DESIGN OF AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM

SESSION 1 - BASICS
DESIGN OF AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM
SESSION 1 - BASICS
 OUTLINE OF SESSION 1
PART 1 – INTRODUCTION

REVIEW ON THE BASIC CONCEPTS OF FIRE

- ELEMENTS OF FIRE
- EXTINGUISHMENT MECHANISMS

FACTS ABOUT AUTOMATIC SPRINKLERS

PART 2 – DEVELOPING A SPRINKLER PLAN

BASIC REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES IN

PREPARING A SPRINKLER SYSTEM PLAN

MANUAL HYDRAULIC CALCULATION

VARIOUS COMPONENTS AND ACCESSORIES REQUIRED

FOR PROPER OPERATION OF THE SYSTEM

PUMP SELECTION/SIZING
CONCEPTS & BEHAVIOR OF FIRE
WHAT IS FIRE?

FIRE IS THE RAPID COMBINATION OF

OXYGEN WITH FUEL IN THE
PRESENCE OF HEAT, TYPICALLY
CHARACTERIZED BY FLAME, A BODY
OF INCANDESCENT GAS THAT
CONTAINS AND SUSTAINS THE
REACTION AND EMITS LIGHT AND
HEAT.
 ELEMENTS OF FIRE

FUEL – ITEMS TO BE BURNED. CAN BE

ANY COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL, SOLID,
LIQUID OR GAS.

“THERE WILL BE NO FIRE IF THERE

IS NOTHING TO BE BURNED”.

HEAT – SOURCE OF IGNITION &

SUSTAINED COMBUSTION BY
PROMOTING VAPORIZATION OF THE
COMBUSTIBLES OR FUELS.

FIRE TRIANGLE “ ONLY FUEL IN THE VAPOR STATE

BURNS”.

PICTORIAL REPRESENTATION OXYGEN – ALREADY AVAILABLE IN THE

OF THE INTERDEPENDENT AIR SERVES AS OXIDIZING AGENT TO THE
FACTORS OF HEAT, FUEL AND VAPORIZED FUEL.
OXYGEN
AIR = 21% O2, 79% N2/OTHER GASES
 FIRE TETRAHEDRON

PICTORIAL REPRESENTATION SHOWING

THE FOURTH POSSIBLE MODE OF
EXTINGUISHMENT, BREAKING THE
COMBUSTION CHAIN REACTION.
METHODS OF HEAT TRANSFER

CONDUCTION

TRANSFER OF HEAT AS A RESULT OF

DIRECT CONTACT OF RAPIDLY MOVING
ATOMS THROUGH A MEDIUM, OR FROM ONE
MEDIUM TO ANOTHER.

THIS TYPE OF HEAT TRANSFER OCCURS IN

SOLID MATERIALS. THE HEAT FROM THE FIRE
WILL TRAVEL ALONG THE LENGTH OF THE
MATERIAL.

CONVECTION

TRANSFER OF HEAT BY THE PHYSICAL

MOVEMENT OF THE HEATED MEDIUM ITSELF.

THIS TYPE OF HEAT TRANSFER OCCURS

ONLY IN LIQUIDS AND GASES. PLUMES OR HOT
AIR WHICH ARE PRODUCED FROM THE FIRE
SERVES AS THE MEDIUM FOR HEAT
TRANSFER..
METHODS OF HEAT TRANSFER

RADIATION

TRANSFER OF HEAT IN THE FORM OF WAVES

THROUGH SPACE (VACUUM).

IN THIS TYPE, HEAT TRAVELS IN RAYS SIMILAR TO

SUNRAYS, IN STRAIGHT LINES AWAY FROM THE FIRE.
 EXTINGUISHMENT MECHANISMS

COOLING – HEAT REDUCTION

REDUCING THE TEMPERATURE OF THE

FIRE INHIBITS VAPORIZATION OF THE
FUEL AND WILL RENDER THE FIRE
INCAPABLE OF SUSTAINING
COMBUSTION.

EXAMPLES:

APPLICATION OF WATER, WATER-BASED

OR AQUEOUS AGENTS
 EXTINGUISHMENT MECHANISMS

SMOTHERING – OXYGEN
DEPRIVATION

PREVENTING OXYGEN FROM ENTERING

THE COMBUSTION ZONE WILL LEAD TO
THE STARVATION OF THE FIRE.

EXAMPLES:

- APPLICATION OF FOAM BLANKET ON TOP

OF FLAMMABLE OR COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID

-CO2 BY LOCAL APPLICATION OR TOTAL

FLOODING

- USE OF FIRE BLANKET/COVERING

 EXTINGUISHMENT MECHANISMS

FUEL REMOVAL

EXAMPLES:
- FOREST FIRES CAN BE EXTINGUISHED
BY CLEARING AN AREA OF TRESS
AROUND THE PERIMETER OF THE FIRE;

-COATING OF THE BURNING OBJECT

WITH AN EXTINGUISHING AGENT
“REMOVE” OR SEPARATE THE FUEL
FROM THE COMBUSTION ZONE AND
THE FUEL VAPOR
PRODUCED WHEN THE OBJECT WAS
HEATED.

- CLOSING FUEL SUPPLY LINE

 EXTINGUISHMENT MECHANISMS

BREAKING THE COMBUSTION CHAIN

INHIBITION OF THE CHEMICAL REACTION.

MANIFESTATION : AN ELEMENT IN THE

EXTINGUISHING AGENT ABSORB OR
ATTACH THEMSELVES TO AN ELEMENT
PRESENT IN THE FUEL.

EXAMPLE :

POTASSIUM ATOMS (K) IN DRY CHEMICAL

ATTACH THEMSELVES TO FREE RADICALS
(OH) FORMING K+OH KOH INHIBITING
THE HYDROGEN ATOMS FROM
FOSTERING CONTINUANCE OF
COMBUSTION.
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM

SPRINKLER SYSTEMS – MYTH VERSUS FACTS

MYTH WHEN SPRINKLER SYSTEM ACTUATES, ALL

SPRINKLERS AT THE SYSTEM GO OFF AT THE SAME
TIME.

FACT EACH SPRINKLER HAS A HEAT-SENSITIVE ELEMENT

WITH A PREDETERMINED TEMPERATURE AND
SENSITIVITY THAT RESPONDS INDIVIDUALLY TO HEAT
FROM A FIRE.

ONLY THOSE SPRINKLER AT THE VICINITY OF FIRE

ACTUATE AND DISCHARGE WATER.

MYTH SPRINKLER SYSTEM CAUSE EXCESSIVE WATER

DAMAGE.

FACT THE RATE OF DISCHARGE FROM A FIRE HOSE IS

SEVERAL TIMES THE RATE OF DISCHARGE FROM A
SPRINKLER.
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM

SPRINKLER SYSTEMS – MYTH VERSUS FACTS. . .

MYTH SPRINKLER SYSTEMS DON’T WORK.

FACT SPRINKLER SYSTEM ARE BETWEEN 98 % TO

99.8% EFFECTIVE IN THE CONTROL OF FIRE
ACCORDING TO STUDIES.

MYTH AUTOMATIC FIRE DETECTION SYSTEMS ARE

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUE FOR SPRINKLERS.

FACT AUTOMATIC FIRE DETECTION SYSTEMS DO

NOT CONTROL OR SUPPRESS A FIRE, HENCE,
ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR SPRINKLER
SYSTEM. DETECTION SYSTEM PROVIDES
NOTIFICATION, BUT DO NOT PROVIDE
SUPPRESSION.
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM

SPRINKLER SYSTEMS – MYTH VERSUS FACTS. . .

MYTH ACCIDENTAL SPRINKLER DISCHARGE IS COMMON.

FACT SPRINKLERS HAVE AN IMPRESSIVE HISTORY OF

RELIABLE SERVICE IN AN EMERGENCY,
DISCHARGE IN THE ABSENCE OF FIRE IS
VERY RARE.

MYTH SPRINKLERS ARE UGLY.

FACT SPRINKLERS CAN BE DESIGNED TO MAINTAIN THE

BEAUTY OF THE BUILDING.

ORNAMENTAL AND DECORATIVE SPRINKLERS ARE

AVAILABLE THAT ALLOW CONCEALMENT ABOVE
THE CEILING, WITH ONLY A SMALL PLATE SHOWING
BELOW THE CEILING WITH A RANGE OF
FACTORY- APPLIED COLORS.
 AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM

HOW SPRINKLER SYSTEMS WORK

A TYPICAL SPRINKLER SYSTEM IS CONSISTS ESSENTIALLY OF A PIPING NETWORK,

CONNECTED TO A PERMANENT WATER SUPPLY AND CONTROL VALVES FEEDING
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLERS DISTRIBUTED AND SPACED THROUGHOUT THE PROTECTED
PREMISES, INCORPORATING LOCAL AND FIRE DEPARTMENT SERVICE ALARMS.

