ifp issue 37

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An MDM PUBLICATION Issue 37 – February 2009 www.mdmpublishing.com THE GLOBAL VOICE FOR PASSIVE & ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION An MDM PUBLICATION Issue 37 – February 2009 www.mdmpublishing.com THE GLOBAL VOICE FOR PASSIVE & ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

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The Global Voice for Passive & Active Fire Protection

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An MDM PUBLICATIONIssue 37 – February 2009

www.mdmpublishing.com

THE GLOBAL VOICE FOR PASSIVE & ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION

An MDM PUBLICATIONIssue 37 – February 2009

www.mdmpublishing.com

THE GLOBAL VOICE FOR PASSIVE & ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTIONINTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

IFP37 OFC 9/2/09 2:46 pm Page ofc1

AS FIRETUFAS THEY COME

Firetuf® from Draka is the ultimate circuit integrity cable. Manufactured and approved to the highest

standards, Firetuf delivers unbeatable benefits to specifiers and installers of fire engineering systems.

And with our brand new Firetuf Powerplus range of power cables, delivering enhanced performance

to meet BS 7346-6 and BS 7846, you can trust Draka to provide the complete solution to all your

specialist cable needs. To find out more call 01332 345431 or visit our website www.drakauk.com

The world’s most trusted cable brand

Draka UK Limited, P.O. Box 6500, Alfreton Road, Derby, DE21 4ZH, UKTel: +44 (0)1332 345431 Fax: +44 (0)1332 331237 email: [email protected] www.drakauk.com

NEW - FIRETUF POWERPLUS

Enhanced power cable performance to meet BS 7346-6 and BS 7846.

BS 5839-1: 2002

Firetuf is approved to the highest standards, providing superior flame retardance and circuit integrity.

NON MELT AND DRIP

Firetuf products will not propagate and cause secondary fires.

EASY STRIP

Firetuf provides the fastest ever sheath removal, allowing reduced termination times.

ZERO HALOGEN LOW SMOKE

Our OHLS cables are manufactured to deliver optimum performance across a range of applications.

FUTURE PROOF

Concerned about new fire safety legislation? Relax, the Firetuf range is the highest standard cable available today.

???? GBP Firetuf Full Page:Layout 1 14/12/07 12:58 Page 1

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 1

Front cover Hotfoam system in action,courtesy of Firemain Engineering

PublishersMark Seton & David Staddon

Editorial ContributorsSarah Brewer, Peter Massingberd-Mundy, Matthias Ecke, BrendanMacGrath, Bill Parlour, John Allen,Nick Grant, Paul Bryant, MarkFroggatt, David Owen, SteveRobinson, Charlotte Philo, AlexPlayfair, Bobby Patrick

IFP is published quarterly by:MDM Publishing Ltd The Abbey Manor Business Centre,The Abbey, Preston Road, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 2ENTel: +44 (0) 1935 426 428Fax: +44 (0) 1935 426 926 Email: [email protected]: www.ifpmag.com©All rights reserved

Annual SubscriptionUK – £35.00 Europe – �60Overseas – US$70.00lSSN – 1468-3873

DISCLAIMER:

The views and opinions expressed inINTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION are notnecessarily those of MDM Publishing Ltd.The magazine and publishers are in noway responsible or legally liable for anyerrors or anomalies made within theeditorial by our authors. All articles are protected by copyright and writtenpermission must be sought from thepublishers for reprinting or any form ofduplication of any of the magazinescontent. Any queries should be addressedin writing to the publishers.

Reprints of articles are available onrequest. Prices on application to thePublishers.

Page design by DorchesterTypesetting Group Ltd

Printed in Singapore

An MDM PUBLICATIONIssue 37 – February 2009

www.mdmpublishing.com

THE GLOBAL VOICE FOR PASSIVE & ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION

An MDM PUBLICATIONIssue 37 – February 2009

www.mdmpublishing.com

THE GLOBAL VOICE FOR PASSIVE & ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTIONINTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

February 2009 Issue 37

69-71

47-51

42-44

31-33

23-24

15-21

62-64

52-54

Contents5-13 News &Product Profiles

15-21 Survivabilityof Fire Alarm Systems

23-24 Raising TheAlarm On Fire DetectionMyths

27-29 ProtectingWarehouses – OneSprinkler Size Fits All?

31-33 Firetrace®

Chosen To ProtectDelhi’s New MassTransit System

34-35 Filling TheFire Safety Toolbox?

37-40 ProjectExperience and NewCodes Validate GreaseDuct Wraps and CreateEmerging Opportunities

42-44 Cleared ForTakeoff

47-51 Pump HousePackages

52-54 Safety ByDetection

57-60 Covered inFoam – an overview offoam systems

62-64 Rebirth ofwater mist technology

66-68 Cutting Fire-rated Cable InstallationCosts

69-71 The Sound OfThe 21st Century

72 Advertisers’ Index

P. 01 Contents 9/2/09 2:50 pm Page 1

MDM dps IFF15 24/7/07 10:13 AM Page 2

MDM dps IFF15 24/7/07 10:13 AM Page 3

20137 Milano - Via Ennio, 25 - ItalyTel.: + 39 02 5410 0818 - Fax + 39 02 5410 0764E-mail: [email protected] - Web: www.controllogic.it CONTROL LOGIC s.r.l.

20137 Milano - Via Ennio, 25 - ItalyTel.: + 39 02 5410 0818 - Fax + 39 02 5410 0764E-mail: [email protected] - Web: www.controllogic.it CONTROL LOGIC s.r.l.

CONTROL LOGICSparkdetector

designed fordust collectionsystemsto protectstorage silosfrom the riskof fi re.

Sparks fl yat high speed.

They travel at a hundred kilometresper hour along the ducts of the dustcollection system and reach the silo

in less than three seconds

The CONTROL LOGICSPARK DETECTOR

is faster thanthe sparks themselves.

It detects them with its highlysensitive infrared sensor,

intercepts and extinguishesthem in a fl ash.

It needs no periodic inspection.

The CONTROL LOGIC system is designed for “total supervision”.

It verifi es that sparks have been extinguished, gives prompt warning of

any malfunction and, if needed, cuts off the duct and stops the fan.

BETTER TO KNOW IT BEFOREEye is faster than nose.

In the event of live fi re the IR FLAME DETECTOR

responds immediately

CONTROL LOGICIR FLAME DETECTOR

the fastest and most effective fi re alarm devicefor industrial applications IR FLAME DETECTOR

RIV-601/FAEXPLOSIONPROOFENCLOSURE

For industrial applications indoorsor outdoors where is a risk of explosionand where the explosionproof protection is required.One detector can monitor a vast areaand responds immediately to the fi re, yet of small size.

IR FLAME DETECTORRIV-601/F

WATERTIGHTIP 65 ENCLOSURE

For industrial applications indoorsor outdoors where fi re can spread out rapidly due to the presence of

highly infl ammable materials,and where vast premises need an optical

detector with a great sensitivityand large fi eld of view.

Also forRS485 two-wire serial line

25SF-c275x185gb.indd 1 24-06-2005 12:50:37

Control Logic w/p 16/2/06 12:22 pm Page 1

UV flame detectors react to the ultravioletcomponents in the flames’ radiation andthey are installed wherever a quickdevelopment of open flames is to beexpected by the burning of solid or liquidmaterials such as gases, oils, synthetic

materials, wood or metal.Examples of typical usage areasare: thermal power stations and coal-fired power plants, engine test stands,industrial plants, printing shops, the woodindustry and many more. ESSER has now expanded its portfolio in

this field by another reliable, flexible anduser-friendly UV flame detector: TheUniVario FMX5000UV.ESSER is distributedexclusively and fulfills the requirements ofthe highest sensitivity class according toEN 54-10, class 1. Moreover, a VdScertification for the FMX5000UV.ESSER hasalready been applied for. Being dust-proofand splash-proof in compliance with IP67,it can be used inside as well as outside.The UniVario can also be positioned sothat it monitors especially high-riskmachine areas and units as a whole. This isfacilitated by brackets at the detector basewhich make the installation as well asadjustment easier.

