FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM

IPE
 SCOPE
The provision of the Fire Protection and Prevention
to and govern the following:
a. All private or public buildings, facilities, structures
and their premises, constructed, existing and
proposed.

b. Storage, handling or use of combustible, flammable,

toxic, explosives and other hazardous materials

c. Applications of Fire safety construction, automatic

fire suppressions and fire protective equipment or
systems.
General Safety Requirements

Structure or Facility the owner of any building,

structure, facility shall install, provide,
incorporate, adopt and maintain under
operable and usable conditions the automatic
fire protection devices, equipment, fire safety
construction, and warning system.
 COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION

Class I Commodity is defined as essentially non-

combustible product on wood pallets, or in ordinary
corrugated cartons with or without single thickness
dividers, or in ordinary paper wrappings, all on wood
pallets. Such product may have a negligible amount
of plastic trims, such as knobs or handles.

Examples of Class I products are:

Metal products. Metal desk with plastic tops and
trim, electrical coil, electrical devices in their metal
enclosures, dry cell batteries, stoves, metal cabinets,
washers, dryers.
Foods. Foods in non-combustible containers, frozen,
foods, meat, fresh fruits, and vegetables in non-
plastic trays.
Class II Commodity is defined as Class I
products in slatted wooden crates, solid
wooden boxes, or equivalent combustible
packaging materials on wood pallets.

Examples of Class II products are:

Thinly coated fine wire such as radio coil wire
on reels or in cartons,
incandescent lamps or fluorescent bulbs;
beer or wine up to 20 percent alcohol, in wood
containers;
and Class I product, if small cartons or small
packages placed in ordinary corrugated
cartons.
Class III Commodity is defined as wood, paper,
natural fiber cloth, plastic products on wood pallets,
products may be contain a limited amount of
plastics.
Wood dressers with plastic drawer glides, handles,
and trim are examples of a commodity with a limited
amount of plastic.

Class IV Commodity is defined as Class I, II, III products

containing an appreciable amount of plastics in paper
board cartons on wood pallets.

Examples of Class IV products are: Small appliances,

typewriters, and cameras with plastic parts; plastic-
backed tapes and synthetic fabrics or clothing. An
example of packing material is a metal product in a
foamed plastic cocoon in corrugated cartons.
 Classification of Occupancies
1. Light Hazard Occupancies.
 Classification of Occupancies
2. Ordinary hazard
There are three groups of ordinary hazard occupancies
and these are as follows:
 Classification of Occupancies
2. Ordinary hazard
There are three groups of ordinary hazard occupancies
and these are as follows:
 Classification of Occupancies
3. Ordinary hazard (Group III)
There are three groups of ordinary hazard occupancies,
and these are as follows:

Occupancies where quantity and/or combustibility of

contents is high, and fire of high rate of release are
expected. Included in this group are the following
having conditions similar to: Feed mills, Pulp and
paper mills, Paper process plants, Piers and wharves,
Repair garages, Tire manufacturing, Warehouses
(having moderate to higher combustibility of contents
such as paper, household furniture, paint general
storage, whiskey, etc.), and Wood machining.
 Classification of Occupancies
3. Extra hazard

Occupancies where quantity and combustibility

of contents is very high, and flammable and
combustible liquid, dust, lint or other materials
are present introducing the probability of
rapidly developing fire with high rate of heat
release.
Extra hazard occupancies are classified into
two groups, Group 1 and 2.
 Classification of Occupancies
3. Extra hazard (Group 1)
 Classification of Occupancies
3. Extra hazard (Group 2)
 CLASSIFICATION OF STORAGE
Type I Storage.

Type 1 storage is that in

which combustible
commodities or
noncombustible commodities
involving combustible package
or storage aids are stored over
4,550 mm but not more than
6,400 mm high in solid piles or
over 3,650 mm but not more
than 6,400 mm high in piles
that contain horizontal
channels. Minor quantities of
commodities of hazard greater
than ordinary combustibles
may be included without
affecting this general
classification.
 TYPE II STORAGE

Type II Storage.

Type II storage is that in which

combustible commodities or
noncombustible commodities
involving combustible packaging or
storage aids are stored not over
4,500 mm high in solid piles or not
over 3,650 mm high in piles that
contain horizontal channels. Minor
quantities of commodities of hazard
greater than ordinary combustibles
may be included without affecting
this general classification.
 TYPE III STORAGE
Type III Storage

Type III storage is that in which

the stored commodities packaging and
storage aids are non-combustible or
contain only a small concentration of
combustibles which are incapable of
producing a fire that would cause
appreciable damage to the
commodities stored or to non-
combustible wall, floor or roof
construction. Ordinary combustible
commodities in completely sealed non-
combustible containers may qualify in
this classification subject to the
authority having jurisdiction. General
commodity storage that is subject to
frequent changing and storage of
combustible packaging and storage
aids is excluded limited to maintain
the total value of the from this
category.
 CLASS OF FIRE
Class A Fire - Fire involving ordinary
combustible materials such as wood, cloth,
paper, rubber and plastics

Class B Fire - Fire in flammable liquids and

gases.

Class C Fire - Fire involving energized

electrical equipment.

