FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

SBS5313
FIRE SERVICES

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM

AUTOMATIC FIRE DETECTION & ALARM SYSTEM

C.W.Fok
 AUTOMATIC FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM SYSTEM
• Introduction
• A key aspect of fire protection is to identify a developing fire emergency in a
timely manner and to alert the building’s occupants and fire department.
This is the role of fire detection and alarm systems.
• Depending on the anticipated fire scenario, building and use type, number
and type of occupants, and criticality of contents and mission, these systems
can provide several main functions. First, they provide a means to identify a
developing fire through either manual or automatic methods and second,
they alert building occupants to a fire conditions and the need to evacuate.
Another common function is the transmission of an alarm notification signal
to the fire department. They may also shut down electrical, air handling
equipment or special process operation, and they may be used to initiate
automatic suppression systems.
AUTOMATIC FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM SYSTEM
Automatic Fire Detection and Alarm Systems consist of the
following components:

(1) Control Panel

(2) Manual Fire Alarm Call Point

(3) Heat detectors

(4) Smoke detectors

(5) Audio and Visual Fire Alarms

(1) CONTROL PANEL
The control panel is the “brain” of the fire detection and alarm
system. It is responsible for monitoring various alarm input devices
such as manual and automatic detection components, and
then activating alarm output devices such as bells, horns,
warning lights. There are two main control panel arrangements,
conventional and addressable.

In conventional or “point wired” fire detection and alarm systems,

one or more circuits are routed through the protected space or
building. Along each circuit, detection devices are placed.
Upon fire occurrence, one or more detectors will operate. This
action closes the circuit, which the fire control panel recognizes
as an emergency condition. The panel will then activate one or
more signaling circuits to sound building alarms. The panel may
also send the signal to the Fire Services Department through the
Direct Link provision.
SCHEMATIC OF AUTOMATIC AND MANUAL FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM PANEL
DIRECT LINK CONNECTION ( REFERENCE )
a
Addressable or “intelligent” systems, unlike conventional alarm methods,
monitor and control the capabilities of each alarm initiating and signaling
device through microprocessors and system software. In effect, each
intelligent fire alarm system is a small computer overseeing and operating a
series of input and output devices.
In an addressable system, each initiating device ( automatic detector,
manual call point, etc ) is given a specific identification or “address”. This
address is correspondingly programmed into the control panel’s memory
with information such as the type of device, its location, and specific
response details such as which alarm devices are to be activated.
(2) MANUAL FIRE ALARM CALL POINT
It is a simple device to let people activate the building fire alarm
system as human can be excellent fire detectors.
They are simple device, and can be highly reliable when the
building is occupied. The key disadvantage is that they will not
work when the building is unoccupied.
(3) HEAT DETECTOR
There are two main types of heat detectors :

A. Fixed temperature heat detectors

B. Rate-of-rise heat detectors

A. Fixed temperature heat detectors are :

- Oldest types in use,
- Relatively inexpensive,
- Least prone to false alarms,
- Activation temperature slightly above highest ceiling
temperature ( the most common temperature point is 58˚C )

Fixed temperature heat detectors detect heat by one or more of three

primary principle:
- Expansion of heated material (bi-metal)
- Melting of heated material
- Changes in resistance of heated material
FIXED TEMPERATURE HEAT DETECTOR
FIXED TEMPERATURE HEAT DETECTOR
FIXED TEMPERATURE HEAT DETECTOR
B. Rate-of-rise heat detectors

