In partial fulfillment of the course Engineering

Utilities II

By:
Active Fire Bacalla, Marjorie Jaca
Fernandez, Jay H.
Suppression Noval, Blessie Naya
Telempros, Glevince Joy Ligan

System
Standpipe System
Sprinkler System
ACTIVE FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM

An active fire protection system is a dormant system that needs to be activated in the case of a fire to perform
its function (e.g.: water spray systems, deluge systems, sprinkler systems, fire water monitors, and steam rings
around flanges).

These systems will be activated once the information that protection is required is received from the scene of
the fire. Below is one example of active fire suppression system.

The image above shows a fire sprinkler system as one example of active fire suppression system. This system
includes a sprinkler system, a fire department connection, water supply mains and the likes which will be discusses
in the later part of this lesson.

A. STANDPIPE SYSTEM
A standpipe system is defined by National Fire Protection System 14, Standard for the
Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, as, “An arrangement of piping, valves hose connections and
allied equipment installed in a building or structure, with the hose connections located in such a manner
that water can be discharged in streams through attached hose and nozzles, for the purposes of
extinguishing a fire, thereby protecting a building or structure and its contents in addition to protecting
the occupants. This is accomplished by means of connections to water supply systems or by means of
pump tanks and other equipment necessary to provide an adequate supply of water to the hose
connections.”
Standpipe systems are a series of pipes which connect a water supply to hose connections,
basically an extension of the fire hydrant system.
These systems are designed to provide fire protection water for hose lines in strategically placed
locations inside a building or structure.

1|P a ge
 Basically, a standpipe is a vertical hose that is used
to direct high-pressure water to the pump from a hose. It also
often leads to a sprinkler system.

They are designed to assist the firefighters by

strategically sending the water to water outlets that are
strategically placed in different parts of the building.

A) CLASSES OF STANDPIPE SYSTEM

1. Class I
– Used by personnel trained for heavy stream operation
– 2 ½’’ (65 mm) hose connection
– designed to deliver 500 gpm at 1st riser and 250 gpm at each additional riser
– flow to be residual 100 psi at highest hose station

Class I Standpipe System

2. Class II
– allows occupants to safely escape the area of concern using the hose to provide a safe passageway
by protecting the means of egress
– Exception: a minimum 1’’ (25.4 mm) hose shall be permitted to be used for hose stations in light
hazard occupancies where investigated and listed for this service and where approved by the
authority having jurisdiction.
– shall provide 1 ½ ‘’ (38.1 mm) hose stations to supply water for use primarily by the building
occupants or by the fire department during initial response.

2|P a ge
 Class II Standpipe System

3. Class III
– shall provide 1 ½ ‘’ (38.1 mm) hose stations to supply water for use by building occupants, 2 ½ ‘’
(63.5 mm) hose connections to supply a larger volume of water for use by fire departments and those
trained in handling heavy fire streams.
– Exception No. 1: A minimum 1’’ (25.4 mm) hose shall be permitted to be used for hose stations in
light hazard occupancies where investigated and listed for this service and where approved by the
authority having jurisdiction.
– Exception No. 2: Where the building is protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler
system, hose stations for use by the building occupants shall not be required, subject to the approval
of the authority having jurisdiction, provided that each hose connection is 2 ½ ‘’ (63.5 mm) and is
equipped with a 2 ½ ‘’ x 1 ½ ‘’ (63.5 mm x 38.2 mm) reducer and a cap attached with a chain

Class III Standpipe System

3|P a ge
B) PRINCIPLES OF STANDPIPE SYSTEM
Principle 1 (Occupancy)
Standpipe system is required if a building either has an assembly occupancy with an
occupant load exceeding 1000, covered and open mall buildings, buildings that contain a stage
greater than 1000 ft2, underground buildings, buildings with a helistop and heliports, marinas
and boatyards, or rooftop gardens and landscaped roofs.

Principle 2 (Location of standpipe system)

a. A hose outlet is required at the intermediate landings in all “required” interior exit
stairways. If the stairway is not a required means of egress stairway, outlets are not
required.
b. The fire code official is permitted to allow the outlets to be located at the main landings in
lieu of the intermediate landings.
c. An outlet is required on each side of a wall adjacent to the exit in a horizontal exit.
d. An outlet is required in covered malls adjacent to each exterior public entrance and adjacent
to each entrance from an exit passageway or exit corridor to the mall.

