1) Wet Riser & Dry Riser System What are dry and wet risers systems used for?

Dry/ wet risers are intended for the use of the First Service to provide a readily available means of delivering considerable quantities of water to extinguish or to prevent the spread of fire. If your fire risk assessment concludes that you may need the intervention of the Fire Service to fight fire, you must ensure that your riser systems or hydrants are working properly. Before installation of dry or wet rising mains, the local Authority and Fire Officer must be consulted to ascertain the exact requirements. What is the difference between dry risers and wet risers? (Dry/wet risers are often called Rising Mains) Dry riser: system of valves and pipe work which enables the Fire Service to pump water on to upper floors of a building. Wet risers: system of valves and pipe work which are kept permanently charges with water. Where do we find dry/ wet risers? Dry risers will be found: In buildings over 18 meters above ground level In low level buildings where there are excessive distance from entrances (60m)

2 electric pump inspection service per year 1 flow test per year (if applicable)

WET RISER SYSTEM Wet risers are a form of internal hydrant for the fireman to use and are always pressurized with water. Wet risers are only required for buildings where the topmost floor is higher than 30.5 metres above the fire appliance access level. Wet riser system comprises duty fire pump with standby pump discharging into a 150mm diameter riser pipe with landing valves at each floor and to which canvas hose with nozzles can be connected to direct the water jet at the fire. A jockey pump is usually provided to maintain system pressure. For high rise buildings, each stage of the wet riser should not exceed 70.15 metres. DRY RISER SYSTEM Dry risers are a form of internal hydrant for the fireman to use and are only required for buildings where the topmost floor is higher than 18.3 metres and less than 30.5 metres above the fire appliance access level. Dry risers are normally dry and depend on the fire engine to pump water into the system. Dry riser system comprises a riser pipe with landing valves at each floor and to which canvas hose with nozzles can be connected to direct the water jet at the fire. Breeching inlets into which the firemen pumps water are provided at groung level and are connected to the bottom of the dry risers

Wet risers will be found in buildings over 60 meters above ground level

The maintenance process Dry riser annual pressure test service Carry out a visual inspection service from roof to ground floor of the entire system Test the riser with water and pressurise 10 bars measured at the inlet for a period not less that 15 minutes Whilst test is in progress check entire system for any obvious leakage No appreciable loss in pressure (0.5 bar) shall be seen whilst the test is in progress or test shall be failed Drain dry risers completely Carry out a visual inspection service Carry out flow test in pump room if built in Flow test arrangement exists Carry out slow test of roof hydrant if conditions allow Check pressure of system using installation built in pressure gauge arrangement Risers are prone to neglect and vandalism Severe penalties should be rising main fail to work for the Fire Service Leaking from wet riser could cause substantial damage A visual inspection every six months An annual pressure test

Wet riser flow test service

Why do dry/wet risers need to be serviced?

BS 5306 Part 1 1976 recommends for dry risers:

BS 5306 Part 1 1976 recommends for wet risers: 2 visual inspection services per year

