Building Services: Fire Suppression and Fire Detection

This document provides an overview of fire suppression and fire detection systems in buildings. It discusses the components and functions of these systems and highlights their importance in preventing and controlling fire incidents. The document also includes a case study of the fire suppression system in SciTech building at Queensland University of Technology.

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BUILDING SERVICES
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5.0 Fire Services
5.1 Fire Suppression (Hydraulics)
5.1.1 System purpose and function
A system of fire suppression is a vital installation in any building that carries out the important
duty of stopping the wide spread breakouts of fire. In the past and recent periods, fire breakouts
have been a major occurrence in most buildings and it is therefore important to put in place
several strategies that will ensure similar incidents are avoided in the near future. Fire breakouts
make up one of the most dangerous and threatening incidents both to the safety of the occupants
of the buildings as well as to the general damage to the building facilities and the environment at
large. The most suggested and equally effective means of taking care of the fire incidences is
through the adoption of a fire suppression system in buildings (Henderson, 2013).
The whole system represents an engineered collection of components that are developed in order
to assist in extinguishing any form of accidental fire in buildings. The design of a fire
extinguisher involves a system of fire alarm that is linked to a fire extinguisher, hole reel, fire
hydrants, extinguisher as well as sprinkler system. Most fire suppression systems are made up of
a system of fire detection and a mechanism of signalling in order to alert the nearby workers of
the occurrence of a fire breakout. The alarm mechanism is able to detect smoke or fire and
subsequently signal the fire extinguisher to put the fire out.
Categorisation of a fire suppression system comprises 3 vital sections i.e. electrical fire detection,
hydraulic suppression services and mechanical fire control.

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5.1.2 Components and Composition
SciTech building is a building located in Queensland University of Technology and presents a
technical example of a building that is equipped with modern fire services techniques. The
building is well equipped with modern hydraulic fire suppression systems that include hose reels,
fire extinguishers, fire hydrants, sprinklers as well as pumps that play a major in fire
extinguishing in case a fire breakouts in the building (Cunningham, 2011).
The major hydraulic components of a fire service include the following;
 Source of water
 Different valves for prevention of isolation and backflow
 An assembly of fire hydrant booster valve
 Fire pumps
 Fire mains
 Fire hose reels
 Fire hydrants
 Sprinklers
Source of water
The system is linked to a water storage tank or the mains distribution. Water comes from one
dedicated connection to the mains supply of the town. SciTech building has a water storage tank
located at each specific flow. It has a grade 1 source of water supply given that SciTech is a
building that goes past the 25m in efficient height.

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Water meter and valve assembly
The city council water goes through the main entrance of George Street and links up with the
assembly of the water meter valve as well as a valve that prevents backflow of water.
Figure 1: water meter and assembly of valves
SciTech building water connection
Water from the main goes into the building where it is linked to a fire storage tank that serves the
Fire hydrant, fire hose reel and the fire sprinklers.
Figure 2: water connection to the fire services

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Fire pumps
Fire pumps are commonly used to help the water pressure in situations where the hydraulic
gradient is little and cannot achieve required pressure of water at the fire hose reel or fire
hydrant.
Figure 3: showing the set-up of the fire pump
Fire brigade booster assemblies
The booster assembly is a necessary requirement for a building that surpasses a floor area of
2000m2 or has got 2 or more required fire hydrants. The booster assemblies comprises of pumps,
eminent storage and suction pumps (Munroe, 2010). The valves of the fire booster assemblies are
often connected to the fire brigade truck. The fire brigade trucks are used as a fire appliance and
must always have its pressure kept constant while showing the booster cabinet working pressure.

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Fire hydrants
These are are fittings that normally offer a valved opening in order to allow for a controlled
water supply for the purpose of fire extinguishing. They are offered in order to facilitate efficient
fire extinguishing and protection of unaffected locations of the building. They therefore assist in
the prevention of fire spread to other surrounding buildings. The installation of fire hydrants
should be done in buildings that have a floor area that surpasses 500m2 .
Figure 4: showing the external fire hydrant location, fire appliance hard stand and access
Fire brigade hydrant and sprinkler booster valves
They are usually connected to the fire brigade truck.