CONVECTED HEAT FROM A FIRE CAUSES OPERATION OF ONE OR MORE THERMALLY

SENSITIVE SPRINKLERS, THEREBY PERMITTING WATER TO BE DISCHARGED DIRECTLY
OVER THE FIRE AFFECTED AREA.
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER HEADS ARE INDIVIDUALLY HEAT ACTIVATED, AND TIED INTO A
PIPING NETWORK WITH WATER UNDER PRESSURE. WHEN THE HEAT OF THE FIRE
RAISES THE SPRINKLER TEMPERATURE TO ITS OPERATING POINT, A LIQUID FILLED
GLASS BULB WILL SHATER OR SOLDER LINK WILL MELT TO OPEN THAT SINGLE
SPRINKLER, ALLOWING WATER TO ESCAPE. THE WATER IS DIRECTED INTO A
DEFLECTOR TO BREAK THE WATER INTO DROPLETS OF A SPECIFIC SIZE AND DIRECT
THE SPRAY TO COVER A SPECIFIC FLOOR AND WALL AREA.

CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF, ONLY THE SPRINKLER HEAD/S AT THE VICINITY OF

THE FIRE WILL OPEN/OPERATE.
BASIC COMPONENTS OF AN AUTOMATIC
SPRINKLER SYSTEM

COMPONENTS OF AN AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER

SYSTEM MUST BE LISTED FOR FIRE
PROTECTION SERVICE AND RATED TO WITHSTAND
THE MAXIMUM PRESSURES ANTICIPATED FOR THE
SYSTEM”.

 SPRINKLERS
 PIPING AND TUBING
 FITTINGS
 HANGERS
 VALVES
 SOURCE AND SUPPLY (FIRE PUMP, OTHER
AVAILABLE WATER MAINS CAPABLE OF
PROVIDING THE REQUIRED FLOW AND
PRESSURE FOR THE SYSTEM)
BASIC AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM ARRANGEMENT
BASIC COMPONENTS OF AN AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM

SPRINKLER HEADS

Sprinkler is the spray nozzle which distributes water over a defined

fire hazard area. Each sprinkler operates by actuation of its own
temperature linkage. The typical sprinkler consists of a frame,
thermal operated linkage, cap, orifice, and deflector.

Standard Spray Upright (SSU) sprinkler is mounted upright above a

branch line and has a deflector distinctively bent to deflect water
downward from the sprinkler.

Standard Spray Pendent (SSP) sprinkler is mounted below the

branch line, usually mounted at or below the surface of a
suspended ceiling and is characterized by a flat detector. SSU and
SSP discharge patterns are designed to be the same.

Side Wall sprinkler have a specially designed deflector that allows

the sprinkler to discharge water from a wall mounted position.

Sprinklers are selected based on the type of combustibles or

hazards to be protected, application and ambient temperature
of the area to be protected.
PIPING, TUBINGS & FITTINGS

Piping and tubing and their associated

fittings must be approved and listed for the
purpose for which they will be used and
must meet standards established by ANSI
and ASTM.

Joining methods for sprinkler fittings

include:

 threaded (cast iron or malleable iron)

 welded
 flanged
 cut or roll-grooved
 brazed or soldered (for copper tube)
 glued (for plastic pipes)
HANGERS

Hangers are designed to support the weight

of the pipes and secure them in place. They
are required to be capable of holding five
times the weight of the sprinkler pipes,
fittings, and water inside the pipes, plus
250 pounds.
 VALVES

Valves installed in automatic sprinkler system may

be categorized as alarm or control valve depending
on their purpose in the system.
Alarm valves sends signals that the sprinkler
WET ALARM VALVE
system is in operation and are mostly linked to the
building fire alarm system.
Valves controlling sprinkler system are required to
be of a type that can be visually identified as open
or closed.
All these valves are required to be listed for the
purpose on which they will be used.
DELUGE VALVE

DRY PIPE VALVE

Alarm Check Valve

An alarm check valve is a mechanical device

that produces an alarm upon detection of
water flow in the piping system. The alarm
check valve has also provision for attaching a
pressure switch that can be connected to the
fire alarm system.

Water Flow Switch

The flow switch is an electrical device that

sense the flow or movement of water inside
the pipes of the sprinkler the system. The
same is connected to the fire alarm system to
send alarm signal to the building.
 SUPERVISORY SWITCH

Supervisory switches as employed in the fire protection

system includes the supervision of the following:

 Valve position (open/closed)

SUPERVISORY SWITCH – OS&Y
 Fire pump operation
 Water level for water storage tank
 Water or room temperature
 Air pressure
 Power generator

ALARM PRESSURE SWITCH

WATER FLOW DETECTOR (T-TAP) WATER FLOW DETECTOR (SERIES) SPECIAL PUPOSE
SUPERVISORY SWITCH
TYPES OF AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM

 WET PIPE SPRINKLER SYSTEM

 DRY PIPE SPRINKLER SYSTEM

 DELUGE SPRINKLER SYSTEM

 PRE-ACTION SPRINKLER SYSTEM

 COMBINATION DRY PIPE AND

PRE-ACTION SPRINKLER SYSTEM
TYPES OF AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM...

Wet Pipe Sprinkler System

A wet pipe sprinkler system is a

sprinkler system employing automatic
sprinkler heads attached to a piping
system containing water and
connected to a water supply so that
water discharges immediately from
sprinklers opened by heat from a fire.

Each sprinkler is activated

individually when it is heated to its
design temperature. Most sprinklers
discharge approximately 20-25
gallons per minute (gpm), depending
on the system design. Sprinklers for
special applications are designed to
discharge up to 100 gpm.
  WET PIPE SPINKLER SYSTEM
LEGEND:
1 – INDICATING VALVE 5 – WATER MOTOR ALARM
2 – ALARM CHECK VALVE 6 – SPRINKLER HEADS
3 – FIRE DEPT. CHECK VALVE 7 – INSPECTOR TEST VALVE
4 – FIRE DEPT. CONNECTION
TYPES OF AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM...
Dry Sprinkler Pipe System

A dry pipe sprinkler system is a

system with automatic sprinkler
heads attached to a piping system
containing air or nitrogen under
pressure. The release of this
pressure (as from the opening of a
sprinkler) permits the water pressure
to open a valve known as a dry
pipe valve and the water then flows
into the piping system and out of the
open sprinkler head.

Dry pipe sprinkler systems are

installed in areas where wet pipe
systems may be inappropriate such
as areas where freezing
temperatures might be expected.
TYPES OF AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM...

 DRY PIPE SPRINKLER SYSTEM

LEGEND:

1 – SUPPLY CONTROL VALVE 5 – FIRE DEPT. CONNECTION

2 – INDICATING VALVE 6 – WATER MOTOR ALARM
3 – DRY PIPE VALVE 7 – SPRINKLER HEADS
4 – FIRE DEPT. CHECK VALVE 8 – INSPECTOR TEST VALVE
TYPES OF AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM...

Deluge Sprinkler System

The arrangement of deluge system piping is

similar to a wet or dry pipe system with two
major differences:

A. Standard sprinklers are used, but they are

all open. The activating elements have been
removed so that when the control valve is
opened water will flow from all of the
sprinklers simultaneously and deluge the
area with water.

B. The deluge valve is normally closed. The

valve is opened by the activation of a
separate fire detection system.

Deluge systems are used where large

quantities of water are needed quickly to
control a fast-developing fire. Deluge valves
can be electrically, pneumatically or
hydraulically operated.
TYPES OF AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM...

Pre-action Sprinkler System

A pre-action sprinkler system is a sprinkler

system employing automatic sprinklers that
are attached to a piping system that contains
air that might or might not be under
pressure. This type of system is typically
used in areas containing high value
equipment or contents and spaces which are
highly sensitive to the effects of accidental
sprinkler water discharge. The pre-action
valve is normally closed and is operated by a
separate detection system installed in the
same area as the sprinklers.

Activation of a fire detector will open the pre-

action valve, allowing water to enter the
system piping. Water will not flow from the
sprinklers until heat activates the operating
element in individual sprinklers. Opening of
the pre-action valve effectively converts the
system to a wet pipe sprinkler system.
  PRE-ACTION SPRINKLER SYSTEM
LEGEND:

1 – SUPPLY CONTROL VALVE 7 – SPRINKLER HEAD (CLOSED)

2 – INDICATING VALVE 8 - DETECTOR
3 – WATER CONTROL DELUGE VALVE 9 – ELECTRIC BELL
4 – FIRE DEPT. CHECK VALVE 10 – MANUAL RELEASE STATION
5 – FIRE DEPT. CONNECTION 11 – CONTROL PANEL
6 – WATER MOTOR ALARM 12 – INSPECTOR TEST VALVE
TYPES OF AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM...

Combination Dry Pipe and Pre-

action Sprinkler System

A combined dry pipe and pre-action

sprinkler system retains air under pressure
on its branch lines with a supplemental fire
detection systems installed in the same
areas as the sprinklers. Operation of the
fire detection systems as from a fire
actuates tripping which open dry pipe valve
simultaneously and without loss of air
pressure in the system.

