UNIT II :- FIRE SAFETY..

What are the causes of firing in building.?

Most Common Causes of Commercial

Fires
Cooking Equipment
When you think of buildings with cooking equipment, restaurants probably
come to mind first. However, any business that serves food is likely to have
a kitchen area. Because of high cooking temperatures, flammable oils and
grease, and the hectic nature of commercial kitchens, this is the single
most common cause of commercial fires.
Cooking equipment is responsible for:

 65% of fires in healthcare facilities

 61% of fires in restaurants
 38% of fires in educational institutions
 29% of fires in office properties
 13% of fires in stores and mercantile properties

Heating Equipment
Depending on the climate, commercial buildings require heat to stay
comfortable for several months of the year. As with other mechanical
equipment, furnaces, boilers, and radiators are at risk of overheating. This,
in turn, can lead to a fire.

Heating equipment is responsible for:

 14% of fires in industrial or manufacturing properties

 11% of fires in office properties
 9% of fires in restaurants
  5% of fires in healthcare facilities

Electrical & Lighting Equipment

All modern buildings feature electrical wiring behind the wall for light and
power. Unfortunately, electricity carries an inherent fire risk. Old or
defective wiring, overloaded circuits, loose connections, faulty fuses,
imbalanced electrical loads, and many other problems can develop that
lead to overheating or sparks that ignite a fire.

Electrical problems are responsible for:

 12% of fires in office properties

 10% of fires in stores and mercantile properties
 9% of fires in restaurants
 5% of fires in healthcare facilities

Smoking Materials
Lighted cigars, cigarettes, and other smoking materials can start fires if
disposed of improperly. Fortunately, the rate of fires caused by smoking
materials has decreased in recent years as a result of declining popularity
and the introduction of “fire safe” cigarettes with reduced ignition strength.
Still, smoking materials remain one of the top five most common causes of
commercial fires. They are responsible for:

 9% of fires in office properties

 7% of fires in restaurants
 5% of fires in healthcare facilities

What are the Fire Sources?

 At a certain point in the combustion reaction, called the ignition point,
flames are produced. The flame is the visible portion of the fire. Flames
consist primarily of carbon dioxide, water vapour, oxygen and nitrogen.

What are the Type of Fire?

Classes of fire

 Class A - fires involving solid materials such as wood, paper or textiles.

 Class B - fires involving flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel or oils.
 Class C - fires involving gases.
 Class D - fires involving metals.
 Class E - fires involving live electrical apparatus.
 Class F – fires involving cooking oils such as in deep-fat fryers.

Types of extinguishers
Water extinguishers
Water extinguishers are one of the most cost-effective ways to fight Class A
fires, those fuelled by solid materials such as paper, wood and textiles.

There are four different types of water extinguishers: water jet, water spray,
water with additives and water mist or fog.

 Water jet extinguishers work by spraying a jet of water at the burning

materials, cooling them and preventing re-ignition. They should not be
used on live electrical equipment.
 Water spray extinguishers use a very fine spray of water droplets, each
droplet is surrounded by air which is non-conductive. Most water spray
fire extinguishers carry a 35 kV dielectric test approval which means they
have been tested on a 35,000 Volt electrical source at one meter.
 Water extinguishers with additives are water extinguishers with foaming
chemicals added. The water loses its natural surface tension meaning
that it can soak into the burning materials more effectively. Adding the
 chemicals to the water means that a smaller extinguisher can produce
the same fire rating as a larger, water only, extinguisher.
 Water mist, or fog, extinguishers apply water in the form of mist, or fog,
the droplets are much smaller than those from the water spray
extinguisher. The smaller the droplet, the larger its surface area in
relation to its size, the quicker the droplet evaporates which absorbs the
heat energy faster. The downside is the smaller the droplet the less it
weighs and therefore the less powerful the cloud of water.

All water extinguishers have a red label.