Principle 3 (Hose connection)

a. Hose connections and the hose station shall be an unobstructed and located not less than
3ft. or more than 5ft. above the floor/ground. It should be measure from the floor to the
center of the hose valve.
b. Hose connections should be inspected annually for avoid damages to the materials such as
valve cap missing, hose connections damaged, valve leaking.

Principle 4 (Type of standpipe)

Where a standpipe system is required to be installed, the standpipe shall be designed
as Class I, manual-wet or automatic-wet standpipe.

Principle 5 (Temperature)

Where a standpipe system is required in a building or area where the temperature

cannot be maintained above 40 degrees F at all times, a dry standpipe is required to be installed.
Dry standpipe systems installed on campus shall be Class I, manual-dry standpipes.

Principle 6 (Hose caps)

Each standpipe shall be installed hose connection with caps and located in the
intermediate stairwell landing with caps on each floor, unless an alternate location is approved.
Where the distance between the stairwells exceeds the criteria indicated, provide additional hose
valves on each floor to maintain the minimum required distance between valve locations.

Principle 7 (Standpipe isolation control valves)

Provide standpipe isolation control valves supervised by the fire alarm system. Locate
standpipe isolation valves within stairwells and exposed, unless an alternate location has been
approved by the establishment. All alternate locations must be clearly labeled with a
permanently attached tag.

Principle 8 (Dry standpipe system)

All dry standpipe system piping shall be installed so that the entire system may be
drained back to the system riser. Where building conditions do not allow complete system
drainage, provide auxiliary drains for all trapped sections of pipe. The number of auxiliary
drains shall be kept to a minimum and piped to a sanitary sewer where possible.

Principle 9 (Air and vacuum valve)

Each dry standpipe shall be provided with an air and vacuum valve installed at the top
of each riser. The air and vacuum valve shall be a 1 inch.

Principle 10 (Two-way Hose Connection)

Where required, a conveniently accessible two-way hose connection shall be provided
at the roof level. If the building layout and construction permits, penetrations for the roof level
hose connection shall be through an exterior wall and not through the roof.

4|P a ge
 Principle 11 (Check valve)
Where a combination sprinkler/standpipe is provided, the floor control assembly
supplying the sprinkler system is required to have a check valve. A secondary drain in the most
remote stairwell shall be installed in addition to the drain of the floor control assembly.

C) PARTS OF STANDPIPE SYSTEM

While each system can vary, a standpipe generally consists of an interconnected series
of pipe, pumps, valves, alarms, drains, and fire department connections.

a. Pipe – The most extensive component of a standpipe system is the network of pipes which
carries water throughout the building. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
specifies different requirements for the material used in underground pipes and above-
ground pipes.

Underground pipes are defined as those “buried in soil” and they must be made
of lined ductile iron, cement, copper, brass, or plastic. Steel pipes are not permitted
underground, as they tend to corrode quickly in the soil.

Above-ground pipes include those found in underground basements and

garages, as well as the pipes that travel throughout the rest of the building. They can be
composed of steel, ductile iron, or copper, with steel being the most popular choice.

5|P a ge
b. Fire Pumps – Fire pumps are the on-site mechanism that supplies pressurized water for
automatic and semiautomatic standpipe systems. Most standpipes have a system demand
of 750, 1,000, or 1,250 gallons per minute (GPM), and a pump can be used to supply a
system that has a demand of 100% to 150% of the pump’s flow capacity.

c. Gauges – Gauges are required in numerous portions of standpipe systems. They provide a
pressure reading during testing conditions and assess the normal operating pressure of the
system. Gauge locations include:

i. At the top of each standpipe (required)

ii. At every water supply connection (required)
iii. Upstream or downstream of any master pressure regulating assembly
(required)
iv. Above and below each alarm check valve, dry pipe valve, deluge
valve, backflow preventer, or system riser check valve (required)
v. At hose stations which have a pressure-reducing valve (optional)

d. Waterflow Alarms – Every standpipe system (with the exception of the manual dry
variety) requires that a water flow alarm device is installed in a portion of the piping
between the water supply and the initial hose connection. This alarm sounds to provide
notice that the system is engaged during a fire. It also gets the attention of personnel who
can assess whether there is indeed an emergency; if not, these alarms could prevent water
damage in a compromised system.

