstructed by

objects stacked too close



5. All components should be tested, certified by nationally recognized testing lab

6. Recognized as the most reliable of all fire protection devices

B. Effects of Sprinkler Systems on Life Safety

1. Safety greatly enhanceda. Discharges water directly

onto fire while still small – Products of combustion limited

b. Effective in preventing spread of fire upwards in multistory buildings, protecting lives of occupants in other parts of building

2. May not be effective when used alone in some situationsa. Fires are too small to

activate systemb. Smoke generation

reaches occupants before system activates

c. Building occupants are sleeping, handicapped, impaired, or incarcerated

3. Important to life safety of firefighters – Controlling fire in early stages increases safety of



environment during search and rescue, suppression activities

C. Sprinkler System Components

1. Starts with water main – Continues into control valve

2. Riser – Vertical piping to which components are attacheda. Sprinkler valveb. One-way check valvec. Fire department connection

(FDC)d. Alarm valvee. Main drainf. Other components

3. Feed main – Pipe connecting riser to cross mains

4. Cross mainsa. Directly service number of

branch lines on which sprinklers installed

b. Extend past last branch linesc. Capped to facilitate flushing

5. Piping decreases in size from riser outward

6. Entire system supported by hangers, clamps



7. Sprinklers – Fixed spray nozzles opened individuallya. Operates when heat-

responsive element activates, cap or plug opens allowing water discharge

b. Open type common in deluge systems

c. Early-suppression fast-response (ESFR) sprinkleri. React 5 to 10 times faster

than traditionalii. Quickly identified because

are larger than traditionald. Rated according to

temperature at which designed to operate – Identified in several waysi. Color-coding sprinkler

frame armsii. Color-coding liquid in

frangible bulb-type sprinklers

iii. Stamping temperature into sprinkler

e. Common release mechanisms – All open in response to heati. Fusible link



(a) Frame that is screwed into sprinkler piping

(b)Link melts under heat from fire releasing water

ii. Frangible bulb (a)Small bulb filled with

heat sensitive alcohol or glycerol liquid; air bubble to hold orifice shut

(b)Heat expands liquid until bulb shatters – Valve cap released, water flows

iii. Chemical pellet(a)Valve cap held in place

by plunger, small pellet made of solder

(b)Pellet melts releasing pressure, opening valve

8. Sprinkler deflectorsa. Attached to sprinkler frame,

create discharge pattern of water

b. Patterns vary depending on style, selected based on occupancy risk factors



c. Direct flow downward – Controls fire more quickly, protects structural elements effectively

d. Orientation typesi. Upright – Deflects spray

downward in hemispherical pattern; cannot be inverted; typically used in dry systems

ii. Pendant – Breaks water into circular pattern of small droplets directed downward; used where impractical or unsightly to use upright

iii. Sidewall – Discharges most of water to one side; used when necessary to install on wall at side of room or save space

iv. Concealed – Hidden by removable decorative cover that releases when exposed to specific heat level

v. Flush – Mounted in ceiling with body of sprinkler (including threaded shank) above plane of ceiling



vi. Recessed – Installed in housing within ceiling of compartment or space; all or part (other than threaded shank) in housing

vii.In-Rack – Incorporates protective disk that shields heat-sensing element from water discharged from sprinklers above



9. Sprinkler storagea. Cabinet location

i. Usually installed near riser, water control valve

ii. May be found in fire command center

b. Contain minimum – In accordance with NFPA® 13i. Six sprinklersii. Sprinkler wrench

c. Responsibility for changing depend on jurisdiction

10. Control valvesa. Every system has main water

control valveb. Used to stop supplying water

to system in order to replace sprinklers, perform maintenance, interrupt operations

c. Most are indicating valves, manually operated

d. Indicating valve types – Show at a glance if it is open or closedi. Outside stem and yoke

(OS&Y) – Yoke on outside with threaded stem;



threaded portion visible beyond yoke when open, not when closed

ii. Post indicator valve (PIV) – Hollow metal post houses valve stem; moveable plate with OPEN or SHUT visible through small glass window on side of housing; operating handle locked into valve housing when not in use

iii. Wall post indicator valve (WPIV) – Similar to PIV; extends horizontally through wall with target, valve operating nut outside of building

iv. Post indicator valve assembly (PIVA) – Uses circular disk inside flat plate on top of valve housing; perpendicular to plate when open, in line with when closed; operated by built-in crank

11. Operating valvesa. Alarm test valve

i. Located on pipe that connects supply side of alarm check valve to retard chamber



ii. Can be used to simulate actuation of system

b. Inspector’s test valvei. Located in remote part of

sprinkler systemii. Equipped with same size

orifice as one sprinkleriii. Used to simulate

activation of one sprinkleriv. Normally discharges

outside buildingc. Main drain valve – Primary

purpose to allow personnel to drain water from system for maintenance; may be used to check system water supply

NOTE: The water contained in sprinkler systems may be extremely dirty and contaminated. You should wear full PPE including eye protection when operating test valves or drains. Care should also be taken to direct the flow of water away from areas that can be damaged.