The UniVario is especially reliable thanksto its high false-alarm security (e.g. fromlightning), its contamination monitoringand its self-monitoring function. Here,faults are signaled at the detector itself aswell as to the control panel. A specialesserbus transponder enables theconnection of the detector as well as thetransmission of alarms and faults to theFACP. The detector is connected directly tothe detector zone of the esserbustransponder (part No. 808622) and issupplied via this through the externalenergy supply of the transponder. When itcomes to user-friendliness, the UniVarioscores again with its clear operating andfault display on the detector as well aswith its ability to carry out maintenancetesting via reed contact. The detector’soptics can be easily cleaned by twistingout the protective grating on the detectorhead.

The UniVario UV Flame Detector FMX- 5000UV.ESSER (Part No. 782313)and the esserbus transponder for UniVario(Part No. 808622) are now available.

Tel: Marketing/Communication +49-2137-17-527Email: [email protected]

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 5

NEWS

Self-monitoring,false alarm-proofand easy tomaintain The new UniVario UVflame detector by ESSER

Top specialist fire installationcompany, Firetel, has completeda major project for Equiniti atAspect House in Lancing, WestSussex.

As the UK’s leading providerof share registration, Equiniti isat the heart of the UK’s financialdealings and, as such, the safetyof the company’s personnel andbuildings is vital, a fact clearlyreflected in the high technologyfire and security systems now in operationon site.

The system consists of two of C-TEC’spowerful XFP analogue addressable firealarm control panels networked togetherin the security/reception and a vast rangeof Apollo devices including 184 XP95smoke detectors, 34 break glass callpoints, 92 Vector loop powered soundersand seven 100 metre ranging beamdetectors. Ten Apollo XP95 input outputunits are interfaced with various othersystems including security doors, gas shutoff, computer gas discharge systems,central station monitoring and disabilityequipment.

Says Jeff Whelan of Firetel: “We weredelighted to win such a prestigiouscontract. Although it did prove quite acomplicated project due to the securityprocedures we had to adhere to and thesecure nature of the building, we relished

the challenge. C-TEC’s XFP panels wereideal for this kind of installation as they areincredibly flexible and can easily beinterfaced to a huge variety of third-partyequipment”.

Formerly known as Lloyds TSB Registrarsuntil it was bought from the High Streetbank last year for £550m by AdventInternational, Equiniti employs 2000personnel across the UK and currently actsas Registrar for over 700 companies,including more than 55% of the FTSE 100,managing some 24 million shareholder andemployee accounts. The company plans togrow its pension administration, employeebenefits and retail investor servicesdivisions as well as pursuing other businessprocess outsourcing opportunities.

For more information, please contact Alex Saint on +44 (0) 1942 322744 or visit www.c-tec.co.uk

C-TEC’s XFP Fire Panelsbring equanimity toEquiniti

News P. 5, 6, 7 9/2/09 2:47 pm Page 5

6 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

NEWS

A new fire system designed totackle a chronic false alarmproblem at Stoke MandevilleHospital in Buckinghamshire –home to the world renownedNational Spinal Injuries Centre,has been hailed a resoundingsuccess with an 80% drop inincidents in its first year.

Fire systems specialistsPyrotec Systems, appointed forthe design, installation andmaintenance of this massivePrivate Finance Initiative (PFI)funded re-development, chosean open protocol system thatinterfaces with Kentec SyncroAS control panels, as they offerboth versatility and a very highlevel of intelligence, allowingmore accurate interrogationand interpretation of possiblefire events within the hospital.

Buckinghamshire Fire &Rescue Service explained: “Itwas a serious problem for bothorganisations. Every time theiralarm system activated, ourrisk-based response would be to send twofire appliances. Invariably on arrival wewould find it was a false alarm – a singlesmoke detector being activated, usually bya cooking activity. More often than not itwas burnt toast!

“As well as placing a burden on ourresources, it was disruptive for staff andpatients and it destroyed the credibility oftheir fire alarm system.”

Working with the local NHS Trust and RayClark, Stoke Mandeville Hospital’s fire safetyadviser, the hospital’s fire alarm engineersPyrotec Systems developed a fire safetysystem that enables the hospital’s speciallytrained fire wardens to investigate thecause of an alarm signal, on the activationof one smoke detector, that either confirmsor cancels the 999 call. Guaranteeing that a999 call is made in the event of a real fire.

However, in the event of a heatdetector activating, more than one smokedetector activating or a break glass callpoint being activated, then the Fire &Rescue Service is summoned immediately.

This open protocol system consists of 28Kentec panels and 5000 Hochiki devices,allowing seamless integration to a BuildingManagement System that provides firedata intelligence for fire alarmmanagement at many levels. These includeconnection directly to the telephoneexchange, and provision for futureexpansion of the PFI development.

One of the main requirements of thenew system was clarity of distributed

intelligence, with the systemrequired to give a view of thewhole system at each controlpanel so allowing an alarm orfault on the system to be viewedlocally.

In addition, with one singlecomprehensive systemthroughout the complex, trainingin fire safety is much simplified asnursing staff readily understandthe system wherever they arelocated on the site. Clarity ofzone identification is a majorfeature of the system. TheHTM82 regulations stipulate thata fire alarm must be monitored bya person who, when calling thebrigade, must be able to indicatethe zone in which the fire hasoccurred, so the gate closest tothat zone may be entered.

For more information pleasecontact Kentec on 01322 222121,email [email protected] orvisit www.kentec.co.uk

Kentec helps reduce false alarmsat Stoke Mandeville Hospital

Since theirestablishment in 1993Cranford Controls hassupplied the industryan extensive range ofquality products. As theyears have advanced,Cranford has focusedon developingelectronic sounders asour core product range,incorporating the latest technology andrequirements of the industry. Designed andmanufactured in their custom built ISO9001facility, approved by LPCB and VdS, the Cranfordsounder range is well established and desired.

Their variety and high quality products arewell renowned throughout the industry andhave helped to build up their world widecustomer database.

The key Cranford Controls’ success lies withintheir extensive sounder range; Room Sounders(VRS and VLS), Voice Sounders (VCL), SpatialSounders (VTG and VPR), Combination Sounder/Beacon Units (VTB and VSO-LED) and PlatformSounders (VSO and VCT). An assortment ofthese sounders have EN54 approval and comein an array of voltage ranges to ensure soundersthat are suitable for a variety of facilities; all are

RoHS and WEEE compliant.The most recent additions being the VSO

Platform Sounder and VSO-LED PlatformSounder/ Beacon Base have proved a veryworth-while and necessary expansion for theFire and Security sectors. Although both havebeen carefully designed to fit all leading brandsof smoke detector and the VSO is also availablein an assortment of colours to match; Cranfordalso supplies an easy to fit cover plate for use ofthe items as stand alone devices. Both units areavailable with a choice of 4 or 32 Tones.

For any further information on the productsmentioned and information on additionalproducts to help fully equip your fire safetysystem please contact their sales team on+44 (0) 1420 592 444

Quality products fromCranford Controls

News P. 5, 6, 7 9/2/09 2:47 pm Page 6

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 7

NEWS

SECURITON’s aspirating smoke detectors havebeen reliably preventing fires for over 40 years.Now the latest generation of fire detectiontechnology is on the market: the ASD 535 is morepowerful, more precise and responds morequickly than its predecessors.

A crane motor overheats in a warehousestacked with chemicals. It escapes the notice ofthe warehouse crew. Find out what happens nextat the end of this article.