Foam extinguishers

Foam fire extinguishers can be used on Class A and B fires. They are most
suited to extinguishing liquid fires such as petrol or diesel and are more
versatile than water jet extinguishers because they can also be used on solids
such as wood and paper. The foam extinguishes liquid fires by sealing the
surface of the liquid, preventing flammable vapour reaching the air and starving
the fire of fuel. They are not suitable for use on free flowing liquid fires.

Foam extinguishers have a cream label.

Powder extinguishers

Powder extinguishers are a good multi-purpose fire extinguisher because they

can be used on Class A, B and C fires. They can also be used on fires involving
electrical equipment however, they do not cool the fire so it can re-ignite.
Powder extinguishers can also create a loss of visibility and may create
breathing problems. They are not generally recommended for use inside
buildings unless there is absolutely no alternative.

Powder extinguishers have a blue label.

Carbon dioxide extinguishers (CO2)

CO2 extinguishers are ideal for places with a lot of electrical

equipment such as offices or server rooms because they are safe to
use on fires involving electrical apparatus. Carbon dioxide
extinguishers do not leave any residue, unlike a foam extinguisher.
They can also be used on Class B fires, those involving flammable
liquids such paraffin or petrol. CO2 extinguishers work by smothering
the fire and cutting off the supply of air.
Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers (CO2) have a black label.
Wet chemical extinguishers

Wet chemical extinguishers are suitable for use on Class F fires involving
cooking oils and fats, such as lard, olive oil, sunflower oil, maize oil and butter.
They are extremely effective, when used correctly. The wet chemical rapidly
knocks the flames out, cools the burning oil and chemically reacts to form a
soap-like solution, sealing the surface and preventing re-ignition. Although they
are primarily designed for use on Class F fires, cooking oils and deep fat fryers.
They can also be used on Class A fires (wood, paper and fabrics) and Class B
fires (flammable liquids).

Wet chemical extinguishers have a yellow label.

Fire blankets

Fire blankets are primarily for use on hot oil fires such as frying pans or small deep fat fryers.
They can also be used on someone whose clothing has caught fire. They work by smothering
the fire, stopping access to the oxygen fuelling it and extinguishing it.

What are the reasons for Spread of Fire?

Knowing the causes of fire spread can help prevent and protect your home before
a fire starts. For a fire to start, it needs heat (such as a spark or warmth radiated
from a hot surface), oxygen (the air we breathe) and fuel (things that burn, from
solids to gases).

For a fire to start, it needs heat (such as a spark or warmth radiated from a
hot surface), oxygen (the air we breathe) and fuel (things that burn, from
solids to gases). Firefighters study and research the methods that heat may
transfer in order for a fire to burn so that they know exactly how to put out
the flames.

Conduction Fire
When heat or electricity is transmitted through another substance, that is
called conduction. This process can move energy through the home, but it
can also be the heat source for a fire. Metal conducts heat, and most metal
in the home is used in things like ducting. Items that can catch on fire –
called combustibles – that are in contact with something conducting heat
have one element needed to start a flame. In your home, walls are built as
insulators, the opposite of a conductor, to retain heat and slow the rate that
fire can spread.

Convection Fire
A fire that is spread from a heat transfer to liquids and gases is called a
convection fire. Heat rises into the air, reaching the ceiling of whatever
room it is in. This is pleasant when controlled for a cold night, but
dangerous when the heat source caused a fire. When a fire starts, it sends
gases into the air. These gases will travel through the house on air currents
and meet cooler air carrying oxygen. Extreme heat and oxygen combined
with combustible materials is the recipe for a fire. And when the heat
reaches the ceiling, the mix of heat and gases spreads the flames to other
rooms.

Radiation Fires
Fireplaces and heaters are often described as "radiating heat." A radiation
heat transfer is when those rays of heat from a fire combine with a
combustible material. Heat plus fuel in a livable room filled with oxygen?
Fire. Heat travels in a direct straight ray from its source. Moving
combustible items away from heat is the simplest way to prevent an
accidental fire.

Spread by Water
Sometimes the typical cure for a fire can be its cause. Oil and water do not
mix. When cooking oil and grease are the combustible materials for an
oven or stove heat source, water will not put the fire out. Grease fires can
be spread by water splattering the lit grease on to other surfaces, such as
wooden cabinets or dish towels. The fire then catches further, and can
cause a convection fire when the heat rises. A fire extinguisher should be
in the kitchen for emergencies. Baking soda will also suffocate a grease
fire.