12. Waterflow alarmsa. Waterflow device initiates

alarm when water begins to flow in system

b. Consists of vane or paddle that protrudes into waterway



i. Connected to switch on outside of riser – Initiates alarm when vane moves

ii. Must be thin, pliable so can flatten against riser providing clear waterway

D. Water Supply

1. Minimum supply has to deliver required volume of water to highest sprinkler in building at pressure of 15 psi (105 kPa)a. Flow depends on hazard to

be protected, occupancy, building contents

b. Connection to public water system with adequate volume, pressure, reliability is good source of water

2. Fire pump typically incorporated into system to ensure adequate water volume, pressure during periods of demanda. Powered by electric, diesel,

or steam pump driverb. Activates when system

pressure falls below predetermined level

3. May be designed to only supply portion of sprinklers on system

4. Fire department pump connected to sprinkler fire



department connect (FDC) can provide additional water, pressure – Either a. Siamese inlet with at least

two 2½ inch (65 mm) female connections with clapper valve in each

b. One large-diameter connection attached to clappered inlet

5. Sprinkler FDCs should be supplieda. From pumpers with capacity

of at least 1,000 gpm (4 000 L/min) or greater

b. Attached to minimum of two 2½ inch (65 mm) or larger hoses

c. Pumpers should operate from hydrants connected to mains other than main supply when possible

6. Once in system – Passes through check valvea. Prevents water flowing from

system back into FDC – Allows flow from FDC to system

b. Proper flow direction usually indicated by arrow on valve or by observing appearance of valve casing



7. Departmental preincident plansa. May identify pressure at

which system should be supported, any special circumstances

b. Cannot be established until personnel are familiar with properties protected by systems

c. Plan of operation should cover buildings in jurisdiction, type of occupancy, system, extent of system

Review Question: What are the fundamental aspects of a sprinkler system?See pp. 1194-1203 of the manual for answers.

E. Types of Sprinkler Systems

1. Wet-pipe systems – Also known as straight sticka. Used in locations where

temperatures remain above 40°F (4°C)

b. Simplest type – Generally requires little maintenance

c. Contains water under pressure at all times

d. Connected to public or private water supply so will



immediately discharge water spray, activate alarm

e. Includes i. Minimum – Alarm valve,

OS&Y valve, fire department connection

ii. May also have – Electronic waterflow alarm

f. May be equipped with retard chamber as part of check valve – Catches excess water sent during momentary water pressure surges

2. Dry-pipe systemsa. Used in locations where

piping may be subjected to temperatures below 40°F (4°C)

b. All pipes are pitched to help drain water back toward main drain

c. Air or nitrogen under pressure replaces water in sprinkler above dry-pipe valve – Air escapes first when sprinkler activates

d. Have larger surface area on air side of clapper than water side



e. Required air pressure – Usually about 20 psi (140 kPa) above trip pressure

f. Normally air pressure gauge reads at pressure lower than water-pressure – If gauges read same then system tripped, water has entered pipes

g. Valve must be located in heated area of structure maintained at temperature of 40°F (4°C) or greater

h. Equipped with either electric or hydraulic alarm-signaling equipment

i. In large system – May take several minutes to expel airi. Quick-opening device

required in systems with over 5000 gallon (2 000 L) capacity

ii. Accelerator – Redirects system air to accelerate opening of dry-pipe valve

iii. Exhauster – Expel air from system quickly

3. Deluge systemsa. No water in piping before

activation



b. All sprinklers open all the time (also known as open-head sprinklers)

c. Deluge valve controls flow into system – Controlled by fire detection devices

d. Designed to quickly supply large volume of water to protected area

e. Variationsi. Partial deluge system –

Some sprinklers open while others are not

ii. Water curtain system – Designed to provide exposure protection

4. Preaction systemsa. Dry systems that employ

deluge-type valve, fire detection devices, closed sprinklers

b. Used when especially important to prevent water damage – Even if pipes broken

c. Will not discharge water into piping except in response to smoke- or heat-detection system actuation



i. Opens release switch located in system actuation unit

ii. Opens deluge valve – Water only discharges through activated sprinklers

5. Special extinguishing systemsa. Use extinguishing agents

other than water – Unique to application in specific occupancies

b. Typesi. Wet chemicalii. Dry chemicaliii. Clean-agentiv. Carbon dioxidev. Water-mist, hybrid

