Ch. 6: Sprinkler And Standpipe Systems Part I Flashcards
(135 cards)
1
Q
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations
Operations in Sprinklered Buildings (NC #1) ___ have been called silent sentinels and for good reason.
A
Automatic sprinkler systems
2
Q
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations
Operations in Sprinklered Buildings (NC #2) Fire departments have good reason to stress that a working ___ should be installed in all premises since they almost totally eliminate the loss of life, both FF & civilians.
A
Sprinkler system
3
Q
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Operations in Sprinklered Buildings (NC #3) A properly designed ________ is a firefighter’s best ally, if it is properly used.
A
sprinkler system
4
Q
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Operations in Sprinklered Buildings (NC #4) NFPA has compiled stats on sprinkler operations – In hundreds of thousands of operations, sprinklers controlled or extinguished the fire __% of the time?
A
More than 96%
5
Q
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Operations in Sprinklered Buildings (NC #5) NFPA has compiled stats on sprinkler operations; In 100s of 1000s of operations - In 90% of the cases reported only __ heads went off:
A
1 or 2 heads went off.
6
Q
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Operations in Sprinklered Buildings (NC #6) NFPA has compiled stats on sprinkler operations; In 100s of 1000s of operations - there has never been a multiple death fire reported in a bldg having fully operational wet sprinkler system. Multiple death means more than _____ (#) killed: Records of operation in _______ (country) show an even higher success rate.
A
• More than 3 killed • (Records of operation in Australia show an even higher success rate)
7
Q
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Operations in Sprinklered Buildings (NC #7) When properly maintained, ___ has proven to be the most effective means of protecting life and property?
A
Automatic sprinklers
8
Q
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Operations in Sprinklered Buildings #8 Of reported causes of sprinklers failing to control a fire, ___ was largely to blame?
A
Human error (including FD error)
9
Q
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Operations in Sprinklered Buildings #9 More than half of the time that sprinklers have failed to control the fire, it was due to:
A
The valves being closed before the fire began.
10
Q
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Operations in Sprinklered Buildings #10 Fig. 6-1: Having a sprinkler system installed is a tremendous advantage in:
A
Life safety
11
Q
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Operations in Sprinklered Buildings #11 A common problem w/ partial systems that are connected only to domestic water & don’t have an FDC to augment or bypass domestic supply:
A
Sprinkler system sectional valve is never turned on (no water flows from system)
12
Q
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Sec: Fire Departments Vs. Sprinklers (NC #12) In certain, isolated cases, it may be necessary to close sprinkler valves to conserve water for manual firefighting – usually best to allow the sprinkler system to continue to operate until:
A
Fire has definitely been extinguished
13
Q
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Sec: Fire Department Vs. Sprinklers (NC #13) Fig. 6-2: Flowing pressure from the street mains may initially provide each sprinkler with more than ___ gpm apiece.
A
40
14
Q
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Sec: Fire Departments Vs. Sprinklers (NC #14) - Fig. 6-2 (cont): Two operating sprinklers at 50 psi deliver ___ gpm to control the fire: - Fig. 6-2 (cont): 60 psi residual pressure is at ___ gpm:
A
- 42 gpm apiece - 84 gpm
15
Q
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Sec: Fire Departments Vs. Sprinklers (NC #15) Only in extreme cases should the sprinkler system be shut down pending the completion of a careful examination – such as:
A
- Explosion causes open pipes to let large quantities of water escape w/ no effect on fire. 2. Expanding fire overtaxes under-designed system. (such cases – fire may be so severe that manual FF’ing will also be unsuccessful – remaining water may be better for exposure protection)
16
Q
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Sec: Fire Department Operations (NC #16) Every sprinkler system should be required to have an FDC. In fact, in larger buildings, more than 1 Siamese connection should be provided to allow for (2):
A
- Larger flows required & 2. To reduce chance of a single siamese being OOS.