- Operate on the principle that the temperature in a room will

increase faster from fire than from atmospheric temperature
- Will initiate an alarm when the rise in temperature exceeds 7~8℃
per minute
- Alarm can be initiated at a temperature far below that required for
a fixed-temperature heat detector
- Reliable devices, not subject to false activations
- but if not properly installed, they can be activated under non-fire
conditions (e.g., detector located too close to doorway and
subject to extreme fluctuation in temperatures).
RATE-OF-RISE HEAT DETECTOR
RATE-OF-RISE HEAT DETECTOR
 SMOKE DETECTOR
Aside from heat detectors, you have three options when it comes to smoke
detectors: (1) ionization, (2) photoelectric, or (3) a combination of the two.
(1)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.
 SMOKE DETECTOR
(2)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.
 SMOKE DETECTOR
(3) Dual-sensor (combination unit)
• Dual-sensor (combination unit) utilize both technologies—ionization and
photoelectric. With the capabilities of both in place, you increase your
chances of being alerted to fire. In fact, The National Fire Protection Agency
(NFPA) recommends using both technologies to get the most protection.
 Photoelectric smoke detector (optical smoke detector) working principle

• A photoelectric smoke detector (optical smoke detector) works using the

light scatter principle. The alarm contains a pulsed Infra red LED which pulses
a beam of light into the sensor chamber every 10 seconds to check for
smoke particles.
 Photoelectric smoke detector (optical smoke detector) working principle

• When a fire breaks out smoke will enter the optical chamber through the
opening vents. Smoke detector from quality manufacturers have the
chamber protected with insect screens to stop bugs entering and causing
false alarms.
 Photoelectric smoke detector (optical smoke detector) working principle

• As the smoke enters the optical chamber, its particles cause the Infra red
light to be scattered onto the photodiode light receptor.
• Once the scattered light hits the photodiode light receptor, a signal is sent to
the integrated circuit which causes the alarm to sound alerting the
occupants to the fire.
 IONIZATION SMOKE DETECTOR
• An ionization smoke detector typically consists of two plates in close proximity to
each other and a radioactive source (typically, this consists of a very small quantity
of radioactive element, Americium).
• Both plates are connected with a battery, which applies voltage to the plates.
Consequently, one plate is charged positively (+) and the other one negatively (-).
• The radioactive source constantly releases alpha particles that knock off the
electrons from the surrounding air atoms, thus ionizing the nitrogen and oxygen
atoms within the detector chamber. The positively-charged ions are attracted to the
negative plate whereas the negatively-charged iones are attracted to the positive
plate, thus creating a small, continuous electric current. This small ionization current
that can be easily measured by electronic circuitry which is connected to the
plates.
• When smoke molecules enter the ionization chamber, the smoke particles attach to
the ions and neutralize them. Consequently, the total number of ionized particles in
the chamber is reduced. This reduction yields a decrease in the chamber current
that is sensed by the electronic circuitry. The drop of current between the plates
triggers an alarm. An externally visible red LED lights up when the detector alarm
state is energised.
 IONIZATION SMOKE DETECTOR WORKING PRINCIPLE

The alpha particles knock off

the electrons from the
surrounding air atoms, thus
ionizing the nitrogen and
oxygen atoms within the
The radioactive source detector chamber. A small yet
constantly releases constant ionization current can
alpha particles be easily measured by
electronic circuitry

When smoke molecules enter the ionization

chamber, the smoke particles attach to the
ions and neutralize them. Consequently,
the total number of ionized particles in the
chamber is reduced. This reduction yields a
decrease in the chamber current that is
sensed by the electronic circuitry. The drop
of current between the plates triggers an
alarm.
IONIZATION SMOKE DETECTOR WORKING PRINCIPLE
• Charasteristics of ionisation smoke detectors
• Ionisation detectors respond more quickly to flaming fires with smaller
combustion particles, due to their sensitivity to minute smoke particles. They
are more prone to false alarms compared to photoelectric detectors, which
respond more quickly to smoldering fires.
• Ionisation detectors are usually less costly compared to photoelectric
detectors.
 COMPARISON BETWEEN HEAT AND SMOKE DETECTOR
Heat Detector Smoke Detector

Fixed Temp. Rate-of-rise Photoelectric Ionization

Types of detection Detect fixed temp. Detect rate of Detect smoldering fire Detect flaming fire
change of temp.