systemsvi. Foam

6. Residential systemsa. Design

i. Prevent flashover in room of fire origin

ii. Improve chance for occupants to escape or be evacuated



iii. For one- and two-family dwellings

iv. Smaller, more economical than commercial systems

v. Generally supplied by domestic water supply

b. Changes in design, operation, water supply, flow requirementsi. Modification of sprinkler

design, development of fast-response residential sprinklers

ii. Minimum flow requirements of 18 gpm (68 L/min) from individual sprinkler

iii. Alarms are simpler, better designed for residential applications

c. Differences between residential and standardi. Sensitivity, speed of

operation – Residential operates more quickly; fusible link activates when ceiling temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)

ii. Coverage not as extensive – Will vary depending on local codes



iii. Designed to discharge water higher on walls of room

iv. Installed with variety of materials not found in commercial – Piping may be multipurpose or combination

d. Must be continually in service – One valve should control both sprinklers, domestic water service for residence

e. Water supply sourcesi. Connection to public

water system – Very reliable; usually provides adequate volume

ii. On-site pressure tank – Often found at rural homes that do not have public water service

iii. Storage tank with automatic pump – May be found at rural homes or large homes in urban areas where public system must be augmented for size; may also need fire pump

Review Question: How do the application methods for sprinkler systems differ?



See pp. 1203-1208 of the manual for answers.

Section IV: Standpipe and Hose Systems

IV. STANDPIPE AND HOSE SYSTEMS

pp. 1208-1212 Objective 4 — Describe standpipe and hose systems.A. Standpipe and Hose Systems

1. Designed to provide means for rapidly deploying fire hoses, operating fire streams at locations remote from fire apparatus

2. Value a. In large area one-story

structures – Reduces time, effort needed to manually advance hoseline to reach seat of fire

b. During overhaul – Reduce amount of hose need to reach areas already controlled by sprinklers

c. In high-rise buildings – Primary means for manual extinguishment, overhaul of fire; essential in building design



3. May be operated by firefighters or residents – Depending on design

4. Water supply may be provided by fire department or augmented with FDC

5. May be part of or separate from automatic sprinkler, water spray, water mist, or foam-water system

6. Do not take the place or lessen need for automatic sprinkler systems

B. Components and Classifications of Standpipe Systems

1. Componentsa. Hose stations b. Water supplyc. Waterflow control valves d. Risers e. Pressure-regulating devices f. FDC

2. NFPA® Standardsa. 14 – Describes design,

installation; establishes three classes based on intended use



b. 13 – Contains information on hose stations

3. Class Ia. Primarily used by personnel

trained in handling large hoselines

b. Must be capable of supplying effective fire streams during advanced stages of fire within building

c. Provides 2½ inch (65 mm) hose connections or stations attached to standpipe riser

d. May be equipped with reducer on cap that allows connection of 1½ inch (38 mm) hose coupling

4. Class IIa. Designed for use by trained

building occupants or fire department personnel

b. Equipped with 1½ inch (38 mm) hose, nozzle; stored on hose rack system

c. Hose typically single-jacket type, equipped with lightweight, twist-type shut-off nozzle

d. May be referred to as house lines



e. May give occupants false sense of security

5. Class IIIa. Provide 1½ inch (38 mm)

hose stations to supply water for use by trained building occupants; 2½ inch (65 mm) hose for use by fire departments, those trained in heavy fire streams

b. Must allow both Class I, Class II services to be used simultaneously

C. Types of Standpipe Systems

1. Automatic weta. Contains water at all times b. Water supply capable of

meeting system demand automatically

c. Water-supply control valve open, pressure maintained in system at all times.

d. Cannot be used in cold environments

2. Automatic drya. Contains air under pressure

to maintain integrity of piping



b. Water is admitted to system through dry-pipe valve upon opening of hose valve

c. Have permanently attached water supply

d. Disadvantage of greater cost, maintenance requirements

3. Semiautomatic dry a. System attached to water

supply capable of supplying system demand at all times

b. Requires activation of control device to provide water at hose connections

c. Designed to admit water into system when dry-pipe valve is activated at hose station

4. Manual dry – Does not have permanent water supply; designed to have water only when system is being supplied through FDC

5. Manual wet a. Maintained full of water but

has no water supply b. Water is maintained to

identify leaksc. Fire department must

provide water to system



Review Question: How are standpipe systems classified?See pp. 1209-1211 of the manual for answers.



