COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

UNIVERSITY OF THE CORDILLERAS AND ARCHITECTURE

EU 2 ENGINEERING UTILITIES 2
MODULE 5: FIRE PROTECTION IN
BUILDINGS
UNIT 2: FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
&
SPRINKLER SYSTEM
Prepared by:
CE Faculty
UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES
In this unit, here are the following desired learning outcomes:
✘ Familiarize the different components and parts of a fire protection
system.
✘ Recognize appropriate fire safety design for buildings

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TYPES OF FIRES
Class A Class B Class D
Flammable Liquids & Class C
Ordinary Combustibles: Combustible Metals
Gases: Fires involving live
wood, paper, cloth, trash or Combustible
gasoline, oils, paint electrical equipment
and other ordinary Metal Alloys
materials. lacquer and tar.
Rating of Fire Extinguishers:
Class A Extinguishers will put out fires in ordinary
combustibles, such as wood and paper. The numerical
rating for this class of fire extinguisher refers to the
amount of water the fire extinguisher holds and the
Portable fire extinguishers amount of fire it will extinguish
are classified for use on
Class B Extinguishers should be used on fires involving
certain classes of fires
flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline, oil, etc. The
and rated for relative numerical rating for this class of fire extinguisher
extinguishing effectiveness states the approximate number of square feet of a
as determined by the flammable liquid fire that a non-expert person can
Bureau of Product expect to extinguish
Standard, Department of
Class C Extinguishers are suitable for use on electrically
Trade and Industry.
energized fires. This class of fire extinguishers does not
have a numerical rating. The presence of the letter “C”
indicates that the extinguishing agent is non-conductive

Class D Extinguishers are designed for use on flammable

metals and are often specific for the type of metal in
question. There is no picture designator for Class D
extinguishers. These extinguishers generally have no
rating nor are they given a multi-purpose rating for use
on other types of fires
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Types of Fire Extinguishers:

Dry Chemical extinguishers are usually rated for multiple

purpose use. They contain an extinguishing agent and use a
compressed, non-flammable gas as a propellant

Halon extinguishers contain a gas that interrupts the

chemical reaction that takes place when fuels burn. These
types of extinguishers are often used to protect valuable
electrical equipment since them leave no residue to clean up.
Halon extinguishers have a limited range, usually 1.2 to 1.8
meters. The initial application of Halon should be made at the
base of the fire, even after the flames have been extinguished

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguishers are most effective on Class B

and C (liquids and electrical) fires. Since the gas disperses quickly,
these extinguishers are only effective from 1.0 to 2.4 feet. The
carbon dioxide is stored as a compressed liquid in the extinguisher;
as it expands, it cools the surrounding air. The cooling will often
cause ice to form around the “horn” where the gas is expelled from
the extinguisher. Since the fire could re-ignite, continue to apply
the agent even after the fire appears to be out
SIZE AND PLACEMENT OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Fire Extinguishers for Different Types of Class A Hazard

Type of Hazard Minimum Extinguisher Maximum Travel Distance Maximum Area (open area)
Rating to Extinguisher per Extinguisher
Low 2-A 15 meters 200 square meters
Moderate 3–A 12 meters 100 square meters

High 4-A 10 meters 75 square meters

Fire Extinguishers for Different Types of Class B Hazard

Type of Hazard Minimum Extinguisher Maximum Travel Distance to Maximum Area (open area)
Rating Extinguisher per Extinguisher

Low 5–B 10 meters 200 square meters

Moderate 10 – B 10 meters 100 square meters
High 40 – B 10 meters 75 square meters
SPRINKLER SYSTEM
Automatic Fire Suppression System. An integrated system
of underground or overhead piping or both connected to a
source of extinguishing agent or medium and designed in
accordance with fire protection engineering standards
which, when actuated by its automatic detecting device,
suppresses fires within the area protected.

Sprinkler System. An integrated network of hydraulically

designed piping system installed in a building, structure or
area with outlets arranged in a systematic pattern which
automatically discharges water when activated by heat
or combustion products from a fire.