2) Hosereel System A Hose Reel is a cylindrical spindle made of either metal, fiberglass, or plastic and is used for storing a hose. The most common styles of hose reels are spring driven (which is selfretracting), hand crank, or motor driven. Hose reels are categorized by the diameter and length of the hose they hold, the pressure rating and the rewind method. Hose reels can either be fixed in a permanent location, or portable and attached to a truck, trailer, or cart. The design of the hose reel shall be such that the tubing is permanently connected, via pipesin the drum of the hose reel and such stuffing boxes as may be necessary, to the supply main or the hydrant supply main. The hose reel should normally be located in occupied units/areas to enable the occupants of the building to attack a fire. However, in case of a building having a number of small units, hose reels may be located in common areas immediately outside the occupied units/areas on that floor to provide coverage. Any hose reel sited on any escape route may be of fixed type or swinging cradle type and recessed into the wall. If the hose reel is carried on a swinging cradle, it should be constructed in such a way that when not in use the outer face of the reel is flush with the wall and when required for use the cradle may swing out freely into the corridor or passage. If the hose reel is of a fixed type, suitable guide ring(s) shall be installed to permit easy withdrawal of the hose reel tubing. If hose reels are located in recesses to which doors are fitted, such doors shall be hinged so that when they are opened, they shall not cause obstruction to any means of escape nor to the operation of the hose reels nor to the hose being run out in either directions. The doors shall bear the words FIRE HOSE REEL , lettering of which shall be of at least 50 mm high. Door locks shall not be fitted to such doors. As an optional safe guard against tampering or pilfering, the hose reels, whether or not installed in recessed position, may be protected by lockable glass panels/cabinets, provided that the glass shall be of fragible type and shall not exceed 3 mm in thickness, and that it shall be of such size and design as would not cause any undue obstruction to the free use of the hose reel. Such glass panels/cabinets may be linked to security alarms. 3) Fire Sprinkler System Wet pipe systems By a wide margin, wet pipe sprinkler systems are installed more often than all other types of fire sprinkler systems. They also are the most reliable, because they are simple, with the only operating components being the automatic sprinklers and (commonly, but not always) the automatic alarm check valve. An automatic water supply provides water under pressure to the system piping.Operation - When an automatic sprinkler is exposed for a sufficient time to a temperature at or above the temperature rating, the heat sensitive element (glass bulb or fusible link) releases, allowing water to flow from that sprinkler. Dry pipe systems Dry pipe systems are installed in spaces in which the ambient temperature may be cold enough to freeze the water in a wet pipe system, rendering the system inoperable. Dry pipe systems are most often used in unheated buildings, in parking garages, in outside canopies attached to heated buildings (in which a wet pipe system would be provided), or in refrigerated coolers. Dry pipe systems are the second most common sprinkler system type. In regions using NFPA regulations, dry pipe systems cannot be installed unless the range of ambient temperatures reaches below 40F.

Operation - Water is not present in the piping until the system operates. The piping is filled with air below the water supply pressure. To prevent the larger water supply pressure from forcing water into the piping, the design of the dry pipe valve (a specialized type of check valve) results in a greater force on top of the check valve clapper by the use of a larger valve clapper area exposed to the piping air pressure, as compared to the higher water pressure but smaller clapper surface area. When one or more of the automatic sprinklers is exposed, for a sufficient time, to a temperature at or above the temperature rating, it opens, allowing the air in the piping to vent from that sprinkler. Each sprinkler operates individually. As the air pressure in the piping drops, the pressure differential across the dry pipe valve changes, allowing water to enter the piping system. Water flow from sprinklers, needed to control the fire, is delayed until the air is vented from the sprinklers. For this reason, dry pipe systems are usually not as effective as wet pipe systems in fire control during the initial stages of the fire. Some view dry pipe sprinklers as advantageous for protection of collections and other water sensitive areas. This perceived benefit is due to a fear that wet system piping may leak, while dry pipe systems will not. However, the same potential for accidental water damage exists, as dry pipe systems will only provide a slight delay prior to water discharge while the air in the piping is released from the pipe. Disadvantages of using dry pipe fire sprinkler systems include: Increased complexity - Dry pipe systems require additional control equipment and air pressure supply components which increases system complexity. This puts a premium on proper maintenance, as this increase in system complexity results in an inherently less reliable overall system (i.e., more single failure points) as compared to a wet pipe system. Higher installation and maintenance costs - The added complexity impacts the overall dry-pipe installation cost, and increases maintenance expenditure primarily due to added service labor costs. Lower design flexibility - Regulatory requirements limit the maximum permitted size (i.e., 750 gallons) of individual dry-pipe systems, unless additional components and design efforts are provided to limit the time from sprinkler activation to water discharge to under one minute. These limitations may increase the number of individual sprinkler systems (i.e., served from a single riser) that must be provided in the building, and impact the ability of an owner to make system additions. Increased fire response time - Because the piping is empty at the time the sprinkler operates, there is an inherent time delay in delivering water to the sprinklers which have operated while the water travels from the riser to the sprinkler, partially filling the piping in the process. A maximum of 60 seconds is normally allowed by regulatory requirements from the time a single sprinkler opens until water is discharged onto the fire. This delay in fire suppression results in a larger fire prior to control, increasing property damage. Increased corrosion potential - Following operation or testing, dry-pipe sprinkler system piping is drained, but residual water collects in piping low spots, and moisture is also retained in the atmosphere within the piping. This moisture, coupled with the oxygen available in the compressed air in the piping, increases pipe internal wall corrosion rates, possibly eventually leading to leaks. The internal pipe wall corrosion rate in wet pipe systems (in which the piping is constantly full of water) is much lower, as