Operation of the fire detection system also

opens approved air exhaust valves at
the end of feed main which facilitates
the filling of the system with water
which usually precedes the opening of
sprinklers. The fire detection system also
serves as an automatic fire alarm
system.
DEVELOPING A SPRINKLER PLAN
 OBJECTIVES

EACH SPRINKLER SYSTEM IS CUSTOM DESIGNED TO ENSURE THAT:

 THE OCCUPANCY OF THE RISK TO BE PROTECTED IS IDENTIFIED

ACCORDING TO THE AMOUNT AND COMBUSTIBILITY OF CONTENTS
AND THE LIKELY FIRE INTENSITY IN ORDER TO DETERMINE THE
VOLUME OF WATER DISCHARGE NECESSARY FOR FIRE CONTROL.

 THE WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IS DESIGNED SO THAT IT IS

CAPABLE OF DISCHARGING WATER TO ANY PART OF THE AREA AT
THE SPECIFIC DISCHARGE VOLUME APPLICABLE TO THE
OCCUPANCY CLASS INVOLVED.

 THE WATER SUPPLY IS CAPABLE OF PROVIDING THE REQUIRED

DISCHARGE AT MINIMUM PRESSURES FOR MINIMUM DURATIONS.
PART 2 – DEVELOPING A SPRINKLER PLAN . . .

Step 1. Collect and Review Raw Data

Fire protection system is an integral part of a building and

must therefore be designed with consideration for all other
building components.

 Building Structural Plan

 HVAC
 Electrical Lighting & Fixtures
Step 2. Review Project Schedule

Reviewing the project schedule in detail will aid in

determining how many designers are needed on a
particular project and how much time each designer
has available to perform the work.

“ Sprinkler design and installation is almost always tight as too

often the sprinkler design and installation contract are among the
last contracts being issued by a general contractor or building
owner”.
Step 3. Trace or Scan Building Outline

Choose an appropriate size reproducible medium for

the fire protection system design.

“ The building outline chosen for tracing depends on whether the

fire protection system is exposed or concealed. If piping is to be
exposed, the roof framing plans (from the structural sections
drawings) should be traced or scanned. If the system is to be
concealed above a suspended ceiling, the reflected ceiling plan
should be traced or scanned”.
 BRANCHLINES
CROSSMAIN
 SPRINKLER, UPRIGHT

CROSSMAIN AT PEAK OF CEILING, HIGHER THAN THE BRANCHLINES – DRAINING WOULD BE DIFFICULT
 BRANCHLINES

CROSSMAIN
RISER NIPPLE

COMPLICATED BRANCH LINES LAYOUT

Step 4. Draw Necessary Building Details
Building w/ Suspended Ceiling:
- building outline
- roof structure
- reflected ceiling plan (walls extending to the ceiling,
ceiling tile arrangement, lighting locations, etc.)
- duct supply and return diffusers

Building w/ No Ceiling:
- walls that extend to the roof deck
- draft curtains suspending from the roof

* In exposed areas such as warehouse, unit heaters or other modular

heating units, that projects heat must also be considered.
Step 5. Determine Branch Line Logic
Branch lines are pipes to which sprinklers are directly
attached and are always installed perpendicular to the
bar joists or purlins.

By running perpendicular to the joists, spacing of

branch lines is more flexible and hanging requirements
are enhanced.
Branch Line Logic
Branch Line Logic
Step 6. Determine System Type and Configurations

Considerations:
 Building Geometry
 Potential for Hydraulic Advantage

Common Sprinkler System Configuration:

 Tree System
 Grid System
 Looped System
Tree System
A system of dead-end branch lines centrally feed by a crossmain.

(May be chosen when feeding branch lines that

are installed on a flat roof or on a peaked roof
where branch lines slope up to the peak of a
building and with the mains at the lower point).

END FEED TREE SYSTEM

CENTER FEED TREE SYSTEM

Grid System

A system of branch lines interconnected by crossmains on both

ends of the branch lines.

Provides a hydraulic advantage for systems with numerous

branch lines by providing water flow to sprinklers from more than
one direction.

(Not recommended for dry pipe and pre-action systems as it is

harder for water to push air out of the system in a gridded
arrangement).
WET PIPE GRID SYSTEM
Looped System
A system with crossmains connected at two or more locations.
Provides hydraulic advantage over the traditional tree system by providing water flow to
sprinklers from more than on directions.
Step 7. Determine the Hazard Class of the Occupancy

The most fundamental concept related to sprinkler spacing is the

concept of occupancy. Occupancy is a function of the severity of a
fire in a particular building or room, given the fire load densities
that are associated with a building of a particular use.

The fire load density is related to the combustible items contained

within a building or room and is a function of the quantity,
arrangement, combustibility, and the rate of heat release of the
material.
HAZARD CLASSIFICATION:
From NFPA_13 – Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler System

LIGHT ORDINARY GRP I ORDINARY GRP II EXTRA

Churches Automobile Parking Cereal Mills (Group I)

Clubs Bakeries Chemical Plants Aircraft hangars
Eaves & Overhangs Beverage mfg. Confectionery Products Combustible hydraulic fluid
Educational Canneries Distilleries use areas
Libraries, except large stack Dairy products mfg. & Dry Cleaners Die casting
rooms processing Feed Mills Metal extruding
Museums Electronic Plants Horse Stables Plywood & particle board
Nursing homes Glass mfg. Leather goods mfg. mfg.
Offices Laundries Libraries-Large stack room Printing
Residential Restaurant service areas areas Rubber reclaiming
Restaurant seating Machine shops Saw mills
areas Metal working Textile
Theaters & Auditoriums Mercantile Upholstering w/ plastic
Unused attics Paper & pulp mills foams.
Paper process plants (Group II)
Piers & Wharves Asphalt saturating
Post Offices Flammable liquid spraying
Printing & publishing Flow coating
Repair Garages Manufactured home or
modular building assemblies
Stages
Open oil quenching
Textile manufacturing
Plastic processing
Tobacco products mfg.
Solvent cleaning
Wood machining
Varnish & paint dipping
Wood product assembly
Area / Density Curve
Step 8. Determine the Area to be Protected by Each Sprinkler

System Protection Area Limitation

The maximum floor area on any one floor to be protected by a
sprinklers supplied by any one sprinkler system riser or combined
riser.

 Light Hazard – 52,000 ft² (4831 m²)

 Ordinary Hazard - 52,000 ft² (4831 m²)
 Extra Hazard
a. Pipe Schedule – 25,000 ft² (2323 m²)
b. Hydraulically Calculated - 40,000 ft² (3716 m²)
 Storage – 40,000 ft² (3716 m²)
Spacing between sprinklers:

A=SxL
where: A = area covered by the sprinkler

S = distance between sprinklers on the branch lines

L = distance between branch lines

Maximum protection area limitation for sprinkler (Amax) per NFPA 13:

225 ft² - for light hazard hydraulically calculated system

200 ft² - for light hazard pipe schedule system

168 ft² - for light hazard system installed in a building of combustible construction

130 ft² - for an ordinary hazard system

100 ft² - for an extra hazard system

The maximum allowable distance between branch lines
(Lmax) and the maximum allowable distance between
sprinklers on the branch lines (Smax) shall not exceed
15 ft (4.6 m) for light or ordinary hazard, and 12 ft (3.7
m) for extra hazard occupancies.

Amax = (Smax) x (Lmax)

Step 9. Determine the Number of Branch Lines

Exposed Construction
- distance between the beams (called bay) on the
column lines is used to determine L dimension.
- in a room with smooth ceilings, dimensions
between walls may be considered in a manner
similar to bay, provided no interferences such
as lights or duct diffusers exist.

No. of branch lines, NB = Width of Bay

Lmax
Step 9. Illustration

Given: Ordinary Hazard

35’-0” wide and 297’-0 long bay

Since NFPA 13 mandates 15 ft maximum distance between branch lines,

NB = 35 ft/15 ft

= 2.3, rounded to 3 branch lines

Step 10. Determine the Distance Between Branch Lines (L)

L = Total Width of the Bay

Number of Branch Lines

Illustration: From previous example.