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Automatic Sprinkler protection: Mercantile Occupancies
Mercantile occupancies shall be classified as
follows:: Automatic Sprinkler Protection
Approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system
i. Class A. AII stores having aggregate gross area of protection shall be installed
two thousand seven hundred eighty seven square in accordance with Section 10.2.6.5 of this IRR in all
meters (2,787 m2) or more, or utilizing more than mercantile occupancies
three (3) floor levels for sales purposes. as follows:

ii. Class B. All stores of less than two thousand seven 1. Throughout all mercantile occupancies three or
hundred eighty seven square meters (2,787 m2) more storeys in height.
aggregate area, but over two hundred eighty seven
2. Throughout all mercantile occupancies
square meters (287 m2), or utilizing any balcony,
exceeding one thousand one hundred fifteen
mezzanine or floor above or below the street floor
square meters (1,115 m2) in gross area.
level for sales purposes except that if more than
three (3) floors are utilized, the store shall be
3. Throughout floor below the street floor having
considered Class A, regardless of area.
an area exceeding two hundred thirty two square
meters (232 m2) when used for the sale, storage
iii. Class C. All stores of two hundred seventy eight
or handling of combustible goods and
square meters (278 m2) or less gross area used for
merchandise.
sales purposes on the street floor only.
Components of an automatic fire sprinkler system

Typically, a Fire Sprinkler Systems are made up from

a series of components including; Stop Valve, Alarm
Valve, Fire Sprinkler (head), Alarm Test Valve and
Motorized Alarm Bell (Gong). In addition to this there
are additional components that support this
arrangement including a Valve Monitor, Pressure
Switch and Flow Switch.

The illustration to the right shows each of these

components, and the approximate location within
the arrangement.
This illustration shows only one type of fire sprinkler
system however there are other types including dry
pipe, pre-action, tail-end, residential and domestic
fire sprinkler systems..
Components of an automatic fire sprinkler system
(1) Stop Valve - The Stop Valve is used to isolate the
water supply, it may also be called the isolating valve. It
is often painted RED in color with a large black circular
handle, and is locked in the OPEN position, allowing the
free flow of water. The stop valve is used to isolate (stop)
the water supply coming in to the fire sprinkler system.
Often the Stop Valve is also fitted with a
(2) Valve Monitor that is used to monitor the state (open
or closed) of the Stop Valve.
The water within an automatic fire sprinkler system can
be divided into two parts;

1. Water Supply or Mains

This is the water being fed into an automatic fire
sprinkler system from a water supply such as the town
mains or a static water supply such as a tank, up to
the Stop Valve
2. Installation
The water after the stop valve forms part of the
installation.
Components of an automatic fire sprinkler system

(3) Alarm Valve - The Alarm Valve is used to control the

flow of water into the fire sprinkler system. This is
accomplished by providing a one way valve that is
normally closed when the water pressure on the fire
sprinkler side of the valve exceeds the water supply
pressure. When the pressure equalises or falls below the
water supply pressure, the valve opens to enable water
flow.

(4) Automatic Fire Sprinkler - The Fire Sprinkler is also

used to control the flow of water. It is essentially a valve
that when exposed for a sufficient time to a
temperature at or above the temperature rating of the
heat sensitive element (glass bulb or fusible link)
releases, allowing water to flow from only the affected
sprinkler. The operation and subsequent water flow of
an automatic fire sprinkler will lead to a drop in pressure
within the fire sprinkler system after the alarm valve.
Components of an automatic fire sprinkler system

(5) Alarm Test Valve - The alarm test valve is a small

valve, normally secured in the closed position. The alarm
test valve is fitted between the sprinkler system side of
the alarm valve and the drain. The purpose of the alarm
valve is when opened to simulate the flow of water from
a single automatic fire sprinkler.

(6) Motorized Alarm Bell or Gong - The motorized alarm

bell or gong is a mechanical device, operated by the flow
of water oscillating a hammer that strikes a gong,
causing an audible alarm signal.
Components of an automatic fire sprinkler system
In addition to the main components of the fire sprinkler
system, there are a series of ancillary (support) components
that regularly form part of an automatic fire sprinkler system.
(7) Pressure Switch - The pressure switch is an electro-
mechanical device that monitors a fire sprinkler system for a
fall in water pressure after the alarm valve. The purpose of
monitoring a fall in pressure is to activate a switch that is
monitored by a fire alarm panel or alarm signalling equipment,
as the primary method for signalling an alarm to the fire
brigade.
(8) Flow Switch - The flow switch is an electro-mechanical
device that monitors the flow of water through a section of
pipe within an automatic fire sprinkler system. Flow switches
are often fitted with a mechanical delay (up to six minutes)
preventing small or minor water flow fluctuations from
signalling an alarm. When sustained water flow is detected by a
flow switch, a signal is transmitted to a fire indicator panel. This
signal is then used to determine which section (floor) of a fire
sprinkler system has water flow. Note: Most flow switches fitted
to automatic fire sprinkler systems are NOT set to
automatically call the fire brigade
Components of an automatic fire sprinkler system

(9) Jacking Pump - Jacking are manual (hand) or electric

(semi-automatic or fully automatic) pumps are not
always fitted to an automatic fire sprinkler system. They
however provide a method of pumping (boosting) water
from the water supply to the fire sprinkler system after
the alarm valve. This leads to an increase in water
pressure in the fire sprinkler system, thus forcing the
alarm valve into the closed position. Jacking Pumps
have a secondary function of maintaining the water
pressure within a fire sprinkler system reducing the
likelihood of false alarms caused by low pressure, caused
by small water leaks.