Class D Fire - Fire involving combustible

metals, such as magnesium, sodium,
potassium, titanium and other similar metals.
 CODE
➢ NFPA 20 – Installation of Stationary Pumps
for Fire Protection
➢ NFPA 13 – Installation of Sprinkler Systems
➢ NFPA 14 – Installation of Standpipe and hose
systems
➢ NFPA 22 –Water tanks for Private Fire
➢ Protection
➢ Philippine Mechanical Code
TYPES OF FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM

[Link] SPRINKLER SYSTEM

[Link] AND HOSE SYSTEM
[Link] FIRE EXTINGUISHING
SYSTEM
[Link] METHOD OF FIRE
EXTINGUISHING
TYPES OF AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM

[Link] SYSTEM
[Link] SYSTEM
[Link]
[Link]
Components of Sprinkler System

[Link] heads
[Link] line
[Link]
[Link] valve
[Link] line
[Link] test cock
[Link] supply system and fire pump
[Link]
Sprinkler Heads
Sprinkler Heads
 WET SYSTEMS

Wet Pipe Sprinkler Systems are designed for

use in applications where the temperature is
maintained above freezing. In such systems, the
entire piping network is fully pressurized so that
water is discharged from a sprinkler head
immediately after actuation.
Alarm check valves or water flow detectors are
used to actuate local and remote alarms.
Applications include heated warehouses, factories,
hospitals, stores, shopping centers and residential
settings such as apartment or condominium
complexes, and single family residences.
 WET SYSTEM APPLICATIONS

 Heated Warehouses
 Factories
 Hospitals
 Stores
 Shopping Centers
 Apartment or Condominium Complexes
 Single Family Residences
Wet Control Valve System
Wet Control Valve System
 DRY SYSTEMS
Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems are designed for
applications where piping and sprinklers are subjected to
freezing temperatures, such as unheated warehouses,
parking garages, store windows, attic spaces, or loading
docks. Valves for the system, however, must be installed in
areas not subject to freezing, as this portion of the system
does contain water. Pipe lines to the sprinklers are usually
pressurized with air, but nitrogen can be used. When
pressure in the system is lost by actuation of a sprinkler
head, the dry pipe valve trips, activates alarms, and
releases water into the system. The system may be
equipped with automatic or manual air supply controls and
air supervisory devices with appropriate trouble alarms.
Accessory items, such as dry pipe valve accelerators that
increase the speed of system operation, and pressure
switches used to activate electric alarms, may be used to
enhance the system.
 APPLICATIONS

• Unheated Warehouses

• Parking Garages

• Store Windows

• Attic Spaces

• Loading Docks, & Other Areas

Exposed To Freezing Temperatures
DRY VALVE CONTROL SYSTEM
 DELUGE SYSTEM
Deluge fire protection systems are normally used in
special hazard installations where an entire area
application of water or foam is required for protection.
Applications may include flammable liquid handling and
storage areas, aircraft hangars, and other high-hazard
installations where water is the most effective
extinguishing agent. Deluge systems employ open
sprinklers or spray nozzles attached to a piping system.
The system is connected to a water supply through the
deluge valve. This valve is opened by the operation of a
fire detection system installed in the same areas as the
open sprinklers or nozzles. Deluge systems may be
activated by wet or dry pilot sprinklers, or electric
detectors. When the deluge valve opens, water flows into
the piping system and discharges from all open
sprinklers and nozzles.
Legend:
1 Deluge Valve (DV-5)
2 Isolation Valve
3 Diaphragm Supply Valve
4 Manual Control Station
5 Automatic Shut-off
Valve
6 Automatic Drain Valve
7 Pressure Switch
8 Water Motor Gong
9 Releasing Panel
10 Spray Nozzle
11 Smoke/Heat Detector
12 Solenoid Valve
 PREACTION SYSTEMS

Single interlock preaction systems are used to

protect areas where there is danger of serious water
damage that might result from damaged automatic
sprinklers or piping. Typically, such areas include
computer rooms, storage areas for valuable
artifacts, libraries and archives. Also, preaction
systems are effectively used to protect properties
where a prealarm of a possible fire condition may
allow time for fire extinguishment by alternate
suppression means, prior to a sprinkler discharge. In
the event the fire cannot otherwise be extinguished,
the preaction sprinkler system will then perform as
the primary fire protection system.
 PREACTION SYSTEMS
1. Single interlock preaction systems employ automatic
sprinklers attached to a piping system containing 10 psi
(0,7 bar) supervisory pressure, with a supplemental
electric fire detection system installed in the same area
as the sprinklers. Preaction systems with 10 psi (0,7 bar)
supervisory pressure may also be activated by either wet
or dry pilot sprinklers instead of electric detectors.
Actuation of the fire detection system from a fire opens
the deluge valve, allowing water to flow into the sprinkler
piping system and to be discharged only from those
sprinklers that have been operated by heat over the fire.
Loss of supervisory pressure from the system piping as a
result of damaged sprinklers or broken piping will activate
a trouble alarm to indicate impairment of the system. The
deluge valve will not open due to loss of supervisory
pressure.
Legend:
1 Deluge Valve (DV-5)
2 Isolation Valve
3 Diaphragm Supply Valve
4 Manual Control Station
5 Automatic Shut-off Valve
6 Automatic Drain Valve
7 Pressure Switch Water
8 Water Motor Gong
9 Releasing Panel
10 Sprinkler
11 Smoke/Heat Detector
12 Solenoid Valve
13 Air Supply Inlet
14 Pressure Switch (Air)
15 Check Valve
 PREACTION SYSTEMS
2. Double interlock preaction systems are designed
for applications such as refrigerated areas that
require the maximum degree of protection against
an inadvertent operation that could result in
unnecessary flooding of the sprinkler system piping.
The double interlock system consists of a
deluge valve and swing check valve with releasing
trim featuring both a solenoid valve and a dry pilot
actuator in a series configuration. The swing check
valve isolates the body of the deluge valve from the
system air or nitrogen pressure that holds the dry
pilot actuator closed. The solenoid valve remains
closed until it is electrically energized by a deluge
releasing panel that responds to the operation of a
fire detection device.
 PREACTION SYSTEMS
In order to actuate the double interlock preaction
system, two independent events, caused by a fire
condition, must occur. The sprinkler system piping must
lose air or nitrogen pressure due to the operation of one
or more sprinklers, and the deluge releasing panel must
energize and open the solenoid valve upon the operation
of a fire detection device.
The double interlock system will operate only when
both the dry pilot actuator and the solenoid valve are
open at the same time. Opening of the dry pilot actuator
only (for example: a forklift truck accidentally dislodges a
sprinkler) or of the solenoid valve only (for example:
accidental operation of an electric manual pull station)
will cause an alarm, and will not trip the system or flood
the sprinkler system piping.
Legend:
1 Deluge Valve (DV-5)
2 Isolation Valve
3 Diaphragm Supply Valve
4 Manual Control Station
5 FSV (Fail-Safe Valve)
6 Automatic Drain Valve
7 Pressure Switch Water
8 Water Motor Gong
9 Releasing Panel
10 Sprinkler
11 Smoke/Heat Detector
12 Pneumatic Actuator
13 Air Supply Inlet
14 Pressure Switch (Air)
15 Check Valve
16 Solenoid Valve
PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER

