Protective Systems

1. Protective Systems

2. Objectives (1 of 4) • Identify the value of protective systems in protecting life and property. • Identify and explain the operation of the various types of detection devices. • Explain and recognize the types of sprinkler heads and how they operate.

3. Objectives (2 of 4) • Identify the various types of sprinkler systems and the components of each type. • Identify the piping arrangements of sprinkler systems and connections. • Demonstrate how to connect to a fire department connection. • Identify control valves for systems and explain their operation.

4. Objectives (3 of 4) • Explain the methods used to return a sprinkler system to service. • Demonstrate techniques for stopping a flowing sprinkler head. • Identify standpipe classes and types of systems. • Identify piping and connections for standpipe systems.

5. Objectives (4 of 4) • Demonstrate how to connect supply and attack lines to standpipe connections. • Identify alarm systems for protective systems. • Explain fire department procedures at protective properties. • Identify other protective systems, their components, benefits, and hazards.

6. Introduction (1 of 2) • Protective systems help protect lives and property. • Suppression systems are devices that help control fires. • Also called auxiliary appliances • Some systems require manual activation, while others can detect a fire automatically.

7. Introduction (2 of 2) • Sprinklers and standpipes are two main suppression systems. • Most systems use water; however, chemicals and other agents can be used.

8. Sprinkler Head Design and Operation (1 of 2) • Sprinkler heads are the key component of the system. • Heat sensitive parts usually detect heat and apply water to the fire. • Sprinkler heads come in many designs. • Standard sprinklers are marked with SSU or SSP on the deflector.

9. Sprinkler Head Design and Operation (2 of 2) • Operation of a sprinkler head begins with the fusible element reaching is fusing point. • There are three types of fusing elements. • Fusible link • Bulb filled • Chemical pellet

10. Sprinkler Head Types

11. Sprinkler Head Parts

12. Sprinkler System Connections and Piping (1 of 3) • The connections and piping for a sprinkler system provide water to the heads. • On some systems, a fire pump may be included. • A secondary water source is a fire department siamese connection. • Fire department connection can supply system even if main control valve is closed.

13. Sprinkler System Connections and Piping (2 of 3) • Most systems also have a backflow preventer. • System may have other control and check valves. • Main control valve is below riser that feeds the cross mains and branch lines. • Tamper alarms alert the alarm company whenever someone operates the valve.

14. Sprinkler System Connections and Piping (3 of 3) • Firefighters should be able to connect a supply line to a sprinkler or or standpipe. • When connecting to a siamese, use the outlet on the far left first.

15. Control Devices for Sprinkler Systems • There are three main control devices for sprinkler and standpipe systems. • Outer screw & yoke (OS&Y) • Post indicator valve (PIV) • Wall indicator valve (WAV)

16. Fire Protection Valves

17. Returning Sprinkler Systems to Service (1 of 3) • Most departments do not service sprinkler systems. • Fire departments stop the flowing head or shut the system down. • Firefighters must know how to shut down either individual heads or the entire system. • Fire step is to shut down any pumper supplying the system.

18. Returning Sprinkler Systems to Service (2 of 3) • The main sprinkler or a sectional valve should be shut down and drained. • Valves must be reset and opened once sprinkler heads are replaced. • Sprinkler tongs or wooden wedges can be used to stop a sprinkler. • Water flow may also be stopped by shutting down the main sprinkler valve or a floor or sectional valve.

19. Returning Sprinkler Systems to Service (3 of 3) • You can replace heads, once a system is shut down and drained. • Slowly refill the system. • If system cannot be restored, a fire watch will be needed.

20. Stopping Water Flow

21. Standpipe Classifications (1 of 3) • Standpipe systems in large buildings prepipe water lines for fire streams. • Some systems allow both occupants and firefighters to use them. • Tunnel systems and shopping malls have horizontal standpipe systems. • Standpipe systems are classified by type of user and requirements for volume and size.

22. Standpipe Classifications (2 of 3) • Class I systems are designed for trained personnel. • Class II systems are designed for use by untrained building occupants. • May be used by a trained or untrained person • Class III systems are used by trained or untrained personnel, but meet Class I requirements for flow.

23. Standpipe Classifications (3 of 3) • An automatic wet pipe system has a water supply. • Automatic dry and semiautomatic dry pipe use dry pipe until a hose station is opened. • Semiautomatic systems require an activation valve to be opened manually. • Manual dry pipe relies on the fire department connection for water supply.

24. Standpipe System Connections and Piping (1 of 2) • Standpipe systems range from very simple to complex systems. • Standpipe systems include piping, outlets with hose, valves, fire department connections, and monitoring devices. • Piping includes the riser or risers and any attachments needed.

25. Standpipe System Connections and Piping (2 of 2) • Outlets may be in building stairwell or wall-mounted cabinet. • Pressure regulating device should be attached to the outlet. • Standpipe valves are similar to sprinkler systems. • Fire department connection is an inlet or siamese device.

26. Class I Standpipe System

27. Class II Standpipe System

28. Alarms for Standpipes and Sprinklers (1 of 2) • Alarms and monitoring systems are found in most sprinkler and standpipe systems. • Sprinkler systems are both detection and suppression devices. • Occupant-used standpipe systems should be monitored. • Gate valve may activate standpipe system.

29. Alarms for Standpipes and Sprinklers (2 of 2) • Water flow alarms are also electrical or mechanical. • Alarm company notifies fire department. • Alarm company responds to tamper alarms.

30. Other Protective Systems • Many other protective systems are in use today. • Firefighters need to be familiar with most common types. • If responding to more complex system, personnel should be familiar with them.

31. Local Application and Hood Systems • System is designed for a certain location. • Most systems use dry or wet chemical agents. • Used for Class K fires.

32. Total Flooding Systems • Used to protect entire area room or building. • Use CO2 or other inert gases, halogenated or clean agents, dry chemicals, or foam.

33. Summary (1 of 2) • Protective systems are designed to detect and/or suppress a fire. • Value and operation of these systems must be understood. • Sprinkler systems are used for detection and suppression. • There are four main types of systems.

34. Summary (2 of 2) • Standpipes supply water to large buildings. • Building occupants can also use standpipe systems as well as firefighters. • Standpipe operations require careful coordination. • Other systems detect fire and apply extinguishing agent. • Kitchens usually have hood systems; other systems are used to protect valuables.