e. Standpipe Drains – Some form of drain is required on every standpipe system, and
multiple drains are often needed. All systems must have a main drain on the water supply
piping which allows the system to be drained and for technicians to conduct testing. If
portions of the system are isolated and will not drain via the main drain, appropriate
auxiliary drains are required.

f. Fire Department Connections – The fire department connection (FDC) is an essential

component of manual wet and manual dry systems, which will not work without firefighters
supplying water and pressure to the system. That said, FDCs are still required in all Class
I and Class III systems, even those with onsite fire pumps that serve the express purpose of
supplying pressurized water. The rationale for requiring FDCs in these systems is simple:
If a fire pump malfunctions during an emergency, the FDC provides a back-up.

6|P a ge
D) TYPES OF STANDPIPE SYSTEM
a. Automatic–Dry – This standpipe type is connected to a permanent water supply capable
of meeting flow and pressure requirements. It is filled with air under pressure. It uses a
valve (similar to a dry pipe sprinkler valve) that releases water into the standpipe system
when a hose station outlet is opened.

b. Automatic–Wet – This standpipe type is connected to a permanent water supply capable

of meeting flow and pressure requirements. It is filled with water at all times.

c. Semi-automatic–Dry – This standpipe type is connected to a permanent water supply

capable of meeting flow and pressure requirements. It employs a valve (similar to a deluge
valve) that releases water into the standpipe system when a remote operating device is
operated.

7|P a ge
d. Manual–Dry – This standpipe type is not connected to a permanent water supply. The fire
department connects to a hydrant and supplies the system.

e. Manual–Wet – This standpipe type is not connected to a permanent water supply. The fire
department connects to a hydrant and supplies the system. The standpipe is filled with
“priming water” to reduce the time it takes to get water to the hose station outlets.

8|P a ge
B. SPRINKLER SYSTEM

Sprinkler systems
It is one of the important aspects of firefighting is the use
of a sprinkler system. Sprinkler System have many usages it can be
used watering the plants or used to secure protection from the fire
when the sprinkler head detect the fire.
Sprinkler systems help avoid property damage and injuries
to employees, customers, and renters. A fire sprinkler system is a
basic but important active component of a building's fire prevention
system, whether it's in a home or a business.
Sprinkler systems has a water supply, a water distribution pipe system, and sprinkler heads mounted in
ceilings or side walls. When a fire is detected, the sprinkler immediately releases water, but it is not triggered by
smoke. Both a fire detection and suppression system, the sprinkler system regulates or extinguishes the fire.
Automatic sprinklers are placed at specific area/locations.

A. PRINCIPLES OF SPRINKLER SYSTEM

Principle Number 1 (Cap or Valve)

Under normal conditions, water discharged from an automatic sprinkler is restrained by a cap
or valve.

Principle Number 2 (Orifice)

The cap/valve are held tightly against the orifice by a system of levers and links, or other
releasing devices, pressing down on the cap and anchored firmly by struts on the sprinkler.

Principle Number 3 (Deflector)

Attached to the frame of the sprinkler is a deflector which direct and convert the stream of water
into a spray designed to cool or protect a certain area.

Principle Number 4 (Water Discharge)

The amount of water discharged depends upon the flowing water pressure and the size of the
sprinkler orifice.

Principle Number 5 (Speed of Operation)

The speed of operation depends on the physical properties of the thermosensitive mechanism of
the sprinkler.

Principle Number 6 (Time)

The time involved to operate depends, amongst other factors, upon the shape, size and mass of
the thermosensitive mechanism, and the temperature differential between the surrounding
atmosphere and the operating temperature of the sprinkler.

Principle Number 7 (Nozzle)

The nozzles open separately when heated by fire or hot flue gases.

Principle Number 8 (Sprayed)

Water is also sprayed on the surrounding area and therefore prevents the fire from spreading.