Given: 35’-0” wide bay
3 branch lines (computed)

L = 35/3
L = 11.667 ft or (11’-8”) - - - - spacing b/w branch lines

The distance from the end lines to the wall,

½ of L = ½ x 11.667 = 5.8335 ft (5’-10”)

Step 11. Determine the Allowable Distance Between Sprinklers (S) on the
Branch Line

N.B. Although NFPA 13 allows Smax to be 15 ft maximum for light and

ordinary hazard and 12 ft for extra hazard, S is also constrained by
the formula:
A=SxL
Finding Smax using the preceding examples/illustrations.
Given: A = 130 ft², max. protection area/sprinkler
for ordinary hazard
L = 11.667 ft (11’-8”) distance between branch lines

S = A/L = 130/11.667
S = 11.145 ft (11’-1 11/16”)

Given Amax of 130 ft² for ordinary hazard and a computed L dimension of 11.667 ft, the
maximum distance between sprinklers on a branch line for the given example is
11.145 ft.
Step 12. Determine the Minimum Number of Sprinklers on Each
Branch Line

No. of Sprinklers on the Branch Line = Total Length of Bay

Max. Distance b/w Sprinklers

Continuing with the illustrative example,

Given : Length of Bay = 297’-0”

Max. Spacing b/w Sprinklers along
the branch lines (prev. computed) = 11.145 ft

No. of Sprinklers on the Branch Line = 297/11.145

= 26.7 or 27 sprinklers
Step 13. Determine the Actual Distance Between Sprinklers on
Each Branch Line (Sactual)
Sactual= Total Length of Bay
No. of Sprinklers on Branch Line

Continuing with the illustrative example,

Given : Length of Bay = 297’-0”

No. of Sprinklers along
the branch lines (prev. computed) = 27sprinklers

Sactual = 297/27 = 11 ft

The distance from the end sprinkler to the wall is computed as:
½ Sactual = 11/2 = 5.5 ft (5’-6”)

*** The total number of sprinklers in the bay is:

(27 sprinklers per branch line) x (3 branch lines) = 81 sprinklers
Step 14. Dimension Sprinklers and Piping on the Drawing
Light guide lines may be provided to show the dimensions between each
line and sprinkler.

Step 15. Verify Sprinkler Coverage

A=SxL

From the illustrative example computed,

Sactual = 11 ft , actual distance b/w sprinklers on the branch line
L = 11.667 ft, distance between branch line

A = 11 x 11.667 = 128.37 ft²

Since A (128.37 ft²) does not exceed the allowable max. protection
area/sprinkler Amax (130 ft²) for ordinary hazard, the layout complies with
NFPA 13.
Step 16. Determine Crossmain Location

 crossmains should be located at the low points of a

sloped roof to allow the system to drain properly

 if a tree system is being designed , the crossmain

should be centrally located between the ends of the
branch lines

 a grid system would have crossmains at both ends

of the branch lines
Step 17. Assign Elevations to Piping

Crossmain and branch line at different elevation:

- crossmain installed at elevation below the beams
- branch lines elevated above the crossmains
through riser nipples to ensure proper deflector
distances

Minimum and Maximum Deflector Distances:

- 1 inch to 12 inches for unobstructed construction
- 1 inch to 6 inches below beams in obstructed
construction, up to 22 inches maximum below
the ceiling
Step 18. Locate System Risers
- verify site plan
- check location of designated fire hardstandings
- check location of fire pump room

“ A fire department connection must be provided and connected to the system

riser for systems having more than 20 sprinklers”.

Location:
- as close as possible to the rising main being served
- on an external wall or a boundary of a building
- within 18 m of the adjacent fire apparatus access road or hardstanding
- in a conspicuous position readily visible and accessible to the fire fighters

Step 19. Select Hangers and Determine Hanger Rod Lengths

See NFPA 13 hanger requirements

Step 20. Determine Hanger Spacing

Maximum distances between hangers vary with pipe size and pipe type. See
NFPA 13 requirements.
Step 21. Add Final Details

 Inspector’s test connection – a test valve used to simulate the flow of

the hydraulically most demanding sprinkler, located at the end of the
hydraulically most demanding branch line on the system

Every portion of a system monitored by a water flow switch must have

an inspector’s test connection in order to test the switch.

 Systems with more than 20 sprinklers must have either an electric bell
or a mechanical water motor gong

 Valve Supervision
- valves locked in the open position
- valves electrically monitored with tamper switch
- valves located in constantly inspected locked fenced area
Step 22. Use NFPA 13 Design Checklist

NFPA 13 provides a convenient listing of items that must be on all

sprinkler plans submitted for approval. The list is used by many AHJ in
reviewing the plans, and is suggested that this list be used as a checklist
before submitting a plan for approval.

Step 23. Perform Pre-calculation Field Check

A visit to the site must be done before performing hydraulic calculations.

Any installed trades can be surveyed, and other building features that
might have been unclear on the contract drawings, or that might have
changed, can be investigated.

Step 24. Verify Accuracy/Check Conformance to Building Dimensions

 Step 25.

“THE SYSTEM IS NOW READY TO BE

HYDRAULICALLY CALCULATED”
HYDRAULIC CALCULATION METHOD
FOR SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
Step 1. Selection of Occupancy
From NFPA_13 – Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler System

LIGHT ORDINARY GRP I ORDINARY GRP II EXTRA

Churches Automobile Parking Cereal Mills (Group I)
Clubs Bakeries Chemical Plants Aircraft hangars
Eaves & Overhangs Beverage mfg. Confectionery Products Combustible hydraulic fluid
Educational Canneries Distilleries use areas
Libraries, except large stack Dairy products mfg. & Dry Cleaners Die casting
rooms processing Feed Mills Metal extruding
Museums Electronic Plants Horse Stables Plywood & particle board
Nursing homes Glass mfg. Leather goods mfg. mfg.
Offices Laundries Libraries-Large stack room Printing
Residential Restaurant service areas areas Rubber reclaiming
Restaurant seating Machine shops Saw mills
areas Metal working Textile
Theaters & Auditoriums Mercantile Upholstering w/ plastic
Unused attics Paper & pulp mills foams.
Paper process plants (Group II)
Piers & Wharves Asphalt saturating
Post Offices Flammable liquid spraying
Printing & publishing Flow coating
Repair Garages Manufactured home or
modular building assemblies
Stages
Open oil quenching
Textile manufacturing
Plastic processing
Tobacco products mfg.
Solvent cleaning
Wood machining
Varnish & paint dipping
Wood product assembly
Step 2. Selecting a Hydraulic Density
Refer to NFPA_13 (Figure 5-2.3 p.64 ‘Area / Density Curves’)
N.B.
The design areas shown in the curve are intended for Wet Pipe
Systems only. For Dry Pipe and Double Interlock Pre-action
System the design area must be increased by 30% to
compensate with the longer time expected for the system to
deliver water to the sprinklers, resulting to a more number of
sprinklers actuating over a larger area of operation.

The 30% increase for dry and pre-action pipe systems affects
the area only. The density not modified.

Design Density – the quantity of water per square foot of design area that has been found by
experience to be effective in controlling a fire.

Design Area – an area whose size is related to the occupancy, wherein all sprinklers in the area are
expected to actuate.

Hydraulically Most Demanding Area – a design area protected by a sprinkler system that demands more
water for fire suppression than any other design area on the system.

Geographically Most Remote Area – the area whose linear distance from the sprinkler system riser is
the longest.
Step 3. Determining the Length of the Design Area

A rectangular remote area, oriented parallel to the branch

lines, is by empirical evidence, determined to be more
demanding than a perfectly square remote area.
The minimum length of the rectangle is 1.2 times the
square root of the design area:

L = 1.2 x √A
Example: Classification of Occupancy: Ordinary Group 1
Design Area : 1500 sq. ft. (chosen from the density/area curve)
Proposed Sprinkler Spacing:
Distance b/w sprinklers along the branch line = 12 ft
Distance b/w branch lines = 10 ft.

L = 1.2 x √1500 = 46.5 ft

N.B. This length is minimum, because the length of the design area must be
increased so that the edge of the design area falls at the midpoint between two
sprinklers.
Step 4. Determining the Number of Sprinklers Flowing
Along the Length of the Design Area

Ns = L/S
where:
Ns = no. of sprinklers on the branch line
L = length of the rectangle in the design area
S = spacing between sprinklers along the branch line

Continuing with the example,

Ns = 46.5 ft/12 ft/sprinkler = 3.88 or 4 sprinklers

The actual length of the design area can be determined by:

LACT = Ns x S = 4 x 12 = 48 ft.
Step 5. Determining the Configuration of Sprinklers in
the Design Area

Once the actual length of the design area is determined, the width of
the rectangular area can be determined

W = A/LACT

Continuing with the example,

W = 1500 ft²/48 ft = 31.25 ft

Verify the number of sprinklers and check if the total coverage area is equal of above
the design area.

No. of sprinklers in the branch line = 4 as previously computed

For the branch lines spaced at 10 ft distance, take 3 branch lines to get the width
of 30 ft,
A = 48 x 30 = 1440 ft², containing 12 sprinklers

N.B. This falls slightly short of the required 1500 sq. ft design area. Adding one
sprinkler (12x10= 120 ft²) in the design area will met the requirement;
i.e. 1440 + 120 = 1560 sq. ft.

The final sprinkler is always added closest to the cross main.

Step 6. Determining the Minimum Flow at the
Hydraulically Most Demanding Sprinkler

Q = d x As

where : Q = min. flow at the HMD sprinkler, gpm

d = design density, gpm/ft²
As = area coverage of sprinkler, ft²

Continuing with the example,

For the Ordinary Hazard Grp I, 1500 sq. ft design area on the curve, a density of
0.15 gpm/ft² is specified.

