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05 Module 4 Bldg. Service Systems

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
31 views17 pages

05 Module 4 Bldg. Service Systems

engineering
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 17

MODULE 4- BUILDING SERVICE

SYSTEMS

Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of the topics, you should be able to:


1. Identify and explain the basic principles of Electrical systems in building
design.
2. Identify and explain the basic principles of Mechanical systems in building
design
3. Identify and explain the basic principles of Plumbing systems in building
design
4. Identify and explain the basic principles of Fire Protection Systems

Definition of Terms

Circuit breaker- is an overcurrent protection device that serves two purposes:


It acts as a switch that can be opened and closed manually, and most
importantly, it automatically “trips off,” which opens the circuit when current
flowing through it exceeds the circuit rating.
Fuse- is an overcurrent protection device that consists of a strip of metal with a
low melting temperature
Hoistway- is a shaft in which an elevator travels
Illumination-a phenomenon when light falls on a surface and it becomes visible
Panelboard- is one or more metal cabinets that serve as a single unit, including
buses, automatic overcurrent protection devices (fuses or circuit breakers).
Skylight- is a transparent panel located in a roof opening that allows direct and
diffuse sunlight into the building.
Troffer- Recessed fluorescent fixture (from trough plus coffer).
Switchboard- is a large cabinet or assembly of metal cabinets in which is
connected disconnecting switches, overcorrect protection devices (fuses or
circuit breakers), other protective devices, and instruments designed to divide
large amounts of electrical current into smaller amounts of current used by
electrical equipment.

Page 1 of 17
Discussion

Lesson 1: ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS-LIGHTING,


ELECTRICAL, COMMUNICATION AND
SECURITY

A. LIGHTING
Lighting has a tremendous effect on the manner in which a space will be
experienced and perceived. Architects often work closely with lighting designers,
who provide expertise on the technical aspects and effects of lighting and how
they can best serve the design and function of a space. Lighting designers
provide lighting specifications for the project and coordinate much of their design
information with the electrical drawings and reflected ceiling plans.

Goals of a Lighting Design


The goal of lighting is to create an efficient and pleasing interior. These two
requirements, that is, the utilitarian· and aesthetic, are not antithetical as is
demonstrated by every good lighting design. Light can and should be used as an
adjunct architectural material.
a. Lighting levels should be adequate for efficient seeing of the particular
task involved. Variations within acceptable brightness ratios in a given
field of view are desirable to avoid monotony .and to create perspective
effects.
b. Lighting equipment should be unobtrusive, but not necessarily invisible.
Fixtures can be chosen and arranged in various ways to complement the
architecture or to create dominant or minor architectural features or
patterns. Fixtures may also be decorative and thus enhance the interior
design.
c. Lighting must have the proper quality. Accent lighting directional
lighting and other highlighting techniques increase the utilitarian as well
as architectural quality of a space.
d. The entire lighting design must be accomplished efficiently in terms of
capital and energy resources; the former determined principally by life-
cycle costs and the latter by operating energy costs and resource-energy
usage. Both the capital and energy limitations are, to a large extent,
outside the control of the designer, who works within constraints in these
areas.
Design Guidelines
1. Design lighting for expected activity
2. Design with more effective luminaires and fenestration.
3. Use efficient light sources
4. Use more efficient luminaires
5. Use thermal-controlled luminaires

Page 2 of 17
6. Use lighter finishes on ceilings, walls, floors, and furnishings.
7. Use Efficient Incandescent Lamps
8. Turn Off lights When Not Needed
9. Control Window Brightness
10. Utilize Day lighting as Practicable
11. Keep Lighting Equipment Clean and In Good Working Order.
12. Post Instructions Covering Operation and Maintenance

1. ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING
Characteristics of Artificial Lighting
•Lamp is a device that generates light. A bulb is the glass portion of a
lamp that encloses and protects the working parts of the light source,
whereas a lamp is a source of light.
•Luminaire is a complete lighting unit, which consists of a lamp (or
lamps), lamp socket(s), any lenses, refractors, or louvers, any ballast (or
ballasts), and the housing. Luminaires include fluorescent troffers,
downlights, spot or accent lighting, task lighting, and outdoor area and
flood lighting.
•Light fixture is the luminaire less the lamp(s). It includes the structural
parts of a luminaire including any lenses, mounting supports, wiring, and
ballasts, but does not include the lamps
Types of Artificial Light Sources

a. Incandescent lamps-The A-series incandescent light bulb


has long been the ‘classic’ multipurpose bulb type. The most
common size is the A19 (2-3/8” dia.)

b. Fluorescent lamps- is composed of a tubular glass bulb


that is covered with a thin phosphor coating on its inside surface
•Linear fluorescent lamps
(LFL) are commercially
available in straight, U-
shaped of circular tubes
in a variety of sizes,
wattages, voltages,
colors, and types of
bases.

•Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) -are miniaturized


fluorescent
lamps. They are fluorescent lights designed to replace
incandescent bulbs - many screw into the same fixtures, and
the fluorescent tube has been folded and curved to it the
same volume as a typical incandescent bulb. CFLs use less
power and last longer than incandescent, though their
mercury content makes safe disposal difficult.
Page 3 of 17
C.Tungsten-halogen lamps- frequently called halogen lamps, are a smaller,
brighter, and more expensive version of the incandescent lamp. These lamps
contain high-pressure halogen gases such as iodine or bromine, which allow the
tungsten filaments to be operated at higher temperatures and higher efficacies.

•MR (Multi-faceted Reflector)-The inside surface of MR


lamps is faceted and covered in a reflective coating.
The light is produced by a single-ended quartz halogen
filament capsule.

•PAR (Parabolic Aluminized Reflector) PARs contain the light


bulb, reflector, and lens within one unit, allowing them to
shape and concentrate light for specific tasks and settings.
The light is a sealed beam incandescent.

d. Gaseous discharge lamp- produces continuous light by passing electricity


through a gas contained within the lamp.

2. DAYLIGHTING (Natural Lighting)


Daylighting is the efficient and effective use of direct,
diffuse, or reflected sunlight to provide full or
supplemental illumination for building interiors during
hours of sunlight. Sunlight diminishes the need for
artificial light in buildings and thus saves lighting costs.
In some buildings, an overall saving of up to 80% in
lighting energy costs can be achieved during sunlight
hours.
• Direct light travels in a straight-line path from the sun
and tends to be more intense than diffuse and reflected
sunlight. Glare from direct sunlight can cause
discomfort when the occupant is watching television,
working at a computer, or reading.
• Reflected light strikes a surface, such as a sidewalk or
automobile, and reflects off the surface in another direction. Because the receiving
surface absorbs some sunlight before reflecting the light, the reflected light is less
intense than direct sunlight. Glare from reflected sunlight can cause occupant
discomfort.
• Diffuse light is light that has been reflected or refracted by clouds, glazing, or other
objects. It accounts for most of the daylight received at the earth’s surface on a cloudy
day. It is less intense than direct and reflected light and typically results in less glare.

Page 4 of 17
Daylighting Strategies
Daylighting systems must be designed to provide illumination in areas where it is most
needed (e.g., northern spaces, internal spaces, and ground levels of tall buildings) and
to do so without adversely
affecting occupant comfort (e.g.,
limiting glare and excessively
spotty lighting). A basic
daylighting strategy is to increase
the number and size of glazed
areas in the walls or ceilings of a
building, but simply using large
glazed openings does not ensure
good daylighting.
The following are common
daylighting strategies:
1. Windows
2. Skylights
3. Light Pipes

B. ELECTRICAL

Basic Design Considerations


In electrical design there are numerous possible solutions. Experience guides the
designer to a solution that best suits the need of the building occupant. The designer
achieves a good solution by:
• Observing and evaluating existing installations and adapting them to meet the project
requirements
• Applying electrical systems theory
• Applying Code requirements.