What are the causes of Production of Smoke and Poisonous Gases in Fire?

Smoke inhalation is the primary cause of death in victims of

indoor fires. ... Depending on the house contents, the smoke generated
can be extremely toxic or irritating. For example, burning plastics
often produce soot and poisonous gaseslike carbon monoxide and
hydrogen chloride.

All smoke contains carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and particulate

matter (PM or soot). Smoke can contain many different chemicals,
including aldehydes, acid gases, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen
oxides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs), benzene, toluene,
styrene, metals and dioxins.

What are the Fire safety and Preventive Measures.?

Fire safety is the set of practices intended to reduce the destruction

caused by fire. Fire safety measures include those that are intended to
prevent ignition of an uncontrolled fire, and those that are used to limit
the development and effects of a fire after it starts.

UNIT III.

What are the Fire Fighting regulation with reference to National Building Code ?

India's National Building Code 2005 is one document that gives

comprehensive information about various Indian Standards that need to
be followed while constructing buildings and relates various
requirements for safety measures that need to be implemented.

In a recent development, following a public interest litigation (PIL) filed

alleging violation of fire safety norms specified in the National Building
Code, 2016, by developers, the Supreme Court has sought Centre's
response for the same. According to the PIL filed, even the SC and
Parliament buildings did not comply with fire safety norms.

It was in 2015 that the Draft National Building Code 2015 was proposed
with some amendments. The draft was released for consultation and
comments were sought from various stakeholders in late 2015.

The first National Building Code of India was created in 1970, and later
amended in 1983 and 1987. The third version, the National Building
Code of India, 2005, is the latest fully comprehensive document in this
respect.

Safety measures in National Building Code

Crisis situations do not take place every day, but we have to be ready for
them if things go awry. Keeping that in mind, the National Building Code
2005 has set certain rules related to fire and life safety that developers
have to follow. While "absolute safety from fire is not attainable in
practice", the Code specifies measures that will provide that degree of
safety which can be "reasonably achieved".

Here are seven important things that the National Building Code 2005
talks about:

 Categories of buildings: According to the code, buildings are

classified into nine categories based on the character of the
occupancy and they need to put in place the fire-safety standards
based on their category. While residential buildings are kept under
Group A, industrial buildings are demarcated under Group G.
Business building units are kept under Group E and storage
buildings under Group H. Residential buildings are further
categorised into six sub-categories.
 Residential buildings: The code defines residential buildings as
constructions "in which sleeping accommodation is provided for
normal residential purposes with or without cooking or dining or
 both facilities, except any building classified under Group C".
Group C buildings cover institutional buildings.
 Dangers to avoid: According to the code, "Every building shall be
constructed, equipped, maintained and operated as to avoid
undue danger to the life and safety of the occupants from fire,
smoke, fumes or panic during the time period necessary for
escape."
 Rules for exits: Under the code, while doorways, corridors,
passageways are defined as exits, elevators are not kept in that
category. The code says that no alterations should be made in a
building to reduce the number, width or protection of exits as are
required.
 Mandatory fire safety drills: As fire may cause a serious issue in
the case of highrises, unless a plan for orderly and systematic
evacuation is prepared, fire drills should be conducted at least
once in three months in high-rise buildings during the first two
years of its construction, says the National Building Code 2005.
After that, such drills have to be conducted once in six months.
 Fire detection and alarm systems: In buildings of large sizes where
a fire may not itself provide adequate warning to the occupants,
automatic fire detection, and alarm facilities are a must.
 Installation of fire extinguishers: Based on their occupancy, use and
height, all buildings have to be protected by fire extinguishers, wet
risers, automatic sprinkler installations, water sprays, etc.

What are Fire Escape ?

A fire escape is a special kind of emergency exit, usually mounted to

the outside of a building or occasionally inside but separate from the
main areas of the building. It provides a method of escape in the event
of a fire or other emergency that makes the stairwells inside a building
inaccessible.
 What are Fire Stairways and Escape Routes ?

