Master Plumber Review Email Add: [Link]@gmail.

com
MODULE 1: PRACTICAL PROBLEMS & EXPERIENCES Contact number: 0945-280-7131

FIRE FIGHTING and FIRE SUPRESSION following stages are STANDPIPE: Class System
SYSTEMS reached. Recognizing a fire in this stage A standpipe system shall be any of the following:
(R. A. 9514 Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008) provides your best chance at
Topics: Class I System. This system is provided with 64
suppression or escape.
• DRY STANDPIPE mm (2 ½ in.) hose connections for full-scale
2. Growth – The growth stage is where the
• WET STANDPIPE structures fire load and oxygen are used firefighting at the following designated building
• COMBINATION STANDPIPES locations:
as fuel for the fire. There are numerous
• AUTOMATIC SPRINKLERS factors affecting the growth stage
At each intermediate landing between floor
FIRE including where the fire started, what Fire Safety Design (the Goals) levels in every required exit stairway;
Fire is a complex set of chemical reactions in combustibles are near it, ceiling height • To prevent fire
which fuel combines with oxygen and an and the potential for “thermal ii. On each side of the wall adjacent to the exit
• To safeguard the lives of occupants and
ignition source to produce heat. layering”. It is during this shortest of openings of horizontal exits;
firefighters
the 4 stages when a deadly “flashover”
• To reduce damage on the building, its
can occur; potentially trapping, injuring iii. In each exit passageway at the entrance from
contents, and on surrounding buildings
or killing firefighters. the building areas into the passageway;
a. Flashover is not a stage of Standpipes
development, but simply a iv. In covered mall buildings, at the entrance to
rapid transition between the Section [Link] STANDPIPES each exit passageway or exit corridor, and at
The design, installation and maintenance of exterior public entrances to the mall;
growth and fully developed
stages. Standpipe Systems shall be in accordance with
NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of v. At the highest landing of stairways with
3. Fully Developed – When the growth stairway access to a roof and on the roof where
stage has reached its maximum and all Standpipe, Private Hydrant and Hose Systems
stairways do not access the roof. An additional
combustible materials have been 64 mm (2 ½ in) hose connection shall be
Classes of Standpipe Systems
ignited, a fire is considered fully provided at the hydraulically most remote riser
a. Class I System
The Fire Triangle: developed. This is the hottest phase of to facilitate testing of the system;
b. Class II System
• Three elements - fuel, oxygen and heat - a fire and the most dangerous for
c. Class III System
are required to start a fire. anybody trapped within. vi. Where the most remote portion of a
• The oxidation process will not be 4. Decay – Usually the longest stage of a nonsprinklered floor or storey is located in
possible without any one of these fire, the decay stage is characterized a excess of 40 meters of travel distance from a
elements. significant decrease in oxygen or fuel, required exit containing or adjacent to a hose
putting an end to the fire. Two common connection, or the most remote portion of a
4 STAGES OF FIRE DEVELOPMENT sprinklered floor or storey is located in excess of
dangers during this stage are first – the
Dynamics of Fire: 61 meters of travel distance from a required exit
existence of non-flaming combustibles,
1. Incipient – This first stage begins when containing or adjacent to a hose connection,
which can potentially start a new fire if additional hose connections shall be provided,
heat, oxygen and a fuel source combine
not fully extinguished. Second, there is in approved locations, where required by the
and have a chemical reaction resulting
the danger of a backdraft when oxygen BFP.
in fire. This is also known as “ignition”
is reintroduced to a volatile, confined
and is usually represented by a very
space.
small fire which often (and hopefully)
goes out on its own, before the
 Master Plumber Review Email Add: [Link]@[Link]
MODULE 1: PRACTICAL PROBLEMS & EXPERIENCES Contact number: 0945-280-7131

Class II System. This a hose connection and Fire Extinguisher General Requirements ➢ Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguishers are
provided with 38 mm (1 ½ in.) hose or within iii. Hazardous storage and The classification of fire extinguishers shall most effective on Class B and C (liquids
thirty seven meters (37 m) of a hose connection business and consist of a letter that indicates the class of fire and electrical) fires. Since the gas
system shall be provided with 38 mm (1 ½ in.) mercantile on which a fire extinguisher has been found to disperses quickly, these extinguishers
hose connections for first aid fire fighting, so occupancies having a be effective, preceded by a rating number (Class are only effective from 1.0 to 2.4 feet.