9|P a ge
 Principle Number 9 (Number of Sprinklers)
Only a certain number of sprinklers open - the source of the fire is brought under control and
often extinguished

B. PARTS OF SPRINKLER SYSTEM

SPRINKLER HEAD

BRANCH LINE

CROSS MAIN

BRANCH LINE

CROSS MAIN

RISER
FIRE DEPARTMENT SPRINKLER HEAD
CONNECTION

RISER
FIRE DEPARTMENT
CONNECTION
MAIN WATER
SUPPLY

MAIN WATER
SUPPLY
Parts of Sprinkler System
1. Fire Department Connection – is necessary for every fire sprinkler system. The fire
department connection, often known as the FDC, allows responding fire crews to pump more
water into the fire sprinkler system, boosting the current water supply and/or assisting firemen
entering the structure.
2. Main Water Supply – In order to function, the Sprinkler System requires a supply of water,
whether from a public or private water main. The main water supply provides an appropriate
source of water for the sprinkler system; it is normally located outside the building, and the
water from the main water supply is carried to the cross main and into the sprinkler heads
through water risers.
3. Riser – is where above-ground vertical supply pipes (system risers) link the water supply to the
cross and/or feed mains of the sprinkler system, and where the system's pressure and water are
checked and managed. The pressure gauges, control valves, water flow alarms, and main drains
for the sprinkler system are all housed in these system risers.
4. Cross Mains – are overhead pipe systems that provide water to the various branch lines in the
sprinkler system.

10 | P a g e
 5. Branch Line – is the section of the overhead piping that distributes sprinklers or drop nipples
or sprigs water directly.
6. Sprinkler Head – a heat actuated water spray nozzle.

Parts of Sprinkler Head

i. Orifice (Opening)
– an opening pipe or tube that connects the sprinkler head and the branch line
– governs the sprinkler's relationship between flow and pressure.

ii. Threading
– allows the sprinkler head for a tight seal

iii. Plug
– retains the water (and pressure) within the sprinkler and pipe network. Breakage of
the liquid-filled glass bulb results in the release of the plug, and thereafter the water.

iv. Sealed Liquid-Filled Glass Bulb

– is the most common form of thermal sensor in modern commercial fire sprinklers,
though older varieties are also used. The color of the liquid within the bulb indicates
the sprinkler's indicated activation temperature.
v. Frame & Deflector
The frame can have many finishes, of which some of the more common are listed
above.
The main principle of a fire sprinkler is to disperse water in a certain manner to
effectively counteract a fire threat within an enclosure, which is what the deflector
does. The main principle of a fire sprinkler is to disperse water in a certain manner to
effectively counteract a fire threat within an enclosure, which is what the deflector
does.

C. TYPES OF SPRINKLER SYSTEM

1. Wet Pipe Fire Sprinkler Systems
Water-filled pipes and spray heads are used in this sort of sprinkler system. During
a fire, the heat causes the sprinkler head's core to burst, releasing water. Because each
sprinkler head is independent, they are not all turned on at the same time. It depends on
whether or not they have been subjected to heat. The major benefit of this system is that it
can assist to greatly decrease damage in the case of a false alert. It's no surprise that this is
the most widely utilized sprinkler system available today.

11 | P a g e
2. Dry Pipe Fire Sprinkler Systems
In locations that experience cold climates, the wet pipe sprinklers may be at risk
of freezing and becoming inefficient. The dry pipe system, which is filled with air rather
than water in the pipe system, is recommended in this circumstance. The sprinkler heads
on these dry pipe sprinklers are only active when the sprinkler heads are triggered, therefore
water is only discharged to the pipes when the sprinkler heads are active. They are generally
more complicated than wet pipe sprinklers, and as a result, they are more expensive to
install. This type of system has a longer fire reaction time since water is not supplied to the
pipe. It is frequently suggested in cold areas when the risk of freezing is so significant that
other fire protection measures may be compromised.

3. Foam Fire Sprinkler Systems

Other fire prevention systems are meant to extinguish a fire by releasing water or
foam. This is how the foam fire sprinkler system works. It is primarily suggested for
enterprises, industries, and aircraft hangars that handle highly dangerous components and
flammable substances.