A fire escape is a special kind of emergency exit, usually mounted to

the outside of a building or occasionally inside but separate from the
main areas of the building. It provides a method of escape in the event
of a fire or other emergency that makes the stairwells inside a building
inaccessible.

 Dry Riser Systems are installed in buildings for fire fighting purposes by
trained personnel and which are normally dry and are capable of being
charged with water by pumping from Fire Service Appliances
 Dry Riser Systems are installed complete with an inlet breeching
connector at Ground Floor or at Fire Service Access Level and with
Landing Valves at specified points on each floor
 Dry Riser Systems are installed up to 50m above the Fire Service
Access Level
 Wet Riser Systems are installed in a buildings for fire fighting purposes
by trained personnel and which are permanently charged with water
from a pumped source
 Wet Riser Systems are installed complete with Landing Valves at
specified points on each floor
 Wet Riser Systems are installed up to and above 50m subject to the
system being designed to provide adequate flow and pressure at the
upper floors

Dry Riser System

Dry fire main water supply pipe installed in a building for fire-fighting
purposes, fitted with inlet connections at fire service access level and
landing valves at specified points, which is normally dry but is capable of
being charged with water usually by pumping from fire and rescue
service appliances.
Wet Riser System
Wet fire main water supply pipe installed in a building for fire-fighting
purposes and permanently charged with water from a pressurized
supply, and fitted with landing valves at specified points.
Where fire mains are installed and there are no floors higher than 50 m
above fire service access level, wet or dry fire mains may be installed.
Where there are floors higher than 50 m above fire service access level,
wet fire mains should be installed owing to the pressures required to
provide adequate fire-fighting water supplies at the landing valves at
upper floors and also to ensure that water is immediately available at all
floor levels.
What are Water Demand Fire Fighting?

Water Quantity Estimation

The quantity of water required for municipal uses for which the
water supply scheme has to be designed requires following
data:

1. Water consumption rate (Per Capita Demand in litres per

day per head)
2. Population to be served.

Quantity= Per capita demand x Population

Fire Fighting Demand:

The per capita fire demand is very less on an average basis but
the rate at which the water is required is very large. The rate
of fire demand is sometimes traeted as a function of population
and is worked out from following empirical formulae:

Authority Formulae (P in thousand) Q for 1

lakh
Population)
American Q (L/min)=4637 P (1- 41760
1 Insurance 0.01 P)
Association
Kuchling's Q (L/min)=3182 P 31800
2
Formula
Freeman's Q (L/min)= 1136.5(P/5+10) 35050
3
Formula
Ministry of Q (kilo liters/d)=100 P for 31623
Urban P>50000
4 Development
Manual
Formula
What are Storage Tank for Fire Fighting ?

Fire-Fighting Water Retention Tanks. Water allocated for fire-

fighting can be stored separately in a water tank specifically
reserved for fighting fires, or it can be stored together
with water allocated for normal household use in one storage
tank as long as certain criteria are met.

Fire-Fighting Water Retention Tanks

Water allocated for fire-fighting can be stored separately in a water tank

specifically reserved for fighting fires, or it can be stored together with
water allocated for normal household use in one storage tank as long as
certain criteria are met.
Your water supply needs to be stored in a non-combustible tank if above
ground, and fitted with an appropriate outlet compatible with your local
fire service’s hoses on the lower portion of the tank about 400mm above
ground level.
It is important to note that when poly tanks are filled with water, they will
not combust to those water levels. Tests revealed that above ground
poly tanks can warp and melt above water levels under extreme bushfire
conditions. Many are misled into thinking steel tanks will withstand
similar fire conditions, however they also lost their structural integrity with
water leaking at the seams.
For these reasons, when purchasing a rainwater tank, underground
poly tanks are a great option, relatively inexpensive and can also
harvest stormwater runoff. Being underground they normally comply with
all requirements necessary for a bushfire fighting water retention tank.