the amount of oxygen available for the corrosion process is lower. Deluge systems "Deluge" systems are systems in which all sprinklers connected to the water piping system are open, in that the heat sensing operating element is removed, or specifically designed as such. These systems are used for special hazards where rapid fire spread is a concern, as they provide a simultaneous application of water over the entire hazard. They are sometimes installed in personnel egress paths or building openings to slow travel of fire (e.g., openings in a fire-rated wall). Water is not present in the piping until the system operates. Because the sprinkler orifices are open, the piping is at atmospheric pressure. To prevent the water supply pressure from forcing water into the piping, a deluge valve is used in the water supply connection, which is a mechanically latched valve. It is a non-resetting valve, and stays open once tripped. Because the heat sensing elements present in the automatic sprinklers have been removed (resulting in open sprinklers), the deluge valve must be opened as signaled by a fire alarm system. The type of fire alarm initiating device is selected mainly based on the hazard (e.g., smoke detectors, heat detectors, or optical flame detectors). The initiation device signals the fire alarm panel, which in turn signals the deluge valve to open. Activation can also be manual, depending on the system goals. Manual activation is usually via an electric or pneumatic fire alarm pull station, which signals the fire alarm panel, which in turn signals the deluge valve to open. Operation - Activation of a fire alarm initiating device, or a manual pull station, signals the fire alarm panel, which in turn signals the deluge valve to open, allowing water to enter the piping system. Water flows from all sprinklers simultaneously. Pre-Action Systems Pre-action sprinkler systems are specialized for use in locations where accidental activation is undesired, such as in museums with rare art works, manuscripts, or books; and Data Centers, for protection of computer equipment from accidental water discharge. Pre-action systems are hybrids of wet, dry, and deluge systems, depending on the exact system goal. There are two main sub-types of pre-action systems: single interlock, and double interlock. The operation of single interlock systems are similar to dry systems except that these systems require that a preceding fire detection event, typically the activation of a heat or smoke detector, takes place prior to the action of water introduction into the systems piping by opening the preaction valve, which is a mechanically latched valve (i.e., similar to a deluge valve). In this way, the system is essentially converted from a dry system into a wet system. The intent is to reduce the undesirable time delay of water delivery to sprinklers that is inherent in dry systems. Prior to fire detection, if the sprinkler operates, or the piping system develops a leak, loss of air pressure in the piping will activate a trouble alarm. In this case, the pre-action valve will not open due to loss of supervisory pressure, and water will not enter the piping. The operation of double interlock systems are similar to deluge systems except that automatic sprinklers are used. These systems require that both a preceding fire detection event, typically the activation of a heat or smoke detector, and an automatic sprinkler operation take place prior to the action of water introduction into the systems piping. Activation of either the fire detectors alone, or sprinklers alone, without the concurrent operation of the other, will not allow water to enter the piping. Because water does not enter the piping until a sprinkler operates, double interlock systems are considered as dry systems in terms of water delivery times, and similarly require a larger design area.