Pressure Gauge - A pressure gauge us a mechanical

device that is usually fitted to an automatic fire sprinkler
system. There are usually two gauges fitted to a system,
one showing the water supply pressure and the second
showing the installation pressure. Normally the pressure
differential should be not less than 200 KPa.
Principle of operation
Normally an wet pipe automatic fire sprinkler system, is fully charged with water coming
from a known reliable water supply. The installation is pressurized with the alarm valve
secured in the open position. When a fire sprinkler is exposed for a sufficient time to a
temperature at or above the temperature rating of the heat sensitive element (glass bulb
or fusible link) it releases, allowing water to flow from only the affected sprinkler. Additional
fire sprinklers may also operate if they too are exposed to sufficient heat.
When this occurs water from the water supply will pass through the alarm valve to the
affected fire sprinkler and also past the alarm bell. The resultant pressure drop will also
activate the alarm pressure switch, which in turn will activate an alarm calling the fire
brigade.
A flow switch will also operate in the affected section of the fire sprinkler system, indicating
the location of the water flow. (In the case of a multi-storey building there is typically one
flow switch per floor). The flow switch will indicate its location a fire indicator panel (but may
not call the fire brigade).
The water supply may be isolated (stopping the flow of water to the affected fire sprinklers)
by closing the stop valve.
WET PIPING SPRINKLER SYSTEM
Wet Piping Sprinkler System: Automatic sprinklers are attached to a piping system containing
water that discharges immediately from sprinklers opened by a fire. This is the type commonly
used in the Philippines due to its relatively simple design and rapid response, 98% reliable.
DRY PIPING SPRINKLER SYSTEM
Dry Piping Sprinkler System: Dry valves allow pressurized air in the water lines to hold water back
until a sprinkler head opens. Appropriate for use in unheated, low hazard occupancies.
SPRINKLER HEADS
➢ Operating Temperatures.
1. For light & ordinary hazard: 57 to 76 degrees centigrade.
2. For high hazard: 79 to 343 degrees centigrade

➢ Coverage per sprinkler heads.

1. For light hazard: 9 to 18 square meters (3.38 – 4.78 m diameter.)
2. For high hazard: 8 square meters (3.20 m diameter)

➢ Spacing of sprinkler heads.

1. Generally follows a layout which provides uniform distances between
sprinklers and/or branch lines up to a limit of 4.50 meters.
FIRE SUPPRESSION DESIGN AND CALCULATIONS
STEP 1: Get the following Design Data
a. Type of Installation
b. Hazard Class
c. Type of Sprinkler Head
d. Orientation of Sprinkler Head
e. Type of Sprinkler System
f. Type of Piping: Use Steel
g. Type of Water Supply System
h. Maximum Sprinkler Protection Area: Use 18.50 m²
i. Minimum/Maximum Spacing of Heads: Use 2.40m -4.50m

Hazard Class:
Class 1, Light Hazard: Schools, offices, most public buildings, museums, theaters, restaurant seating, libraries except
large stack areas, nursing homes, residences, and the like.
Class 2, Ordinary Hazard: Retail areas, auto parking garages, bakeries, laundries, machine shops, paper mills,
restaurant kitchens, wood assembly, piers and wharves, warehouses, and the like.
Class 3, Extra Hazard: Airplane hangars, factories of combustibles (lumber, textile, etc.), areas of great heat (metal
extruding, die casting, etc.) or flammable fluids (paints, oils, etc.), and the like.
Class HS, High-Piled Storage: Warehouses containing combustible items that are stored more than 4.50 meters
high.
TYPES OF SPRINKLER HEAD
Small Orifice: Orifice diameter are 6mm – 10mm; used only in certain hydraulically designed wet systems in light
hazard occupancies of small areas.