Design of an electrical system begins with the


layout of all outlets or outlet connections.
Symbols are used to indicate the approximate
location of convenience receptacles, lighting
outlets, and special purpose outlets. At first,
these symbols are located without
consideration of circuit design.
Connecting the symbols with wiring circuits
comes after all outlet locations are identified.
A building electrical system consists of several
circuits that extend out from the switchboard or
panelboard.

Page 5 of 17
Branch Circuit Requirements
•Branch Circuiting
A branch circuit is that portion of a building wiring system that extends beyond the
final overcurrent protection device that is protecting a circuit. It provides power from a
circuit breaker or fuse in the panelboard to single or multiple points of use called outlets.
An outlet is a point in a wiring system where current is taken to supply an appliance,
piece of equipment, or lighting installation. A branch circuit is composed of an
overcurrent protection device (fuse or circuit breaker), wiring, and one or more outlets.

•Individual Circuits
These circuits provide power to a single outlet such as a receptacle serving a range,
clothes dryer, or copy machine. Although there are no size limitations for an individual
circuit rating, appliances and equipment rated at above 25 A must be placed on a
separate individual circuit because of the 50% maximum single load limitation in general
purpose circuiting. Usually connected loads above 20 A are placed on an individual
circuit. It is good practice to provide individual circuits for loads above 1500 W. Motors
above 1⁄8 hp should also be placed on an individual circuit. Generally, individual circuits
are required for the following appliances and equipment:
• Kitchen range (both stand-alone and counter-mounted units)
• Oven
• Microwave (built-in)
• Waste disposal
• Dishwasher
• Clothes washer
• Clothes dryer
• Electric water heater
• Furnace
• Boiler circulating pump motor (large commercial and industrial)
• HVAC air-handling unit
• Large machinery (e.g., table saw, lathe, milling machine, machining center, elevator)
• Large equipment (e.g., large copy machines, compressors, HVAC blowers)

Device and Equipment Requirements


•Requirements for Switches and
Receptacles
Switches must be selected to match the load
they control. Large lighting installations that
require many switches may have the switches
contained within a panelboard-like enclosure
called lighting control panel.

Receptacles must be selected to match the


appliance or equipment they serve.
Ordinary convenience receptacles and switches
are generally wall mounted. There are no specific mounting height requirements for wall
switches and receptacles.
Switches are normally mounted approximately 48 in (1.2 m) above finished floor
(AFF), unless otherwise specified. Convenience receptacles are normally mounted
approximately 16 in AFF (400 mm), unless otherwise specified. Convenience
receptacles in bathrooms and restrooms are normally mounted approximately 44 in
AFF (1.1 m).
Page 6 of 17
•Overcurrent Protection (Circuit Breakers and Fuses) Requirements
An overcurrent protection (OCP) device, a fuse, or circuit breaker serves to limit current
levels in a conductor by interrupting power when current limitations are exceeded. It
prevents excessive heat from damaging conductors and related equipment. Therefore,
the overcurrent device must be matched to the conductor and equipment so that the
current-carrying capacity of the conductor and equipment are not exceeded.

The voltage rating of a fuse or circuit breaker must be equal to or greater than the
voltage of the circuit in which the fuse is applied.

•Switchboard and Panelboard Requirements


Switchboards and panelboards can be used as distribution equipment, at a point
downstream from the service entrance equipment. By definition, panelboards feeding
lighting and convenience receptacles and having at least 10% of the circuits rated at 30
A or less are identified as lighting and appliance panelboards.
Power distribution panelboards feed other panelboards (called subpanelboards), motors,
and transformers, but not circuits powering lights and convenience receptacles.
Switchboards and panelboards used as service equipment should have a rating not less
than the minimum allowable service capacity of the computed load. Panelboards used as
subpanelboards should have a rating not less than the minimum feeder capacity of the
computed load.

C. COMMUNICATION
These may include telephone, paging, and intercom systems. Telephone systems
in large buildings generally have telephone service to a computerized business exchange
(CBX), or switch, that controls the telephone system functions. It can offer numerous
desirable features such as direct inward dialing, voice mail, speed dialing, system
forward, conference, forward, message waiting, queuing, and transfer.
The switch is located in a telephone service closet and requires power (preferably
conditioned power) and air conditioning.