These are small handy fire fighting

device primarily use to extinguish
small fires. Normally consists of a
cylinder that contains nonflammable
substance (ex. CO2) fitted with hose
and nozzles which is automatically
controlled and operated during fire
incidents.
PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER

1. Class A- are fires in ordinary combustible

materials such as wood, cloth paper,
rubber and many plastics.

Made extinguishers are selected from water

types, foam and multi-purpose dry
chemicals. The maximum travel distance to
such extinguisher shall not exceed 22.8m.
PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER

2. Class B – are fires in flammable liquids,

gasses and greases.
Made extinguishers are selected from halon
1301, halon 1211, carbon dioxide, dry
chemicals and loaded stream. The maximum
travel distance to such extinguisher shall not
exceed 15.25m.
PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER

3. Class C – fires which involve energized

electrical equipment where electrical non-
conductivity of the extinguishing media is of
importance.
Made extinguishers are selected from halon
1301, halon 1211, carbon dioxide, dry
chemicals and loaded stream. The maximum
travel distance to such extinguisher shall not
exceed 15.25m.
PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER

4. Class D – fires in combustibles metals

such as magnesium titanium, zircomuim,
sodium and potasium. Extinguishing agent
shall be of type approved for use on the
specific combustible metal hazard. The
maximum travel distance to such
extinguisher shall not exceed 23m.
PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER

Fire extinguisher should be installed in plain

view, in an accessible spot, near room exits,
which provide an escape route.
Extinguishers must be located away from
fire hazards and must be installed so that
the top is not more than 1,500mm above
the floor.
OTHER FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

Foam-Water Systems most commonly

use the balanced pressure proportioning method
for flammable liquid fire protection applications.
They are designed to accurately control the flow of
a foam liquid concentrate into a water stream over
a wide range of flow rates and pressures. Two
basic types, bladder tanks and pump systems,
require the foam concentrate pressure to be
balanced with the water pressure at the
proportioner which meters the proper amount of
foam concentrate into the water stream. The
resulting foam solution is piped to discharge
devices protecting the hazard area.
 APPLICATIONS:
[Link] B Hydrocarbon Fuel Fires Such as
Crude Oils, Gasoline, Diesel Fuels & Aviation
Fuels
[Link] B Polar Solvent Fuel fires such as
Methyl Alcohol, Acetone & Ethyl Alcohol
[Link] Racks
[Link] Hangars
[Link]
[Link] Vessels
[Link]
[Link] Class A Foam Concentrates for Use
with Municipal and Forest Firefighting
Hardware & Apparatus
Legend:
1 Deluge Valve (DV-5)
2 Isolation Valve
3 Diaphragm Supply Valve
4 Manual Control Station
5 Automatic Shut-off Valve
6 Automatic Drain Valve
7 Pressure Switch
8 Water Motor Gong
9 Releasing Panel
10 Spray Nozzle
11 Smoke/Heat Detector
12 Solenoid Valve
13 Foam Proportioner
14 Foam Bladder Tank
15 Foam Concentrate
16 Hydraulic Ball Valve
 OTHER FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

AQUAMIST® Systems utilize the

newest and most unique nozzles developed
and approved for fire protection. They offer
an alternative to gaseous, foam, and heavy
density sprinkler systems. By utilizing a
higher pressure than a normal sprinkler
system, but a 50-80% lower water flow, the
AquaMist Systems use less water more
effectively, reduce pipe sizes and labor costs,
and minimize tota cost.
APPLICATIONS OF AQUAMIST SYSTEM

