fire prevention
the elimination of all hostile fires through education, engineering, and enforcement. also involves mitigation of loss.
Mitigation
to cause to become less harsh or hostile; to make less severe, intense, or painful, to alliviate
Fire detection system
system of detection devices, wiring , and supervisory equipment used for detecting fire or products of combustion and then signaling that these elements are present
Fire suppression system
designed to act directly upon the hazard to mitigate or eliminate it, not simply to detect its presence and/or initiate an alarm
standard
criterion documents that are developed to serve as models or examples of desired performance or behaviors that contain requirements and specifications outlining minimum levels of performance, protection , or construction.
set of principles. protocols, or
code
a collection of rules and regulations enacted by a legislative body to become law in a particular jurisdiction
transcription
method by which an AHJ adopts a code in whole to become new regulation
reference
method by which an AHJ refers to a code in a regulation and states that the code is legally enforceable
Consensus standards
rules, principles, or measures that are established through agreement of members of a organization
Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP)
system component that receives input from automatic and manual fire alarm devices and may provide power to detection devices or communication devices
primary power supply
usually provided by buildings connection to utility provider
can be provided by engine driven generator. If so, either a trained operator must be on duty 24/7, or the system must contain multiple engine driven generators, one of which must always be set f
secondary power supply
must be capable of making system fully operational within time period specified in NFPA 72. Can consist batteries with chargers, engine driven generator with battery storage, or multiple engine driven generators, one of which is set to automatic starting
Digital alarm communicator transmitter (DACT)
provides transmission through two separate phone lines (one at a time) to provide a redundant method of signal transmission to a monitoring station
digital alarm radio system (DARS)
sends a radio signal from a digital radio transmitter located at the protected premises to a monitoring station
cellular
uses cellular technology to transmit signal from protected premises to monitoring station
internet protocol
transmits signal from protected premises to monitoring station via approved internet connection
City tie/polarity reversal
uses hardwired system that communicates signal from protected premises to emergency services telecommunication center or other approved location
requirements for type of fire alarm signaling system
level of life safety hazard
structural features of building
level of hazard presented by contents
availability of fire suppression resources
state and local code requirements
Smoke detector
alarm initiating device designed to actuate when visible or invisible products of combustion ( other than fire gases) are present in the room or space where unit is installed.
supervisory signal
signal given by a fixed fire protection system where there is a condition in the system that is off normal. indicates a problem with an accessory of the fire alarm system
trouble signal
indicates a problem with a monitored circuit or component of the fire alarm system or the power supply for the system. must be a clearly audible signal. indicates a problem with the fire alarm itself
protected premises system
AKA Local alarm system
designed to provide notification to building occupants only on the immediate premises
Non-coded alarm
simplest type of local alarm
when an alarm initiating device sends a signal to the FACP, all alarm signaling devices operate simultaneously. FACP not capable of identifying which initiating device triggered the alarm
zoned/ annunciated alarm
enables first responders to identify the general location (zone) of alarm device activation
addressable alarm systems
display the location of each initiating device on FACP
Supervising station alarm system
system that is continuously monitored at a remote location
Auxiliary alarm system
connected to municipal fire alarm system
two types: Local energy, and shunt
local energy system
has its own power source, and does not depend on municipal alarm system for power
shunt system
electrically connected to municipal fire alarm system and depends on municipal system for power. Only manual pull stations and water flow alarms are permitted on shunt systems, fire detection devices are not permitted.
proprietary systems
fire protection system owned and operated by the property owner.