17
Q
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Sec: Fire Department Operations (NC #17) Each normal sprinkler head flowing at 50 psi will deliver about ___ gpm:
A
40 gpm
18
Q
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Sec: Fire Department Operations (NC #18) Each normal sprinkler head flowing at 50 psi will deliver about 40 gpm. This is the equivalent of having a person with a booster line, stationed every ___ feet, ready for the fire to start:
A
Every 10 feet
19
Q
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Sec: Fire Department Operations (NC #19) If the 1st companies connect to the hydrant on the same main as the sprinkler system and start pumping, they will cause the pressure available to the sprinkler heads to:
A
Drop
20
Q
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Sec: Fire Department Operations (NC #20) If they drop the main pressure to a point where the sprinkler is operating at 5 psi, the heads will now be flowing only about ___ gpm each.
A
10 gpm
21
Q
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Sec: Fire Department Operations (NC #21) Fig. 6-3: FD Ops: Pumpers in street taking water from same main that supplies sprinklers lowers which pressures?
A
Residual pressures
22
Q
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Sec: Fire Department Operations (NC #22) Fig. 6-3 (cont): Handlines unable to reach seat of fire due to worsened ___ & ___ conditions, waste water:
A
Heat and smoke
23
Q
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Sec: Fire Department Operations (NC #23) - Fig. 6-3 (cont): Average flow 10 gpm per ea sprinkler head produces poor patterns, allows: - 5 psi flowing from end heads does not allow:
A
- More heads to open - Fire control
24
Q
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Sec: Fire Department Operations (NC #24) Fig 6-3 (cont): If FD operations reduce pressure in the street main, sprinkler flow will ___.
A
Drop
25
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Sec: Fire Department Operations (NC #25) - A standard sprinkler operating at 100 psi flow is discharging ___ gpm: - Which is the same flow as a ___ nozzle:
• 55 – 60 gpm • 1½” Navy fog nozzle
26
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Sec: Fire Department Operations (NC #26) When planning to supply FDCs, you should consider the 2 factors:
• Supply system early – before residual pressures in mains start to drop. • Supply system w/ mult. lines of the largest line poss – use 2 lines of 2½” as a min.
27
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Sec: Fire Department Operations (NC #27) Each sprinkler head has to operate at low pressures because of:
Many heads being opened.
28
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Sec: Fire Department Operations (NC #28) If plan for worst, consider ea. head has to op. at low pressures bc many heads being open, we can figure ea. head to cover an avg. of how many sq ft at flow of 20 gpm:
• 100 sq ft. • Ex: 2-2½” supply lines at any length – flow limited to 500 gpm, covering area of 2500 sq/ft (50x50) & feeding only 25 heads.
29
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Sec: Fire Department Operations (NC #29) 500 gpm & 2500 sq ft of coverage is adequate for light hazard occupancies such as:
• Schools & office bldgs • (Commercial & industrial occupancies release more heat – which require larger flows. Larger supply lines needed)
30
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Sec: Fire Department Operations (NC #30) If possible, establish separate water supply to reinforce sprinklers. If fire requires supplying more than 1 handline for mop-up, it would be a good idea to:
Have a separate pumper supplying the handlines.
31
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Sec: Fire Department Operations (NC #31) Another pumper should feed the sprinklers, using a hydrant on a main separate from the 1 supplying the handlines or master streams. This pumper should keep lines to siamese ___ & discharge at \_\_\_\_\_.
- As short as possible - 150 psi in volume
32
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Sec: Fire Department Operations (NC #32) 1st reason for supplying sprinklers at 150 in volume: Engines rated to ___ in volume at 150 psi. Raising the pressure cuts down on:
• Discharge their maximum rated capacity. • Total volume discharged. • (remember – it’s the amount of water that we apply that puts out the fire, not just the pressure – impractical to supply additional lines bc they may require more than 200 psi)
33
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Sec: Fire Department Operations (NC #33) 2nd reason - supplying sprinklers at 150 in volume: Condition of sprinkler system – when newly installed (most systems), the piping is hydrostatically tested at:
- 200 psi - (May be last time system subjected to a high pressure. If has been in place very long – may corrode, rust, freeze, expand, contract, etc – and when fd uses – may blow apart fittings & place OOS
34
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Problems with Sprinklers (NC #34) 1 problem that sprinklers produce & ff’s must be prepared to cope with is fires in sprinklered buildings are often more ___ than those in unsprinklered buildings.