 Historic Sites &

 Cable Trays Museums
 Clean Rooms  Industrial Process
 Computer Rooms Equipment
 Conveyors  Machining Centers
 Cut-Off Rooms  Ferries
 Engine Test Cells  Offshore Platforms
 Flammable Liquid  Telecommunications
Storage  Transformers
 Food Processing  Vapor Suppression
 Fuel Storage
 Gas Turbines
 Fire Sprinkler System Design
A Sprinkler System, for fire protection purposes, is an
integrated system of underground and overhead
piping engineering standards. The installation includes
a water supply such as a gravity tank, fire pump,
reservoir or pressure tank and/or connection by
underground piping to a city main. The portion of the
sprinkler system above ground is a network of
specially sized or hydraulically designed piping
installation in a building, structure or area to which
sprinklers are connected. The system includes a
controlling valve and alarm devices when the system
is in operation. The sprinkler head of the system is
usually activated by heat from a fire and discharges
water over the fire area.
 Fire Sprinkler System Design

As a fire sprinkler system designer for a

particular job, the job description could be
chronologically listed as follows:
(1) Review building plans, and collect facts.
(2) “Block out” the building plan.
(3) Lay out the system.
(4) Calculate system piping for pipe sizing.
(5) “Cut” the pipe.
(6) Complete system details and add notes.
(7) Field check the job construction.
(8) Stocklist the job.
IBC-International Building Code
 Working Plans
Working plans shall be submitted to the authority
having jurisdiction and the office of the Mechanical
Department Building Official before any equipment is
installed or remodeled. Deviations from approved plans
will require permission of the authority having
jurisdiction. Working plans shall be drawn to an
indicated scale, on sheets of uniform size, with plan of
each floor, made so that they can be easily duplicated
and shall show the following data:

1. Name of owner and occupant

2. Location, including street address
3. Point of compass
4. Ceiling construction, indicating ceiling materials,
lighting layout, air duct layout and other possible
obstructions or interference with sprinkler heads
distribution layout.
5. Full height cross section
6. Location of fire walls
7. Location of partitions
8. Occupancy of each area or room Location and
size of blind spaces and closets
9. Any questionable small enclosures in which no
sprinklers are to be installed.
10. Size of city main in street, city main test result
11. Other sources of water supply, with pressure or
elevation.
12. Make, type and nominal orifice size of sprinkler
head.
13. Temperature rating and location of high
temperature sprinkler head
14. Total area protected by each system on each floor
15. Number of sprinkler heads on each riser per floor
16. Make, type, model and size of alarm valve
17. Kind and location of alarm bells
18. Total number of sprinklers on each alarm valve
system
19. Approximate capacity in liters of each alarm valve
system
20. Pipe type and schedule of wall thickness
21. Nominal pipe size and cutting length of pipe (or
center to center dimensions) where typical branch
lines prevail, it will be necessary to size only one line.
22. Location and size of riser nipples.
23. Type of fittings and joints and location of all welds
and bends.
24. Type and location of hangers and sleeves
25. All control valves (OS&Y, outside screw and yoke)
indicating valve, check valves, drain pipes and test
pipes.
26. Size and location of hand hose, hose outlets and
related equipment.
27. Underground pipe size, length, location, weight,
material, point of connections to city main, the type of
valves, meters and valve pits, and the depth that top
of the pipe is laid below grade.
28. Provisions of flushing.
29. When the equipment is to be installed as an
addition to an existing system, enough of the existing
system shall be indicated on the plans to make all
conditions clear
30. Location of fire department connections.
31. Location and detail plan of fire pumping units and
type of pump drive, concrete foundation, pump
suction and discharge piping, type of controllers, in
the case of electric motor driven pumps, the electrical
power supply to electric motor must be connected to
an automatic started emergency generator of
approved capacity to handle fire pump motor loads in
case of power failure of the local power supply
facilities.
32. Hydraulic calculation for the system must be
submitted which must indicate the following: Density
liter per min/sq.m. Area of application, sq.m.;
Coverage per sprinkler; Number of sprinkler
calculated; Total water required, liter per min; Total
water required for hose stream, liter/min; Name of
contractor; Name of designer.
33. Dry standpipe layout must be shown in the plans
as required by the Building Code and Philippine Fire
Code P.D. No. 1185.
34. In case of high rise buildings full building height
must be shown, fire walls, fire doors, large
unprotected window openings, and blind spaces,
distance to, construction and occupancy of exposing
buildings which may affect the effectivity of the
proposed fire protection.
35. Specification of the sprinkler system.
 Approval and Acceptance Test of
Sprinkler Systems.

Before installation is started, all aspects of

design, installation and equipment shall
conform in all respects to the rules,
regulations and requirements of the
government agency concerned, the Fire Code
of the Philippines under P.D. 1185, the Local
Building Officials who are concerned with
public safetv. For insurance purposes, the
PIRA (Philippine Insurance Associations).
 WATER SUPPLIES
General Provisions.
Every automatic sprinkler systems shall have
at least one automatic water supply.

Water Supply Requirement for Sprinklers

System.
The following tables of water supply
requirements shall be used in determining the
minimum water supply requirement for light,
ordinary and extra hazard occupancies.
Sprinkler discharged density and corresponding
area of sprinkler operation and water supply
requirement for hydraulically designed
sprinkler systems.

A hydraulically designed sprinkler system is

one in which pipe sizes are selected on a
pressure loss basis to provide a density LPM
distributed with a reasonable degree of
uniformity over a specified area, thus permits
the selection of pipe size in accordance with
the characteristics of the water supply
available. The design density and area of
application will vary with occupancy hazard.
 Sprinkler System Connections
Sprinkler System may be connected to the following water
supply provided the capacity and reliability is acceptable.

1. Gravity Tanks. The capacity and elevation of the tank

fire protection use and the arrangement of the supply
piping shall provide the volume and pressure required
as design.