Section V: Smoke Management Systems

V. SMOKE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

pp. 1213-1215 Objective 5 — Explain the ways smoke management systems work.A. Smoke Management Systems

1. Purpose – Remove smoke and/or control spread

2. May reduce a. Injuries, fatalities due to

smoke inhalationb. Property losses due to smoke

damage3. Functions

a. Maintaining tenable environment in area of egress during time required for evacuation

b. Controlling, reducing migration of smoke from fire area

c. Providing conditions outside the fire zone that will assist emergency response personnel in conducting search-and-rescue operations; also assist in locating, controlling fire



d. Contributing to protection of life, reduction of property loss

4. Includesa. Compartmentationb. Pressurizationc. Exhaustiond. Ejectione. Dilutionf. Buoyance elementsg. Smoke barriersh. Exhaust fans, vents

5. Smoke control – Any effort to change pressure in spaces adjacent to fire area or to compartmentalize, exhaust smoke from area of origin

B. Smoke Control Strategies

1. Different strategiesa. Passive (compartmentation)b. Pressurizationc. Zonedd. Dilutione. Exhaustf. Opposed airflow



2. Dedicated smoke control systems – Intended, specifically listed for smoke control purposesa. Allow for separate air

movement, distribution; do not function under normal operating conditions, only when activated

b. Advantagesi. Operation, control

generally simpler than other systems

ii. Modification of controls during system maintenance is less likely to occur

iii. Is less likely to be affected by modification or failures of other building systems

3. Non-dedicated – Those that share components with other systemsa. Activation causes to change

mode of operation from heating-cooling to smoke control

b. Advantagesi. Less chance for

component failure due to regular use, maintenance



ii. Lower costiii. Less space needed for

mechanical equipmentc. Disadvantages

i. Elaborate nature of system control, possibility of modification that might affect function

ii. All features may not be exercised in day-to-day operations

C. Types of Smoke Control Systems and Methods

1. Passive systemsa. Barriers with sufficient fire

endurance to provide protection against fire spread

b. Examples – Fire stops around barrier penetrations; door gasket, drop seals; stair, elevator vestibules; smoke dampers in HVAC ductwork; automatic door devices

2. Pressurization systemsa. Use mechanical fans,

ventilation to create pressure difference across barrier – Prevent smoke from infiltrating into high-pressure side



b. Both positive, negative pressure used

c. Must be designed to not impede safe egress

3. Zoned smoke controla. Designed to limit movement

of smoke from one compartment of building to another

b. Building divided into zones – During fire mechanical fans used to contain smoke in zone of fire origini. Each floor may be

separate smoke control zone

ii. Zone can be multiple floors or division of single floor

iii. All nonsmoke zones or those adjacent to fire may be pressurized

4. Dilutiona. Systems may be designed to

dilute contaminantsb. Fresh air dilutes to

acceptable level for breathing

5. Exhaust method



a. Uses mechanical ventilation along with properties of smoke to collect smoke at highest point in large space

b. Should allow smoke to be maintained at level of 6 to 10 feet (2 m to 3 m) above highest occupied floor



6. Opposed airflow methoda. Used in large spaces where

smoke migration is limited by opposed airflow

b. High velocity air aimed at area of origin keeps smoke from migrating into unaffected areas

c. Must not result in airflow toward fire

d. Used in – Subway, railroad, highway tunnels

D. Firefighters’ Smoke Control Station (FSCS)

1. Provides full monitoring, manual control of all smoke control systems, equipment

2. Can be used to control all smoke control equipment or zones – When practical should allow control of individual zones

3. Should be located in Fire Command Center or other location approved by AHJ

4. Only authorized individuals should have access

5. Should contain building diagram a. Clearly indicate location of all

smoke control equipment, as well as areas affected



b. Status of systems, equipment should be clearly indicated

6. Manual override switches should be provided to restart or shut down operation of equipment

Review Question: What types of smoke control systems can be used at an incident?See pp. 1213-1215 of the manual for answers.

Section VI: Summary and Review

VI. SUMMARY AND REVIEWA. Chapter Summary

1. Many buildings are protected, partially or fully, by fire protection systems that range from simple to complex.

2. These systems can perform a variety of functions and it is important that these are identified during preincident surveys to ensure firefighters understand how to operate in these structures.

B. Review Questions

1. What are the basic components of an alarm system? (1178-1182)



2. How do protected premises and station alarm systems differ? (1182-1184)

3. What are the major categories of alarm-initiating devices? (1184-1194)

4. What are the fundamental aspects of a sprinkler system? (1194-1203)

5. How do the application methods for sprinkler systems differ? (1203-1208)

6. How are standpipe systems classified? (1209-1211)

7. What types of smoke control systems can be used at an incident? (1213-1215)


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