Fire fighting systems typically encompass specific mechanical design elements, such as sprinkler systems, standpipe systems and fire pumps. But to exclusively hone in on sprinklers, is to bely the full scope and nature of the fire protection discipline.
For example, the fire protection pump room in Figure 1 includes nine active and passive fire protection system elements with coordination issues involving architectural, structural, civil, mechanical, electrical and plumbing scopes of work.
Following are some of Fire Fighting Systems
A fire hydrant is a pipe that allows water to flow from a water main with the control of a valve in order to put out a fire. Fire Hydrant Protection System is designed to fight fire of huge proportions, in all classes of risks. It is designed to be in operation even if a part of the affected structure collapses.
A fire sprinkler system is an active fire protection method, consisting of a water supply system providing adequate pressure and flowrate to a water distribution piping system, to which fire sprinklers are connected.
Although initially used only in factories and large commercial buildings, systems for homes and small buildings are now available at a cost-effective price
A deluge system dispenses large quantities of a fire suppressing fluid – typically either water or foam – very quickly when a fire is detected or the system is manually activated. This starves the fire of oxygen and/or fuel, helping to extinguish the flames proactively.
Deluge Systems are activated by smoke or heat detectors, which can preempt flames. A flood of water or foam is released through an open-sprinkler, nozzle, or foam generator through an unpressurized piping system that is directly connected to a water source.
This system employs all of its open heads at once, releasing water or foam quickly for hazardous areas, unlike a standard sprinkler system with closed heads that requires each individual sprinkler head to be activated before opening.
Water Spray System is a special fixed pipe system connected to a reliable source of pressurised water supply and equipped with water spray nozzles for application on area / equipment to be protected. The system can be operated automatically by connection to an automatic detection and alarm system or manually, or both.
Pre-Action Systems are activated by heat, smoke, or flames. A combination of wet and dry pipe sprinklers are activated and the pipes are filled to extinguish the hazard and protect the area around it. Each sprinkler head is individually opened, releasing water on the affected area, not the entire building. This two-step activation protects assets from unnecessary damage.