The ASD 535 – the ultra-sensitive guardianThe ASD 535 aspirating smoke detector consistsprincipally of a nose and a brain: one or twoindependent sampling pipes aspirate the air of thearea being monitored and convey it to the samplingchamber – the brain – of the fire detection device.This contains a scattered-light smoke detector, which analyses thecontinuous airflow: if it determines that the air contains smokeparticles exceeding the preset threshold, it immediately triggers apre-alarm or alarm. The signal arrives at the fire alarm control panelor fire brigade, and the incipient fire can be nipped in the bud.

More performance, more precision, more coverageSecuriton has invested much in the development of the newsystem. The ASD 535’s smoke sensor, for instance, features new HD(High Dynamic) technology: its dynamic temperature andcontamination compensation capability with patented particlesuppression provides unsurpassed levels of detection reliability, asdoes the sensor’s LVSC large volume smoke chamber. Smokeparticle sampling sensitivity can be set between 0.002%/m and

10%/m according to the specific circumstancesand hazard potential of the area being monitored.Moreover, the ASD 535 benefits from the mostpowerful fan on the market, which means thatlarger areas than ever can now be monitored. Oncommissioning, the auto-learning functionautomatically adapts the system to the ambientconditions and scales it to the applicable safetystandard. Last but not least, the ASD 535’s abilityto differentiate between smoke particles andimpurities such as dust elevates it to a class of itsown. False alarms are now a thing of the past.

Quiet, discreet, universally installableThe ASD 535 works discreetly in the background.The sampling pipes can be adapted to thesurroundings or even completely concealed, and

aspiration is so quiet that the system is welcome even in concert halls.The ASD 535 is the perfect fire guardian for both room and buildingmonitoring: it sniffs out incipient fires in CNC control systems asdependably as it does in airports, cinemas and research centres.

So, how does that story about the chemical warehouse continue?While you have been reading this, the ASD 535 reported thesuspicious smoke concentration and the company’s fire fightersextinguished the incipient motor fire before it could burst into flames.

For more details please contact:Securiton AG, Alarm and Security SystemsAlpenstrasse 20, CH-3052 Zollikofen/Bern, SwitzerlandTel: +41 31 910 11 22 Fax: +41 31 910 16 16Email: [email protected] Website: www.securiton.com

SecuriRAS® ASD 535 aspirating smoke detector:a new milestone in early fire detection

Fire Product Searchlaunches E-NewsletterFIRE PRODUCT SEARCHthe world’s mostpopular fire productand equipment guidehas launched a newmonthly E-Newsletterservice. The E-Newsletters containsthe latest fire products,information on the latest fire exhibitions plus specialist industrynews and insight.

For your copy subscribe to Fire Product Search for FREEat www.fireproductsearch.com

Fire Product Search is an online portal to the world’s largestdatabase of fire products. It offer users clear productinformation and easy links direct to manufacturers websites, noneed for bulky directories, CD’s, downloads, or anything else.Fire Product Search is online constantly providing you withinformation when you need it!

Browse through product categories, search usingkeywords or by company with ease atwww.fireproductsearch.com

Is your company featured on Fire Product Search? We offer aFREE basic company listing include website link and contactdetails visit www.fireproductsearch.com – Special Offer – usepassword IFP Magazine for a FREE upgrade and include yourlogo and company profile text.

Prysmian protectsPortsmouth’s patientsMore than 70,000 metres ofPRYSMIAN’s new generation FP Pluscable has been used in the ongoing£240 million re-development of theQueen Alexandra Hospital inPortsmouth.

The need for a highly durable firealarm cable was paramount for ahospital environment and as FP Plusmeets all of the requirements ofBS5839-1:2002 and the newintegrated fire, shock and water test BS8434-2, Keith Meacher, from wholesalerNewey & Eyre, had no hesitation in his recommendation of the cable.

“Quality was a major factor in product provision for this project and Prysmianhas always been the supply partner of choice for Newey & Eyre, especially when apremium cable is required. We supplied the new generation FP Plus cable due to itshigh specification, ease and speed of installation.”

Not only has Prysmian cable been supplied for the development, but also FPFirefix fixing clips. Prysmian’s unique fixing system allows FP cables to be installedup to 10 times faster than when using alternatives by making use of gas nailingtechnology. The fixing can be installed in a range of substrates, from concrete tosteel and due to their metal based design, the FP Firefix system also conforms tothe fixing requirements of BS5839-1:2002 for fire resistant cables.

The new hospital, set for completion in Summer 2010, will provide state of theart health care facilities for residents in Portsmouth and South East Hampshire.

To find out more information about Prysmian’s Fire Performance cablerange visit the website www.fpcables.co.uk

News P. 5, 6, 7 9/2/09 2:47 pm Page 7

8 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

PROFILE

It is a high-performance custom-engineered fireextinguishing system that uses 3M™ Novec1230™ Fire Protection Fluid that is stored as a

low vapour pressure fluid. Upon system activationit discharges within ten seconds and instantlyconverts into a clear, colourless and odourless gas,extinguishing ordinary combustible, electrical andflammable liquid fires before they have the chanceto take hold and spread.

Typical total flooding applications use a lowconcentration of the fluid that is well below theagent’s saturation or condensation level. SAPPHIREhas a negligible impact on the environment,insignificant global warming potential – lowerthan any of the halocarbon agents that are accept-able for use in occupied spaces – and zero ozonedepleting potential. After extinguishing the fire, itis dispersed through natural ventilation.

SAPPHIRE also has a remarkably low atmosphericlifetime of between three and five days, so doesnot have any appreciable impact on climatechange. To put this into perspective, this three tofive-day lifetime compares with an atmospheric lifefor Halon 1301 of 65 years. It has a globalwarming potential of just “one”, which meansthat several thousand kilograms of the Novec1230 fluid would have to be released to have thesame impact on climate change as just onekilogramme of a typical alternative halocarbon.

Significantly, SAPPHIRE is not among the gasesidentified by the Kyoto Protocol as representingman-made interference with the global climatesystem. So much so that the sustainability of aSAPPHIRE installation is backed by a global 20 yearcomplete-replacement environmental warrantyfrom Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Productsagainst its banning or restriction on environmentalgrounds by government or regulatory bodies.

Unlike many other fluid fire extinguishing agents,SAPPHIRE can be used with complete confidence tosuppress fires involving vital electronic equipment. Itis non-conductive and non-corrosive, and leaves noresidue to damage sensitive equipment, so is ideallysuited for protecting occupied computer facilities,control rooms, data storage facilities, and tele-communication centres, as well as irreplaceabledocument archives and delicate historic relics.

SAPPHIRE systems have an installed footprintsimilar to that of other chemically-based clean

agent systems and, most significantly, the Novec1230 fluid has the lowest design concentration ofany viable Halon 1301 chemical alternative. Whilecertain halocarbons and inert gases are used atdesign concentrations that are below the NOAELor No Observed Adverse Effect Level, the SAPPHIREsystem’s huge safety margin provides the end userwith a significant degree of confidence.

The filling and recharging of a SAPPHIRE installa-tion is quick and easy. Thanks to the agent’s highboiling point, it can be transported in lightweightdrums rather than expensive pressurised seamlesscontainers, allowing the fluid to be air-freighted.

The system has amassed a host of internationalapprovals including LPCB (Loss Prevention Certifi-cation Board), FM (Factory Mutual) and UL(Underwriters Laboratories) listing. It is listed as“acceptable without restrictions” by the USEnvironmental Protection Agency’s SNAP (Signifi-cant New Alternatives Program), is registeredunder Europe’s ELINCS (European List of NotifiedChemical Substances) scheme, and has beenaccepted for inclusion in ISO 14520 (Gaseous fire-extinguishing systems). IFP

Sapphire™ – TheDefinitive CleanSuppression SystemSince the demise of Halon 1301, one solution for the safe and efficient totalflooding protection of occupied business-critical environments and assets hascome to the fore. HYGOOD™ SAPPHIRE™ uses new long-term technology thatnot only meets today’s exacting legislative requirements, it also meets all ofthose in the foreseeable future, providing the market with the suppressioneffectiveness, environmental acceptability and sustainability that it is demanding.