Tank Plumbing and Fittings

If you need a rainwater tank in a bushfire prone area, then you will also
need to consider its pipes and fittings. All above ground plumbing should
consist of metal rather than plastic to ensure they can withstand high fire
temperatures.
The draw-off outlet for the fire-fighting water allocation needs to be fitted
with an appropriate hose connection so fire fighters to can easily attach
hoses to your tank. The type of fitting varies from state to state — in
NSW a 65mm STORZ outlet is required, while in Victoria the outlet
needs to be fitted with a County Fire Authority (CFA) approved round
male coupling (specs: 64mm 3 thread, 25 x 50mm nominal bore British
Standard Pipe) with piping and valves running from the outlet to the
water tank consisting of a minimum of 50mm nominal bore to maintain
sufficient water pressure.
If you have a single water tank allocated to fire-fighting, it will need to be
fitted with two separate outlets — one for domestic water use, the other
for fire-fighting purposes. The outlet that is used to draw off water to
supply the household’s domestic water requirements needs to be
installed further up the tank, reserving any water below this draw-off
point for fire-fighting.
What are Fire Fighting Hydrants?

A fire hydrant, also called a fireplug, fire pump, johnny pump, or simply
pump, is a connection point by which firefighters can tap into a water
supply. It is a component of active fire protection.
 Fire hydrant systems are designed and installed in comprise the
following primary components;
 Water Supply & Storage.
 Pipework & Valves.
 Fire Brigade Booster.
 Pumpset.
 Hydrant, Hydrant Valve or Landing Valve & Coupling.
 Layflat Fire Hose.
 Block Plan.

UNIT IV:-

What are Fire Detection Systems?

A fire alarm system is an active fire protection system that controls all
the fire alarmmodules in a building. ... The fire alarm system can be
set off automatically by smoke detectors, heat detectors or manually.
These sensors are set to detect certain levels of heat or smoke that
could be an indication of fire.

Type 1: Conventional Fire Alarm

Conventional fire alarm systems and its components are all wired to the
same cable that connects them to a fire alarm control panel. The control
panel displays a signal when these components activate. These types of
systems are inexpensive and work well in small facilities. The main
problem with conventional fire alarm systems is that when a fire alarm
component produces a signal and it appears on the control panel there
is no way to know which component it is in the building. If you foresee
this to be a problem you may want to consider an addressable fire alarm
system.

Type 2: Addressable Fire Alarm

Addressable fire alarm systems are the most modern type of system and
its components have individual unique identifiers. When one of the
system’s components initiates, it indicates the component’s address on
the fire alarm panel. Large facilities utilize these systems because they
can quickly pinpoint where the trouble signal originated. This saves a lot
of time because it eliminates the need to search for the component that
produced the signal.
After you decide what type of system would work best in your facility
speak with a fire alarm installation company. They’ll evaluate your
building, work with the Authority Having Jurisdiction, and the local
building code requirements. They’ll follow the codes and determine
which fire alarm components are necessary, how many are required,
and where they need to be placed throughout the facility. The fire & life
safety firm will ensure that the new fire alarm system meets all the local
requirements and NFPA standards.

A smoke detector is a sensor that detects smoke as a primary indication

of fire. It provides a signal to a fire alarm system in a large building, or
produces an audible and visual signal locally in a room or a home.
Smoke detectors are usually housed in a small, round shaped plastic
case, and placed at the roof where there are risks of fire or fire hazards.

There are two main types of smoke detectors: photoelectric and

ionization. When smoke enters the detector chamber, a photoelectric
type detects sudden scattering of light, whereas an ionization type
detects the change of electrical current flow that triggers the signal -
indicating the presence of smoke.
Smoke detectors have an average life of about 10 years. Detectors need
to be tested periodically and the batteries changed when required.
Ionization types contain radioactive material called Americium. The
amount of radiation from Americium, generally, is not harmful, but intake
through the mouth or inhalation by children may cause health issues.
When used at home, some detectors use both technologies in
combination with heat detectors to be more accurate.

What is Smoke Detector and How it works.?