2. Pumps. A single automatically accordance with Table

[Link](a) and [Link](b) supplied under positive head
from a water tank shall be an acceptable water supply
source. Fire pump must be Underwriters Laboratory
(UL) listed or Factory Mutual approved.
3. Pressure Tanks
4. Fire Department Connections
 Size of Riser

Each system risers shall

be sized to supply all
sprinklers on the riser on
any floor as determined by
the standard schedules of
pipe sizes listed below the
number of sprinklers on a
given pipe size on one
floor shall not exceed the
number given for a given
occupancy.
When sprinklers are installed above and below ceiling,
such branch lines shall not exceed 8 sprinklers above
and 8 sprinklers below the ceiling on either side of the
cross-main. Pipe sizing shall be as follows up to 65
mm.
Protection Area Limitation
Extra Hazard Occupancies

The protection area per sprinkler shall not

exceed 8.4 m2. For any type of building
construction, except protection area shall not
exceed 9.3 m2 where the system is
hydraulically designed.
 Stand Pipe and Hose Systems
Standpipe systems are none of the
best internal means for extinguishing
fires in buildings and structures. Even
in buildings equipped with automatic
sprinkler systems, standpipe is
necessary.

Standpipes are required in places

such as the upper storey of high
buildings or large areas, low height
buildings, and in other structures
where construction, size of other
features limit the use of hose streams
from the exterior.
 Class of Service
Class I - For use by fire department and those trained
in handling heavy fire streams 65 mm hose.

Class II - For use primarily by the buildings occupants

until the arrival of the fire department 38 mm hose.

Class III - For use either by fire department and those

trained in handling heavy hose streams 65 mm or by
the building occupants 38 mm hose.

Standpipe system may be wet-type or dry standpipe.

Standpipe systems for Class I and III services shall
be sized for a minimum flow of 1,893 liter/min where
more than one standpipe is required, all common
1,893 liter/min for each additional standpipe, the
first standpipe plus 946.5 liter/min. for each
additional standpipe, the total not to exceed 9,462
Lpm.

Standpipe not exceeding 23 m in height shall be at

least 100 mm in size. Standpipe in excess of 23 mm
in height shall be at least 150 mm in size. Standpipe
shall be limited to 84 meters in height and buildings
in excess of 84 meters shall be zoned accordingly.

Standpipe systems for Class III service.

Each standpipe shall be sized for a minimum flow of
380 Lpm.
Standpipe and supply piping shall be either
hydraulically designed to provide the
required water supplies at a minimum
residual pressure of 4.5 Bars at the topmost
outlet.

Number of Standpipe.

The number of hose stations for Class I, II and Class

III services in each building divided by the walls
shall be such that all portions of each storey of the
building are within 9 meters of a nozzle attached to
not more than 30.5 meter of hose.
Minimum water supply for Class I and Class III
service shall be 1,893 Lpm for 30 minutes.

Minimum water supply for Class II service shall

be 380 Lpm at 30 minutes.
WHEN DO YOU NEED A HOSE STANDPIPE?
HOW TO EVALUATE A WATER SUPPLY

Private Water Tank

Regulated by NFPA 24

Standard for the

Installation of Private
Fire Service mains and
their Appurtenances.
 FIRE HYDRANT

A fire hydrant, fireplug,

or firecock (archaic) is a
connection point by
which firefighters can tap into
a water supply.

It is a component of active fire

protection. Underground fire
hydrants have been used in
Europe and Asia since at least the
18th century. Above-ground
pillar-type hydrants are a 19th-
century invention.
Fire flow is defined as the flow rate of a water supply,
measured at 20 psi (137.9 kPa) residual pressure, that
is available for the responding fire department for
manual firefighting, typically this is water that is
available at the surrounding fire hydrants, but it can be
supplied with another approved source such as a
static water supply like a tank or pond, or even using a
fire department tanker shuttle service.

The hydrant should provide a minimum of 8 Lps or 8

liters/sec (480 l/min). If no piped water supply is
available, or where there is insufficient pressure or
flow in the water main, an alternative source must be
provided.
Fire Sprinkler System
DEVELOPING THE FIRE WATER DEMAND

For Water Based Systems, Fire Water Demand

Consists of the Pressure and Flow Required by
NFPA 13, but Modeled, “Worked Back”, to the
Same Point in the Water System where the
Hydrant Flow Test is Taken

Two Methods for Determining Fire Water

Demand:
1. Estimate the Pressure and Flow
Independently and Combine
2. Full Hydraulic Calculations as Prescribed by
NFPA 13
1. Estimate of Pressure and Flow Method
(Use with Caution‐ Requires Experience and
Engineering Judgement)

Estimate the GPM Flow:

• Look up the Hazard in NFPA 13
• The GPM Required = [(gpm/ft2) x ft2] +
[Waste %] + [Hose]
Estimate Pressure Loss in PSI from Sprinklers Back to
the Hydrant Flow Test Location. Use GPM Flow
Developed above. Include the Following:
• Required Pressure to the Sprinklers Per NFPA 13
• Safety Factor (10% or 10 PSI)
• Pressure Loss due to Height of Highest Sprinkler
• Pressure Loss to Friction in Building Piping
• Pressure Loss from Alarm Valve and Shutoff Valve(s)
• Pressure Loss from Backflow Preventer and Water
Service
• Pressure Loss from Site Piping