Foam water sprinkler systems A foam water fire sprinkler system is a special application system, discharging a mixture of water and low expansion foam concentrate, resulting in a foam spray from the sprinkler. These systems are usually used with special hazards occupancies associated with high challenge fires, such as flammable liquids, and airport hangars. Operation is as described above, depending on the system type into which the foam is injected. Water spray "Water spray" systems are operationally identical to a deluge system, but the piping and discharge nozzle spray patterns are designed to protect a uniquely configured hazard, usually being three dimensional components or equipment (i.e., as opposed to a deluge system, which is designed to cover the horizontal floor area of a room). The nozzles used may not be listed fire sprinklers, and are usually selected for a specific spray pattern to conform to the three dimensional nature of the hazard (e.g., typical spray patterns being oval, fan, full circle, narrow jet). Examples of hazards protected by water spray systems are electrical transformers containing oil for cooling or turbgenerator bearings. Water spray systems can also be used externally on the surfaces of tanks containing flammable liquids or gases (such as hydrogen). Here the water spray is intended to cool the tank and its contents to prevent tank rupture/explosion (BLEVE) and fire spread.

4) Fire Alarm Panel Conventional Panel Conventional panels have been around ever since electronics became small enough to make them viable. They are no longer used frequently in large buildings, but are still used on smaller sites such as small schools, stores, restaurants, and apartments. A conventional system employs one or more initiating circuits, connected to sensors (initiating devices) wired in parallel. These sensors are devised to decrease the circuits resistance when the environmental influence on any sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold. In a conventional system the information density is limited to the number of such circuits used. A small map of the building is often placed near the main entrance with the defined zones drawn up, and LEDs indicating whether a particular circuit/zone has been activated. Another common method is to have the different zones listed in a column, with an LED to the left of each zone name, or to use an LCD interface to display information. The main drawback with conventional panels is that one cannot tell which device has been activated within a circuit. The fire may be in one small room, but as far as emergency responders can tell, a fire could exist anywhere within a zone. The same applies to coded panels, which nowadays are no longer made, but can be found in old systems. These, if the decision is made to keep them, are "grandfathered" in under NFPA regulations. Addressable Panel Addressable panels are usually much more advanced than their conventional counterparts, with a higher degree of programming flexibility and single point detection. Addressable fire alarm panels were introduced by many manufacturers during the microcontroller boom in the mid 1980s. Signaling line circuit loops Panels usually have a number of signaling line circuit loops usually referred to as loops or SLC loops - ranging between one and thirty. Depending on the protocol used, a loop can monitor and control several hundred devices. Some protocols permit any mix of detectors and input/output modules, while other protocols have 50% of channel capacity restricted to detectors/sensors and 50% restricted to input/output modules. Each SLC polls the devices connected, which can number from a few devices to several hundred, depending on the manufacturer. Large systems may have multiple SLCs, and SLCs are further divided into sub-groups through the use of fault-isolation modules. Each device on a SLC has its own address, and so the panel knows the state of each individual device connected to it. Common addressable input (initiating) devices include Smoke detectors Heat Detectors ( Rate of Rise and Fixed Temperature) Manual call points or manual pull stations Notification appliances (Simplex systems TrueAlert signals only) Responders Fire sprinkler system inputs Switches Flow control

Pressure Isolate Standard switches

Addressable output devices are known as relays and include (Warning System/Bell) Relays Door Holder Relays Auxiliary (Control Function) Relays

Relays are used to control a variety of functions such as Switching fans on or off Closing/opening doors Activating fire suppression systems Activating notification appliances Shutting down industrial equipment Recalling elevators to a safe exit floor Activating another fire alarm panel or communicator