Intercom can be an integral function of the telephone system or a separate system.


Many buildings have a paging system of some sort. This can be a telephone system
function, but it is most often a separate system consisting of receivers, playback
equipment, amplifiers, speakers, telephone interface, and a microphone.
The system may offer selective paging of certain areas, all-call paging of the entire
facility, and background music.

D. SECURITY
A building security system can be thought of as a lifesafety system. It can assist in
the safety of building occupant and business personnel because it minimizes prohibited
entry by unauthorized persons such as disgruntled former employees, terrorists, or
common criminals. It also prevents damage that can result in building occupant injuries.
Building security must be approached in building design, selection of materials used in
the building, occupant control, and surveillance and alarm systems.

Designers of a building should pay particular attention to the locations of doors,


windows, loading docks, and moneyhandling rooms. These areas should all be easy to

Page 7 of 17
view from other surrounding areas and be well lit (as should elevators and stairways).
Ledges and exterior ornamentation that might allow people to climb up the side of the
building should be avoided.
Doors, windows, and their hardware should be carefully selected to be certain that they
will discourage intrusion. Windows should be designed so that the glass cannot be
removed from the outside, and the hardware should be such that the window cannot be
opened from the outside with a plastic card or wire.

1. CCTV Systems
Closed-circuit television (CCTV)
cameras may be provided to
allow security persons to
continuously watch for intruders
at any of many locations from
one point. Since several cameras
may be required, video
sequencers are provided that
display the images from each of
the cameras in turn on one or
more monitors.

A central security computer controls all of the security system functions. It


monitors all of the devices and wiring, presents trouble and alarm messages to
security staff, and keeps a historical record of all events such as authorized
entries and alarms.

2. Access Control Systems


Access control can be provided by any of the following means:
• Mechanical Lock: It is a simplest and tractional form of security. Disadvantage is that
duplicate keys can be made easily.
• Card Readers: It is a
common electronic access
control device. System can
be programmed to control
house of use, monitor car
use through logs, and
remove access code for
card if lost or stolen.
• Numbered Keypads: It
is a kind of unlocking a
door by entering a numerical code. Eliminate the problem of keys with standard locks, but
are not as flexible as magnetic pads.
• Electric Lock: It retracts the bolt when activated from the secure side of the door.
Unlatching from inside is done by a button, switch, or mechanical retraction of a bolt by
lever.
• Biometric Devices: It is a sophisticated and expensive method of security but provide
counterfeit-proof method of identification and security. Read the individual biological
features of a person (e.g.: iris/retina of the eye, fingerprint).
• Retinal Scan: A biometric technique that uses unique pattern of blood vessels at the
back of the eye to validate the identity.
• Iris Recognition: An automatic biometric identification that uses recognition of the
irises of an individual’s eyes.

Page 8 of 17
Lesson 2: MECHANICAL SYSTEMS IN
BUILDINGS INCLUDING VERTICAL
TRANSPORTATION

A building’s mechanical systems involve control of heat, ventilation, air-


conditioning, refrigeration, and noise reduction, all of which must be integrated
with the architectural, structural, and electrical design.

A. HVAC SYSTEMS
The systems for accomplishing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning of
indoor spaces vary considerably, based on factors including building type and
program, cost, climate, and building size. The basic principles and components
of heating, cooling, and circulating are similar across all systems.

B. DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
1. Fan Coil units
Fan coil units (FCUs) contain cooling or heating coils and a fan. Typically,
hot or chilled water is piped to the unit from a central boiler and chiller.
Air from the room is drawn into the unit (return air) and blown over the
coil by a fan. The air is then heated or cooled and discharged (supply air)
to the room. FCUs may be vertical or horizontal, mounted on walls,
ceilings, or freestanding.
Page 9 of 17
2. Forced Air Duct System
A duct system distributes heated, cooled, and fresh air throughout the
building, while also filtering and dehumidifying the air.