Further information onSAPPHIRE is available from:Tyco Fire Suppression &Building Products bytelephone on +44 (0) 161875 0402, by fax on +44 (0)161 875 0493, or via emailat [email protected]

Further information can also be found atwww.hygood.co.uk

P. 08 Tyco Sapphire Profile 10/12/09 4:59 pm Page 8

Hygood Fire Protection Systems are manufactured by Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products

Burlingham HouseHewett RoadGapton Hall Industrial EstateGreat YarmouthNorfolk NR31 0NN

Tel +44 (0)1493 417600Fax +44 (0)1493 417700E-mail: [email protected]

Sapphire is a trademark of a subsidiary of Tyco International. 3M and Novec are registered trademarks of 3M Company.

Hygood Sapphire DataCentre A4 ad 0109.indd 1 22/1/09 14:00:17

10 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

PROFILE

The ideal for the new cost-efficient approach toremote diagnostics and interrogation of asystem, using an ordinary Web browser, is

expressed perfectly by the powerful and secureeLAN fire control panel system from VES (a whollyowned subsidiary of Kentec Electronics Limited).These world-class systems are specifically developedto exploit the telephone or Internet connectionfacility and bring fire alarm system communicationsright up to date and straight onto your PC screen.

Benefits of ‘virtuality’The eLAN is the solution for the most demandingof projects. The transparency and inter-operabilitygranted by eLAN’s real-time on-screen overview of the system is immediately evident to systemoperators, who recognise the benefits derivedfrom a virtual on-line presentation of the firecontrol panel for system diagnosis, configuration,and interaction . . . regardless of where thephysical panel is located.

This ‘virtuality’ is of great economic significancebecause it not only cuts the ever-increasing costsof service calls but also permits trouble-shootingby allowing the entire system to be interrogatedremotely.

Remote overview of systemThe capability of the eLAN FM-listed fire alarmsystem is scalable – ranging from a stand alone,single panel system with over 500 devices, to afully supervised and fault tolerant inter-panelnetworked system with more than 60,000 pointsand 500 zones over 127 Panels. And becauseevery node is networked as one system, detailedinformation is received down to every point.

Available in two or four loop configurationswith network-wide releasing functionality, the firecontrol panels and ancillaries have the power to becomprehensively applicable, being suitable for anysize of project.

HardwareThe hardware can be configured as a stand-alonepanel with just a few devices for a small building orReleasing System. It can also operate as the build-ing system AND Releasing System and, for example,be part of a network with a total of 127 nodes.

SoftwareBusiness Suite is an intuitive business, monitoringand access software suite of modules thatovercomes training barriers to achieve simple and secure fire alarm systems. Operators can loginto their virtual network from any place in theworld.

Plug and play network programmingEasy plug and play networking allows the networkto be programmed remotely as a single systemwith no special software and no additional on-sitecomputer. The entire network is programmed atthe same time as a single system, saving hours ofon-site engineering time.

Bird’s eye viewFor a snapshot in practically real-time, anytime,there’s an easy-to-understand bird’s eye view ofevery system at every location.

eLAN fire panels and the eSP business suitefrom VES – a wholly owned subsidiary of KentecElectronics Limited who themselves are Europe’sleading independent fire control panel manu-facturer – are mature and proven products thathave been developed over the last 5 years by thecompany’s team of industry experts in fire andcommunications technologies. IFP

Detection goesvirtual with eLANfire system fromKentec Kentec Technical Director Robert Jefferys explains how the new revolutionaryweb-based eLAN fire alarm system technology can be programmed andinterrogated remotely, with significant savings on time and costs.

For more informationcontact: Kentec on +44(0)1322 222121Email [email protected] orvisit www.kentec.co.uk

P. 10 Kentec Profile 9/2/09 2:51 pm Page 10

Kentec Electronics Ltd.

A division of Kentec Electronics Ltd.

Is this the way you would dream ofmanaging your Fire Detection System....?

+44(0)1322 222121 www.kentec.co.uk (Kentec Electronics Ltd., UK)

+1 800 270 3066 www.ves-network.com (VES LLC, USA)

...give us a call and we’llshow you how it’s done!

An allowance for transport time

Taken out of context, the introduction above isalarming! It is possible that ASD technology,which for years has been associated with Early

Warning smoke detection, can, under EN54-20,actually respond later than a conventional pointdetector? Of course, this is not normally the caseand needs to be understood in context. Firstly, suchdelayed detection is only possible if: � the ASD detection unit has been configured to

be just sensitive enough to meet EN54-20 Class C,

� the fire to be detected has a fast growth rate, � the smoke from that fire only enters a single

sampling hole far distant from the detector. It has been very rare for these three factors to

occur simultaneously, particularly given the evidencepresented in the November 2008 article, which con-cluded that “the majority of ASD installations cur-rently installed achieve Class B capability or better.”

At this point, it is worth noting that under theprevious European product standard, CEA4022, anASD system was permitted to respond up to 120seconds after the End-of-Test (EOT) in the fourstandard test fires (specifically TF2- TF5 – identicalto those for EN 54-7 and EN 54-20 Class C). Thiswas in compensation for the transport tiame,which was limited to 120 seconds. A more restric-tive allowance of up to 60 seconds after EOT isincluded in EN 54-20 (ref EN 54-20:2006 clause6.15.4) and there is no specific limitation on themaximum transport time.

12 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

“Would you useminimum quality Class Crope if your lifedepended on it?” Pic courtesy of CivilDefence Academy –Singapore Civil DefenceForce

PROFILE

As a follow on to the article published in November 2008 entitled “Understandingthe normal capability of Aspirating Smoke Detection”, this short piece re-iteratesthe November article’s main points while illustrating how the Xtralis range ofASD products comfortably satisfy the requirements of EN 54-20.Of note in the original article was the statement “The result of a Class C approval to EN54-20 is confidence that a particular aspirating system is at least as reactive to fire as anyEN 54-7 approved smoke detector.” While this is generally true given the cumulativeadvantage of ASD systems, it is potentially misleading. In layman’s terms, clause 16.5.4 ofEN54-20:2006 means that in test conditions, according to EN54-20, a Class C ASD systemcan respond up to 60 seconds after a standard point detector when smoke from a fire onlyenters the furthest hole.

Is this what you want? If not, then you should clearly specify that a Class A or B ASD systemis required.

For more information pleasecontact: Tel: +44 1442 242 330Email: [email protected]

By PeterMassingberd-Mundy

Technology and ExpertPractices Manager,Xtralis – manufacturerof VESDA

Xtralis Technology Detection and Earl y

P. 12-13 Xtralis Profile 10/12/09 9:46 am Page 12

VESDA approvalsSome time ago, as the market leader of ASD sys-tems, Xtralis (formally Vision Systems) ensured thatthe VESDA systems approved to CEA4022 detect-ed the four test fires before EOT with noallowance for transport time, thus demonstratingthat a single VESDA sampling hole is more thancapable of matching the performance require-ments of point detectors – without any correctionor allowance for transport time. To be specific,smoke from all four test fires was detected beforethe EOT when entering a single (“worst case”)hole out of 100 sampling holes on a full length(200m) VESDA system with an alarm threshold of0.06% obscuration/m. (ref: LPCB report TE94690)

Moreover, in the field, the installed capability ofVESDA systems has always comfortably exceededthe minimum requirements of the standard. Invari-ably, fewer than 100 holes are installed and, asdiscussed in the November 2008 article, themajority of systems are actually Class B or better.

ASPIRE2Fortunately, Xtralis also provides a comprehensivetool (called ASPIRE2) to establish the performanceand the EN 54-20 Class of any particular VESDAsystem – no matter the pipe and hole configuration.