Coverage of sprinkler (12 ft x 10 ft) = 120 ft²

Q = 0.15 x 120 = 18 gpm (the minimum req’d flow at the

HMD sprinkler)
Step 7. Determining the Minimum Pressure at the
Hydraulically Most Demanding Sprinkler

Q = K x √P

where : Q = flow of sprinkler, gpm

K = sprinkler discharge coefficient or K-factor
P = pressure

Continuing with the Example, selecting a specific model of sprinkler with a K-

factor of 5.6,

From, Q = K x √P

P = (Q/K)²

= (18/5.6)
P = 10.33 psi
Step 8. Determining Friction Loss

Friction loss in the piping system is computed using

the Hazen-Williams pipe friction formula,

Pf = (4.52) x (Q 1.85)
(C 1.85) x (d 4.87)

Where :
Pf = friction loss of one foot of pipe, psi/ft
Q = water flow, gpm
C = Hazen-Williams roughness coefficient or C-factor
D = internal diameter of the pipe, inches
SAMPLE PROBLEM

GIVEN :

LAYOUT OF A WET PIPE SPRINKLER SYSTEM - ORDINARY GROUP 1

0.15 GPM CALCULATED OVER THE MOST REMOTE 1500 SQ. FT
13 SPRINKLERS CALCULATED IN MOST REMOTE AREA
BRANCH LINES ARE SCHEDULE 40 BLACK STEEL PIPE
CROSSMAIN AND FEEDMAIN IS SCHEDULE 10 BLACK STEEL PIPE
UNDERGROUND PIPE IS DUCTILE IRON CLASS 52

REQUIRED : DETERMINE SPRINKLER SYSTEM REQUIREMENT

SAMPLE PROJECT SPRINKLER SYSTEM LAYOUT
SECTIONAL VIEW
ISOMETRIC VIEW OF THE SPRINKLERS IN THE DESIGN AREA AND PIPE
SEGMENTS WITH THE ASSIGNED NODES/REFERENCE NOS.
 PIPE EQUIV FRICTION
SPRIKLER NODE FLOW SIZE PIPE,FITTINGS PIPE LOSS PRESSURE SUPPLEMENTARY END
NUMBER IN GPM IN. & DEVICES LENGTH PSI/FT SUMMARY CALULATION NODE

Q = d x As q SCH 40 L= 12.0 Pt = 10.33 Q = K√P

1 0.15 x 120 1 F 0.107 Pe = 18 GPM = 5.6√P 2

Q =18 Q= 18.0 T = 12.0 Pf = 1.28 P = 10.33 psi

q = 19.08 SCH 40 L = 12 Pt = 11.61 Q = K√P

2 1 1/4 F 0.112 Pe = Q = 5.6 √11.61 3

Q = 37.08 T = 12.0 Pf = 1.34 Q = 19.08

q = 20.16 SCH 40 L = 12 Pt = 12.95 Q = K√P

3 1 1/4 F 0.245 Pe = Q = 5.6 √12.95 4

Q = 57.24 T = 12.0 Pf = 2.94 Q = 20.16

q = 22.32 SCH 40 L = 18 Pt = 15.89 Q = K√P

4 1 1/2 TEE F=8 0.21 Pe = Q = 5.6 √15.89 AT

Q = 79.56 T = 26 Pf = 5.46 Q= 22.32

TOP OF q= SCH 40 L = 1.5 Pt = 21.35 Pe = 0.433 x 1.5

AT RISER 2 TEE F = 10 0.064 Pe = 0.65 Pe = 0.65 AB

NIPPLE Q = 79.56 T = 11.5 Pf = 0.74

 BOTTOM q= SCH 10 L = 10 Pt = 22.74 LINE K (HEADS 5-8)

AB OF RISER 3 CROSSMAIN F= 0.007 Pe = FM Q = K√P BB

NIPPLE Q = 79.56 T = 10 Pf = 0.07 79.56 = K√22.74, K = 16.68

BOTTOM q = 79.66 SCH 10 L = 10 Pt = 22.81 Q = K√P

BB OF RISER 3 CROSSMAIN F= 0.024 Pe = Q = 16.68 √22.81 CB

NIPPLE Q = 159.22 T = 10 Pf = 0.24 Q = 79.66

BOTTOM q = 80.08 SCH 10 L = 10 Pt = 23.05 Q = K√P

CB OF RISER 3 CROSSMAIN F= 0.052 Pe = Q = 16.68 √23.05 DB

NIPPLE Q = 239.30 T = 10 Pf = 0.52 Q = 80.08

BOTTOM q = 25.62 SCH 10 (CM) L = 45 Pt = 23.57 REFER TO BELOW CALCULA-

DB OF RISER 3 TEE F = 15 0.062 Pe = TION FOR SPRINKLER 13 E

NIPPLE Q = 264.93 T = 60 Pf = 3.72

q= SCH 10 (CM) L= 58.5 Pt = 27.29

E 4 90 ELBOW F = 10 0.017 Pe = F

Q = 264.93 T = 68.5 Pf = 1.16

q= SCH 10 (CM) L = 20 Pt = 28.45 Pe = 0.433 x 20

F 4 ALARM VALVE F = 20 0.017 Pe = 8.66 Pe = 8.66 G

Q = 264.93 OS & Y 2 Pf = 0.71

T = 42
 q= CL 52 D.I.(C-140) L = 55 Pt = 37.82 Pe = 0,433 x 5

G 6 ELBOW F = 18.62 0.0021 Pe = 2.17 Pe = 2.17

Q = 264.93 TEE 39.9 Pf = 0.23 H

T = 113.52

q= CL 52 D.I.(C-140) L = 20 Pt = 40.22

H 10 TEE F = 66.5 0.00016 Pe = I

Q = 264.93 T = 86.5 Pf = 0.014

q= CL 52 D.I.(C-140) L = 10 Pt = 40.23 Pe = 0.433 x 5

I 6 ELBOW F = 18.62 0.0021 Pe = - 2.17 Pe = 2.17 (-)

Q = 264.93 T = 28.62 Pf = 0.06

Q = 264.93 Pt = 38.12
 q= SCH 40 L = 18 Pt = 10.33

13 1 1/2 TEE F=8 0.013 Pe = DT

Q = 18 T = 26 Pf = 0.34

q= SCH 40 RN L = 1.5 Pt = 10.67 Pe = 0.433 x 1.5

DT 2 TEE F=8 0.005 Pe = 0.65 Pe = 0.65 DB

Q = 18 T = 9.5 Pf = 0.05

q= L Pt = 11.37 23.05 PSI EXISTS AT DB. ITS

DB F Pe FLOW MUST BE ADJUSTED TO

Q = 18 T Pf THE HIGHER PRESSURE

ADJUST FLOW FOR SPRINKLER 13 AT NODE DB,

Q (ADJUSTED) = Q (LOWER PRESSURE) X √P (HIGH PRESSURE/P (LOWER PRESSURE)

Q (ADJUSTED) = 18 X √ 23.05/11.37

Q (ADJUSTED) = 25.62 GPM

 HYDRAULIC SUPPLY/DEMAND GRAPH
100

90

80

.
70
PRESSURE, PSI

60 PSI STATIC PRESSURE

60

50

40
. SYSTEM DEMAND
264.93 GPM @ 38.12 PSI
. 700 GPM FLOW@ 35 PSI
RESIDUAL PRESSURE
30

20

10

0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FLOWRATE (X100), GPM
 STANDPIPE AND HOSE SYSTEM
NFPA 14, STANDARD ON THE INSTALLATION OF STANDPIPE AND HOSE SYSTEM, SUPPLIES THE
MINIMUM CRITERIA FOR THE CALCULATION OF STANDPIPE.

A STANDPIPE IS A SYSTEM OF PIPES THAT SUPPLIES WATER TO HOSE CONNECTION FOR FIRE
DEPARTMENT AND /OR OCCUPANT USE.

STANDPIPES ARE ALSO PERMITTED TO BE SIZED FOR COMBINATION STANDPIPE AND

SPRINKLER SYSTEM USE.