3. Hydronic Systems
Hydronic systems provide heating, but typically not cooling. Hot water is
circulated through tubing, from the central heat source to radiators
throughout the space to be heated. The radiators may be wall-mounted or
floor-mounted. Tubes may also be designed into floor systems, providing
consistent radiant heat. Heat sources may include boilers, water heaters,
and solar power.

C. VERTICAL TRANSPORTATIONS
Circulation, as usually applied in architecture, is the movement of people and
goods between interior spaces in buildings and to entrances and exits. Safe,
convenient, rapid circulation is essential for all buildings under both normal and
emergency conditions. Such circulation may be channelled through any of
several different types of passageways, such as lobbies, corridors, ramps,
stairways, and elevator hoistways.

1. Escalators
Escalators, or powered stairs, are used when it is necessary to move large
numbers of people from floor to floor. They provide continuous movement
of persons and can thus
remedy traffic conditions that
are not readily addressed by
elevators. Escalators should
be viewed as preferred
transportation systems
whenever heavy traffic
volumes are expected
between relatively few floors.
Escalators are used to
connect airport terminals,
parking garages, sports facilities, shopping malls, and numerous mixed-
use facilities.

The following limitations on escalator steps:


•Minimum depth of tread in direction of travel—153⁄4 in
•Maximum rise between treads—81⁄2 in
•Minimum width of tread—24 in
•Maximum width of tread—40 in
•Maximum clearance between tread and adjacent skirt panel—3⁄8 in
•Maximum distance between handrail centerlines—width between balustrades
plus 6 in with not more than 3 in on either side of the escalator

Page 10 of 17
2. Elevators
An elevator is a conveying device used to move people or freight
vertically, usually between floors of a building.

Types of elevators:
a. Hydraulic Elevators-use a fluid-driven
hydraulic jack to lift the elevator car. It consists
of a hydraulic jack (cylinder and plunger); a
pump, powered by an electric motor, that
increases the pressure in the hydraulic fluid; a
control valve between the cylinder and reservoir
controls the pressure in the jack; and a fluid
reservoir (tank).

b. Traction elevators-
have a drive machine with an electric motor and
pulley-like (grooved) drive sheave that holds
cables that move the elevator car up or down.
Steel cables, called hoisting ropes, support the
elevator and counterweight during normal
operation.

Classifications of Elevators:
a. Passenger elevators- are designed to carry people and small packages. They
typically have capacities from 1500 to 5000 lb (680 to 2300 kg), in 500 lb (230
kg) increments. Passenger elevators are operated by the passenger and have
attractive interior finishes.
b. Freight elevators- are used to carry material, goods, equipment, and vehicles,
rather than people. Freight elevators are typically capable of carrying heavier
loads than a passenger elevator, generally from 5000 to 10 000 lb (2300 to
4500 kg), but can be up to 13 tons/26 000 lb (11 700 kg) weight capacity.

Basic Components of an Elevator System


An elevator consists of a car mounted on a platform that is connected to the
elevator drive. The elevator car, also called a cage, is the load-carrying unit,
including the frame, enclosure, and car door. The platform is a flat, relatively
horizontal framework to which a car is mounted and on which passengers stand
or the load is placed. The cab is a decorative room in which occupants ride in a
passenger elevator.

Page 11 of 17
Lesson 3: PLUMBING SYSTEMS IN BUILDINGS

A. WATER SUPPLY
Enough water to meet the needs of occupants must be available for all buildings.
Further water needs for fire protection, heating, air conditioning, and possibly
process use must also be met.
Sources of water for buildings include public water supplies, groundwater, and
surface water. Each source requires careful study to determine if a sufficient
quantity of safe water is available for the building being designed.
Potable is clean water that is suitable for human drinking. It must be
available for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. Non-potable water may be
used for flushing water closets (toilets), irrigating grass and gardens,
washing cars, and for any use other than drinking, cooking, or cleaning.