A convenient interface enables users to enterdetails of the pipe runs (including bends, tees,capilliary off-takes and hole positions) for a partic-ular project and then cross check the results in athree-dimensional rotatable viewer. At the click ofa button, the software will optimise the designand provide recommended hole sizes to achieve a“good” system. For any given design, the softwarecalculates the flow entering each hole, thuscalculating the time to transport smoke from eachhole to the detector and the effective sensitivity ofeach single hole (i.e. the concentration of smokeneeded at a single hole to trigger an alarm).

This tool has beendeveloped over manyyears and, in additionto providing clear pre-diction of the Class ofany particular VESDAsystem (including VLP,VLS, VLC and VLF),now supports theICAM range of ASDdetectors from Xtralisas well. For details,visit www.xtralis.com

A new sensitivitytab in the software(see figure 1) com-pares the predictedperformance of eachhole with agreed limitsfor each EN54-20Class (e.g. a Class B

system must have 4.5% obscuration/m or betterat each sampling hole and transport time of < 90seconds). Thus, ASPIRE2 clearly indicates the Classachieved by each alarm threshold of any particularVESDA system.

ASPIRE2 provides predictions for transportingsmoke from the sampling point to the detector. Asdiscussed in a previous article, “CFD – Colour forDirectors?,” published in IFP in February 2008, thelatest CFD software used to model fires can pro-vide predictions for how smoke travels from thefire to the sampling holes. The converter linkingASPIRE2 data to FDS5 introduced in this article iscontinually being improved and serves to demon-strate Xtralis’ commitment to understanding andaccurately predicting the performance of itssystems in pursuit of Performance Based Design.

ConclusionFrom the information presented above and inNovember’s article, it is clear that, while a Class Caspirating smoke detector may be considered tobe code compliant, most applications will benefitfrom a Class B (or better) solution. The evidencepresented demonstrates that Class A & B systemsprovide earlier warning without risk of false alarmsso specifiers of ASD systems can confidentlyrequire a Class B or, where relevant, Class A sys-tem to achieve the best possible protection againstfire.

In further support of providing detection that is“better than code compliant”, the latest version ofASPIRE2 not only clearly indicates the Class of anysystem, but it can be integrated with the mostpopular CFD Fire Simulator to support validatedPerformance-Based Designs.

Excepting any direct references to EN54-20, theperformance figures and experience given in this pieceand the previous article published in November 2008pertain to VESDA technology only.

IFP

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 13

Figure 1 – ASPIRE2clearly indicates theClass of each alarmthreshold

PROFILE

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P. 12-13 Xtralis Profile 9/2/09 2:51 pm Page 13

Xtralis IFP36 30/10/08 2:52 AM Page 1

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 15

FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

This article will define survivability. It will brieflycover code requirements (from NFPA 72). Acase study will be presented to depict key

considerations in implementing a fire alarm systemwith a high degree of survivability. This article willbenefit engineers, property owners, and fire alarmdesigners by explaining key considerations forimplementing survivability.

What is survivability?Survivability describes the ability of a fire alarmsystem to provide audible (voice and signal) andvisible notification long enough to evacuate thebuilding and have the fire service restore control(Gagnon and Kirby). This term from NFPA 72

(National Fire Protection Association) is primarilyused to ensure that a fire in a given area does not disable the system for other areas. In thisarticle, we will extend this meaning to address the general ability of a fire alarm and voiceevacuation system to remain operational during an emergency.

Generally, increasing system survivability raisessystem cost as well. Some of the tactics discussedin this article may be required by code; however,many of them are not. NFPA 72 and buildingcodes represent the minimum safe requirements.The code requirements do not address an individualclients needs in terms of survivability. For examplethe client’s survivability requirements for a critical

By Bobby Patrick,MSFPE, PE

President, FireLogixEngineering, Ltd.

Survivability ofFire AlarmSystemsA High Rise Building Case StudyFire alarm and voice evacuation systems are the primary means for first responders(i.e. fire or police officials) to communicate with building occupants in anemergency. Fire departments use voice evacuation systems to direct occupants tothe safest location in an emergency. The systems are increasingly being used to alertbuilding occupants of other types of emergencies including bomb threats, weatherthreats, and other extreme events. If these systems are susceptible to damage fromfire or impact their survivability is greatly reduced. How can you ensure that your firealarm and voice evacuation system will remain operational during an emergency?

P. 15-21 Fire Alarms 9/2/09 2:52 pm Page 15

government high rise may differ than those for anapartment building.

Code requirementsFirst let’s briefly discuss survivability requirements inNFPA 72, The National Fire Alarm Code. The generalsurvivability requirements are found under NFPA 72§6.9.10.4. These requirements apply to audibleand visible notification. They include the following:1 Fire alarm systems used for partial evacuation/

relocation must be designed so that fire inside anevacuation zone does not impair system operationoutside the evacuation zone. A good example ofthis is ensuring that a fire on a single floor of ahigh rise, which destroys circuitry there, does notdisable the system operation on other floors.

2 Notification appliance circuits must be protecteduntil they enter the zone which they serve. Fiveprotection options are presented in NFPA 72 andfocus on fire resistance (not mechanical pro-tection). This also helps meet the requirementstated above (#2).

3 Where the separation of emergency voice/alarmcontrol equipment locations results in the por-tions of the system controlled by one locationbeing dependent upon the control equipment inother locations, the circuits between the depen-dent controls shall be protected against attackby fire using one of the methods outlined inNFPA 72.NFPA 72 tends to focus on protecting circuits

with fire resistive construction or using fire resistivecables. This article further addresses the overallsystem architecture, physical protection, and circuitconfiguration.

Technical approaches to survivabilityHere we will use a case study to demonstrate keyelements of implementing a highly survivablesystem. The solutions implemented here are (insome cases) dependent on the ability and featuresof the equipment being implemented. Thesefeatures are fairly standard for most major systemmanufacturers.

Case study backgroundOur case study will focus on a high rise buildingused for critical government functions. Functionsinclude courts, attorneys, tax departments, andgovernment officials. After the 9/11 tragedy,survivability of fire alarm and voice evacuationsystems became increasingly important.

The facility is 16 stories tall. It is concreteconstruction. A fire alarm and voice evacuationsystem is required by the local building codes. Thetenant will also use the voice evacuation system toalert occupants of various emergencies includingbomb threats, weather, etc. Based on the impor-tance of the functions housed here, it is critical forthe system to remain functional during anemergency event. The client requests the followingdesign considerations:

16 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

Figure 1 – distributedFACU architecture

SURVIVABILITY OF FIRE ALARM SYSTEMSFIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

Item Distribution

FACU Four panels distributed to different floors

Audio Amplifiers Amplifiers distributed in FACU to different floors

SNAC Panels Two on each floor

Table 1 – Case Study Distribution of Components

P. 15-21 Fire Alarms 9/2/09 2:52 pm Page 16

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1 The system should be impact resistant.2 Survivability requirements of NFPA 72 (covered

earlier) must be implemented3 A single notification appliance circuit (NAC)

failure should not cause complete failure ofnotification systems in an evacuation zone. Inother words, if a notification appliance circuitfails, some means of notification should still beavailable in a given evacua-tion zone.

4 There should not be a singlepoint of failure on the evacu-ation signaling system. Forexample, if the fire alarmcontrol unit (FACU) fails,some means of transmittingvoice should still be available.

5 An event in a single area ofthe building should notcause system failure.

System architectureSystem Architecture refers tothe basic layout of the firealarm system’s major compo-nents and network. Componentsdiscussed here include FACU,voice system amplifiers, andsupplementary notification appli-ance circuit (SNAC) panels.Survivability in fire alarmsystems can be improved bydistributing these componentsacross the facility.