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Figure 5: fire brigade hydrant
Figure 6: sprinkler booster
Fire horse reels (FHR)
FHRs are hose pipes that are connected to the valved supply of water and are then wound around
a reel. They should be provided always so as to serve a wider area of the building compartments.
They are mostly located inside buildings that must be served with an internal fire hydrant. They
can be initially used whilst still setting up other fire extinguishing appliances.

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Figure 7: FHR installation at SciTech
Fire sprinklers
A fire sprinkler is a necessary requirement in the below situations;
When the effective height is greater than 25m; this identifies the effective height of operation for
the fire brigade ladders as well as other extinguishing equipment. It is also a requirement for
“class 6, class 7a, class 9c and class 9b buildings.”
A sprinkler system has to be connected to a building and should activate the warning systems of
the occupants. Any opening that separates the sprinkled and non-sprinkled regions of a building
has to be protected (Moore, 2015).

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Figure 8: Fire sprinkler system
Fire storage tank
The fire storage tank ensures constant flow of water to the fire services that often require large
volume of water and a constant rate of flow.

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Figure 9: fire storage tank
5.1.3 Justification
SciTech building has equipped with modern fire suppression services that are aimed at properly
handling any occurrence of a fire breakout within the building. The fire suppression system is
designed such that it is able to identify and equally control any fire breakout. The fire
suppression system has several components that assist in perfoming those functions.

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Figure 10: SciTech Precinct
The 225mm diameter Brisbane City council main water enters the main entrance of QUT George
Street where it then connects to the valve assembly. There is an RPZ valve that prevents of
water. The ring main is able to provide enough water for all the fire hydrants systems, fire
sprinklers as well as the fire hose reel systems. Water from the mains is linked to the fire storage
tank that serves the sprinklers, FH and the FHR. The fire pumps are the activated and water is
driven to the area it is needed. The fire booster valves are then connected once the water arrives
hence fire can be easily extinguished (Evans Jr, & Wheeler, 2010).
The fire hose reels, fire hydrant and sprinkler systems are designed in accordance to the
Australian standards Installation of Fire Horse Reels, AS 2441. The standard outlines the specific
requirements in case of distribution, installation as well as the locations of the fire horse reels.
The FH landing valve is situated adjacent to the Fire services riser (FSR) in the stairwell. A

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1000mm FSR is also situated in the isolated stairwell. There is a 25mm diameter connection for
the FSR just below the slap in order to serve the FSR. The FSR are in accordance to the AS
2118.1 standards. The standard is provided to assist in protecting the building in case of a fire
breakout. The fixation and installation of the hydrants were in accordance to the AS 2419.1
standards.
The sprinkler systems have been installed in accordance to the AS2118 1999 and AS2941 1995
standards. The standards describe the major necessities for the location and installation of the
sprinkler systems. It also outlines the requirements for maintenance in order to guarantee safety.
Diesel pump batteries have also been harnessed and cradled in the required manner and a test
facility also installed in the pump to facilitate proper testing of any cut in pressures.
This implies that the installation of the whole fire suppression system met all the required
standards and therefore guarantees utmost efficiency in the occurrence of a fire breakout within
the building.
5.1.4 Analysis
Fire extinguishers
The design and installation of the system for the SciTech building brings along various strengths
and weaknesses. Most of the fire suppression procedures occur automatically hence little level of
human effort is required. The location of the fire water storage tanks at every specific flow is
more advantageous as compared to others that are located at the roof tops. Besides the automated
functionality, there is still need to have skilled personnel in order to operate the manual systems
such as inspection and maintenance (Parkinson, Smith, & Lewis, 2016).
Fire hose reel