2. Full Hydraulic Calculations as Prescribed

by NFPA 13
o Sprinkcad by Tyco Inc.
o Hass by HRS Systems Inc.
o Auto Spink by MEP CAD Inc.
o OTHERS

• The Resulting Estimate or Calculation of the

GPM Flow and Pressure FLow must be Plotted
on the 1.85 Graph Paper and Be Under the
Water System “Curve” (The Straight Line at
the Top of the Graph)

• If Water Demand Point is Above the System

Curve, You Do Not Have Enough Pressure and
Flow to Design Code Compliant Protection
System(s)
 FIRE PUMP
Fire Pump is needed when the demand point is
below the system line
➢ Fire pumps only come in listed sizes which
can cause them to draw a larger GPM than
the “real” demand point from the main
➢ Fire pumps must be run at 150% of their
listed GPM capacity during the acceptance
test
➢ This may draw 1.5 times the listed GPM
from the main
➢ At “Churn” (aka deadhead) the max
pressure is 1.4 times the Design Pressure
 FIRE PUMP SIZING
 NPSH – net positive suction head (32 feet at sea
level)
 Rotation – direction that a pump shaft spins
 TDH – total dynamic head – this is a combination of
vertical head, friction loss, and other losses due to
heat or elevation
 Brake horse power – actual horse power required at
a specific point on a pump curve
 Locked rotor current – maximum amp draw for a
motor if the shaft is held in a locked position
 Service entrance rated – a device that is rated to
handle direct feed from the utility
 FIRE PUMP SIZING
 Minimum water level – the minimum water level
that a vertical turbine fire pump will operate to
its design parameters
 Static pressure – pressure reading at no flow
 Residual pressure – pressure at a specific flow
 Churn pressure – pressure that a pump produces
at no flow
 AHJ – Authority having jurisdiction
 High Rise Building – A building greater than 75
feet in height. Where the building is measured
from the lowest level of fire department vehicle
access to the floor of the highest occupiable
story
 FIRE PUMP SIZING
WATER SUPPLY:
 The most important thing you need to consider
when sizing a fire pump is water supply
 The first question one needs to ask is “does the
municipal supply provide enough volume to meet
the system demand”
For example if a city water test is 75 static, 50
residual at 1350 flowing. Does this provide enough
water for a 750 GPM pump?
Answer: Yes – the maximum you test a 750 GPM
fire pump is 1125 GPM or 150% of rated flow
 FIRE PUMP SIZING
WATER SUPPLY:
Does this same water supply provide enough water for
a 1500 GPM fire pump?
Answer : maybe – if you plot a flow curve out you
could have the flow required for the 100% flow point
(1500 GPM)
However this can be misleading there is a couple of
rules that we follow when talking about a municipal
water supply.
1. Make sure the test is recent – within a year
2. Make sure the residual flow is at least the 100%
flow rating of the pump
3. Avoid winter tests versus summer tests – flow tests
done in the winter are always better than flow tests
done in the summer
 FIRE PUMP SIZING
WATER SUPPLY:
If the water supply does not supply enough volume
what are your options
 Gravity feed tank – a ground level storage tank
usually steel providing enough water for the
sprinkler demand
30 min of system demand for light hazard
60 min for ordinary hazard
90 min for extra hazard
 Below ground tank – usually limited to 50 min of
supply
 Lake or reservoir – leads to some system
requirements that may be an issue - goosenecks
Standard for the Installation of Fire Pumps

Only listed fire pumps shall be used for fire

protection service. The adequacy and
dependability of the water source are of
primary importance. Fire pumps shall have the
following rated capacities in LPM or larger, and
are rated at net pressure of 2.75 Bars or more
and shall have the following features standard
equipment.
There are two types of standard fire pump used for
the protection service, the centrifugal and the vertical
turbine type, either horizontal or vertical mounted are
permitted to obtain water on positive suction head
only. The vertical turbine type is practically suitable
for fire pump service when the water is located below
ground where it would be difficult to install any other
type of pump below the minimum water level.
Diesel engine drive when used to drive either centrifugal
or vertical turbine fire pump shall be specifically listed
for fire pump service by the testing laboratories.
Engines shall be acceptable for horse power rating with
listed controllers and standard accessories, such as
angle gear drive, governor, over speed shutdown
devices, tachometer, oil pressure gage, temperature
gage, instrument panel, factory wiring, electrical starter,
two (2)sets of batteries with battery charger, engine
cooling exchanger system, fuel tank, exhaust muffler
and others.

Pressure Maintenance (jockey or make up) Pumps.

Jockey pumps shall have rated capacities not less than
any normal leakage rate they shall have discharge
pressure sufficient to maintain the desired fire
protection system pressure.
Types of fire pumps

Horizontal split case pumps

Inline fire pumps
End suction pumps
Vertical turbine fire pumps
Horizontal split case

 Horizontal split case pumps – this is also

called a double suction fire pump because
the water pathways direct water to both
sides of the impeller. It is also the most
common fire pump on the market partly
because of the ratings available in this
style of pump 250 GPM through 5000
GPM.
 This was also the first type of pump used
for fire protection systems
 In-line fire pumps

Inline fire pumps – these pumps have expanded

in use in the last five years for several reasons
Space savings
Increase in ratings allowable by NFPA 20 from
max of 499 GPM, then to 750 GPM, to today
which is unlimited rating. The largest currently
available is 1500 GPM
Cost of installation – these are typically less
expensive to install because there is no base plate
that requires grouting
End suction fire pumps

End suction fire pumps – not widely

used mostly because they are limited
in size per code
They are also slightly more
expensive than in line pumps
The one pump application where it
is used is small diesel driven
applications 500 GPM or less
 VERTICAL TURBINE PUMPS

Vertical turbine pumps – these are

used for water supplies that are below
the suction flange of a fire pump.