Spray: The standard head, widely available at low cost; orifice diameter is usually 12mm – 13mm and head
pressure is 103 kPa – 414 kPa (15 psi – 60 psi)

Large Drop: A large-orifice head used where storage is 4.50 – 9.00 meters high. They produce higher flow rates
and use more water; thus piping maybe larger but the heads cost less. Orifice diameter is 15mm – 19mm; head
pressure is 172 – 655 kPa ( 25 – 95 psi), and the maximum number of heads is 20 per rack.

Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR): An extra large orifice head that is used in warehouses whose storage
is up to 10 meters high. These high flow heads can protect all hazards, but they require a nearly flat roof (≤ 1/12
pitch) and no obstructions. Their extreme water demands also require larger piping and use of a fire pump,
and their heads are expensive. Orifice diameter is 19mm, head pressure is 345 – 1200 kPa (50 – 175 psi), and the
maximum number of heads is 12 per rack.

Water Mist: A recently developed sprinkler head whose atomizing nozzles produce a fine mist of water that is
used to extinguish flammable liquids. The mist cools the flame and absorbs radiant heat around it, which turns
the water droplets into steam, which expands greatly and displaces the air that feeds the fire. The system
works rapidly, is highly effective, and uses less water than standard sprinklers.
SPRINKLER SYSTEM
Orientation of Sprinkler Heads Types of Sprinkler System

Wet-pipe: Water is present in all piping; thus an opened sprinkler head

Upright: Heads rise above the pipes and
discharges water immediately. The simplest, most economical, most
cast spray over horizontal area. Good dependable, and fastest operating system, it requires little maintenance.
above suspended ceilings and where hot
gases may be more dangerous than flames. Dry-pipe: Pipes contain a gas which escapes when heads open, then the
water follows.
Pendant: Heads hang down from pipes and
Preaction: A wet-pipe system that is activated by heat or smoke sensors
cast spray over horizontal area. Good for
instead of sprinkler heads.
quenching flames from ordinary
combustible in large open areas, especially Deluge: A dry pipe system with open heads; thus when any one sprinkler is
ones without suspended ceilings. activated the whole system area is covered.

Sidewall: Heads aim sideways and spray Type of Water Supply System
vertical areas.
Gravity Feed: Water flows down from a roof reservoir. To maintain 172 kPa
Multiple Spray: Sprinklers spray up and (25 psi) discharge pressure at the sprinkler heads, the reservoir must be
mounted on a tower whose lowest level is at least 18 meters (58 m) above
down at the same time. Good where fire
the sprinkler heads. On some sites this is a good idea.
hazards exist above and below ceilings, but
expensive. Upfeed: Sprinkler head water is pushed upward by a pump.
IMPORTANT TABLES
GUIDE TO WATER SUPPLY REQUIREMENTS FOR PIPE SCHEDULE SPRINKLER SYSTEM SIZE OF RISER
OCCUPANCY RESIDUAL PRESSURE ACCEPTABLE FLOW AT DURATION IN MINUTES SIZE OF NUMBER OF
CLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENT AT THE BASE OF RISER RISER SPRINKLERS
ELEVATION OF THE 25 Mm 2
HIGHEST SPRINKLER
30 mm 3
LIGHT HAZARD 1.03 BAR (103 kPa) 1800 – 2800 LPM 30 – 60 MINUTES
or 15 PSI (500 – 750 GPM) 38 mm 5

ORDINARY HAZARD 1.03 BAR OR HIGHER 2600 – 3700 LPM 60 – 90 MINUTES 50 mm 10

GROUP 1 (700 – 1000 GPM)
65 mm 30
ORDINARY HAZARD 1.03 BAR OR HIGHER 3200 – 5600 LPM 60 – 90 MINUTES
(850 – 1500 GPM) 75 mm 60

90 mm 100
Fire Extinguishers for Different Types of Class B Hazard
100 mm AREA
OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION MAXIMUM FLOOR AREA TO BE PROTECTED BY SPRINKLERS LIMITATION
SUPPLIED ON EACH SYSTEM RISER ON ANY ONE FLOOR GOVERNS

LIGHT HAZARD 4,800 SQUARE METERS

NOTE: Branch lines shall not
ORDINARY HAZARD 4,800 SQUARE METERS exceed 8 sprinklers on either
side of a cross main
EXTRA HAZARD 2,300 SQUARE METERS
thanks!
Any questions?

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Credits
Special thanks to all the people who made and released these awesome
resources for free:
✘ Presentation template by SlidesCarnival
✘ Photograph by Pixabay
✘ Plumbing Design and Estimate by Max Fajardo

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