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All the fire hose reels used in the building had a length of 36m. The most preferred hose reel was
the Fire Master (Tyco). Others like the quick-fit or Fast-Fit hose reels were not preferred for use
in this building. All the hose reels used were fitted with a gate valve to enable easier removal of
the fire hose reel when in need to perform a replacement or servicing.
Sprinkler systems
All sprinkler systems have been installed in accordance to the set standards. The diesel pump
batteries have been harnessed and cradled in the most appropriate way. A test facility was
installed to the pump in order to facilitate easy and precise testing and reporting of any form of
cut in the pressures. A drain was also installed into the systems of the pump as well as the test
facility such that it can be able to run the relevant waste.
Pump systems
A system pipe work and a pressure relief are installed to the pump system. A throttle valve is
also installed to facilitate precise readings of flow. All the pumps only have a mechanical seal
installed in them. The gauges are equally having a ball valve installed in order to facilitate the
replacement or service of the gauge (Johnson, 2012).
5.2 Fire Detection (Electrical)
5.2.1 System Purpose and Function
The fire detection involves a warning system that serves the purpose of alerting the inhabitants of
the building of the occurrence of a fire incidence. Electronic system of fire detection performs
the detection and notification of all the connected parties in the given environment in the case of

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a fire break out. It is equipped with several components that assist in performing its purpose.
Some of these components include silent knight, fire alarms, honey wall, firelight and NAPCO.
There also exists a control mechanism that has measures to avoid fire breakout or put it off once
it has splashed into the building.
Many individuals never take fire alarms with utmost seriousness whereas some also never test
their alarm systems quite often. An alarm system that is properly installed and occasionally
maintained is beneficial given that it will immediate alert the available occupants of a building of
any fire incidence. The alarm system will provide an early signal of an incident that is about to
occur hence giving the occupants enough time to begin evacuation. The fire detection system is
an advanced system comprised of smoke detectors as well as alarm devices that are designed to
provide safety to the building occupants.
Most fire detection systems have an approximated life span of between 10 to 15 years, from
which it will be regarded unreliable. They are made of a “Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP)”
which is basically the main component or engine of the fire detection system. Devices of
detection will run the gamut that comprises of several functions in one detector, from the multi-
capability to heat detectors. The systems of detection are capable of detecting combustion
particles or smoke and subsequently send alerts to the FACP which decides the best steps to take.
5.2.2 Components and Composition
The following are the major components of the fire detection system
 Sub indicator panels
 Fire indicator panel
 Detectors

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 Interconnecting wiring
 Sounders (Luo et al, 2012).
 Manual call points
Fire detectors
Fire detectors exist in different types.
 Smoke detector- any form of visible particles of smoke will obstruct a source of light
within the detector
 Flame detector- it is designed to detect ultra violet or infra-red radiation
 Combustion detector- any product of combustion will ions from a source of radioactivity
 Electro-pneumatic thermal- any rise in temperature expands air inside a bellows hence
contacts will close (Wallace, 2013).
 “Very early smoke detecting apparatus (VESDA)” - it used in a system of air
conditioning that involves tubes located in the duct extracts samples of air from the
rooms. It then examines the samples for any combustion product.
“Early warning and intercom system”
The major components of this system include;
 “Master emergency control panel”- it has zone controls, sound generators and main
warden handset that can enhance evacuation.
 Extra emergency control panels
 Speakers
 Warden points of intercommunication- these are the locations where individual floor
wardens can have a communication with the main warden

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 Interconnecting wiring- the wirings should often be protected from fire.
Fire rated cables
“Mineral Insulated Metal Sheath”
Most of these cables are of “mineral insulated metal sheath (MIMS).” These types of cables do
not use any organic material for purposes such as insulation. This implies that they are more
resistant to fire as compared to other cables. They can be adopted in very critical protection of
fire activities including fire pumps, alarm circuits as well as systems of smoke control (Le Lande
Jr, 2016).
Figure 11: MIMS
High Temperature Silicon (RADOX)
High temperature silicon has perfect resistance to ozone as well as both high and low
temperature. The basic features of RADOX include; are weatherproof, flame retardant, free from
halogen, flexibility, easy striping and processing, high resistance to abrasion, high thermal
pressure resistance etc.