used to protect large commercial and industrial buildings, high rise structures, and groups of commonly owned facilities such as a college campus or industrial complex
central station system
alarm system that functions through a constantly attended location off site, operated by an alarm company. required to have runners within two hours for alarm or supervisory signal, and four hours for a trouble signal
remote receiving station
common in jurisdictions that do not require central station systems. systems are not connected to emergency services emergency communications system telecommunications center through municipal box system, instead they are connected by other means, usually
emergency communications system
supplementary system that may be placed in a facility in addition to addition to alarm system. purpose is to provide reliable communication system for residents and firefighters
voice notification system
one way system, warns building occupants that action is needed and what action to take
two way communication system
allows people at remote locations in building to talk to fire command center using intercom or special telephone
mass notification system
provide for emergency communications to large number of people on a large scale basis
3 1/2 to 4 feet
Height of operable part of pull station off floor
not to exceed 200 feet
maximum travel distance to pull station
one must be placed within 5 feet of every exit
requirements for pull stations at exits
photoelectric smoke detector
uses small light source to detect smoke by shining light through chamber, smoke particles reflect light onto photocell, responds more quickly to smoldering fires
ionization smoke detector
uses a small amount of radioactive material to make the air within a sensing chamber conduct electricity responds quicker to flaming fires
duct smoke detector
installed in return or supply ducts of HVAC system
air sampling smoke detector
specialty type of detector designed to continuously monitor a small amount of air from protected area. most common type is cloud chamber
flame detectors
also called light detectors Three types
1. those that detect light in ultraviolet light spectrum (UV detectors)
2. those that detect light in the infrared spectrum (IR detectors)
3. those that detect both IR and UV light
these are among the fastest to res
fire gas detectors
measures changes in the chemical gas make up of the atmosphere in the protected area. only practical to monitor levels of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide for fire detection purposes
water flow device
automatic initiating device required on sprinkler systems activates when water begins to flow in system
supervisory device
used to supervise automatic sprinkler systems and monitor the condition of the system
smoke management system
system that limits the exposure of building occupants to smoke may include a combination of compartmentation, control of smoke migration from affected area, and a means of removing smoke to the exterior of the building
smoke control system
engineered system designed to control smoke by the use of mechanical fans to produce air flows and pressure differences across smoke barriers to limit and direct smoke movement
stack effect
naturally occurring vertical movement of air within a building aka chimney effect. occurs due to a difference in temperature between interior and exterior of building. When inside is warmer than outside, air moves up. When cooler inside than outside, air
stratification
formation of smoke into layers as a result of differences in density with respect to height, low density layers on top and high density layers on the bottom
three common products of combustion
Carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen cyanide(HCN),carbon dioxide(CO2)
passive smoke control
strategies that incorporate fixed components that provide protection against the spread of smoke and fire components include: fire doors, fire walls, fire stopping, stair and elevator vestibules
pressurization systems
uses mechanical fans and ventilation to create a pressure difference across a barrier such as a wall two
Two types:
positive pressure- supply air to the zone adjacent to fires origin (also includes stairwell pressurization)
negative pressure- exhaust or e
exhaust method
active smoke control concept. uses mechanical ventilation with properties of smoke to maintain smoke at highest point in a large space. should allow smoke to be maintained at 6 to 10 feet above highest occupied floor. sprinkler operation may adversely imp
opposed air flow method
for large openings where pressurization is not possible. typically used for openings in a vertical surface, and where opening is small in comparison to surface. generally does not lend itself well to use in buildings
dilution
aka smoke purging, smoke removal, smoke exhaust, or smoke extraction. uses supply and exhaust ventilation to reduce concentration of smoke within a space
zoned smoke control
designed to limit the movement of smoke from one compartment of a building to another
smokeproof enclosures
stairways designed to limit the penetration of smoke, heat, and toxic gases from a fire on a floor of a building into the stairway and that serve as part of a means of egress
firefighters smoke control station (FSCS)
provides fill monitoring and manual control capability over all smoke control systems and equipment. should be located at fire command center
head
alternate term for pressure especially pressure due to elevation for every 1 ft of elevation, 0.434 PSI is gained
elevation head
height of water supply above discharge orifice
static pressure
potential energy available to force water through pipe and fittings
pressure at any point in supply system when no water is flowing
residual pressure
pressure at test hydrant while water is flowing
represents pressure left in supply system and is that part of total pressure not used to overcome friction or gravity while forcing water thru pipes etc
flow pressure (velocity pressure)
forward velocity pressure while water is flowing
four principles of friction loss
1.friction loss varies proportionally with length of hose or pipe
2. when hoses or pipes are the same size, friction loss varies approximately with the square of the increase of the velocity of the flow
3. for the same discharge, friction loss varies inve
alarm check valve
type of valve installed in riser of sprinkler system that transmits a water-flow alarm when the flow in the system lifts the clapper valve
retard chamber
devices that catches and slows the excess water that may be sent through the alarm valve during momentary water pressure surges. installed between alarm check valve and alarm signaling equipment
check valve
automatic valve that permits liquid flow in only one direction
automatic drain valves
aka ball drip valves
drain piping when pressure is relieved in the pipe
most common application is to drain drain water from siamese connections or FDC after use
globe valves
small handwheel type valves that are primarily used on drains and test valves
135
F to 170
F
most frequently used temperature rating of sprinklers for ordinary room temperatures
blue
color code of sprinklers rated for 250
F to 300
F
early suppression fast response sprinklers
special sprinklers that react 5 to 10 times faster than conventional sprinklers with same temperature rating. speed compared using response time index (RTI)
deflector
part of sprinkler assembly that creates the discharge pattern of the water
dry pipe sprinkler system
fire suppression system that consists of closed sprinklers attached to a piping system that contains air under pressure.