that all portions of each floor level of the floor area exceeding A and Class B only) that indicates the relative The carbon dioxide is stored as a
building are within forty meters (40 m) of extinguishing effectiveness, except for fire
one thousand eight compressed liquid in the extinguisher;
provided with less 38 mm (1 ½ in.) hose. extinguishers classified for use on Class C, Class
hundred sixty square as it expands, it cools the surrounding
Distances shall be measured along a path of D hazards shall not be required to have a
travel originating at the hose connection. meters (1,860 m2) per number preceding the classification letter. air. The cooling will often cause ice to
floor. form around the “horn” where the gas is
Class III System. This system shall be provided c. Combination Standpipe. A pipeline The following types of fire extinguishers are expelled from the extinguisher. Since
with hose connections as required for both Class system filled with water and connected considered obsolete and shall be removed from the fire could re-ignite, continue to
I and Class II systems. to a constant water supply for the use of service: apply the agent even after the fire
a. Dry Standpipe. A type of standpipe the BFP and the occupants of the a. soda acid appears to be out
system in which the pipes are normally buildings solely for fire suppression b. chemical foam (excluding film-forming
not filled with water. Water is purposes agents)
introduced into the system thru fire d. Fire Department House Connection – is c. vaporizing liquid (e.g., carbon
service connections when needed. a hose connection at grade or street tetrachloride)
b. Wet Standpipe. – is an auxiliary fire line level for use by the Fire Service only. It d. cartridge-operated water
system with a constant water supply is also known as Fire Service e. cartridge-operated loaded stream
installed primarily for emergency use Connection. f. copper or brass shell (excluding pump
by the occupants of the building. tanks) joined by soft solder orrivets
➢ Wet standpipe system Fire Extinguisher
Types of Fires Types of Fire Extinguishers
extending from the cellar or
➢ Dry Chemical extinguishers are usually
basement into the topmost
➢ Class A rated for multiple purpose use. They
storey shall be required in the
Ordinary Combustibles: contain an extinguishing agent and use
following:
wood, paper, cloth, trash and a compressed, non-flammable gas as a
i. Assembly occupancies
other ordinary materials. propellant
with an occupant load Selection of Fire Extinguishers by Hazard
➢ Class B ➢ Halon extinguishers contain a gas that
exceeding one a. Fire extinguishers shall be selected for the
Flammable Liquids & Gases: interrupts the chemical reaction that
thousand (1,000); Classes of hazards to be
gasoline, oils, paint lacquer and tar. takes place when fuels burn. These protected.
ii. Educational,
➢ Class C types of extinguishers are often used to i. Fire extinguishers for protecting Class A
healthcare and
Fires involving live electrical protect valuable electrical equipment hazards shall be selected from the following:
detention and
equipment since them leave no residue to clean up. i.a. Water type
correctional, business
➢ Class D Halon extinguishers have a limited i.b. Multipurpose dry chemical type
and mercantile,
Combustible Metals or Combustible range, usually 1.2 to 1.8 meters. The i.c. Wet chemical type
industrial, and hotels ii. Fire extinguishers for protection of Class B
Metal Alloys initial application of Halon should be
and apartments hazard shall be selected from the following:
made at the base of the fire, even after
occupancies, four or ii.a. Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)
the flames have been extinguished
more storeys in height, ii.b. Film-forming fluoroprotein foam (FFFP)
 Master Plumber Review Email Add: [Link]@[Link]
MODULE 1: PRACTICAL PROBLEMS & EXPERIENCES Contact number: 0945-280-7131

ii.c. Carbon dioxide High 40 – B 10 meters 75 square Sprinkler System where all guest sleeping rooms or guest
ii.d. Dry chemical type meters suites have a door opening directly
Automatic Fire Suppression System and outside at the street or grade level or
Rooms or areas shall be classified generally as: Sprinkler System exterior exit access arranged in
How much fire will your extinguisher handle? accordance with Section [Link] of this
light (low) hazard, Automatic Fire Suppression System. An IRR in buildings up to and including
ordinary (moderate) hazard, or To achieve a Class “A” rating, the extinguisher integrated system of underground or
three (3) storeys in height.