B. WATER DISTRIBUTION IN BUILDINGS


Cold and hot water may be conveyed to plumbing fixtures under the pressure of
a water source, such as a public water main, by pumps, or by gravity flow from
elevated storage tanks. The water-distribution system should be so laid out that,
at each plumbing fixture requiring both hot and cold water, the pressures at the
outlets for both supplies should be nearly equal.
•Water supply system -consists of the piping and fittings that supply hot and
cold water from the building water supply to the fixtures, such as lavatories,
bathtubs, water closets, dishwashers, clothes washers, and sinks.
Building supply or water service- is a large water supply pipe that
carries potable water from the district or city water system or other water
source to the building.
Water meter- is required by most district
water supply systems to measure and
record the amount of water used.
Riser- is a water supply pipe that extends
vertically in the building at least one story
and carries water to fixture branches.

Fixture branch- is a water supply pipe


that runs from the riser or main to the fixture being connected. In a water
supply system, it is any part of a piping system other than a riser or main
pipe. Fixture branch pipes supply the individual plumbing fixtures.

Fixture unit- is an arbitrarily chosen


measure that allows all types of
plumbing fixtures to be expressed in
common terms; that is, a fixture
having twice the instantaneous flow
rate of a second fixture would have a
fixture unit value twice as large.
Page 12 of 17
C. SANITARY DRAINAGE SYSTEM
•Sanitary drainage and vent system-, sometimes referred to as the drain,
waste, and vent (DWV) system, is a network of pipes that remove wastewater
from a building.
Sanitary drainage side of the system- consists of traps at each fixture,
and fixture branch, stack, and drain pipes that carry wastewater away
from the plumbing fixtures and out of the building.
Vent system side of
the system- introduces
and circulates air in the
system to maintain
atmospheric pressure in
the drain lines and
ensure adequate gravity
flow of wastewater
Trap- is a U-shaped
pipe that catches and
holds a small quantity
of wastewater that is
poured down a fixture
drain
Figure 4.3.1 Basic parts of residential sanitary drainage and vent plumbing systems

Drainage System should accomplish the following:


• Fast removal of the waste with minimum probability of leakage and
stoppage of drains
• Prevent the entry of house vermin and obnoxious gases into the house
from the piping system

D. PLUMBING FIXTURES
A plumbing fixture is an approved receptacle, device, or appliance that uses
water and discharges wastewater such as a water closet, urinal, faucet, shower,
dishwasher, drinking fountain, hose connection, hose bibb, water heater, water
softener, underground sprinkler, hot tub, spa, and clothes washer.
These are the only part of the plumbing system that the owners or occupants of
the building will see regularly, because most of the plumbing piping is concealed
in walls and floors.
The designer of the plumbing system, the architect, the engineer, the plumber,
and/or the owner may select plumbing fixtures. It is important that the designer
of the plumbing system know what fixtures will be used (and even the
manufacturer and model number, if possible) in order to do an accurate job in
designing the system. All fixtures should be carefully selected as they will be in
use for years, perhaps for the life of the building.

Page 13 of 17
1. Water Closet- is a plumbing fixture that serves as
an indoor receptacle and removal system for human
waste.

2. Urinals- are plumbing fixtures that are commonly


used in public restrooms where it is
desirable to reduce possible
contamination of the water closet
seats.
•Waterless urinal- is a urinal that is
specifically engineered to eliminate
potable water consumption for urinal
flushing. It looks very much like a
conventional urinal except the flush
valve and piping that is normally positioned above the
fixture is omitted.

3. Bidet- are personal hygiene plumbing fixtures used for


genital and perineal cleanliness. It is typically used after
using the water closet.

4. Bathtubs- are plumbing fixtures used


for bathing.

5. Showerhead- is an overhead nozzle that


sprays water down on the bather. Shower
fittings may be placed over bathtubs instead of
having a separate shower space; this is
commonly done in residences, apartments, and
motels. However, it is important that when a
showerhead is used with a bathtub fixture, the
walls be constructed of an impervious material
such as ceramic tile.