CLASSIFICATIONS:
 CLASS I – SERVE 2 ½ -INCH FIRE HOSE VALVE FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT USE

 CLASS II – SERVE 1 ½ -INCH FIRE HOSE VALVE FOR BUILDING OCCUPANTS USE

(FIRE HOSE REEL – EMPLOYS 1-INCH VALVE WITH SEMI-RIGID HOSE AND NOZZLE ASSY
FOR BUILDING OCCUPANTS USE, NOT PROPERLY CLASSIFIED AS CLASS II BY NFPA)

 CLASS III – SERVE BOTH 2 1/2 –INCH FIRE HOSE VALVE FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT USE, AND
1 ½-INCH FIRE HOSE VALVE FOR BUILDING OCCUPANTS USE
STANDPIPE AND HOSE SYSTEM
 QCDD REQUIREMENTS FOR STANDPIPE SYSTEM (RISING MAINS)
TYPE
DRY – ANY BUILDING OF HABITABLE HEIGHT 10 M UP TO 28 M ABOVE GROUND LEVEL
WET – BUILDINGS HAVING HABITABLE HEIGHT EXCEEDING 28 M FROM THE GROUND

NUMBER/DISTRIBUTION (BS 5306)

- ONE (1) IS PROVIDED FOR EVERY 930 SQ M, OR ANY PART THEREOF, OF THE FLOOR AREA AT
EACH LEVEL OTHER THAN THE GROUND FLOOR
- RISING MAINS ARE NOT MORE THAN 60 M APART IN A HORIZONTAL DIRECTION
- NO PART OF A FLOOR AREA IS MORE THAN 60 M DISTANT FROM A LANDING VALVE: THE
DISTANCE MEASURED ALONG A ROUTE SUITABLE FOR HOSE LINES, INCLUDING ANY
DISTANCE UP OR DOWN A STAIRWAY

LOCATION (ORDER OF PRIORITY)

1. WITHIN A SMOKE-STOP LOBBY
2. IN THE COMMON AREA AND WITHIN A PROTECTED SHAFT, IMMEDIATELY OUTSIDE THE EXIT
STAIRCASE IF THERE IS NO SMOKE-STOP LOBBY
3. INSIDE EXIT STAIRCASES WHERE SMOKE-STOP LOBBY AND COMMON AREA ARE NOT
PROVIDED

SIZE AND BREECHING INLET/FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTION

100 MM MINIMUM WHERE STANDPIPE/RISING MAIN DOES NOT EXCEED 45 M HABITABLE HEIGHT
AND WITH ONLY ONE (1) LANDING VALVE ATTACHED PER FLOOR; REQUIRES 2-WAY (2-2 ½
- INCH) INLETS
150 MM WHERE STANDPIPE EXCEEDS ABOVE CONDITION; REQUIRES 4-WAY (4-2 ½ -INCH)
INLETS
FIRE PUMPS

NFPA 20, STANDARDS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF CENTRIFUGAL FIRE PUMPS, APPLIES TO
THE DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF PUMPS FOR FIRE PROTECTION.

FIRE PUMP COMPONENTS

THE SUCTION SIDE OF A FIRE PUMP IS THE SIDE CONNECTED TO THE WATER SUPPLY.
THE DISCHARGE SIDE OF A FIRE PUMP IS THE SIDE TO WHICH THE SPRINKLER OR
STANDPIPE SYSTEM IS CONNECTED TO RECEIVE PRESSURIZED WATER FROM THE
PUMPS.

CERTAIN CRITERIA MUST BE MEET FOR PIPING AND COMPONENTS OF THE FIRE PUMP:

 PIPING ON THE SUCTION SIDE OF THE PUMP MUST BE GALVANIZED OR

SPECIALLY COATED TO MINIMIZE CORROSION OR FLAKES OF PIPING
MATERIAL FROM BEING DRAWN INTO THE PUMP

 CONTROL VALVES ON THE SUCTION SIDE MUST BE OS&Y VALVES

 ALL PIPING, ESPECIALLY THE REDUCER ON THE SUCTION SIDE DIRECTLY

ATTACHED TO THE PUMP MUST BE DESIGNED TO ELIMINATE AIR POCKETS
THAT COULD CAUSE CAVITATION, OR DESTRUCTIVE VIBRATIONS CAUSED BY
THE CHURNING OF A FIRE PUMP WHEN IT IS DRAWING AIR INTO THE PUMP
INSTEAD OF WATER.
 THE DISCHARGE SIDE OF THE PUMP MUST BE RATED FOR THE PRESSURE
CREATED BY THE PUMP.

SINCE MOST SPRINKLERS AND VALVES ARE RATED AT 175 PSI, A PUMP RELIEF
VALVE MAY BE NECESSARY TO PREVENT OVERPRESSURIZATION AND DAMAGE
TO SPRINKLER COMPONENTS WHEN PUMP DISCHARGE PRESSURES EXCEED
175 PSI.

 PRESSURE REGULATING VALVES MAY ALSO BE REQUIRED TO BE INSTALLED

DOWNSTREAM OF THE FIRE PUMP TO PROTECT SPRINKLER COMPONENTS
DOWNSTREAM OF THE PRESSURE REGULATING VALVE.

 FIRE PUMP TEST HEADER WITH TEST VALVES OR TEST LINES WITH FLOW
METER AND PRESSURE GAUGE RETURNING TO THE WATER TANK IS
REQUIRED ON THE DISCHARGE SIDE OF THE PUMP TO SIMULATE THE RATED
FLOW AND PRESSURE OF THE FIRE PUMP AND COMPARE THE TEST RESULTS
TO THE LISTED CAPACITY/RATING OF THE PUMP.

JOCKEY PUMP - A SMALL PUMP THAT BOOSTS THE STATIC PRESSURE WITHIN THE
PIPING SYSTEM WHEN THE FIRE PUMP IS NOT RUNNING.

- IS NEEDED IF THE STATIC PRESSURE AVAILABLE FROM THE WATER SUPPLY

IS INSUFFICIENT TO PROVIDE PRESSURE AT THE MOST REMOTE SPRINKLER,
AND MINIMIZES OPERATION OF THE FIRE PUMP BY KEEPING PRESSURES ON
THE DISCHARGE SIDE OF THE PUMP CONSTANT.
SCHEMATIC OF A FIRE PUMP LAYOUT
CALCULATING PRESSURE DIFFERENTIALS

THE PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN THE WATER SUPPLY AND THE SYSTEM DEMAND
DETERMINES WHETHER THE AVAILABLE PRESSURE ON A SUPPLY LINE, SUCH AS AN
EXISTING FIRE WATER SYSTEM NETWORK, CITY WATER SUPPLY, IS CAPABLE OF MEETING
SYSTEM DEMAND.

PA = PS – [(PS – PR) x (QA/QT)¹·⁸⁵]

WHERE:
PA = THE PRESSURE AVAILABLE AT THE WATER SUPPLY AT
THE GPM FLOW OF THE SPRINKLER SYSTEM, IN PSI
PS = THE STATIC PRESSURE, IN PSI
PR = THE RESIDUAL PRESSURE, IN PSI
QA = THE CALCULATED SPRINKLER DEMAND, IN GPM
QT = THE TEST FLOW ASSOCIATED WITH THE RESIDUAL
PRESSURE, IN GPM

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE #1:

DETERMINE WHETHER THE AVAILABLE SUPPLY ON A WATER NETWORK TESTED AT 80 PSI

STATIC PRESSURE, 20 PSI RESIDUAL PRESSURE WHEN FLOWING 900 GPM, IS CAPABLE
TO SUPPLY A SPRINKLER SYSTEM WITH A SYSTEM DEMAND OF 700 GPM AT 50 PSI.
SOLUTION:

FROM, PA = PS – [(PS – PR) x (QA/QT)¹·⁸⁵]

PA = 80 - [(80 – 20) x (700/900)¹·⁸⁵]
= 80 – [(60) x 0.628)]
= 80 – 37.7
PA = 42.3 psi

THE PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PA, THE

AVAILABLE PRESSURE, AND PR, THE SPRINKLER SYSTEM PRESSURE
DEMAND:

PD = PA – PR
= 42.3 – 50
PD = - 7.7 psi

N.B. PD MUST BE POSITIVE SUCH THAT THE WATER SUPPLY EXCEEDS THE
SYSTEM DEMAND. IN THIS CASE THE SPRINKLER SYSTEM CANNOT BE
SUPPLIED FROM THE EXISTING WATER NETWORK, UNLESS THE
PRESSURE DEMAND IS MODIFIED OR LOWERED.
 120
110

100
PRESSURE (PSI)

90
80 PSI STATIC SYSTEM DEMAND
80
700 GPM @ 50 PSI
70
PA = PS –(PS-PR) (QA/QT)¹·⁸⁵
60
= 42.3 PSI
50
20 PSI RESIDUAL
40
900 GPM FLOW
30
20
10
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FLOW X 100 (GPM)
GRAPHING A FIRE PUMP SUPPLY

A FIRE PUMP CURVE IS BASED UPON ITS RATED POINT, X-GPM AT Y-PSI.