extra (high) hazard. must be capable of putting out the wood crib, overhead piping or both connected to a source
Limited areas of greater or lesser hazard shall wood panel and excelsior (shredded paper) of extinguishing agent or medium and designed Automatic Sprinkler protection: Mercantile
be protected as required. tests. Ratings are based on the size of the in accordance with fire protection engineering Occupancies
material that can be repeatedly extinguished. standards which, when actuated by its Mercantile occupancies shall be classified as
Size and Placement of Fire Extinguishers automatic detecting device, suppresses fires follows:
Fire Extinguishers for Different Types of Class A within the area protected. i. Class A. AII stores having aggregate
Hazard gross area of two thousand seven
hundred eighty seven square meters
Type of Minimum Maximum Maximum
(2,787 m2) or more, or utilizing more
Hazard Extinguishe Travel Area (open
r Rating Distance to area) per than three (3) floor levels for sales
Extinguishe Extinguishe purposes.
r r ii. Class B. All stores of less than two thousand
Low 2-A 15 meters 200 square seven hundred eighty seven square meters
meters
(2,787 m2) aggregate area, but over two
Moderat 3–A 12 meters 100 square hundred eighty seven square meters (287 m2),
e meters or utilizing any balcony, mezzanine or floor
To achieve a Class “B” rating, the extinguisher above or below the street floor level for sales
High 4-A 10 meters 75 square must repeatedly put out a flaming liquid fire. purposes except that if more than three (3)
meters
Ratings are based on the size of the fire. floors are utilized, the store shall be considered
Class A, regardless of area.
iii. Class C. All stores of two hundred seventy
Fire Extinguishers for Different Types of Class B
Sprinkler System. An integrated network of eight square meters (278 m2) or less gross area
Hazard
hydraulically designed piping system used for sales purposes on the street floor
installed in a building, structure or area with only.
Type of Minimum Maximum Maximum
Hazard Extinguishe Travel Area (open
outlets arranged in a systematic pattern which
r Rating Distance to area) per automatically discharges water when activated Automatic Sprinkler Protection
Extinguishe Extinguishe by heat or combustion products from a fire. Approved, supervised automatic sprinkler
r r
system protection shall be installed
Low 5–B 10 meters 200 square Automatic Sprinkler Protection: Residential in accordance with Section [Link] of this IRR in
meters
Occupancies all mercantile occupancies
• Hotels and Dormitories, Apartment as follows:
Moderat 10 – B 10 meters 100 square Heptane - A volatile, colorless, highly flammable Buildings 1. Throughout all mercantile occupancies three
e meters liquid hydrocarbon, C7H16, obtained in the • All buildings shall be protected or more storeys in height.
fractional distillation of petroleum and used as a throughout by an approved, supervised
standard in determining octane ratings, as an sprinkler system except in buildings
anesthetic, and as a solvent.
 Master Plumber Review Email Add: [Link]@[Link]
MODULE 1: PRACTICAL PROBLEMS & EXPERIENCES Contact number: 0945-280-7131

2. Throughout all mercantile occupancies water. It is essentially a valve that when which section (floor) of a fire sprinkler system When this occurs water from the water supply
exceeding one thousand one hundred fifteen exposed for a sufficient time to a temperature at has water flow. Note: Most flow switches fitted to will pass through the alarm valve to the affected
square meters (1,115 m2) in gross area. or above the temperature rating of the heat automatic fire sprinkler systems are NOT set to fire sprinkler and also past the alarm bell. The
3. Throughout floor below the street floor sensitive element (glass bulb or fusible link) automatically call the fire brigade resultant pressure drop will also activate the
having an area exceeding two hundred thirty releases, allowing water to flow from only the alarm pressure switch, which in turn will
two square meters (232 m2) when used for the affected sprinkler. The operation and (9) Jacking Pump - Jacking are manual (hand) activate an alarm calling the fire brigade.
