Description of wet pipe sprinkler systems and fire detection systems

Fire protection in a facility includes architectural, mechanical, and electrical considerations. Provisions for egress by locating exit doors within limited walking distances, fire walls, fire doors, the location of fire extinguishers and mechanical fire suppression systems which may or may not be interlocked with electrical fire detection and alarm systems are some of the ways personnel, facilities and equipment can be protected from fire. An early warning fire detection system is designed to detect fire, warn personnel through alarms and release extinguishing agents. There are various types of firefighting suppression systems and detection systems. Most of these are discussed in this chapter.

1. Wet pipe sprinkler system. The typical wet pipe sprinkler system includes city water supply, drain lines, fire riser consisting of shutoff valves, check valves, an alarm check valve, fire department connection, water motor driven alarm, branch lines, fusible link sprinkler heads, vent and low point drain, tamper switches and post indicator valves.
2. Fire detection system. Discussed in this course is a typical fire detection system. The fire detection system consists of smoke detectors, heat detectors, pull stations, alarm/strobe lights, tamper switches, flow switch, control panel and backup power supply.
3. Wet pipe sprinkler system and fire detection system. More information on design, maintenance and testing of firefighting and suppression systems is found in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 12, Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems, Standard 13, Installation of sprinkler systems, and Standard 72, National fire alarm code, NFPA 25 Standard for the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water Based Fire Protection Systems.