6. Lavatory- is a bathroom basin or


sink used for personal hygiene.
Lavatories are generally available in
vitreous china or enameled iron, or
they may be cast in plastic or a plastic
compound with the basin an integral
part of the countertop. They are also
available in stainless steel for high-
vandalism applications.
Page 14 of 17
7. Kitchen sinks-
are most commonly
made of enameled
cast iron or stainless
steel. Sinks are
usually available in a
single- or a double-
bowl arrangement;
some even have a third bowl, which is much smaller.

8. Laundry tubs- sometimes called trays, are a large deep sink


used in laundry rooms. They are usually available in a single or a
double-bowl arrangement. Laundry tubs are typically floor or
wall-mounted units available in low-cost plastic, enamelled.
iron, or stainless steel.

Lesson 4: FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

A fire protection system is probably the most important and often the mandatory
building service aimed to protect human life and property, strictly in that order. It
consists of three basic parts:
• A large store of water (Tank)
• A specialized pumping system
• A large network of pipes connected to hydrants and/or sprinklers

Every person involved in fire protection (which includes prevention, suppression,


detection, alarm, and system installation) should be familiar with fire-protection
standards and applicable codes.

Codes specify circumstances when and where a given type of protection is required.
Codes are minimum requirements; they can and are encouraged to be exceeded.
Examples of Codes:
• NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code
• NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code
• NFPA 70 National Electrical Code
• NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
• NFPA 5000 Building Construction and Safety Code
• IBC International Building Codes

Page 15 of 17
Standards detail how the protection required by the code is to be achieved.
Examples of Standards:
• NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers
• NFPA 13 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems
• NFPA 14 Standard for the Installation of Standpipes and Hose Systems
• NFPA 20 Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection
• NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm Code (This is actually a standard even though it is called a
code)

A. ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION


Active fire protection systems include standpipe, sprinkler, and spray systems
designed to extinguish the fire outright or control the fire by delaying its damaging
effects. Types of firefighting media include water, foams, inert gases, and chemical
powders.

Standpipe Systems
A standpipe system is an internal piping network connected to fire-hose stations that
are used to rapidly suppress a fire. Firefighters can use fire hoses connected to the
standpipe system or connect their hoses to valve outlets near the fire.

Types of Standpipe Systems:


1. Wet Standpipe- This system always has water in the piping. The water in the system
is always under pressure.
2. Dry Standpipe- This system is usually supplied by a public water main. Under normal
conditions there is no water in the piping. Instead, there is air under pressure in the
piping. A dry pipe valve is installed to prevent water from entering the standpipe system.

B. AUTOMATIC FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS


Fire suppression systems are intended to extinguish or control a fire. These include
automatic water sprinkler systems and systems that use a gas agent or foam to
eliminate oxygen and suffocate the fire

Smoke control systems are designed to limit the spread of smoke to maintain
passable occupant egress routes for a given period of time and to aid firefighters in
fighting the fire.

Automatic fire protection system provides a


warning to occupants of the building, notifies
emergency personnel responding to the alarm, and
activates fire suppression systems to reduce the
growth rate of a fire or the movement of smoke.

Automatic sprinkler system consists of the


sprinkler heads and a network of pipes placed in a
horizontal pattern near the ceiling and is designed to
automatically dispense water on a fire. A
conventional sprinkler system is fitted with automatic
devices designed to release water on a fire. These

devices are called sprinkler heads. Figure 4.4.1 Types of Sprinkler Heads

Page 16 of 17
Types of sprinkler Systems:
1. Wet Piping Sprinkler
System: Automatic
sprinklers are attached to a
piping system containing
water that discharges
immediately from sprinklers
opened by a fire. This is the
type commonly used in the
Philippines due to its
relatively simple design and
rapid response, 98%
reliable.

2. Dry Pipe Sprinkler


System: Dry valves allow
pressurized air in the water
lines to hold water back until a
sprinkler head opens.
Appropriate for use in
unheated, low hazard
occupancies.

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