First let’s look at the FACU.Often, fire alarm systems are

implemented with a single FACU. This is a central-ized, non-distributed approach. Unfortunately, afailure at the FACU will cause failure of the entiresystem. This represents a single point of failure onthe system. Most major FACU manufacturers pro-duce panels which can be networked together.This enables designers to use multiple panelswhich can “talk” to one another. Using networkedFACU, designers can distribute the FACU opera-tions throughout the building. Normally thismaterializes as a main FACU and several smallerdistributed FACU located in different areas of afacility. If a single FACU fails, or the network fails,each FACU will still operate autonomously.

Next let’s review voice system amplifiers. This isanother item which is notoriously centralized in asingle panel, which again, represents a single pointof failure for the entire voice evacuation system.Many popular fire alarm systems provide the abilityto distribute amplifiers throughout the building aswell. A cost effective approach is to distributeamplifiers with the distributed FACU as previouslydiscussed. This brings the same benefits asdistributing the FACU.

Finally, let’s review SNAC panels. SNAC panelsare commonly referred to as “booster panels” or“power panels” for notification appliance circuits.SNAC panels are dependent on the FACU whichthey are connected to (the FACU triggers the unit

18 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

Figure 2 – symbols used

FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

Circuit Type Class Notes

Data Network Class A See Figure 1

Audio Network Class A See Figure 1

Floor SLC Class B See Figure 3

Riser SLC Class A isolator modules at floor. See Figure 3

Audio (floor level) Class B Redundant See Figure 5

Visual NAC Class B Redundant See Figure 4

Table 2 – Case Study Circuit Types

Figure 3 – typical SLC circuits

P. 15-21 Fire Alarms 9/2/09 2:52 pm Page 18

to start the strobes). Using two separate panels tosignal a given evacuation zone improves surviv-ability. It is important to note that the panels mustbe synchronized so that strobes flash in unison.This solution is further discussed under CircuitConfigurations.

To meet our client’s objectives, we will use fourFACU’s. Each panel will be located on a differentfloor. Amplifiers will be distributed to each FACU.SNAC panels will be distributed to each floor. Eachfloor will have two SNAC panels which will enablecircuit configurations which are further discussedunder Circuit Configuration below. FACU commu-nicate with one another via two riser circuits, onefor audio and the other for data (see Figure 1).

Circuit configurationCircuit configuration refers to the ability of thecircuit to resist faults such as ground, short, oropen circuits. NFPA 72 §6.4 provides various circuitclassifications which describe the circuit’s ability tooperate under fault conditions. The first classifica-tion is the circuit Class which describes the circuit’sability to operate under a single open or groundcondition. The second classification is the circuitStyle which further classifies the circuit’s ability tooperate under additional conditions such as shortand loss of carrier. We will provide a brief descrip-tion of the circuit Classes. A complete descriptionof the Classes and Styles can be found in NFPA 72.

Class B circuits are generally two wire circuitswhich cannot function beyond the point ofground or open circuit conditions. For example, aninitiating device circuit (IDC) would not receivealarm conditions from a detector located beyondthe circuit ground or open condition. In anotherexample, a strobe beyond an open circuit condi-tion would not light up on alarm. A final examplewould be if networked FACUs could not commu-nicate with one another beyond an open circuit.

Class A circuits are typically four wire circuitswhich still function beyond the point of an opencircuit or ground fault. A simplified way of think-ing of a Class A circuit is to think of a circuit“loop” which can communicate from either end.An example is an IDC which could still receive analarm condition from detectors beyond an opencircuit. Another example is a strobe beyond anopen circuit which can still function in alarm. Afinal example is a set of distributed FACUs whichare connected in a loop and can still communicateif the circuit becomes open or grounded.

Another way to make circuits fault tolerant is toisolate portions of a circuit upon a fault condition.Most fire alarm system manufacturers produceisolator modules for this purpose.

In our case study we must address severaldifferent circuit types. These include the following:

Data Network – The data network provides aconnection between FACUs (see Figure 1). Thedata network is critical since it enables FACUs tocommunicate to one another. Because of its impor-tance, we will configure it as a Class A circuit.

Audio Network – The audio network providesaudio connectivity between FACUs. Essentially thisallows voice to be broadcast from a single locationto any evacuation zone served by a FACU on theaudio network. This is also a highly critical circuitsince it broadcasts audio to any selective zone inthe facility. For this reason we will also use a ClassA circuit.

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 19

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SLC (individual floor) – This signaling linecircuit (SLC) connects addressable devices in a givenarea. These circuits are fed from the SLC riser (seebelow). In our case this area is a single floor. Itdoes not span multiple floors. Individual floor SLCsare less critical than the audio or data network.Floor level SLCs can be configured as Class B andstill enable us to meet the client’s objectives.

SLC (riser) – This SLC spans multiple floors andprovides a common connection between individualfloor SLCs and the FACU. This circuit is moreimportant than the “individual floor” circuitsbecause it affects multiple evacuation zones. Forthis reason, we will configure this circuit as ClassA. Furthermore, we will place isolator modules ateach connection to “floor level” SLCs. Using thisapproach, a fault on the SLC floor circuit will notaffect the SLC riser circuit.

Audio (floor level) – The “floor level” audiocircuit serves a single evacuation zone. In our casethis represents a single floor. Our client’s objectiveis to maintain voice notification even in the eventof complete failure of this circuit. Achieving thisrequires a somewhat unique configuration. Theworst case scenario would be failure of the FACUor amplifiers serving this evacuation zone. To over-come this issue, we will use two Class B redundantaudio circuits fed from different panels. Adjacentspeakers are connected to different circuits. In thisconfiguration, complete failure of a circuit or panelwill still leave half of the speakers operational.

Visual NAC – The visual NACor “strobe” circuits serve asingle evacuation zone (or aportion of a zone). Our client’sobjective is to maintain visualnotification even in the event ofcomplete failure of this circuit.Achieving this requires a some-what unique configuration. Theworst case scenario would befailure of the FACU or SNACpanel serving this evacuationzone. To overcome this issue, wewill use two Class B redundantstrobe circuits fed from differentSNAC and FACU panels. Adja-cent strobes are connected todifferent circuits. In this config-uration, complete failure of acircuit or panel will still leavehalf of the strobes operational.

Physical protectionPhysical protection is used tokeep circuits and equipment

safe from mechanical or fire damage. In this casephysical protection options include the following:● Fire resistant construction to house and protect

panels● Fire resistant construction to conceal and

protect critical cables● Fire resistant cables to protect individual circuits● Conduit to protect cables from mechanical

damage● Seismic protection (beyond the scope of this

article)Placing panels inside fire/smoke resistive areas

greatly reduces the likelihood of the panel beingdestroyed by smoke or fire. This applies to FACU,SNAC panels, and voice system amplifiers.

Cables can be protected from fire using eitherfire rated construction or fire resistive cables. Firerated construction is commonly used to protectvertical cable runs (in concealed shafts) penetrat-ing multiple floors. In most cases (but not all), thevertical shaft created for this type of run will haveto be fire and smoke resistant construction tosatisfy building codes. It is less common to use firerated construction to protect horizontal cable runs.

Common fire resistive cables are circuit integrity(CI) and mineral insulated (MI) cable. MI cable isoften considered difficult to install. For this reasoncontractors generally prefer to install CI cablewhen fire resistive cable is required. CI cable istested under UL 2196. It can withstand 1,850°Ffor two hours. Fire resistive cables should be

used selectively since their costsare significantly higher thanstandard cables.

NFPA 72 does not addressmechanical protection within thescope of survivability. Mechanicalprotection involves protectingcircuits and equipment fromimpact. Concealing circuits andequipment in fire rated con-struction provides a level ofprotection against impact.Placing cables in metal conduitis probably the best means ofprotecting them from impact.

