Unerstanding Fire Protection System
Unerstanding Fire Protection System
Blog Article
When fire protection is mentioned, we may imagine automatic sprinklers and fire alarms. However, these are only two of many systems that protect buildings and their occupants. For example, accumulated smoke can cause asphyxiation, and it must also be controlled with extractor fans. Buildings must also include measures to help firefighters since there are cases in which fire cannot be controlled with sprinklers alone.
This article provides an overview of the main components used in fire protection systems, indicating the NYC Building Code sections with the corresponding requirements. Keep in mind that this is only an informative guide, not to be used instead of building codes when designing an actual fire protection system.
Components Used in Fire Protection Systems:
Automatic Fire Sprinklers
Code Section: BC903
As implied by their name, automatic sprinklers respond to fire without human intervention. Movies and TV series have spread some wrong ideas about fire sprinklers; for example, there is a belief that sprinklers shower indoor spaces with the slightest sign of smoke. In reality, fire sprinklers operate one by one in response to heat, and in many cases, one sprinkler is enough to stop the fire.
An automatic sprinkler system for a large building can have a significant cost, but repairing the damage of an uncontrolled fire is much more expensive.
Also, occupants may suffer disabling injuries or even lose their lives during a major fire.<
The NYC Trump Tower fire in April 2018 could have been mitigated or prevented with automatic sprinklers. However, they are only required in new residential towers, or existing towers that undergo a major renovation. Local Law 26 of 2004 made fire sprinklers mandatory for existing office buildings (at least 100 ft tall) since July 1, 2019. However, there is no equivalent law for residential towers.
There are special cases where discharging water is hazardous, and other fire-extinguishing substances are used instead (BC 904). Some examples are foam, carbon dioxide, and halon.
Standpipes
Code Section: BC905
A standpipe is a piping system that delivers water from a main source to hose connections in key locations throughout a building. These connections are used by firefighters, and the NYC Building Code covers five possible standpipe configurations:
Automatic dry
Automatic wet
Manual dry
Manual wet
Semi-automatic dry
Dry standpipes are normally filled with pressurized air, and water enters the system when needed; on the other hand, wet standpipes are permanently filled with water. Automatic systems establish the required flow by themselves, while manual systems rely on an FDNY pumper truck. Semi-automatic systems need a remote signal to activate but can establish the required flow by themselves once this happens.
Fire Alarm Systems
Code Section: BC907
A fire alarm system monitors the building for the presence of fire, producing audible and visual signals if fire is detected. A control unit receives inputs from all fire detection devices, automatic or manual, activating the corresponding notification systems. In addition, fire alarms can be used to initiate adequate response measures when fire is detected.
It is important to note that fire alarm requirements change significantly depending on the occupancy classification of the building. Following the right set of requirements is the first step for a fire alarm design that meets the code.
Fire alarms must not be confused with emergency alarms (BC 908), which are used to signal dangerous conditions that involve hazardous materials.
Conclusion
Fire protection requirements in NYC are very demanding, and the associated equipment is expensive. However, you can optimize cost while ensuring code compliance by working with qualified design professionals from the design phase. Lower costs do not necessarily mean reduced fire protection.
Fire protection systems are critical for building safety and are subject to stringent codes. NY Engineers offers 80% first-time approval, and you can write at [email protected] or call.