Mapping Also known as "cause and effect" or "programming", mapping is the process of activating outputs depending on which inputs have been activated. Traditionally, when an input device is activated, a certain output device (or relay) is activated. As time has progressed, more and more advanced techniques have become available, often with large variations in style between different companies. Zones Zones are usually made by dividing a building, or area into different sections, and placing each device in the building in a different zone. Groups Groups contain multiple output devices such as relays. This allows a single input, such as a smoke detector or MCP, to have only one output programmed to a group, which then maps to between two to many outputs or relays. This enables an installer to simplify programming by having many inputs map to the same outputs, and be able to change them all at once, and also allows mapping to more outputs than the programming space for a single detector/input allows. Boolean logic This is the part of a fire panel that has the largest variation between different panels. It allows a panel to be programmed to implement fairly complex inputs. For instance, a panel could be programmed to notify the fire department only if more than one device has activated. It can also be used for staged evacuation procedures in conjunction with timers.

with

5) Hydrant System A hose is attached to the fire hydrant, then the valve is opened to provide a powerful flow of water, on the order of 350 kPa (50 lbf/in) (this pressure varies according to region and depends on various factors including the size and location of the attached water main). This hose can be further attached to a fire engine, which can then use a powerful pump to boost the water pressure and possibly split it into multiple streams. The hose may be connected with a threaded connection or a Storz connector. Care should be taken not to open or close a fire hydrant too quickly, as this can create a water hammer which can damage nearby pipes and equipment. The water inside a charged hoseline causes it to be very heavy and high water pressure causes it to be stiff and unable to make a tight turn while pressurized. When a fire hydrant is unobstructed, this is not a problem, as there is enough room to adequately position the hose. Most fire hydrant valves are not designed to throttle the water flow; they are designed to be operated full-on or full-off. The valving arrangement of most dry-barrel hydrants is for the drain valve to be open at anything other than full operation. Usage at partial-opening can consequently result in considerable flow directly into the soil surrounding the hydrant, which, over time, can cause severe scouring. A hose with a closed nozzle valve, or fire truck connection, or closed gate valve is always attached to the hydrant prior to opening the hydrant's main valve. When a firefighter is operating a hydrant, appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and a helmet with face shield, are typically worn. High pressure water coursing through a potentially aging and corroding hydrant could cause a failure, injuring the firefighter operating the hydrant or bystanders. In most jurisdictions it is illegal to park a car within a certain distance of a fire hydrant. In North America the distances are commonly 3 to 5 m or 10 to 15 ft, often indicated by yellow or red paint on the curb. In the UK, yellow lines are used to keep cars from parking over underground hydrants. Parking restrictions are sometimes ignored (especially in cities where available street parking is scarce), however these laws are usually enforced. The rationale is that hydrants need to be visible and accessible in an emergency. Types of Dry Barrel Hydrants Dry barrel hydrants get their name from the fact that water is drained or pumped from the barrel when the hydrant is not in use. Dry barrel hydrants are pressurized and drained through the workings of a main valve located in the base of the hydrant. When the main valve is opened, the barrel is pressurized; when the main valve is closed the barrel drains. This type of hydrant may be used almost anywhere, but is especially suited to areas where freezing weather occurs. In a dry barrel hydrant, a single main valve is located in the base of the hydrant adjacent to the inlet connection. In addition, the dry barrel hydrant is equipped with an automatically operated drain valve. When the main valve is closed, the drain valve automatically opens, draining all water from the barrel of the hydrant. When the hydrant is opened, the drain valve automatically closes. The main valve is located below the normal frost line to protect the hydrant from freezing. This allows the dry barrel hydrant to be used almost anywhere. Three variations of dry barrel hydrants are defined below. Compression Type. In this type of hydrant, the main valve moves reciprocally on a vertical axis against a seat located in the hydrant base. The valve moves against the sear to close and away from the seat to open. It is moved by a vertical stem; the stem moves up or down when the operated nut is rotated. The valve may be located below the seat and open against the pressure (figure 1) or above the seat and open with the pressure (figure 2).