Vent itself before fire department arrival
35
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Problems with Sprinklers (NC #35) Fires in sprinklered bldgs are smokier because → Fires in unsprinklered buildings progress further & will often:
Vent itself before fire department arrival
36
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Problems with Sprinklers (NC #36) Fires in sprinklered buildings are smokier because → Sprinklers on other hand, detect fire, sound alarm & begin to apply water. This thwarts \_\_\_, so ___ levels increase initially, and water spray tends to \_\_\_, making them sink.
- Thwarts combustion, - CO levels increase, - Cool fire gases – making them sink.
37
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Problems with Sprinklers (NC #37) Probably the biggest reason we think of such fires (fires in sprinklered bldgs) as smokier is because:
- The spray pattern creates a draft similar to that of a fog nozzle. - This pushes smoke and gases down to the floor.
38
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Problems with Sprinklers (NC #38) Which 3 factors remove the fresh air layer often seen at fires?
• Increased CO • Sinking fire gases • Smoke being pushed down • (This mandates use of masks, even though intensity of heat is less)
39
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Problems with Sprinklers (NC #39) In sprinklered fire, use masks even though heat is less – use of allows ff’s to extinguish remaining fire w/ out shutting down sprinklers first. ___ ventilation often required to move the cold smoke. Especially in ___ areas.
- Mechanical ventilation - Especially in below grade areas
40
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Problems with Sprinklers (NC #40) Normally, the ___ is our 1st indication of a fire:
Sprinkler water flow alarm
41
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Problems with Sprinklers (NC #41) Bldg w/ partial sprinklered system – recommended procedure to follow:
• Send ff to locate shut off & standby for orders to shut down → • When certain that fire won’t extend – shut down system → • Leave ff at valve to wait for further instructions.
42
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Problems with Sprinklers (NC #43) Fig. 6-7: 3 potential paths a ff might take when exiting a fire in a mall or other large structure: And which option should be mandatory, as other options risk death:
• Path following show windows • Path following search rope/hose (should be mandatory) • Unguided path
43
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Problems with Sprinklers (NC #44) When forced to travel by maintaining contact with a wall, you must follow:
The layout of the walls.
44
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Problems with Sprinklers (NC #45) Ventilation is a must in sprinklered bldgs – but it can be difficult to do. Laws of Nature are violated – smoke doesn’t rise as expected, at times it hangs low. That’s due to the twofold action of the sprinkler:
Cooling and pushing down (the smoke).
45
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Problems with Sprinklers (NC #46) In many cases, the following are sprinklered because of the bldg code:
• Cellars • Sub-cellars • Window less areas
46
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Problems with Sprinklers (NC #47) Alternatives available for Officers in command at such situations. Nozzle? Ventilation?
• Fog in immediate fire area since fire/water damage already done. • Fans will work in relatively small areas w/ opening to exterior (PPV extremely valuable in such situations)
47
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Problems with Sprinklers (NC #48) Alternatives available for Officers in command at such situations (cont): In large structures or bldgs with limited openings or many small rooms, ___ may be the only possible way to move the quantity of air desired.
The building’s HVAC system
48
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: A Suggested Strategy (NC #49) A Suggested Strategy → 1. Know beforehand the location of: 2. Commit supply lines to ___ early: 3. Get ___ in place.
1. Sprinkler system shut off & siameses. 2. Sprinkler siamese (w/ proper volume & pressure) 3. Handlines (staffed by mask-equipped M’s)
49
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: A Suggested Strategy (NC #50) A Suggested Strategy → 1. Ventilate area, anticipate ___ & use \_\_\_: 2. Only after \_\_\_, shut down sprinkler system, drain it & restore it to service.
1. Difficulties & use proper techniques. 2. Only after fire is under control.
50
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #51) The most common & simplest type of sprinkler system is:
The automatic wet system
51
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #52) Fig. 6-8: ___ systems are the most reliable systems:
Automatic wet-pipe systems
52
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #53) Fig. 6-8 (cont): Closed sprinkler heads, only heads affected by \_\_\_:
Heat discharge
53
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #54) Fig. 6-9: Water flow in a wet-pipe system lifts a clapper (check valve), that \_\_\_. The clapper will close if:
- Sounds an alarm - Water flow stops or if a pumper pumps into FDC
54
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #55) Automatic Wet System: Pipe system connected to supply source that has water in it all of the time, right up to ea. sprinkler head. Ea. system has an alarm valve that serves several functions. Primarily it is a ___ valve:
Check valve
55
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #56) Automatic Wet System: Check valve does the following → Prevents ___ & opens to admit \_\_\_.
