SPDI: FIRE PROTECTION

FIRE

is a complex set of chemical reactions in which fuel combines with oxygen and an ingnition source to produce heat.

FIRE TRIANGLE

fuel, oxygen, and heat - are required to start the fire. The oxidation process will not be possible without any one of these elements.

INCIPIENT

This first stage begins when heat, oxygen and a fuel source combine and have a chemical reaction resulting in fire. This is also known as “ignition” and is usually represented by a very small fire which often (and hopefully) goes out on its own, before the following stages are reached.

GROWTH

This is where the structures fire load and oxygen are used as fuel for the fire.

FLASHOVER

A rapid transition between the growth and fully developed stages.

FULLY DEVELOPED

When the growth stage has reached its maximum and all combustible materials have been ignited.

DECAY

Usually the longest stage of a fire; characterized a significant decrease in oxygen or fuel, putting an end to the fire.

FLASH POINT OF A LIQUID

The lowest temperature a liquid at which sufficient vapor is given off to form an ignitable mixture with air, near the surface of the liquid or within the vessel used, as determined by appropriate laboratory test.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Shall be installed even if the property is equipped with automatic sprinklers, standpipe and hose, or other fixed protection equipment. (Fire Code of the Philippines 2008)

CLASS A

Ordinary Combustibles

CLASS B

Flammable Liquids & Gases

CLASS C

Electrical Equipment

CLASS D

Combustible Metals

CLASS K

Combustible Cooking Media

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 extinguishers holds the amount of fire it will extinguish.

Class B Extinguishers

should be used on fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline, oil, etc. The numerical rating for this class of fire extinguisher states the approximate number of square feet of a flammable liquid fire that a non-expert person can expect to extinguish.

Class C Extinguishers

are suitable for use on electrically energized fires. This class of fire extinguishers does not have a numerical rating. 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 this type of extinguisher. These extinguishers generally have no rating nor are they given a multi-purpose rating for use on other types of fires.

DRY CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHERS

They are usually rated for multipurpose use. They contain an extinguishing agent and use a compressed, non-flammable gas as a propellant.

HALON EXTINGUISHERS

These 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. They have a limited range, usually 1.2 to 1.8 meters.

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.

Class I System (Φ Hose Connection)

64 mm (2 ½ in.)

Class II System (Φ Hose Connection)

38 mm (1 ½ in.)

Class III System (Φ Hose Connection)

as required for both

DRY STANDPIPE

A type of standpipe system in which the pipes are normally not filled with water. Water is introduced into the system through fire service connections when needed.

WET STANDPIPE

Is an auxiliary fire line system with a constant water supply installed primarily for emergency use by the occupants of the building.

COMBINATION STANDPIPE

A pipeline system filled with water and connected to a constant water supply for the use of the BFP and the occupants of the buildings solely for fire suppression purposes.

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.

FIRE SPRINKLER

controls the flow of water to a fire; are a type of valve that when exposed to 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.

Concealed Sprinkler

a recessed sprinkler with cover plate

Flush Sprinkler

A sprinkler in which all or part of the body, including the shank thread is mounted above the lower plane of the ceiling.

Pendent Sprinkler

A sprinkler designed to be installed in such a way that the water stream is directed downward against the deflector.

Recessed Sprinkler

A sprinkler in which all or part of the body, other than the shank thread, is mounted within a recessed housing.

Sidewall Sprinkler

A sprinkler having special deflectors that are designed to discharge most of the water away from the nearby wall in a pattern resembling one quarter of a sphere, with a small portion of the discharge directed at the wall behind the sprinkler.

Upright Sprinkler

A sprinkler designed to be installed in such a way that the water spray is directed upwards against the deflector.

FIRE PUMP

It is a device that provides the required water flow and pressure for a fire protection system. The unit itself consists of a pump, a drive, a driver coupling connecting the two, and a base plate.

BOOSTER/JOCKEY PUMP

A pump connected to a fire sprinkler system and is intended to maintain pressure in a fire protection piping system to an artificially high level so that the operation of single fire sprinkler will cause a pressure drop which will be sensed by the fire pump to start; works in conjuction with a fire pump as part of a fire-protection sprinkler system. Not designed to keep up with full system demand.