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Figure 12: RADOX
Emergency lighting
This represents a form of lighting that is developed to operate when normal lighting does not
function.
The following are the major categories of emergency lighting
Safety lighting- it is enough lighting for effective building evacuation in the occurrence of an
emergency. It is often located at the corridors intersection, exit doors and staircases levels.
Standby lighting- it is enough light to facilitate vital nature activities to proceed in the occurrence
of emergencies. It is most applicable in hospital operating theatres (Luo et al, 2012).
Central light- it is system lighting from a central emergency battery or generator power supply
that turns in the occurrence of the mains failure. It needs regular testing and maintenance and
depends on the internal wiring of the building
Self-contained system- it completely doesn’t rely on the mains supply. In the occurrence of a
power failure, batteries are turned on till the power is restored.

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5.2.3 Justification
Smoke detectors
All the detectors that were installed in the building were accordance to the set Australian codes.
The detection of smoke all through QUT must be the only favoured option in all the QUT
buildings. The most favoured smoke detector is the simplex true alarm.
Thermal detectors
Thermal detectors have to be installed in locations that have an increased chance of occurrence
of excessive smoke or dust
All the detectors are installed by the use of a Franco bracket type ad is easily accessible during
the preceding requirements of service and usual testing (Liu, & Kim, 2013).
The fire alarm system included an emergency communication and warning system in accordance
to AS2202-2 Australian standards. The fire warning system was also in accordance to the
AS2220 standards. The AS2220 forms part of the “Emergency Warning and
Intercommunication Systems in Buildings Equipment Design and Manufacture.” The standards
outline the least requirements of the manufacture and design of equipment that can be used in
emergency warning and systems of intercommunication. They ensure that in the occurrence of an
emergency, there is prper warning which facilitates easy evacuation out of the building.
The early warning and intercommunication systems were designed in harmony to the AS2201.2
standards. AS2201.2 is part of the “Emergency Warning and Intercommunication Systems in
Buildings Equipment Design and manufacture” that outlines the major requirements for any
system of early warning and intercom and the safety guidelines that must their design must

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adhere to. All the major components of the early warning and intercommunication system were
incorporated in the building designed and appropriately installed. The safety requirements during
installation were equally adhered to as per the standards.
5.2.4 Analysis
The fire alarm system included an emergency communication and warning system in accordance
to the required standards. That included a warden intercommunication points and facilities for
public address. It also included a single zone two tone system for warning in the instance of fire.
The whole system comprises of the following major components; fire detection, systems of
control and intercom, warning, system design, commissioning and installation.
The components of the fire detection system included detectors, sounders, fire indicator panels
and interconnecting wires. Fire detectors are made of different types and perform different
functions. The detectors are designed to detect smoke, changes in temperature, both ultra violet
and infra-red radiations as well as combustion products from radioactive source.
The building also had the appropriate early warning and intercom systems installed the system
had the following major components; speakers, points of intercommunication with wardens,
master and additional panel for emergency control. The system required appropriate
interconnecting wiring that could not be destroyed in the instance of fire. Some of the best fire
rated cables such as MIMS and RADOX cables were used in the installation of the system.
Appropriate emergency lighting was also installed in the building to enable easy evacuation
process in the instance of fire breakout. They are designed to operate whenever the normal
lighting system breaks down.

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5.3 Fire Control (Mechanical)
5.3.1 System Purpose and Function
Fire and smoke control systems are installed in a building to reduce the chances of spread of
smoke or fire to different compartments of the building. The SciTech building is a large building
and for the purpose of fire control, it is subdivided into several fire segments as well as smoke
control segments. Different measures are put in place fir different buildings depending on their
height, types of buildings or class as well as the number of storeys that they have (Pappas, 2018).
There exists several paths that fire or smoke can follow to leak to other parts of the building.
They include;
 Through service shafts
 Through lift wells
 Escape stairs
 Connection of floor to curtain wall
 Air conditioning supply
 Ventilation systems etc.
It is therefore important to protect the buildings from penetration through airflow openings and
smoke or fire walls. There exist several techniques of protection as will be discussed below.
5.3.2 Components and Composition
Penetration of fire or smoke to other compartments of the building should always be avoided in
the occurrence of a fire breakout. The system is made up of the following components to aid its
functionality;

