Fire Fighting and Fire Alarm System

🔥 Working Principles of Fire Fighting and Fire Alarm Systems

Fire protection in buildings relies on two critical systems: the fire fighting system, which actively suppresses fire, and the fire alarm system, which detects and alerts occupants. Together, they form a comprehensive safety net that saves lives and minimizes damage. Let’s explore how each system works—starting with the fire fighting system.

🧯 Fire Fighting System: Suppress and Control

The fire fighting system is designed to extinguish or control fire once it has been detected. It includes a network of equipment and infrastructure that delivers water or other extinguishing agents to the fire source.

Key Components

1. Fire Pumps – Maintain water pressure in the system 

2. Water Storage Tanks – Ensure continuous water supply 

3. Sprinkler Systems – Automatically discharge water when heat is detected 

4. Fire Hose Reels – Provide manual firefighting capability 

5. Fire Hydrants – External water access points for fire services 

6. Fire Extinguishers – Portable units for small fires 

7. Fire Monitors – High-capacity nozzles for large-scale suppression 

8. Fire Truck Access – Clear paths for emergency vehicles

Types of Fire Pumps

1. Electric Motor Driven Centrifugal Pump – Ideal for small to medium buildings 

2. Diesel Engine Driven Centrifugal Pump – Suitable for high-capacity systems 

3. Jockey Pump – Maintains system pressure between activations 

4. Vertical Turbine Pump – Draws water from deep sources 

5. Horizontal Split Case Pump – Used in large facilities for sustained flow 

6. Submersible Pump – Operates in submerged conditions, useful in basements

Testing & Commissioning

1. Hydrostatic Testing – Checks pipe integrity under pressure 

2. Flow Testing – Measures water output from hydrants and pumps 

3. Pressure Testing – Verifies water pressure at key points 

4. Functional Testing – Activates sprinklers, extinguishers, and alarms 

5. Drainage Testing – Ensures proper water disposal 

6. Integration Testing – Simulates fire scenarios to test system coordination

🚨 Fire Alarm System: Detect and Alert

The fire alarm system is designed to detect fire in its early stages and alert occupants to evacuate safely. It plays a vital role in minimizing casualties and enabling a swift emergency response.

Types of Fire Alarm Systems

1. Conventional Fire Alarm System – Divides the building into zones 

2. Addressable Fire Alarm System – Pinpoints exact location of fire or fault

Key Components

1. Fire Alarm Control Panel – Central unit that receives signals and triggers alarms 

2. Smoke Detectors – Detect airborne particles from combustion 

3. Heat Detectors – Sense temperature rise due to fire 

4. Manual Call Points – Allow occupants to manually trigger the alarm 

5. Audio-Visual Alarms – Sirens and strobes to alert occupants 

6. Fire Suppression Interface – Connects with systems like sprinklers or gas suppression

Design & Installation Considerations

1. Must detect fire early and minimize false alarms 

2. Should be easy to maintain and test 

3. Installation must be done by trained professionals 

4. System must be tested and commissioned before use

Maintenance & Testing

1. Daily Checks – Control panel status and indicators 

2. Weekly Tests – Rotate testing of detectors, call points, and alarms 

3. Quarterly Inspections – Full system functionality check 

4. Annual Servicing – Comprehensive inspection and maintenance 

5. Record Keeping – Maintain a logbook of all inspections and tests

General Testing Procedure

1. Notify Occupants – Prevent confusion or panic 

2. Conduct the Test – Follow manufacturer’s instructions 

3. Verify Response – Ensure alarms activate correctly 

4. Reset System – Return to normal operation 

5. Log Results – Document date, time, and outcome

🛡️ Conclusion: A Unified Defense Against Fire

Fire fighting and fire alarm systems are two pillars of a robust fire protection strategy. While one suppresses fire, the other alerts and evacuates. Their integration ensures a building is prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to fire emergencies.

To maintain their effectiveness:

1. Design systems with precision 

2. Install with expertise 

3. Test and maintain regularly 

4. Keep detailed records

Whether you're managing a residential complex, commercial facility, or industrial site, investing in reliable fire safety systems is essential for protecting lives and property.

Some of the key IS codes and standards that are relevant to Fire Fighting and Fire Alarm systems are:

1. IS 2189 - Code of practice for selection, installation, and maintenance of first-aid fire extinguishers.
2. IS 6382 - Code of practice for installation and maintenance of fire hose reels.
3. IS 13039 - Code of practice for fire safety of buildings (general): Electrical installations and fire alarm systems.
4. IS 15105 - Code of practice for selection, installation, and maintenance of automatic fire detection and alarm systems.
5. NBC Part 4 - Fire and Life Safety, which covers various aspects of Fire Fighting and Fire Alarm systems, including design, installation, testing, and maintenance.

6. IS 15683: 2006 - "Portable Fire Extinguishers - Performance and Construction - General Requirements" This standard provides general requirements for the performance and construction of portable fire extinguishers, including their classification, marking, and testing.

7. IS 10204: 1989 - "Specification for portable fire extinguishers (Dry powder, cartridge-operated type)" This standard specifies the requirements for dry powder, cartridge-operated portable fire extinguishers, including their performance and construction.

8. IS 940: 2002 - "Specification for Water type Fire Extinguishers (Gas Cartridge Type)" This standard specifies the requirements for gas cartridge-operated water type fire extinguishers, including their performance and construction.

9. IS 13385: 1992 - "Specification for Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers (Gas Cartridge Type)" This standard specifies the requirements for gas cartridge-operated carbon dioxide fire extinguishers, including their performance and construction.

10. IS 15683 Part 2: 2006 - "Portable Fire Extinguishers - Performance and Construction - Foam, Water and Water Mist Types" This standard provides requirements for the performance and construction of portable fire extinguishers of the foam, water, and water mist types, including their classification, marking, and testing.

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM
Sl No.	Work to be Execute	Area	Description
1	1st	Typical Floor	Fire Fighting Hangers & Supports
2	2nd	Typical Floor	Fire Fighting Piping
3			Fire Fighting Pipe Riser
4			Fire Fighting Pipe Testing
5			Fire Fighting Accessories Fixing
6		Basement/ Mechanical Floor	Fire Pump Set Installation
7			Fire Pump Set Pipe Connections
8	Final	Typical Floor	Sprinkler Fixing
9			Fire Hose Cabinet Fixing
10			Fire Hose Reel Fixing
11			Fire Extinguisher Fixing
12			Fire Blanket Fixing
13	Testing & Pre-Commissioning		Pressurize Fire Fighting pipes
14			Flushing & Refilling of Fire Fighting Pipes
15	Commissioning & Handover		Commissioning Fire Fighting PRV's
16			Commissioning of FHC's
17			Commissioning of Sprinklers

 

 

LIST OF TESTING AND COMMISSIONING ACTIVITIES FIRE FIGHTING
Sl. No.	Activity Description
1	Pressurize Fire Fighting pipes
2	Flushing & Refilling of Fire Fighting Pipes
3	Commissioning Fire Fighting PRV's
4	Commissioning of FHC's
5	Commissioning of Sprinklers