air-water differential
allows a small amount of air pressure to hold back water in a dry pipe valve
3:1 to 7:1
typical air-water differential in a dry pipe system
quick opening device
help speed up the process of getting water to source of fire in a dry pipe system. required on dry pipe valves serving system with more than 500 gal. if capacity is over 750 gal, water must be provided to most remote sprinkler within 15 to 60 seconds depe
preaction system
used when it is especially important that the inadvertent release of water be minimized. employs deluge type valve, fire detection devices, and closed sprinklers. will not discharge water into system until indication received from fire detection device
20 sprinklers
number of sprinklers in preaction system that must be exceeded for supervision of piping to be required
non interlock system
type of preaction system that admits water upon operation of detectors OR sprinkler
single interlock
type of preaction system that admits water on operation of detector
double interlock system
type of preaction system that admits water upon operation of BOTH detection devices AND sprinklers OR two separate detection devices or circuits
residential systems
auto sprinkler system specifically designed to enhance the survivability of individuals that are in the room of fire origin. systems are expected to prevent flashover in room of origin
Class I commodities
generally non-combustible and stored on wood pallets in ordinary packaging. can be packaged in corrugated cardboard or stretch wrapped as a unit load
Class II commodities
non-combustible commodities but packaged in wooden crates or mulit-layered cardboard cartons
Class III commodities
combustible materials such as wood, paper or certian plastics, regardless of packaging
Class IV commodities
Class I,II,or III products that contain limited amounts of group A plastics
Acrylic, Polycarbonate, Polyethylene, Polystyrene
Group A plastics
Class I
standpipe system primarily for use by fire suppression personnel trained in handling large hoselines, provides 2 1/2 inch hose connections
Class II
primarily designed for use by building occupants, equipped with 1 1/2 inch hose and nozzle stored on hose rack. aka house lines
Class III
combines features of class I and II. provide 1 1/2 inch hose stations for building occupants and 2 1/2 inch hose connections for fire department design of system must allow for simultaineous use of both class I and II services
Automatic wet standpipe
contains water at all times. water supply is capable of meeting system demand automatically.