A smoke detector is a device that senses smoke, typically as an

indicator of fire. Smoke can be detected either optically (photoelectric)

or by physical process (ionization); detectors may use either, or both,

methods.
It is a sensor that detects smoke as a primary indication of fire. It

provides a signal to a fire alarm system in a large building, or produces

an audible and visual signal locally in a room or a home.

The density of the moisture particles in the air trigger the alarm. The

device has no way of distinguishing between light smoke particles and

heavy moisture content. Insects. Small insects can crawl into the smoke

detector itself and set off the alarm..

Ionization smoke alarms

These smoke detectors are much more responsive to fast, raging fires
and flames. They contain a small amount of radioactive material that
passes between two electrically charged plates, which create an
ionization chamber. This configuration ionizes the air and creates a
current that flows between the plates. If smoke enters that space, it
absorbs alpha particles and disturbs the ionization process, which
reduces the current and activates the alarm.

Photoelectric smoke alarms

These types of detectors typically respond better to smoldering fires—
essentially those that begin with a long period of smoldering.
Photoelectric alarms work using a photoelectric sensor and a light
source. As smoke enters the chamber and crosses the path of the light
beam, light is scattered by the smoke particles, aiming it toward the
sensor, which in turn triggers the alarm.

What is Heat Detector and How it works.?

Heat Detectors react to the change in temperature caused by fire. Once

the temperature rises above 135 degrees F (57 C) or 194 degrees

F (90 C), the heat detector will send a signal to an alarm panel and

trigger an alarm.

1. Heat Detectors are designed to protect property, not

life.
There are certain fire-protection applications where smoke
detectors are not suitable, such as non-life-safety installations
where the environment has too many airborne particulates due
to excessive steam, moisture, dust, humidity or temperature,
such as in attics, garages, warehouses, storage facilities,
elevator machine rooms and electrical closets. Smoke detectors
applied in those environments are cost prohibitive from a
maintenance standpoint.

2. Heat detectors can be electronic or mechanical.

Electronic heat detectors use a thermistor as the primary heat
sensing device. A thermistor is a component that changes
resistance with temperature. Typically, electronic heat
detectors have additional features, such as LED indicators that
blink to indicate proper standby operation.

Mechanical heat detectors are bi-metallic or pneumatic. Bi-

metallic heat detectors have a strip consisting of two dissimilar
metals. When the strip is heated, the metal distorts and closes
a contact. These detectors tend to be very inexpensive.

Pneumatic heat detectors, on the other hand, use an air

chamber that is sealed with a moveable diaphragm. When the
air inside the sealed chamber gets warm, the chamber expands
and distorts the diaphragm. This, in effect, puts pressure on a
set of contacts, which makes an electrical connection.
Pneumatic detectors are often used in harsh environments
because they can be sealed against corrosive elements.

In general, mechanical heat detectors are less expensive than

electronic heat detectors; however, because they have a fixed
temperature, they are not restorable after a field test.

3. Heat detectors can be fixed-temperature or rate-of-

rise.
Fixed-temperature heat detectors are designed to alarm at a
particular temperature. Because of thermal lag, however, if the
rate of temperature rise is fast, the detector may actually
alarm when the room temperature is higher than the set point.
Furthermore, these detectors are not restorable after a field
test. The alarm is destroyed.

A rate-of-rise component is sometimes added to a fixed-

temperature design. This way, when either the fixed
temperature or a pre-set temperature increase rate is
exceeded, the detector will alarm. Heat detectors with a rate-
of-rise feature tend to produce a higher level of protection in
many applications, but should be used with caution. One
should verify that the intended environment does not have
naturally rapid temperature rises that exceed the detector’s trip
point. This may be the case in an attic, for example.
Additionally, these detectors are restorable. They reset to a
non-alarm condition after a field test.

4. Heat detectors can be spot type or linear.

Spot type detectors essentially have their “detection
mechanism” at one location. That is, the sensing element is in
one physical location. Contrast that with linear heat detection,
where the sensing element is spread out over a large physical
area.