THREE (3) RATING POINTS ON THE FIRE PUMP CURVE:

1. PRIMARY RATING POINT

(X-GPM) AT (Y- PSI) PUMP RATED CAPACITY

2. SECONDARY RATING POINT

(0.65) (Y-PSI), AT (1.5) (X-GPM) OVERLOAD, OR 150% POINT
(MAXIMUM PUMP CAPACITY)

3. SHUT OFF POINT

(1.4) (Y-PSI) SHUTOFF (PRESSURE AT ZERO FLOW
OR CHURN) – MAXIMUM
SOME MAY HAVE LOWER SHUT OFF
POINTS; MOST COMMON ARE 120%
AND 140%
 PUMP RATED AT 500 GPM @ 60 PSI

120

110
PUMP SHUTOFF PRESSURE
100 @ ZERO FLOW:
PRESSURE (PSI)

(1.4) Y = 84 PSI
90 FIRE PUMP RATED CAPACITY
X-GPM = 500 GPM
80 Y-PS1 = 60 PSI
PUMP OVERLOAD (150% POINT)
70 MAXIMUM PUMP CAPACITY
(0.65) Y = 0.65 (60) = 39 PSI
60 (1.5) X = 750 GPM
50
40
30
20
10
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FLOW X 100 (GPM)
SIZING FIRE PUMPS

COMBINING A FIRE PUMP AND CITY SUPPLY/EXISTING WATER NETWORK

“THE COMBINED CURVE OF A FIRE PUMP AND EXISTING WATER SUPPLY IS

DETERMINED BY SIMPLY ADDING THEM”.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE # 2:

A FIRE PUMP IS RATED AT 500 GPM AT 60 PSI. SHUT OFF POINT IS AT 140%. THE
CITY SUPPLY HAS BEEN TESTED TO BE 30 PSI STATIC, 15 PSI RESIDUAL, WITH 900
GPM FLOWING. THE SPRINKLER SYSTEM DEMAND IS 550 GPM AT 78 PSI.
DETERMINE THE COMBINED PUMP/CITY SUPPLY CURVE, AND THE PRESSURE
DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN THE COMBINED SUPPLY AND THE SPRINKLER SYSTEM
DEMAND.
SOLUTION:

DETERMINE THE PRESSURE AVAILABLE AT THE CITY SUPPLY AT THE THREE FIRE
PUMP RATING POINTS (0 GPM, 500 GPM, 750 GPM FLOWS):

AT 500 GPM FLOW,

PA = PS – (PS – PR) (QA/QT)¹·⁸⁵

= 30 – (30 – 15) (500/900)¹·⁸⁵
= 30 – (15) (0.337)
PA = 24.9 PSI

AT 750 GPM FLOW,

PA = 30 – (30 – 15) (750/900)¹·⁸⁸

= 30 – (15) (0.713)
PA = 19.3 PSI

ADD THE PUMP SUPPLY AND AVAILABLE PRESURE AT CITY SUPPLY TO GET THE
COMBINED PRESSURE:

AT 0 GPM : COMBINED PRESSURE, PC = 84 PSI + 30 PSI = 114 PSI

AT 500 GPM : COMBINED PRESSURE, PC = 60 PSI + 24.9 PSI = 84.9 PSI

AT 750 GPM : COMBINED PRESSURE, PC = 39 PSI + 19.3 PSI = 58.3 PSI

 180

160

150

140

130 84 PSI + 30 PSI = 114 PSI

120

110
60 PSI + 24.9 PSI = 89.9 PSI
PRESSURE (PSI)

100 84 PSI
90
550 GPM @ 78 PSI
80 SPRINKLER DEMAND
39 PSI + 19.3 PSI = 58.3 PSI
70

60

50
30 PSI STATIC 750 GPM @ 39 PSI
40 500 GPM @ 60 PSI

30

20

10 PA = 24.9 PSI PA = 19.3 15 PSI RESIDUAL

@ 900 GPM
0
100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000
FLOW (GPM)
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE # 3.

GIVEN :

SPRINKLER DEMAND : 1100 @ 85 PSI

WATER NETWORK SUPPLY : 70 PSI STATIC

34 PSI @ 1100 GPM

PUMP CURVE WITH ASSIGNED :

 CHURN OF 120% OF RATED HEAD

 150% OF RATED FLOW AT 65% OF RATED HEAD

SPECIFY : MOST ECONOMICAL PUMP

SOLUTION:

USE THE OVERLOAD PORTION OF THE PUMP CURVE (150%)

RATED FLOW = 1100/1.5 = 733.3 GPM, SPECIFY NEXT STANDARD PUMP SIZE 750 GPM

% OVERLOAD FLOW = 1100/750 = 147%

FROM PUMP CURVE, 147 % OF RATED CAPACITY PRODUCES 67% OF RATED HEAD

RATED HEAD = PRESSURE NEEDED FROM THE PUMP/0.67

= (SPRINKLER DEMAND PRESSURE – RESIDUALPRESSURE @ DEMAND FLOW)/0.67

RATED HEAD = (85 – 34) / 0.67 = 76.12 ≈ 77 PSI

MINIMUM FIRE PUMP RATING REQUIRED = 750 GPM @ 77 PSI

CHURN PRESSURE = (77 X 1.2) = 92.4 PSI

RATED HEAD =?

67% OF RATED HEAD

750 GPM 1100 GPM = 147% OF RATED CAP.

CHECK/VERIFY PERFORMANCE CURVES:

FROM THE DATA GIVEN:

PA @ 750 GPM FLOW,

PA = 70 – (70 – 34) (750/1100)¹·⁸⁵
= 70 – (36) (0.49)
PA = 52.275 PSI

PA @ 1100 GPM FLOW = 34 PSI – GIVEN

COMBINING THE AVAILABLE WATER PRESSURE AND PUMP PRESSURE.

AT 0 GPM FLOW : PC = 92.4 + 70 = 162.4 PSI

AT 750 GPM FLOW : PC = 77 + 52.275 = 129.275 PSI

AT 1100 GPM FLOW : PC = 77 (0.67) + 34 = 85.59 PSI

92.4 PSI
CHURN @ 120% .
77 PSI

51.59 PSI,
67% OF RATED PRESSURE

50.05 PSI

750 GPM 1100 GPM 1125 GPM

 170

160
. 0 GPM @ 162.4 PSI

150 750 GPM @129.275 PSI

140

130

120
.
1100 GPM @ 85.59 PSI
110 92.4 PSI

. ..
PRESSURE (PSI)

100
750 GPM @ 77 PSI

.
90

80

70
. 70 PSI STATIC

1100 GPM @ 51.6 PSI

60
.
.
50
34 PSI RESIDUAL
40 @ 1100 GPM
30

20

10

0
100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 1000 1100
900
FLOW (GPM)
EXAMPLE # 4. STORAGE TANK - HORT’L CENTRIFUGAL PUMP ARRANGEMENT

THE ESTIMATED WATER DEMAND FOR SPRINKLERS AND HOSE STREAMS IS 1400 GPM @
90 PSI. THE SUCTION SUPPLY IS A GROUND LEVEL STORAGE TANK, AND THE MINIMUM
INLET GAUGE PRESSURE IS 0 PSI AT MAXIMUM FLOW. DETERMINE THE REQUIRED RATED
CAPACITY AND PRESSURE OF THE PUMP.

STEP 1. MEET THE DEMAND OF 1400 GPM WITH THE MAX. CAPACITY OF THE PUMP, WHICH
IS 150% OF RATED CAPACITY,

1400/1.5 = 933 GPM

* USE THE NEAREST HIGHER STANDARD PUMP RATING OF 1000 GPM

* THEREFORE, 1400 GPM DEMAND WOULD BE 140% OF CAPACITY

STEP 2. FROM THE MANUFACTURER’S PUMP CHARACTERISTIC CURVE, DETERMINE THE

CORRESPONDING PRESSURE AT 140% CAPACITY.

SAY FROM THE CURVE USED,

AT 140% CAPACITY, THE TOTAL PRESSURE IS 72% OF RATED PRESSURE (THE

SUPPOSED RATED PRESSURE OF THE 1000 GPM PUMP, Y)

THUS AT 140% CAPACITY (1400 GPM) WITH NET PRESSURE OF

90 PSI (DISCHARGE) + 0 PSI (SUCTION) = 90 PSI,

THE RATED PRESSURE, Y AT 1000 GPM IS : Y = 90 PSI/0.72 = 125 PSI

THEREFORE: THE PUMP RATING SHALL NOT BE LESS THAN 1000 GPM @ 125 PSI.
HORSEPOWER OF FIRE PUMPS

BEFORE MATCHING A DRIVER TO A PUMP, IT IS NECESSARY TO KNOW THE MAXIMUM

BRAKE HORSEPOWER OF THE PUMP AT RATED SPEED. THIS DEMAND CAN BE
DETERMINED DIRECTLY FROM THE HORSEPOWER CURVE PROVIDED BY THE PUMP
MANUFACTURER. TYPICAL FIRE PUMPS REACH MAXIMUM BHP BETWEEN 140 AND 170
% OF RATED CAPACITY.