False Alarm Reliable, not likely to Reliable, not likely to Sensitive, prone to Sensitive, prone to
give off false alarm give off false alarm give off a false alarms give off false alarms

Suitable locations of Kitchen, E/M plant Kitchen, E/M plant Office, lounges where Hotel bedroom where
application room, laundry room, laundry there is not enough there is lots of
workshop, where workshop, where combustible to cause combustible to act as
steam, dust and fire steam, dust and fire a flaming fire fuel for the fire
are always in place are always in place

Type of fire safety Not a life safety Not a life safety A life safety device A life safety device
protection device device
According to FS COP, fire detection system shall be
installed in accordance with BS5839: Part 1 with
necessary modification to suit local application under
FSD Circular Letter 1/2009.
In general, siting of heat and smoke detectors are
recommended as follows according to BS5839 :
 7.5m
15m Smoke detector
arrangement

• Clearance below both heat and smoke detector is 500 mm.

• Smoke detector is installed within ceiling height limit (general) of 10.5 m.
• Heat detector is installed within ceiling height limit (general) of 9 m for Class
A1 to BS EN 54-5 (ie, typical application temperature of 25˚C) and 7.5 m for
other Classes to BS EN 54-5
• In detector installation, ceiling obstructions > 10% overall ceiling height are
treated as wall. For example, if an overall ceiling height is 3m, a beam more
than 300mm below the ceiling soffit shall be treated as wall.
• In detector installation, partitions or storage racks reaching within 300 mm of
the ceiling are treated as wall.
• Detectors are mounted 1 m from any air inlet of forced ventilation system.
 FLAME DETECTOR
• A flame detector is a sensor designed to detect and respond to the
presence of a flame or fire.
• A flame detector can often respond faster and more accurately than a
smoke or heat detector due to the mechanisms it uses to detect the flame.
Most of flame detectors are using optical sensing technique detecting
different spectrum and wavelengths. Hence, they can respond to flames in
less than a second.
• There are three types of flame detectors currently available.
• They are Infrared (IR), Ultraviolet (UV), and a combination of UV and IR.
• Infrared (IR)
• There are two types of Infrared detectors, single frequency and multi
spectrum.

• The basic principle of operation for a single frequency IR detector is ;

• The detector is sensitive to a narrow band of radiation around the 4.4 micron
range which is a predominant emission band for hydrocarbon fueled fires.
Single frequency detectors use a pyroelectric(熱釋電奈米發電)sensor, which
responds to changes in IR radiation intensity. In addition they incorporate a
low frequency band pass filter, which limits their response to those
frequencies that are characteristic of a flickering fire. In response to a fire
signal from the sensor, electronic circuitry in the detector generates an
output signal.
• Strengths of the single frequency IR detector are;
• Highly immune to optical contaminants like oil, dirt, and dust
• High speed response under 30 milliseconds for some brands
• Insensitive to solar, welding, lightning, X-rays, sparks, arcs and corona
• Limitations of the single frequency IR detector are;
• Generally not suitable for non-carbon fires
• Some brands will respond to modulated infra-red sources
• Rain, ice and water vapour on the detector lens will inhibit detection
• The basic principle of operation for a multi spectrum IR detector is ;

• The detector has three sensors, each sensitive to a different frequency of

radiation. The IR radiation emitted by a typical hydrocarbon fire is more
intense at the wavelength accepted by one sensor than the other two.
Electronic circuitry in the detector translates the difference in intensity of the
three sensors to a ratio, that along with a synchronous flicker must be present
before a fire signal is produced. This allows the detector to reject high
intensity flickering black body radiation sources since these sources will not
meet the proper ratio criteria.
• Strengths of the multi spectrum IR detector are ;
• Virtually immune to false alarms
• Fire response in the presence of modulated infra-red black body radiation
with some brands
• Long detection range (60 metres to some fires)