Toggle Type. In this type of hydrant, the main valve moves reciprocally on a horizontal axis against or away from a vertical seat located in the base of the hydrant (figure 3). The main valve is moved by means of a vertical stem that has left hand and right hand threads. Rotation of the stem causes the arms of the toggle mechanism to move the main valve. The valve always moves away from the seat to open and against the seat to close. Slide-gate type. In this type of hydrant, the main valve consists of a gate that moves vertically by means of a threaded stem. When the stem is rotated, it causes the internally threaded gate to move. The gate is forced against the valve seat by a wedging mechanism. The valve seat is installed in the base of the hydrant (figure 4). Other Hydrants High pressure hydrants. High pressure hydrants are designed and constructed for working pressures above 150 psig. These hydrants are not within the scope of AWWA C502 or AWWA C503. One design of high pressure hydrant is the high pressure pilot-valve hydrant. Other high pressure hydrants in the United States are similar to standard hydrants but are strengthened in materials and design. High pressure pilot-valve hydrants. These hydrants differ from other high pressure hydrants in the design of the main valve. There is a small valve, or pilot valve, in the center of the main valve. The pilot calve opens before and in tandem with the main valve, equalizing pressure on both sides of the main valve with a controlled volume of water. This reduces operating torque in high-pressure applications, which makes the main valve easier to open. The pilot valve also greatly reduces the potential of hydrant vibration or chatter.

6) Fire Suppression System Today there are numerous types of Automatic Fire Suppression Systems. Systems are as diverse as the many applications. In general, however, Automatic Fire Suppression Systems fall into two categories: engineered and pre-engineered systems. Engineered Fire Suppression Systems are design specific. Engineered systems are usually for larger installations where the system is designed for the particular application. Examples include marine and land vehicle applications, computer clean rooms, public and private buildings, industrial paint lines, dip tanks and electrical switch rooms. Engineered systems use a number of gaseous or solid agents. Many are specifically formulated. Some, such as 3M Novec 1230 Fire Protection Fluid, are stored as a liquid and discharged as a gas. Pre-Engineered Fire Suppression Systems use pre-designed elements to eliminate the need for engineering work beyond the original product design. Typical industrial solutions use a simple wet or dry chemical agent, such as potassium carbonate or monoammonium phosphate (MAP), to protect spaces such as paint rooms and booths, storage areas and commercial kitchens. In Europe, a small number of residential designs have also emerged. These units often employ water mist with or without a surfactant additive, and target retrofit applications where the risk of fire or fire injury is high but where a conventional fire sprinkler system would be unacceptably expensive. Refer Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_fire_suppression 7) Smoke Venting System Heat and Smoke Vents are installed in buildings as an active fire protection measure. They are openings in the roof which are intended to vent the heat and smoke developed by a fire inside the building by the action of buoyancy, such that they are known as "gravity vents". Heat and smoke vents are typically installed in buildings for the following reasons: Storage occupancies - The heat release rate from high piled storage commodities is expected to be very high. In such cases, it is considered by some fire protection professionals desirable to vent the heat from the building if the temperatures in the building reaches sufficiently high levels to endanger the structural stability of the roof system. Smoke venting is also considered to provide a minor benefit to increase the visibility in the interior space to facilitate manual fire fighting efforts for a limited period of time. The use of vents in sprinklered buildings has been controversial over the last 25 years. Vent technology and sprinkler technology were developed independently of one another. Their interaction as beneficial technologies working together has not been successfully demonstrated. Many fire protection professionals are concerned that vents may cause sprinkler systems to fail to control a fire. Large internal volume spaces Venting smoke from large spaces which regularly contain large numbers of people, such as malls and atria. Automatic heat and smoke vents are available commercially in two general categories: Mechanically opened vent, powered by springs, pneumatic actuator, or electric motor. Drop-out vent constructed of plastic which shrinks in the presence of heat (i.e., drop-out panel).