20 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

Figure 4 – typical strobecircuits

Figure 5 – typical audiocircuits

FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

P. 15-21 Fire Alarms 9/2/09 2:52 pm Page 20

Now, back to our case study… Our client isparticularly concerned with keeping the systemoperational in various emergencies including fire,terrorist attack, and natural disasters. Based onthis, we recommend the following:1 Install all panels within 2 hour fire resistant con-

struction (rooms with rated walls and doors).2 All risers and vertical penetrations will be

installed within 2 hour rated fire resistant shafts.3 Risers and network cables leaving the fire rated

construction should be CI (2 hour) rated cables.4 All circuits should be installed in metal conduit.

Our client’s building is fully protected by auto-matic fire sprinklers. The local code does notrequire rated cables in this case; however, theserecommendations are focused on meeting clientobjectives.

ConclusionIn this article we have taken a broad look at firealarm survivability. Through the case study wehave demonstrated how to use architecture(distribution), physical protection, and circuit con-figuration to achieve a high degree of survivability.The cost and usefulness of these methods must becarefully balanced to meet client objectives both interms of budget and achieving the desired level ofsurvivability.

Works citedGagnon, Robert and Ronald Kirby. A Designer’s Guideto Fire Alarm Systems. Quincy: National Fire ProtectionAssociation, Inc., 2003.National Fire Protection Association. NFPA 72 – NationalFire Alarm Code – 2007 Edition. Quincy: NFPA, 2006.

IFP

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 21

SURVIVABILITY OF FIRE ALARM SYSTEMSFIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

Bobby Patrick, PE is thePresident of FireLogixEngineering, Ltd.(www.FireLogix.biz), aleading fire protectionengineering and codeconsulting firm based inCincinnati, Ohio. He can bereached by phone at (513)746-6211 or [email protected]

Item Physical Protection

Panels Rated Construction

Data Network Rated Construction and CI Cable outside of rated construction; metal conduit

Audio Network Rated Construction and CI Cable outside of rated construction; metal conduit

Floor SLC Metal conduit

Riser SLC Rated Construction and CI Cable outside of rated construction; metal conduit

Audio (floor level) Metal conduit

Visual NAC Metal conduit

Table 3 – Case Study Physical Protection

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INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 23

FIRE DETECTION

So, let us take a brief look at what are prob-ably the top four myths surrounding firedetection:

Myth One: a good fire detection systemwill protect meMany years ago, I was asked to audit an extremelyexpensive and comprehensive fire detection systeminstalled to protect a very large computer suite.The owners and specifiers were very proud of theirsystem. However, it became clear that the firestrategy had not been fully thought through.When asked what would happen after a fire was

detected, the reply was: “well, the alarm bells willgo off”. When asked what would happen afterthe bells went off, the exasperated reply was“well, people will evacuate the building”.

It soon became apparent that the sole purposefor such an expensive system was to protect thecomputers. However, the way this was to beachieved was not at all clear. What had failed tobe appreciated is that fire detection is simply thestart of the sequence, and not the total answer.

There is a flow chart in British Standard PD7974-4: 2003 (Application of fire safety engineer-ing principles to the design of buildings. Detection

By Paul Bryant

CEO of Kingfell Plc,London

Raising TheAlarm On FireDetection MythsAutomatic fire detection is a base requirement of most fire strategies. It is themechanism which, it is assumed, will inspire actions to occur that will eventuallylead to the safe evacuation of people from a building, and / or the effectiveextinguishing of a fire. In all probability, it is the most widely acknowledgedcomponent of the overall fire safety and protection provisions of a building. Yetit is also, potentially, the most misunderstood – right from the standardisationbehind fire detection, through to its application.

P. 23-24 Raising the Alarm 9/2/09 2:52 pm Page 23

of fire and activation of fire protection systems)and PAS 911: 2007 (Fire strategies – guidance andframework for their formulation), although theyare formatted differently in each document. Whatthe chart shows is that there are many possibleoptions following detection that will need to beaddressed in order to achieve key objectives. Inshort, whether designed, installed, commissionedand maintained to British, American or interna-tional standards, the fire detection system mustsupport the fire strategy rather than the other wayround.

Myth Two: the more fire detectors, thebetterThere are some people who really do believe thatspecifying a high density of fire detection in everypart of the building is the best policy. I can onlysuppose that these professional fire engineerswant to ensure that “the finger of suspicion” willnot be pointed at them if a fire in a buildingcovered by their designs is not detected in goodtime? The outcome, predictably, is very likely to beover-specification.

British Standards endeavoured to overcome thiswith the publication of BS 5839 Part 1: 1998 (Firedetection and alarm systems for buildings. Code ofpractice for system design, installation and servic-ing), which first introduced categories of firedetection system. These were further updated inthe current edition.

There are two basic life protection categories inthe Standard; L systems are for automatic fire detec-tion systems intended for the protection of life, andM systems are manual systems and, therefore,incorporate no automatic fire detectors. P systemsare automatic fire detection systems intended forthe protection of property, and was introduced sothat the requirements of insurers could also be con-tained within a British Standard. Prior to this therewas a separate insurers’ FOC (Fire Offices’ Commit-tee)/LPC (Loss Prevention Council) standard for firedetection systems designed for property protection.

Both the L and P categories are subdivided intofurther categories determining the level of protec-tion, with the L categories ranging from L1 to L5,and P comprising P1 and P2. L1 and P1 were forcomprehensive detection throughout the building,with the other categories covering different levelsof partial protection. The important principle

behind this is that the level of cover provided bythe fire detection should be commensurate withthe requirements for the building and its occupancy.In this way it avoids costly and unnecessary over-specification. Other countries have their ownapproach to this issue.

However, what has happened is that some con-sultants and contractors specify L1, P1 or both inthe misguided belief that this will ensure the bestform of cover. This is simply not the case. Forexample, an L3 system is designed to give a warn-ing of fire at a stage that is early enough to enableall occupants – other than possibly those in theroom where the fire originated – to escape safely,before the escape routes are impassable owing tothe presence of fire, smoke or toxic gases. So sucha system, providing it is properly designed, may bejust as effective as an L1 system, as part of anoverall life safety strategy. It will certainly cost a lotless in both capital and maintenance terms.

So, once again, a strong argument in favour ofthe contention that the fire detection system mustsupport the fire strategy rather than the other wayround.

Myth Three: the best systems still usepoint-type detection connected viamineral insulated cableIn many cases, point-type detection systems on anultra-robust wired network may be the mostappropriate form of detection. This howeverignores the extensive progress made in recent yearsin many aspects of detection technology, in cabledesign, and in non-cable technology. In every situa-tion, all appropriate methods and technologiesshould be seriously considered, whether radio-based, utilising CCTV, or whatever advances andinnovations come on to the market. For example,the technology is now available for individual firedetectors to be issued with unique IP (Internet Pro-tocol) address. This enables “pre-alarm”, “alarm”,and “test” conditions to be immediately relayed toa remote PC or to a mobile phone or hand-held bySMS (Short Message Service) and MMS (MultiMedia Service), and via email. This really does begthe question: do we even need the control andindicating equipment we are currently used to?

What is most important is that the key perfor-mance objectives for fire detection need to beestablished covering such factors as reliability,availability and time-to-response. The equipmentmethodology to achieve the results is not theimportant issue. A British Standard meeting in themid-1980s agreed that microprocessors weresimply not reliable enough for fire detectioncontrol equipment and so should be banned fromsuch equipment. A compromise was reachedwhen a set of requirements for microprocessorswas included in a fire detection control panel stan-dard. How things have changed. Or have they?