NFPA 20 states that you have to have

a positive suction pressure to a fire
pump
 PACKAGED FIRE PUMPS
ELECTRIC FIRE PUMP PACKAGE - STANDARD
EQUIPMENT
 • Fairbanks Morse Fire Pump, UL Listed of FM Approved
 • Electric Motor
 • Electric Motor Controller, UL Listed or FM Approved
 • Pump Casing Pressure Relief Valve
 • Pump Automatic Air Release Valve
 • Pump Suction & Dischare Gauges
 • Test Valve Manifold with Valves, Caps & Chains
 • Suction and Discharge Piping per NFPA #20
 • Listed OS & Y Gate & Butterfly Valves
 • Pressure Sensing Lines Complete per NFPA #20
 • Fairbanks Morse Jockey Pump
 • Jockey Pump Controller, UL Listed
 • All Electrical Components Pre-Wired at Factory
 • Complete System Hydrostatically Tested
 PACKAGED FIRE PUMPS

DIESEL FIRE PUMP PACKAGE - STANDARD EQUIPMENT

 • Fairbanks Morse Fire Pump, UL Listed or FM Approved
 • Diesel Engine Driver
 • Diesel Engine Controller, UL Listed or FM Approved
 • Pump Automatic Air Release Valve
 • Pump Suction & Discharge Gauges
 • Engine Cooling Loop with Manual Bypass
 • Dual Battery Set with Battery Rack and Battery Cables
 • Single Wall Fuel Tank, UL Listed and Sized per NFPA #20
 • Fuel Tank Fitting Accessories and Fuel Lines to Engine
 • Flexible Engine Exhaust Connector
 • Engine Silencer, Residential Grade
 PRESSURE CALCULATION
 The first thing we should talk about when
discussing pressure is height of the building
 If a building is more than 75 feet tall the building
will have stand pipes. The pressure required at the
top most outlet is required to be 100 psi at a
given flow rate depending on the number of
standpipes
 Does this mean that the regulation will not require
100 PSI on building less than 75 feet tall that have
standpipes
 The answer is maybe different regulation have
different requirements
 PRESSURE CALCULATION

The code (NFPA 14 chapter 5) states that if

a building is not classified as a high rise the
standpipes installed can be classified as
manual dry, or manual wet.
These types of standpipes do not require
100 psi at the top most outlet.
If that is the case then you simply need
end head pressure at the top of the
structure for standard heads this number is
usually around 20 PSI
 PRESSURE CALCULATION

The other bit of info we need before we

start is the city flow test. Unless we are
using a ground level storage tank or
reservoir.
Once we have gathered that info most of
the industry would have a form like the one
on the following page to compile the data
and come up with your pressure
 PRESSURE CALCULATION

Lets do a couple of examples:

In both examples we will assume that the
city water test is right at the 100% rating of
pump
1. Height of building is 212 feet. City water
test is 45 psi static, residual is 35 psi with
1250 GPM flowing
2. Height of the building is 70 feet. City
water test is 95 psi static with 30 residual
with 750 flowing
 Notes about pressure

 A couple of things to note here about these

examples in example one the pressure is above
175 psi.
 Since you are no longer allowed to use main relief
valves to control system pressure you have to
install pressure reducing valves on sprinkler lines
and pressure restricting valves on fire department
connections until you get high enough in building
where the pressure will be below 175 psi
 The other thing which some engineers forget is
that the pump will discharge much higher pressure
at churn than at the design point
 Notes about pressure

Per NFPA 20 fire pumps are allowed to

have a 40% rise in pressure from rated
flow to churn

This is almost never the case but different

pumps and speeds affect the churn
pressure so you should always look at a
curve to determine the shut off pressure.
 GPM CALCULATION

 There are two main factors in GPM calculations

 Area calculation
 Standpipe calculation
 We will start with the standpipe calculation
 NFPA 14 states that the GPM required for the
first standpipe is 500 GPM
 Each additional standpipe requires 250 GPM
with a maximum GPM of 1000 GPM
 GPM CALCULATION

 They have done away with the requirement of

combining GPM with sprinkler system
requirements.
 Since most area calculations for building with
standpipes come up to be less than 500 GPM
the Fire pump GPM is generally equal to the
standpipe calculated GPM.
 Examples

 If a building has 2 standpipes the pump GPM

would be 750 GPM
✓ 500 GPM for the first and 250 for the second
✓ If a building has 3 standpipes the pump GPM
would be 1000 GPM
✓ 500 GPM , 250 for the second, and 250 for the
third
✓ Any building with more standpipes would be
1000 GPM as that is the maximum allowable by
code
 GPM CALCULATION
 For calculating GPM for areas there are a number
of factors that come into play.
 The first is the type of hazard you are protecting.
There are 5
1. Light hazard
2. Ordinary hazard group1
3. Ordinary hazard group 2
4. Extra hazard group 1
5. Extra hazard group 2
 The density associated with the hazard
 Square footage of area associated with hazard
 Hose allowance
 GPM CALCULATION

 For the type hazard see PMC.