• Limitations of multi spectrum IR detector are ;

• Typical response time is longer when compared to single frequency
detectors
• IR detectors are sensitive to most hydrocarbon fires (liquids, gases, and solids).
Fires such as burning metals, ammonia, hydrogen and sulphur do not emit
significant amounts of IR in the detector’s sensitivity range to activate an
alarm. IR detectors are suitable for applications where hydrocarbon fires are
likely to occur and high concentrations of airborne contaminants and / or
UV radiation sources may be present. The detector should be used with
caution when the presence of hot objects and the potential for ice build up
on the detector are likely.
• ULTRAVIOLET FLAME DETECTORS
• A UV detector uses a sensor tube that detects radiation emitted in the 1000
to 3000 angstrom (one ten billionth of a metre) range.
• It is important to note that ultraviolet radiation from the sun that reaches
earth starts at 2800 angstrom. If the detector’s sensor has a wide range then
it will be triggered by the sun’s rays, which means it is only suitable for indoor
use.
• There are sensors available with a range of 1800 to 2500 angstroms. Virtually
all fires emit radiation in this band. In response to UV radiation from a flame
that falls within the narrow band, the sensor generates a series of pulses that
are converted by the detector electronics into an alarm output.
• Strengths of the UV detector are ;
• Responds to hydrocarbon, hydrogen and metal fires
• High speed response – under 10 milliseconds
• Solar insensitive
• Limitations of the UV detector are ;
• Will respond to welding at long range
• May respond to lightning, X-rays, sparks, arcs, and corona
• Some gases and vapours will inhibit detection
• Some UV sensors have a wide detection range resulting in solar false alarms

• UV detectors are sensitive to most fires, including hydrocarbon (liquids, gases,

and solids), metals (magnesium), sulphur, hydrogen, hydrazine and
ammonia. The UV detector is the most flexible general purpose optical fire
detector available. They are fast, reliable, have few false alarm sources and
respond to virtually any fire.
• ULTRAVIOLET / INFRARED FLAME DETECTORS
• A UV/IR detector consists of an UV and single frequency IR sensor paired to
form one unit. The two sensors individually operate the same as previously
described, but additional circuitry processes signals from both sensors. This
means the combined detector has better false alarm rejection capabilities
than the individual UV or IR detectors.
• Strengths of the UV/IR detector are ;
• Virtually immune to false alarms
• High speed response – under 500 milliseconds
• Solar, welding, lightning, X-rays, sparks, arcs, and corona insensitive

• Limitations of UV/IR detector are ;