pressure is maintained in system at all times
automatic dry standpipe
system contains air under pressure to supervise integrity of piping. water admitted to system through dry pipe valve upon opening of a hose valve. has a permanently attached water supply
semiautomatic dry
system attached to a water supply that is capable of supplying the system demands at all times. requires activation of control device to provide water at hose connections. arranged to admit water when dry pipe valve is activated at hose station
manual dry
does not have a permanent water supply. only has water when FDC is utilized
manual wet
no permanent water supply, water must be provided by FD. maintained full of water from small source to detect leaks
at least two (2) 2 1/2 inch intake connections, and at least 2 1/2 inch connection for each 250 gal/min of system demand
FDC intake requirements
500 GPM for at least 30 minutes with residual pressure of 100 PSI for most hydraulically remote 2 1/2 inch outlet and 65 PSI for most remote 1 1/2 inch outlet
Water supply requirement for Class I and III standpipes
250 GPM for each additional riser to max of 1,250 GPM for an unsprinklered building, and 1,000 GPM for a sprinklered building
water supply requirements for multiple risers in class I and III systems
min 4 inches for less than 100 feet, min 6 inches for over 100 feet. If over 100 feet, top 100 feet may be 4 inches. If standpipe is combined with sprinklers, min size is 6 inches
Standpipe riser size for Class I and III systems in High rise
min size 2 inches for less than 50 feet over 50 feet min is 2 1/2 inches
standpipe riser size for Class II systems in high rise
any part of floor within 130 feet of standpipe hose station
current system design practice for locating standpipe hose connections
not less than 3 feet and not more than 5 feet above floor level
height requirements for standpipe hose connections
building has a combustible roof
the has a combustible structure or equipment on roof
building has exposures that represent a fire hazard
situations where Class I or III systems may be required to have a 2 1/2 inch outlet on the roof
175 PSI
pressure that pressure reducing valves in High rises are required to keep operating pressures under
exceeds 100 PSI for 1 1/2 inch connection, exceeds 175 PSI for 2 1/2 inch connection
NFPA standards for pressure regulating devices at hose outlets
categories of pressure regulating devices
pressure restricting devices
pressure control valves
pressure reducing valves
pressure restricting devices
consist of simple restricting orifice inserted into waterway.Not preferred because they do not control or reduce water pressure in system
pressure control valve
preferred for managing excess pressure and considered most reliable. Use pitot tube and gauge
pressure reducing valves
uses spring mechanism that compensates for variations in pressure
sprinkler systems designed to control fire, special agent systems designed to extinguish fire
difference between sprinklers and special agent systems
common types of special extinguishing systems
wet chemical
dry chemical
clean agent
carbon dioxide
water mist
wet chemical extinguishing agents
typically composed of water and potassium carbonate, potassium citrate, or potassium acetate. delivered in form of spray. effective for fires involving flammable combustible liquids, and ordinary combustibles/ more recently introduced alkaline mixtures us
dry chemical extinguishing systems
used wherever rapid fire extinguishment is required, and reignition of material is unlikely
clean agent extinguishing systems
used in areas where wet or dry systems may be undesirable or unsuitable. agent is stored as a liquid and turns into gas when exposed to atmosphere. some displace oxygen, some interrupt chemical chain reaction
fixed foam system
complete installation that is piped from a central foam station. Automatically discharge foam thru fixed discharge outlets
Semi-fixed type A System
foam discharge piping in place but not attached to a permanent source of foam
Semi-fixed type B system
provides foam solution source that is piped throughout a facility. foam solution is delivered to foam hydrants
High expansion foam system
designed for local application or total flooding in commercial or industrial applications.
foam/water systems
similar to deluge sprinkler, but has foam capability
95%
discharge % for agents other than dry chemical or dry powder
80%
discharge % for dry chemical or dry powder
45 to 60 seconds
discharge time for water stored under pressure
Class B extinguisher
A minimum required discharge time is required for any?
Dry chemical
If these extinguishers are ten pounds or heavier they must have a discharge rate of 1lb/sec
Water stored under pressure
These extinguishers must have a minimum discharge of 30 feet for a 40 second discharge
Dry chemical and dry powder extinguishers
These extinguishers must have a minimum horizontal discharge range of 10 feet
Hydrostatic test
This test consists of pressurizing the component 5 times their rated capacity for a period not less than 5 seconds
Backdraft
An instantaneous smoke explosion that occurs when oxygen is introduced into an oxygen-depleted confined space
Flashover
Simultaneous ignition of all fuels in the room
Photoelectric smoke detector
smoke detector that uses a small light source, either an incandescent bulb or a light-emitting diode (LED), to detect smoke by shining light through the detector's chamber: smoke particles REFLECT the light into a light-sensitive device called a photocell
Ionization smoke detector
Type of smoke detector that uses a small amount of radioactive material to make the air within a sensing chamber conduct electricity. Contains a small amount of Americium 241