In linear heat detection, a special multicore wire or cable is

utilized. The cable has two conductors that are fitted with an
insulating jacket with a specific melting point. That melting
point corresponds to the detection scheme’s fixed temperature
set point. When the temperature increases enough, the
insulating jacket separating the conductors melts and they
come into contact with one another, shorting out. This short
can be detected. These linear heat detection cables can be
hundreds of feet in length, making them ideal for conveyor or
cable tray applications.

5. Heat detectors can be rate-of-rise, compensated,

fixed-temperature detectors.
In a slowly developing fire, this form of detector responds
when the temperature of the air surrounding the detector
reaches a predetermined level. In a rapidly developing fire, the
detector anticipates the air temperature reaching the operating
point, accelerating the operation of the detector. This produces
a fixed-temperature detector with virtually no thermal lag.

What is Fire Alarms?

A fire alarm is an electronic sounder or a bell. The alarm makes a loud,

high pitched sound to notify people that there is a fire in the building. The
sounders can be programmed to sound different tones. Most fire alarm
sounders sound like a siren. The bell makes a continuous ringing sound.

The fire alarm system can be set off automatically by smoke detectors,
heatdetectors or manually. These sensors are set to detect certain
levels of heat or smoke that could be an indication of fire. ...
When smoke particles pass thru the chamber of the optical detector, it
scatters light that triggers the alarm.

What is Fire Extinguishing System?

Fire extinguishing systems are a common expression

for systems using different medias to suppress- or extinguish fires in
buildings. The medias can be water, foam, gas or chemicals. Fire
extinguishing systems are used to extinguish or suppress fires in all
sorts of buildings.

Fire extinguishing systems are:

· Sprinkler systems: Pipes with sprinklers providing water-
droplets with system water flow Q < 10,000 l/min and Water pressure
H < 12 bar
· Water mist systems: Pipes with water mist nozzles providing
water-droplets with water flow Q < 200 l/min and water pressure H <
150 bar
· Hose reel systems: Handheld hose to put out fire
· Fire hydrants: Provided in most urban areas with municipal
water service to enable firefighters to tap into the water supply to assist
in extinguishing a fire.
· Foam systems: Systems where foam detergents added to water
is used to extinguish fire
· Gas systems: Systems using inert gasses like Halon, carbon-
dioxide etc.
· Chemicals: Dry systems using sodium - , potassium
bicarbonate, ammonium phosphate etc. and wet systems using various
proprietary chemical compositions.
The building owner will decide the standard to be used in collaboration
with his insurance company and local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)
and the consulting engineer will select the system-type accordingly,
depending on building type (production, storage, office- or resident
buildings etc.) hazard class, the potential physical damages the
extinguishing media may cause.
What is Unit Fire Extinguishers ?

Fire extinguishing units.

1. Nitrogen fire-fighting units

2. Automatic fire extinguishers.
3. Powder fire extinguishing devices.
4. Co2 fire extinguishing devices.

What are ABC fire extinguishers used for?

They use monoammonium phosphate which is a dry chemical that is

able to quickly put out the fire. It is a pale yellow powder that is able
to put out all three classes of fire;
Class A for trash, wood and paper,
Class B for liquids and gases,
Class C for energized electrical sources.
What is Foam Extinguishers ?

What is a foam fire extinguisher used for. AFFF (Aqueous

Film Forming Foams) Foam Fire Extinguishers are suitable to
fight burning solids such as wood as well as liquid fires such as
burning petrol. ... Foam fire extinguishers are ideal in offices
and homes.

what is in dry chemical fire extinguishers ?

Monoammonium phosphate, ABC Dry Chemical, ABEPowder,

tri-class, or multi-purpose dry chemical is a dry chemical
extinguishing agent used on class A, class B, and class
C fires. ... ABC dry chemical is usually a mix of
monoammonium phosphate and ammonium sulfate, the former
being the active one.

what is wet chemical fire extinguishers ?

Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers contains a solution of

potassium which effectively attacks the flame in two methods:
Firstly the mist cools the fire and lowers the temperature to stop
the firespreading, also prevents splashing of the hot oils/fat.

UNIT V:-