 For storage design approaches also see PMC. These
are for warehouse type facilities and generally require
soft ware to determine pump GPM. These types of
systems are better to be left to sprinkler contractors
to design build.
 Once you have your hazard classification we use the
chart on the following page from NFPA 13.
 The density is multiplied by 1500 for light and
ordinary and 2500 for extra hazard
 GPM CALCULATION

The 1500 and 2500 are the most

remote square footage

You then add in the hose allowance

from the chart on the next page to get
your pump GPM
 GPM CALCULATION

 Building with multiple types of hazards you

calculate each area and take the worst of the
two to determine your pump GPM
 There are a bunch of exceptions in NFPA 13
which we will only talk about so that you know
they are there. We will not use them in the
examples
 Make sure the insurance company is consulted
because they can change the density and
square footage requirement depending on the
job.
EXAMPLES

 Building is 15,000 square feet, light hazard

 Density for light hazard .1
 Hose stream for light hazard 100 GPM
 Calculation 1500 x .1 = 150 + 100 = 250
 Pump GPM 250 GPM

 Building is 24,000 square feet, ordinary group 1

 Density for light hazard .15
 Hose stream for light hazard is 250 GPM
 Calculation 1500 x .15 = 225 + 250 = 475 GPM
 GPM CALCULATION

 For the first two examples you can see why if either building had
standpipes why the standpipe calculation would be the primary
calculation.
 If standpipes are present there is always at least two which
makes the pump GPM 750 which is far greater than the area
calculation.
 Example 3, building is 23,000 square feet, 22,200 square feet is
light hazard and 800 square feet is extra hazard (group 1)
 We will calculate the two areas separately
1500 x .1 = 150
800 x .3 = 240
 As you can see the extra hazard is a greater GPM even though
the area is much smaller
 Pump GPM would be 240 + 500 (hose) = 740 GPM
 CLASS EXERCISE

Class example please calculate the

following building on a blank piece of
paper
Building is 35,000 square feet
All but 500 square feet is light hazard
Balance is ordinary group 2
 SELECTING FIRE PUMP

 First pick the type of pump for application

 Then select the type of driver
Electric motor
Diesel engine
 Why would you select one over the other
 If you do not have or an electrical feed would
be costly to install to the location
 If the AHJ has deemed that the power in an
are is unreliable
 SELECTING FIRE PUMP

 If you choose electric pick the type of start

1. Across the line
2. Part winding
3. Primary reactor
4. Wye delta open transition
5. Wye delta closed transition
6. Auto transformer
7. Primary resistance
8. Soft start
9. Variable speed
 SELECTING FIRE PUMP

 Take the GPM required for job and determine appropriate

pump
 NFPA 20 states that you can use up to 150% of the
rated GPM for the system demand but they don’t
recommend using more than 140%
 This makes selecting the pump much more difficult
 For example if you are using a 1250 GPM pump for
1450 GPM system demand you have to go to the curve
and pick the GPM and pressure required for the system
and then slide back on the curve to the UL rated point of
1250 GPM to determine rated pressure.
 We will assume system pressure required is 121 PSI
or 280 feet
 SELECTING FIRE PUMP

 Go to the catalog or website of choice to the

selection tables.
 Then things like RPM and horse power come into
play when selecting the pump.
 If you have concerns call the factory rep to help you
select the best pump for the job.
 A lot of times they will know which pumps have
lower churn pressures and which are more cost
effective.
 CODE ISSUES

 There are a lot of code requirements on fire

pumps that should factor into selection and
system design
 Horizontal elbows or tees upstream of a fire
pump have to be ten pipe diameters from the
suction flange on a split case fire pump
 Pump rooms require a floor drain
 Pump rooms have to be two hour fire rated if no
sprinklers are present and a one hour fire rating
if sprinklered
 CODE ISSUES

Pumps have to maintain a positive suction

pressure at the suction flange
Electrical feeds to fire pump controllers
have to have a two hour fire rating
Fire pumps can’t be used as pressure
maintenance pumps
Variable speed pumps are now allowed by
the code
REQUIRED TESTING AND RECORDS BY OWNER
REQUIRED TESTING AND RECORDS BY OWNER
From NFPA 25: Table [Link] Summary of Fire
Pump Inspections, Testing, and Maintenance
 FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING DESIGN
PROCESS
✓ DETERMINE WHAT SYSTEMS ARE REQUIRED
✓ PICK SYSTEM TYPE(S)
✓ EVALUATE WATER SYSTEM
✓ ESTIMATE WATER DEMAND (GPM & PRESSURE) FOR
BUILDING
✓ CODE REVIEW OF APPLICABLE STANDARDS NFPA
SECTIONS, OWNER, UNDERWRITER FOR SPECIFIC
CASE
✓ DETERMINE WHICH TYPE OF BACKFLOW
PREVENTION IS REQUIRED
✓ PERFORM HYDRAULICS CALCULATION (IF REQUIRED
BY OWNER)
✓ CREATE CONTRACT DRAWINGS
✓ DOWNLOAD & EDIT CSI SPECIFICATIONS
✓ OBTAIN QUALITY ASSURANCE REVIEW FROM
SOMEONE IN ORGANIZATION
✓ HAVE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION (AND
OWNER’S UNDERWRITE IF APPLICABLE) REVIEW
DRAWINGS
✓ REVIEW SUBMITTALS (HARDWARE / WORKING
DRAWINGS /HYDRAULIC CALCULATIONS)
✓ ASK FOR “ CONTRACTOR’S MATERIAL AND TEST
CERTIFICATE FOR ABOVE GROUND PIPING” FORM
NFPA 13 AT END OF PROJECT
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!