4. Pre-action Fire Sprinkler Systems

These are hybrid fire prevention systems which would include the features of both
wet pipe and dry pipe sprinklers. The biggest disadvantage is that they are expensive to
install and require a lot of upkeep. This sort of system is commonly used in business
buildings such as libraries, museums, and data centers, where an unintentional discharge
might result in significant damages.

5. Deluge Fire Sprinkler Systems

This sprinkler system is free of the heat detecting devices present in both wet and
dry pipe sprinkler systems. They all have a similar trigger that opens the valves. When the
valve is opened, water is poured into the piping system and sprayed on all of the heads at
the same time, completely covering the area. These kinds of system is mostly seen in
enterprises that deal with flammable substances, rather than in residences.

Wet Pipe Fire Sprinkler Systems

12 | P a g e
Dry Pipe Fire Sprinkler Systems

Foam Fire Sprinkler Systems

13 | P a g e
Pre-action Fire Sprinkler Systems

Deluge Fire Sprinkler Systems

14 | P a g e
References:
(n.d.). Retrieved from https://d3at0mnwuyeh75.cloudfront.net/content/dam/fe/print-articles/vol-146/issue-
10/foam-water-sprinkler-systems-what-the-firefighter-needs-to-know/img-2.jpg
(n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.enggcyclopedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Typical-layout-for-dry-
and-wet-type-sprinkler-systems.png
(n.d.). Retrieved from https://image.slidesharecdn.com/ch07automaticfiresprinklersystemsppt-
161020185954/95/ch07-automatic-fire-sprinkler-systems-19-638.jpg?cb=1476990101
Accuro. (2021). Sprinkler System. Retrieved from https://accuro.at/: https://accuro.at/en/solutions/sprinkler-
systems
Engineered Corrosion Solutions. (n.d.). FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM PARTS AND MAINTENANCE.
Retrieved from https://www.ecscorrosion.com/: https://www.ecscorrosion.com/sprinkler-system-parts-
and-maintenance
Feyst, M. v. (2019). Firefighting Back-to-Basics: Standpipe Systems. Retrieved from
https://www.fireengineering.com/: https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/truck-company-ops-
standpipe-systems/#gref
Fire Protection. (2012). WHAT IS A STANDPIPE SYSTEM? Retrieved from
https://www.wmfireprotection.com/: https://www.wmfireprotection.com/blog/what-is-a-standpipe-
system/
IFSEC Global. (2016, November 9). Fire sprinkler systems: a guide to designs, colour codes and suppliers.
Retrieved from https://www.ifsecglobal.com/: https://www.ifsecglobal.com/sprinklers/types-fire-
sprinkler-systems-designs-colour-codes-suppliers/
IFSEC GLOBAL. (2021). Fire sprinkler systems: A beginner’s guide. Retrieved from
https://www.ifsecglobal.com/: https://www.ifsecglobal.com/
Inst Tools. (2021). Fire Water Sprinklers Working Principle. Retrieved from https://instrumentationtools.com/:
https://instrumentationtools.com/fire-water-sprinklers-working-principle/
Keystone Fire Protection Co. (November, 20 2019). How it works: Fire Sprinkler System. Retrieved from
https://www.keystonefire.com/: https://www.keystonefire.com/blog/how-it-works-fire-sprinkler-
systems/
Lumen. (n.d.). Standpipe Types. Retrieved from https://courses.lumenlearning.com/:
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/firetech/chapter/standpipe-types/
Mettauer, d. (2007). Standpipe Systems Explained. DIIRECTOR’’S FORUM, pp. 8-9.
MeyerFire Blog. (2017, September 6). Components of a Fire Sprinkler. Retrieved from
https://www.meyerfire.com/: https://www.meyerfire.com/blog/components-of-a-fire-sprinkler
Pinterest. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/371054456773799813/
RFS. (n.d.). fire sprinkler. Retrieved from https://www.qrfs.com/: https://www.qrfs.com/fire-extinguishers
ScienceDirect. (2017). Active Fire Protection. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/active-fire-protection
Steadfast Safety Service. (2020). 5 Types of Fire Sprinkler Systems and Their Benefits. Retrieved from
https://steadfastfire.com/: https://steadfastfire.com/5-types-of-fire-sprinkler-systems-and-their-benefits/

15 | P a g e