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 Smoke dampers
 Fire dampers
 Fire associated sealant
 Fire collars
Fire dampers
They are designed to guard the airflow openings that are needed in the floors and fire walls. In
the instance of fire, they will close and thus stopping the flow of air. This often happens when
they are exposed to very temperatures, usually greater than 68C.
Curtain fire dampers
They comprise of metal blade made of concertina type and is usually released in the instance of
temperature surpassing 68C by a glass bulb that is very sensitive. The installation need to follow
the proper direction of airflow. The access to duct is equally needed during testing and
inspection.
Blade fire dampers
It comprises of 1 or more pivoting metal Louvre blade types that are held open by a sensitive like
of heat at 68C. The blades close through gravity whenever they are released

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Figure 13: Blade fire dampers
Intumescent fire dampers
It comprises of intumescent material grid that swells whenever it is exposed to heat such that the
grid openings will completely close. It easier to connect to the fire doors and walls due to its size.
Figure 14: intumescent dampers
Smoke dampers
They similarly represent the blade type fire dampers in terms of structure. They have a fitted
motor drive and closes down in the occurrence of a fire alarm signal.
Pipe penetrations
They are sealed using techniques of tested and approved fire rated sealants. Surrounding the
pipework is an intumescent fire rated sealant.

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Exit pressurisation
These systems maintain a tenable environment within the fire isolated stairs and exists through
pressurising the exit routes with outside air hence reducing the intrusion of smoke.
Smoke venting systems
These systems are used in bigger single storey buildings and operate through opening the vents
of the walls to allow in fresh air from the outside. It opens the roof vents to take out the smoke.
The procedure can occur through natural ventilation or can be assisted through fan-induced
ventilation.
Control systems for Zone smoke
It presents an alternative option where fire location is kept at lower pressure than other parts of
the building. It has proven to be more effective though it is generally expensive to acquire and
install

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Figure 15: showing the fire control system
5.3.3 Justification
In order to an effective fire and smoke system, it is recommended that it attains the following
standards of construction and installation.
 “AS 1668 (1998), The Use of Ventilation and Air-conditioning in Buildings”, which
describes the use of air conditioning as well as ventilations in the control of smoke and

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fire in large buildings. The standard outlines the provisions that can be used to effectively
design, construct and install the systems of air conditioning and ventilation. It equally
discusses the five main methods of fire control.
 “AS 1851 (S.18), Maintenance of Fire protection Systems and Equipment”, which
outlines the features of the fire and smoke control for the systems of HVAC. The
standard describes the process of system interface testing as well as the need to carry out
the testing. It presents the idea that conservation of fire protection systems and related
equipment can improve the efficiency of the system.
 “AS 2427, Smoke/ Heat Release Vents”, that the design and installation of heat/ smoke
release vents. The standard specifies the main requirements for smoke driven through
buoyancy as well as the heat exhaust vents that should be installed in the roofs of
buildings. The devices perform the duty of releasing combustion products whenever there
is a fire incidence.
5.3.4 Analysis
Fire dampers are designed to safeguard the openings of the airflow in the floors and fire walls.
There exist different types of fire dampers namely; “intumescent fire dampers, curtain fire
dampers and blade fire dampers.” Each type has got distinct features in their mode of operation.
The installations of the fire dampers must follow the correct direction of airflow and should also
enable easy access in case of testing or inspection.
Pipe penetrations have got a seal that is made using fire rated techniques of sealing. It is
important for cold HVAC pipes to be insulated continuously in order to prevent condensation.
The vapour must equally be continuously sealed.

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It is important for the exit pressurisation systems to keep a constant atmosphere that will help
reduce the intrusion of smoke. This should happen within the isolated stairs and fire isolated
exists. The main aim of a system of smoke control is to lower the spread of smoke to other
unaffected locations as well as vent the smoke out of the affected areas.

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