• Not recommended for non carbon fires
• Some gases and vapours will inhibit detection due to blinding of the UV sensor
• Since the UV/IR detector pairs two sensor types, it will typically only detect
fires that emit both UV and flickering IR radiation. UV detectors will respond
to virtually all fires including hydrocarbon (liquids, gases, and solids), metals
(magnesium), sulfur, hydrogen, hydrazine and ammonia. IR detectors
typically only respond to hydrocarbon fires. Since the IR detector is not
sensitive to burning metals, ammonia, hydrogen and sulfur, the combined
unit will not respond to these fires.
• The detector is suitable for applications where hydrocarbon fires are likely
and other sources of radiation may be present (X-rays, hot surfaces, arc
welding). They maintain constant protection while arc welding takes place.
The UV/IR detectors are highly reliable with fast response times and low
propensity to false alarms.
• FLAME DETECTOR INSTALLATION
• As with all fire detectors the placement of flame detectors is determined by
the environment that they will be operating in. Some of the factors to
consider are;
• The viewing angle of the detector
• The detection range
• Obstructions such as girders, beams, supports, hoists, air conditioners and
other solid objects will block the cone of vision and / or hinder access for
service
• All high risk fire ignition areas must be covered by at least one detector
• Adequate detector coverage will ensure that ‘voids’ in the optical
coverage do not occur
• Optimum detector mounting height is a function of the height of the most
likely point of fire ignition
FLAME DETECTOR SELECTION
When selecting which type of flame detector to use there are 6 questions to
be answered;
• What is the area to be protected (aircraft hanger, storage tank, turbine
enclosure etc)?
• What are the dimensions of the area that I’m protecting?
• What are the anticipated sources of fire?
• Each type of fuel, when burning produces a flame with specific radiation
characteristics. The detector must be chosen for the type of fire that is
probable. For example, a UV detector will respond to a hydrogen fire but an
IR detector will not.
• What other sources of radiation will be present ?
• Radiation sources other than fire are present in many applications. For
example, arc welding is often performed in an industrial area. IR or UV/IR
detectors will ignore arc welding where a UV will give false alarm. Each
application must be assessed to determine if any such sources are present
before choosing a detector.
• What will prevent the detector from detecting a fire ?
• Industrial environments often contain elements that inhibit the ability of a
detector to ‘see’ a fire. For example, a build up of ice on an IR detector will
reduce the detector’s range. A build up of oil on a UV detector will reduce
its range. Other obstructions such as pipes, partitions, air conditioners etc will
block the optical viewing area. If a fire started on the other side of a partition
it would not be detected.
 COMPARISON FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF DETECTORS
Heat Optical Ionization Flame
General response slow fast Fairly fast Very fast

Sensing elements Temperature rise/change Larger smoke Invisible smoke Infra-red or ultra-
particles>5 microns particles 0-5 microns violet
Detecting smouldering poor Quite good good Not suitable
fires
Detecting overheating good Not suitable Not suitable Not suitable
temperature
Flame Slow (when flame rise the Fairly fast(when flame Fast Very Fast
temperature) generate smoke
Explosion Possible unlikely unlikely Not suitable

Price Cheapest Reasonable Reasonable Expensive

Area of coverage Small large large Very large

Reversibility Melting type is irreversible resettable resettable resettable

Mounting position Indoor - ceiling Indoor - ceiling Indoor - ceiling Anywhere(indoor

or outdoor) – clear
line of sight must
be maintained
False alarm Not easy Easy Easy Not easy
AUDIO AND VISUAL FIRE ALARM
An audio and visual fire alarm signal let people know that the fire
alarm system has been activated and evacuation is needed.

Audio fire alarms include bells, horns, sirens, voice driver.

Visual fire alarm are usually strobes.

For VFA systems, the visual alarm signal shall be in form of red
flashing light and the minimum rating of a VFA shall be 15 cd. For
spacing, the basic requirement is that the flashing light should be
visible to normal eyesight in all areas required to be protected. A
broad guideline for the installation is that one VFA point shall be
located near every hose reel and alarm point, Each compartment
shall be provided with at lease one VFA point and the maximum
distance between two VFA points shall not exceed 60 m.

Where two or more strobes can be seen, their operation must be

synchronized.
PORTABLE FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT

A portable fire extinguisher is an item of equipment that can be

carried and moved by a person for the purpose of extinguishing
a fire. It is, however, effectively only for the type and size of a fire
that it is rated for.

Portable fire extinguishers are generally provided as “first attack”

units in fire fighting and should be used only in early stages of fire
before the fire grows to a stage that is beyond the capacity of
the extinguisher. Types of fire extinguishers approved by the FSD
of HKSAR are :
PORTABLE FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT
PORTABLE FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT
 TUTORIAL
Suggest a suitable type of fire detector for each of the following situations,
giving reasons for your suggestions :
Location of installation Type of detector : Reasons
1=heat detector (fixed temp)
2=heat detector (rate-of-rise)
3=smoke detector (optical)
4=smoke detector (ionization)
5=flame detector
Emergency generator room

Air-conditioning plant room

Office(fire with initial emission

of invisible smoke particles)
Kitchen

Large warehouses for storage

of flammable liquids