• Prevents water from flowing back out of sprinkler piping but, • Opening to admit water that’s flowing through the heads
56
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #57) Automatic Wet System: Part of the clapper on the check valve covers a small pipe when the check valve is closed. When clapper opens to let water flow to sprinkler head, is also transmits an alarm by (2 methods):
- Allowing water to flow through small pipe, tripping electrical switches -or- - Turning the paddle wheel of a water motor alarm bell. - (if water flow stops, clapper falls back down, resetting it & covering the pipe)
57
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #58) Automatic Wet System: If the water flow stops, the clapper (does what):
Falls back down, resetting it and covering the pipe.
58
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #59) Automatic Wet System: False alarms can occur if there’s a large fluctuation of the water supply to wet systems. This happens when:
Pressure from the surge on the bottom of the clapper is greater than the pressure in the system on top of the clapper – clapper temporary lifts, and then resets.
59
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #60) Automatic Wet System: If false alarms recur at same location, root out problem. 1st action is to:
Notify building owner that repeats won’t be tolerated.
60
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #61) Automatic Wet System: If false alarms recur at same location → Sprinkler contractors can adjust the alarm piping so that water will flow for a longer period of time before it sets off the alarm, this delay can be for up to:
Up to 1 minute (few surges would last that long)
61
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #62) Automatic Wet System: Alarms can also be triggered by startups and shutdowns of ___ at nearby factories:
Industrial pumps
62
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #63) The 2nd most common type of sprinkler system:
The automatic dry pipe system
63
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #64) Automatic Dry (or dry-pipe) System: Usually found in ___ areas:
Unheated areas – where freezing poses a threat to water in pipes.
64
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #65) Automatic Dry (or dry-pipe) System: More complex than wet systems & consequently, fd’s have more problems with them. These problems occur bc pipes are filled with:
Air that’s under pressure
65
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #66) Automatic Dry (or dry-pipe) System: Water for dry-pipe systems is held back in heated area by:
A dry-pipe valve
66
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #67) Automatic Dry (or dry-pipe) System: Air must be continuously available to this system, either from \_\_\_. Otherwise, air pressure may drop to point where valve trips and sends an alarm.
A compressor or bottles & regulators
67
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #68) Automatic Dry (or dry-pipe) System: Fig. 6-10: Automatic dry-pipe systems have a clapper than should ___ when the valve trips:
Lock in the open position
68
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #69) Automatic Dry (or dry-pipe) System: Fig. 6-10 (cont): The dry-pipe valve’s clapper is larger than a wet-pipe clapper to allow:
A low air pressure (with priming water seal) on the top to hold back a higher water pressure below.
69
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #70) Automatic Dry (or dry-pipe) System: The dry pipe functions similarly to the wet-alarm valve, with couple exceptions. In the dry-pipe, there is a ___ to hold air in the system:
Clapper
70
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #71) Automatic Dry (or dry-pipe) System: In the dry-pipe, there is a clapper to hold air in the system. This clapper varies from a wet-system clapper in that it has:
A much larger top than bottom surface – allowing lower pressure on top to hold high pressure from the bottom.