sale, storage subsequent water flow of an automatic fire or electric (semi-automatic or fully automatic) A flow switch will also operate in the affected
or handling of combustible goods and sprinkler will lead to a drop in pressure within pumps are not always fitted to an automatic fire section of the fire sprinkler system, indicating
merchandise. the fire sprinkler system after the alarm valve. sprinkler system. They however provide a the location of the water flow. (In the case of a
(5) Alarm Test Valve - The alarm test valve is a method of pumping (boosting) water from the multi-storey building there is typically one flow
Purpose of each main component small valve, normally secured in the closed water supply to the fire sprinkler system after switch per floor). The flow switch will indicate
position. The alarm test valve is fitted between the alarm valve. This leads to an increase in its location a fire indicator panel (but may not
(1) Stop Valve - The Stop Valve is used to isolate the sprinkler system side of the alarm valve and water pressure in the fire sprinkler system, thus call the fire brigade).
the water supply, it may also be called the the drain. The purpose of the alarm valve is forcing the alarm valve into the closed position. The water supply may be isolated (stopping the
isolating valve. It is often painted RED in color when opened to simulate the flow of water from Jacking Pumps have a secondary function of flow of water to the affected fire sprinklers) by
with a large black circular handle, and is locked a single automatic fire sprinkler. maintaining the water pressure within a fire closing the stop valve.
in the OPEN position, allowing the free flow of (6) Motorized Alarm Bell or Gong - The sprinkler system reducing the likelihood of false
water. The stop valve is used to isolate (stop) motorized alarm bell or gong is a mechanical alarms caused by low pressure, caused by small An automatic fire sprinkler system consists of a
the water supply coming in to the fire sprinkler device, operated by the flow of water oscillating water leaks. water supply, a series of interconnected pipes,
system. Often the Stop Valve is also fitted with a a hammer that strikes a gong, causing an audible Pressure Gauge - A pressure gauge us a valves and heat activated fire sprinklers.
(2) Valve Monitor that is used to monitor the alarm signal. mechanical device that is usually fitted to an
state (open or closed) of the Stop Valve. In addition to the main components of the fire automatic fire sprinkler system. There are Wet pipe systems are the most common in
The water within an automatic fire sprinkler sprinkler system, there are a series of ancillary usually two gauges fitted to a system, one which water is constantly maintained within the
system can be divided into two parts; (support) components that regularly form part showing the water supply pressure and the sprinkler piping. When a sprinkler activates this
1. Water Supply or Mains of an automatic fire sprinkler system. second showing the installation pressure. water is immediately discharged onto the fire.
This is the water being fed into an automatic fire (7) Pressure Switch - The pressure switch is an Normally the pressure differential should be not
sprinkler system from a water supply such as electro-mechanical device that monitors a fire less than 200 KPa.
the town mains or a static water supply such as sprinkler system for a fall in water pressure
a tank, up to the Stop Valve after the alarm valve. The purpose of monitoring Principle of operation
2. Installation a fall in pressure is to activate a switch that is
The water after the stop valve forms part of the monitored by a fire alarm panel or alarm Normally an wet pipe automatic fire sprinkler
installation. signalling equipment, as the primary method for system, is fully charged with water coming from
(3) Alarm Valve - The Alarm Valve is used to signalling an alarm to the fire brigade. a known reliable water supply. The installation
control the flow of water into the fire sprinkler (8) Flow Switch - The flow switch is an electro- is pressurized with the alarm valve secured in
system. This is accomplished by providing a one mechanical device that monitors the flow of the open position. When a fire sprinkler is
way valve that is normally closed when the water through a section of pipe within an exposed for a sufficient time to a temperature at
water pressure on the fire sprinkler side of the automatic fire sprinkler system. Flow switches or above the temperature rating of the heat
valve exceeds the water supply pressure. When are often fitted with a mechanical delay (up to sensitive element (glass bulb or fusible link) it
the pressure equalises or falls below the water six minutes) preventing small or minor water releases, allowing water to flow from only the
supply pressure, the valve opens to enable flow fluctuations from signalling an alarm. affected sprinkler. Additional fire sprinklers
water flow. When sustained water flow is detected by a flow may also operate if they too are exposed to
(4) Automatic Fire Sprinkler - The Fire switch, a signal is transmitted to a fire indicator sufficient heat.
Sprinkler is also used to control the flow of panel. This signal is then used to determine