ENGINE HORSEPOWER FOR FIRE PUMP DRIVES:

BHP = 5.83 QP
10,000 X E

OR

BHP = QP/1710 X E

WHERE:
Q = FLOW, IN GPM
P = PRESSURE OR TOTAL HEAD, IN PSI
E = EFFICIENCY

N.B. THE EFFICIENCY AT MAX. BHP IS USUALLY 60 TO 75 PERCENT

FUEL SUPPLY REQUIREMENT

NFPA REQUIRES FUEL SUPPLY TANK/S TO HAVE A CAPACITY OF AT LEAST

EQUAL TO:

1 GAL PER HORSEPOWER (5.07 L/KW) + 5% VOLUME FOR

EXPANSION + 5% VOLUME FOR SUMP

N.B. THE 1 GAL/HP (5.07 L/KW) IS ALREADY ESTIMATED FOR AN 8 HRS

CONTINUOUS RUNNING OF THE ENGINE.

THE CAPACITY IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE 8 HRS OF FUEL WHEN FULL

AND ESTIMATES THAT THE PUMP DRIVER CAN BE OPERATED FOR A
MINIMUM OF 30 MINUTES ONCE A WEEK, PLUS 1 HR FOR ANNUAL
TESTING, AND STILL HAVE ADEQUATE FUEL FOR THE REQUIRED 2 TO 4
HRS REQUIRED BY THE FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM. THIS CAN BE DONE
BY FILLING THE FUEL TANK ONLY ON A QUARTERLY BASIS.
ENGR. JOEFFREY D. BUSTINERA
College of engineering
Camarines Sur polytechnic colleges,
Nabua Camarines Sur
 4. SPACING OF SPRINKLERS
From NFPA_13 – Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems

Table 4-6.2: Protection Areas and Maximum Spacing (SSU/SSP)

Light Hazard Ordinary Hazard Extra Hazard

Construction Type Protection Maximum Protection Maximum Protection Maximum

Area Spacing Area Spacing Area Spacing
Ft2 (m2) Ft. (m) Ft2 (m2) Ft. (m) Ft2 (m2) Ft. (m)

Non-combustible
225 (20.9)
Obstructed and
Unobstructed
200 (18.6) 15 (4.57) 130 (12.0) 15 (4.57) 100 (9.3) 12 (3.6)
For pipe
Combustible
schedule
unobstructed

Combustible
168 (15.6) 15 (4.57) 130 (12.0) 15 (4.57) 100 (9.3) 12 (3.6)
obstructed

Legend:
SSU – Sprinkler Standard Upright (K-factor = 5.6 gpm/psi ; 8.0 lpm/kpa)
SSP – Sprinkler Standard Pendent (K-factor = 5.6 gpm/psi ; 8.0 lpm/kpa)
Table 4-7.2: Protection Areas and Maximum Spacing (Standard Sidewall Spray Sprinkler)

Ordinary Hazard
Light Hazard

Non-combustible Non-combustible
Combustible or Limited Combustible or Limited
Finish combustible Finish combustible
Finish Finish

Maximum distance
14 ft (4.3 m) 14 ft (4.3 m) 10 ft (3.0 m) 10 ft (3.0 m)
along the wall

Maximum room
12 ft (3.7 m) 14 ft (4.3 m) 10 ft (3.0 m) 10 ft (3.0 m)
width (L)

Maximum
120 ft2 (11.1 m2) 196 ft2 (18.2 m2) 80 ft2 (7.4 m2) 100 ft2 (9.3 m2)
protection area
5. PIPE SIZING SCHEDULE

Table 6-5.2.2: Light Hazard Pipe Schedule

Steel Copper

1 in (25 mm) ……….………….….. 2 sprinklers 1 in (25 mm) ……….………….….. 2 sprinklers

1 ¼ in (32 mm) …………………… 3 sprinklers 1 ¼ in (32 mm) …………………… 3 sprinklers
1 ½ in (40 mm) …………………… 5 sprinklers 1 ½ in (40 mm) …………………… 5 sprinklers
2 in (50 mm) …………………….. 10 sprinklers 2 in (50 mm) …………………….. 12 sprinklers
2 ½ (65 mm) ……………………. 30 sprinklers 2 ½ (65 mm) ……………………. 40 sprinklers
3 in (75 mm) …………………….. 60 sprinklers 3 in (75 mm) …………………….. 65 sprinklers
3 ½ (90 mm) ………………….... 100 sprinklers 3 ½ (90 mm) ………………….... 115 sprinklers
4 in (100 mm) …………………... see 4-2.1 4 in (100 mm) …………………... see 4-2.1

Table 6-5.3.2: Ordinary Hazard Pipe Schedule

Steel Copper

1 in (25 mm) ……….………….….. 2 sprinklers 1 in (25 mm) ……….………….….. 2 sprinklers

1 ¼ in (32 mm) …………………… 3 sprinklers 1 ¼ in (32 mm) …………………… 3 sprinklers
1 ½ in (40 mm) …………………… 5 sprinklers 1 ½ in (40 mm) …………………… 5 sprinklers
2 in (50 mm) …………………….. 10 sprinklers 2 in (50 mm) …………………….. 12 sprinklers
2 ½ (65 mm) ……………………. 20 sprinklers 2 ½ (65 mm) ……………………. 25 sprinklers
3 in (75 mm) …………………….. 40 sprinklers 3 in (75 mm) …………………….. 45 sprinklers
3 ½ (90 mm) ……………….……. 65 sprinklers 3 ½ (90 mm) ……………….……. 75 sprinklers
4 in (100 mm) ………………….. 100 sprinklers 4 in (100 mm) ………………….. 115 sprinklers
5 in (125 mm) ………………….. 160 sprinklers 5 in (125 mm) ………………….. 180 sprinklers
6 in (150 mm) ………………….. 275 sprinklers 6 in (150 mm) ………………….. 300 sprinklers
8 in (200 mm) ………………….. see 4-2.1 8 in (200 mm) ………………….. see 4-2.1
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Discharge Head
The required discharge head, whether expressed in feet of head (ft.) or pounds per square inch (psi), is the pressure that is
required to produce the sum of:

The required residual pressure at the highest, most remote fire department valve outlet at the required flow rate.
The frictional losses of fittings, valves and lengths of piping in the flow path, adding the friction of subsequent flowing
standpipes from the most remote outlet back to the source fire pump.
The static elevation pressure of the most remote outlet’s location (2.31 ft. = 0.434 psi).

The required residual pressure varies with the codes in question. For example, the requirements are 25 psi in New York, 65
psi in Chicago and 100 psi for the International Building Code and International Fire Code. The 100 psi requirement appears
in NFPA 14, the Standpipe Installation Standard.

The piping design layout influences the frictional losses. The Building Code may dictate requirements for the piping layout,
especially as the building’s overall height increases, resulting in the need for multiple zones.

Design Points on the Fire Pump Curve

The estimated discharge pressure for the system is established at the pump’s discharge flange. The estimated gallons per
minute flow rate required for the system’s supply is determined using the required pressure. The duty point or “Primary
Rating Point” of the fire pump expresses the overall system’s 100% Q (flow rate) at 100% P (pressure) requirements.
This is the design point on the pump curve that is normally used to select and specify the fire pump model and the
horsepower.

NFPA 20 prescribes two additional points that must be met on the fire pump curves.
The “Secondary Rating Point” of 150% Q at 65% P expresses the conditions at the normal fire pump test flow point.
The “Shut-Off” condition of 0% Q at 120 to 140% P expresses the pump’s discharge pressure at no flow.

All fire pumps listed for fire protection service must have performance curves that meet these three curve conditions. Fire
pumps are generally selected within a range of 90% to 130% of the primary rating point of a given pump capacity. As an
example, a 750-gpm pump might be selected and utilized for a demand of between 675 gpm and 975 gpm, but once the
primary rating point of the next size pump is reached, the larger pump should be selected.
Once a fire pump is selected from a specific manufacturer’s curve, other important system design points can be evaluated.
Plotting the fire pump’s performance curve on a graph of the project’s water flow test data allows for the prediction of the
system’s maximum churn pressure.

According to NFPA 20, the “Shut-Off”condition pressure, plus the water supply static pressure, should not exceed 175 psi for
single-zone sprinkler/standpipe systems and 350 psi in multiple-zone systems.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE # 5:

FROM THE DATA AND RESULTS IN EXAMPLE # 3 , FIND BY FORMULA THE

MINIMUM HORSEPOWER REQUIRED TO DRIVE THE PUMP.

DATA FROM PRECEEDING EXAMPLE:

- PUMP RATING : 750 GPM @ 77 PSI
- THE PRESSURE IS 67% AT 147% CAPACITY

SOLUTION:

STEP 1. ASSUME 65% EFFICIENCY AT THE 147% RATED CAPACITY

STEP 2. FROM THE GIVEN DATA, AT 147% CAPACITY (1100 GPM) THE
PRESSURE IS 67% OR (0.67 X 77 = 51.59 PSI)

N.B. DETAILS OF STEP 2 IS OBTAINED IN THE PUMP CURVE.

STEP 3. BY FORMULA,

BHP = QP/1710XE = (1100)(51.59)/1710 X 0.65

BHP = 51 HP