71
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #72) Automatic Dry (or dry-pipe) System: For most (dry pipe) valves, the air pressure on top will be about ___ psi. Which will hold back up to ___ psi. This is called a ___ valve:
• 30 – 40 psi • Up to 100 psi
72
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #73) Automatic Dry (or dry-pipe) System: For most (dry pipe) valves, the air pressure on top will be about 30-40 psi. Which will hold back up to 100 psi. This is called a ___ valve:
Differential dry-pipe valve
73
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #74) Automatic Dry (or dry-pipe) System: Another difference of the dry-pipe valve is that its clapper is equipped with a ___ feature:
Lock-open feature
74
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #75) Automatic Dry (or dry-pipe) System: Lock-open feature - if pressure surges continually, clapper lifts & water is pushed in ea. time. System will eventually fill & may freeze/destroy system. Less obvious problem is water columning, which occurs when:
• Water above clapper is so high that the weight will hold the clapper closed - • Even after a head has opened & all of the air has bled out • (when happens – no water will be discharged on fire)
75
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #76) Fig. 6-11: Dry pipes must be located in a heated room, to keep ___ & ___ from freezing:
Supply pipe and valve
76
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #77) Fig. 6-11 (cont): If too much water is allowed into the dry-pipe system, the weight of the water can prevent:
The valve from opening during a fire
77
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #78) Automatic Dry (or dry-pipe) System: A lock is installed to prevent this (water columning - previous card), so that if a flow equal to ___ occurs, the clapper is locked open and an alarm is sent:
1 sprinkler head
78
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #79) Automatic Dry (or dry-pipe) System: Resetting dry-pipe systems:
• Won’t reset by themselves, • Alarm service can’t reset it, • Must arrange for services of qualified sprinkler contractor.
79
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #80) Automatic Dry (or dry-pipe) System: When FF’s arrive at dry-pipe trip – no fire present & no water flowing, difficult decision - If decide to leave system on & silence alarm – they face 2 problems:
• If system trips for actual fire – another alarm won’t be received • If system freezes, it can’t flow water for fire – ice may damage pipes, fittings, systems.
80
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #81) Automatic Dry (or dry-pipe) System: When FF’s arrive at dry-pipe trip – no fire present & no water flowing, difficult decision - If FF’s shut off and drain the system – what will happen if another fire occurs. Solution; shut down & drain system then:
Order owner (preferably in writing) to provide a security guard’s service throughout bldg until system is reset.
81
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #82) Automatic Dry (or dry-pipe) System: The security guard should be taught how to ___ incase of fire.
Reopen system in case of fire
82
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #83) Automatic Dry (or dry-pipe) System: If there is no threat of freezing, FF’s can leave system on as a \_\_\_, again with a security guard’s service to sound any necessary alarm.
Wet system
83
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #84) Deluge Systems: A deluge system has open sprinkler heads, which allows:
Water to flow all at once, flooding the area.
84
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #85) Deluge Systems: Deluge systems are often found as protection for ___ facilities.
Flammable liquid facilities (such as truck loading racks)
85
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #86) Deluge Systems: Consist of a piping system connected to a water source controlled by an:
Automatic valve
86
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #87) Deluge Systems: Connected to water source, open heads attached to piping throughout area. The heads have no \_\_\_, but are merely nozzles:
Heat sensing elements
87
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #88) Deluge Systems: Area w/ deluge system is also protected by fire detection system connected to a deluge valve. When detectors sense fire, they open:
- Deluge valve → - And water flows into the system, all at once.
88
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #89) Deluge Systems: are used to protect areas such as:
- Aircraft hangers & - Flammable loading docks. - (where extremely rapid fire spread is expected)
89
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #90) Deluge Systems: When fd responds to bldg w/ deluge system – prepare to augment the supply of large volumes of water. When fire extinguished, FD must use great care in shutting down any control valves, because:
Large flow can create a dangerous water hammer if system is closed too quickly.
90
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #104) Preaction System: By using closed heads to localize the flow, this system can:
Turn the water on and off again if the fire rekindles in a remote area.
91
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #91) Preaction Systems consist of ___ system coupled with ___ system.
Automatic detection system coupled with an automatic dry-pipe system.
92
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #92) Preaction Systems are often installed over (what type of equipment):
Expensive electronic equipment that may be damaged by water leak.
93
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #93) Preaction Systems: The piping of a pre-action system is filled with \_\_\_:
Compressed air
94
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #94) Preaction Systems: The piping of a pre-action system is filled with compressed air. Compressed air – connected to automatically operated valve that exhausts the compressed air only if:
The detection system (heat or smoke activated) senses fire
95
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #95) Preaction Systems: The detection system for a Preaction System can be either:
Heat or smoke
96
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #96) Preaction Systems: Fig. 6–14: Preaction systems are usually located over \_\_\_.
Very expensive water-sensitive equipment
97
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #97) Preaction Systems: Fig. 6–14 (cont): Preaction systems combine a fire detection system with a ___ valve that supplies closed sprinkler heads.
Deluge type
98
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #98) Preaction Systems: Fig. 6–14 (cont): ___ actuate the preaction valve.
Smoke or heat detectors
99
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #99) Preaction Systems: This (card #94) lets the dry-pipe system fill with water when the detectors sense fire, which is usually a stage before:
2 or more.
100
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #100) Preaction Systems: In some cases, ___ (how many) detectors must activate to prevent false alarm trips:
2 or more.
101
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #101) Preaction System saves time in getting water to fire since it don’t require:
That all air bleeding out through a sprinkler before the dry valve trips.
102
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #102) Preaction System differs from a deluge system in that is uses:
Closed sprinklers – so water discharges only over the fire area.
103
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #103) Preaction System: The most recent innovation in sprinklers uses ___ detectors to not only activate the system, but also shut it off when the area is cooled:
Heat detectors
104
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #106) Preaction System: Its water-conservation feature makes is an excellent choice for a system that has:
- Limited water supply - (such as a pressure tank)
105
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #107) Preaction Systems may be found where prevention of water damage is a must, such as (4 examples given). FF’s working in such areas, be aware of possibility of sprinklers suddenly activating.
• Computer rooms • Tape-storage areas • Electronic switch rooms • Telephone-switching centers
106
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #108) Preaction System: Sudden activation can also occur if the structure has a ___ on a standard wet, dry, or preaction system:
On/off sprinkler heads
107
Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #109) On/off sprinkler heads have a ___ built right into them, and will cycle on and off continually. They don’t generally require any choking or replacement by FD personnel:
Heat sensing element
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Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #110) Nonautomatic Systems is sometimes is confused with the ___ system:
Auto dry-pipe system
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Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #111) Nonautomatic Systems: History → - 1st nonautomatic system goes back ___ years, - When fires in ___ of large urban areas defied FF’s efforts to descend:
- More than 100 years - Cellars & subcellars - Fire codes called for sprinkler systems to be installed, owners complained of $ to connect to a water supply – Compromise was install a system w/ no water supply connection other than FD siamese
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Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #112) Nonautomatic Systems: The 1st attempts to provide some type of sprinkler system in such area involved so-called ___ systems:
Perforated-pipe systems.
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Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #113) Nonautomatic Systems: Perforated-pipe systems – consisted of rows of pipes with small holes (size of holes?) drilled every few inches along the top and sides:
1/8 to ¼” holes
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Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #114) Nonautomatic Systems: Perforated systems – pipes were run along the ceilings of the occupancy, connecting to siamese connection at the street level. They functioned like a modern ___ system:
- Deluge system - Water came out of every pore when the system was supplied by a fire hose
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Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #115) Nonautomatic Systems: Perforated systems – some of these systems more than 100 years old and still exists in older buildings. Should be relied upon for fire protection, but may serve to indicate location of fire by:
Amount of smoke pouring out of the siamese
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Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #116) Fig. 6-15: ___ systems were the very 1st nonautomatic systems. They are old & unreliable. Other nonautomatic systems use ordinary sprinkler heads on standard piping:
Perforated pipe systems
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Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #117) Nonautomatic Systems: NY Telephone Switching Center fire of ‘75 – resulted in developing a variation of the nonautomatic system – the custom designed n/a system used ___ temperature sprinkler heads connected to piping & could withstand (heat & temp):
• 365 degrees • 1500 degrees F for 15 min. • (system used in telephone switching centers & alerted fd immediately) • (system remains nonautomatic to protect delicate electronic switching gear from accidental water leakage)
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Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #118) Fig. 6-16: Many telephone switching centers were equipped with a special suppression system, a specially designed nonautomatic system, for their \_\_\_.
Cable trays
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Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #119) In another move to reduce cost of fire protection systems (and thereby improve the chances of them being installed), ___ systems have been developed:
Combination standpipe and sprinkler systems
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Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #120) ___ systems where a logical way to extend sprinkler protection into existing unsprinklered high-rise bldgs in the early 70’s.
- Combination standpipe & sprinkler systems. - (After spate of h/r fires demonstrated that all h/r fires must be sprinklered for safety of occupants)
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Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #121) Combination Standpipe/Sprinkler Systems: Sprinkler system taps into existing standpipe riser, which permitted owners to install at less cost. In older bldgs, standpipe rises could easily flow 500 gpm. In NYC, common diameter for risers in taller bldgs:
8”
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Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #122) Combination Standpipe/Sprinkler Systems: NYC – common 8” diameter for risers in taller bldgs since sprinkler systems were only required to flow anywhere from ___ in a light hazard office floor:
150 – 200 gpm
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Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Types of Systems (NC #123) Combination Standpipe/Sprinkler Systems: Problem is that new buildings are being built this way, with ___ piping that removes all of the reserve (wiggle room) out of the system:
Hydraulically calculated piping
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Hydraulically calculated piping Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Size Up At Sprinklered Buildings (NC #124) In sizing up a fire, must consider auxiliary appliances (sprinkler, standpipe, foam & other suppression systems). We must 1st determine:
Whether or not an auxiliary system is present (at times presence is assured by bldg or fire code).
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Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Size Up At Sprinklered Buildings (NC #125) Presence of automatic sprinkler systems is difficult to forecast. Of the method of ___ will indicate the presence of a sprinkler system:
- Alarm receipt - (valve alarm or water flow alarm, etc)
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Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Size Up At Sprinklered Buildings (NC #126) Some exterior signs that a bldg is protected by a sprinkler system are (3):
• Presence of Siamese connection, • Sight/sound of the water motor alarm gong, and • Running water discharging from pipes coming through wall of bldg.
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Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Size Up At Sprinklered Buildings (NC #127) A siamese connection may look the same for both sprinkler and standpipe systems. There should be a ___ on or adjoining the siamese to indicate its purpose.
- Marked metal plate - (some jurisdictions mandate color coding siameses to simplify the task of identifying)
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Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Size Up At Sprinklered Buildings (NC #128) The best way to determine whether or not a sprinkler system is present is by:
• Pre-fire inspection & planning • (This also familiarizes fd w/ location of control types & operational status)
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Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Size Up At Sprinklered Buildings (NC #129) U/A at sprinklered bldgs – 1st determine \_\_\_, since this will indicate our course of action?
Whether or not the building’s sprinkler system is operating.
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Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Size Up At Sprinklered Buildings (NC #130) If serious fire found in bldg protected by sprinkler system – immediately call for assistance. In many depts, sprinkler alarms receive minimal response, based on the premise that greater than \_\_\_% of all fires are controlled by 1 or 2 sprinkler heads.
- 95% - (And even larger % of responses involve no fire at all but are minor malfunctions such as pressure surges or low air pressure in dry-pipe valves)
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Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Size Up At Sprinklered Buildings (NC #131) Even if your dept sends a full response to sprinkler alarms, you should expect that some of the responders have become ___ about these type of responses.
Complacent (they are holding back a little, waiting for report from on scene – expecting to hear it’s a false alarm caused by a malfunction)
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Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Size Up At Sprinklered Buildings (NC #132) Most sprinklered buildings are ___ use:
Commercial or industrial use
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Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Size Up At Sprinklered Buildings (NC #133) If find a serious fire in sprinklered bldg – generally system will have been turned off. May be due to an arsonist closing the valve, meaning ___ may well be present:
Accelerants
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Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Size Up At Sprinklered Buildings (NC #134)
With installation of sprinkler system especially in new construction – bldg codes often permit trade-offs, which means?
Cause system will make bldg safer, bldg code allows owner to install less costly & often more dangerous materials – since sprinklers will take care of any fire problem (most items only problematic if system is OOS)
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Ch. 6: Norman – Sprinkler Systems & Standpipe Operations Section: Size Up At Sprinklered Buildings (NC #135)
Fighting fire in non-sprinklered bldg different than fire in bldg w/ sprinklers that are OOS. Examples of conditions allowed in sprinklered bldgs as opposed to non-sprinklered:
* Use of materials w/ higher flame spread &/or smoke generating ratings for flr, wall, ceiling coverings (carpet, wallpaper, etc)
* Lower resistance ratings for structural elements and walls
* Increased exit travel distances – particularly dangerous for unsuspecting firefighters.
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