Myth Four: fire control equipmentshould never be integrated with othersystemsWhile agreeing that the base requirements for firedetection and control should never be com-promised, the reality is that everything, includingfire detection, security monitoring and control ofventilation and air conditioning will eventually beintegrated. We just need to accept that technologyis changing, and so must our ideas. IFP

24 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

RAISING THE ALARM ON FIRE DETECTION MYTHSFIRE DETECTION

Paul Bryant is CEO ofKingfell Plc in London. He canbe contacted by telephone on +44 (0)845 60 61 999 or via email [email protected]

P. 23-24 Raising the Alarm 9/2/09 2:52 pm Page 24

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 25

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INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 27

SPRINKLERS

Traditionally though, the message to the afore-mentioned stakeholders has been, “no; onesize does not fit all!” and that sprinkler sys-

tems must be designed according to the manyfacility-specific conditions present at the time of itsdesign. In addition, to ensure they remain capableof adequately protecting a facility during its life-time, periodic assessments are needed to assessthe impact of any changes to the types of goodspresent and the way in which they are stored.When a sprinkler system needs to be adapted tosuch changes, the resulting modifications andreinforcements can result in significant costs anddisruption to a warehouse’s day-to-day operations.

This article examines the recent and possiblefuture developments in sprinkler technology whichare helping to make fire protection in storage

facilities a far easier and less-costly proposition.And, whilst these changes don’t mean we’veachieved the utopian “one size fits all” sprinklersystem, the greater flexibility, ease-of-design, andlower costs that these advances allow certainlyrepresent major progress towards this ideal.

The challenging pastImagine a garden-furniture manufacturing com-pany who teams up with several business partners,including a chain of DIY stores, a logistics firm anda property developer, to build a warehouse inEurope to store its products which will supply adeveloping market with great potential. Theparties involved take a strategic decision to protectthis important facility, key to achieving their busi-ness goals, with a fire sprinkler system. Now lets

By BrendanMacGrath

Manager, InternationalStandards Group, FM Global

In-rack sprinklers:superior protection, butat a cost and a reductionin flexibility. © 2009 FMGlobal. Reprinted withpermission. All rightsreserved

ProtectingWarehouses –One SprinklerSize Fits All?A sprinkler pipe dream?A truly flexible, one-size-fits-all, warehouse sprinkler system that’s cheaper toinstall and provides better protection? A “pipe dream”? Well, for those whodesign, construct, own, lease and operate storage facilities, it’s certainly a veryattractive proposition.

P. 27-29 Warehouse Sprinklers 9/2/09 2:53 pm Page 27

also imagine this were twenty years ago. Chancesare the goods would be mostly metal or woodenproducts stored in cardboard packaging. Data onthe many variables needed to specify the system isgathered: ceiling height, the storage arrange-ments, aisle widths and the combustibility of themultiple products stored. Ultimately, the propertyinsurance carrier and design consultant putforward a design based on a ceiling-only sprinklersystem. Agreement and approval by all the stake-holders, including the local authorities, is obtainedand the protection is installed. The warehouse isbuilt and starts to operate successfully.

Five years later though, a new product line hasbeen developed. Built from more fragile com-ponents such as glass, it requires the use of minoramounts of foamed-plastic protective packaging. Inconcert with the insurance company, it has beendetermined that this change renders the existingsprinkler system inadequate, thus placing the facilityat significant risk. At appreciable cost, in-racksprinklers are installed on the understanding thatthis new product line can now only be placed inthese specially adapted racks. Another five yearslater and a new all-plastic weatherproof range ofgoods is launched. In order to ensure that the prod-uct can get to market, the sprinkler system needs tobe upgraded once more, requiring more racks to beprovided with a line of in-rack sprinklers. A furtherfive years passes and, driven by environmentally-friendly market expectations, the cardboard packag-ing is replaced by recyclable plastic containers. Onceagain, the sprinkler system which was originallydesigned to protect metal and wood products incardboard on wood pallets (a “Class III” product),needs to be upgraded to protect the higher com-modity hazard of exposed unexpanded plastics. Thisis certainly not a happy story for anyone concerned– the inflexibility, the delays in product launches, thecost, the time etc. Without doubt, many of thestakeholders involved will have developed a nega-tive perception of fire sprinkler systems. Some mightunderstandably and rhetorically ask, “weren’t thesesprinklers supposed to support my business goals byprotecting my premises against the fire hazard, nothamper them?”

Why so complicated?So why did stories like this one happen? Basically,when rack storage systems were first developed in

the 1960s, the only firesprinklers available to researchersand those who developedstandards, were smaller orificesize sprinklers. While suchsprinklers had proven trackrecords in manufacturing prop-erties, their application to thefar greater fire challengesposed by storage was anothermatter. Instead of the relativelylow water pressures requiredto protect say, a textile mill,these same sprinklers werenow required to operate at farhigher pressures in order toprotect high-piled storage ofmore combustible products. Asa consequence, private watersupplies consisting of a pumpand tank were required, and/or

the installation of in-rack sprinkler systems, all ofwhich came with a very significant price tag. Therewas, therefore, a strong economic argument andincentive for designing a sprinkler system requiringas low a pressure as possible in order to keep itscost to a minimum. This led to the development ofdesign standards which required the considerationof multiple variables; eight classes of products,each representing an incrementally higher firehazard, which in turn requires increased waterpressure and therefore, greater cost. This resultedin complex design standards (FM Global’s StorageProtection Data Sheet 8-9 contained approximate-ly 37,000 individual protection options), which, asillustrated in the earlier example, can result ininflexibility and its costly consequences for afacility, even when undergoing relatively minoroperational changes.

Simpler, cheaper and more versatileIn order to make fire sprinkler systems more cost-effective for the owner and versatile for theend-user, FM Global has made significant effortsto simplify the protection options contained in itsData Sheet 8-9 “Storage Of Class 1, 2, 3, 4 andPlastic Commodities”. The changes made includesimpler and cheaper in-rack systems, the elim-ination of interpolation and adjustments, theelimination of steel column protection and asimpler choice for the sprinkler temperature rating.FM Global’s efforts don’t stop here, however; infuture editions of this standard we aim to seesimpler design criteria which mostly only dependon the sprinkler type, the ceiling height and abroader range of commodity hazards. The previ-ously mentioned 37,000 permutations couldpotentially be reduced by up to 90%.

Central to achieving these significant advanceshas been the research carried out by industry andthe resulting development of innovative firesprinkler products. These new types of sprinklershave greatly simplified the design and reduced thecost of fire protection. The introduction of EarlySuppression Fast Response (ESFR) sprinklers in the1990s (referred to nowadays by FM Global asSuppression Mode (SM) sprinklers) hailed theadvent of this simplification and constituted amajor step forward in the development towards a far more versatile and cost-effective sprinklersystem. In one fell swoop, a SM sprinkler system

28 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

Warehouses – the past:changes in goods andstorage arrangementstypically requiredsprinkler systemmodifications, often atconsiderable cost. © 2009 FM Global.Reprinted withpermission. All rightsreserved

SPRINKLERS

P. 27-29 Warehouse Sprinklers 9/2/09 2:53 pm Page 28

design could protect all eight commodity classes,and in most cases without requiring in-racksprinklers. Compared to the more traditionalsprinkler options, water duration and fire hosedemands were halved producing significant savings.Nevertheless, flow and pressure requirements werenot insignificant, typically requiring substantialpumping capacity and the associated largediameter pipe work.

In the last few years, however, new fire sprinklerproducts are helping to further reduce the cost.These new products also provide justification forthe simplification of the commodity classificationsystem. Options such as low-pressure pendentstorage sprinklers can protect commodities fromclasses I through IV combustibles such as cartonedplastics, at pressures up to 70% lower, thus reduc-

ing the piping and water supply size. The overallcost savings could be as much as 20%. Further-more, if this sprinkler is effective with morehazardous commodities at pressures as low as thesprinkler’s minimum end head operating pressure,there is no longer any incentive or indeed reason-able possibility to sub-divide the less hazardouscommodity classes as was required with thetraditional sprinkler types.

Now let’s imagine the garden furniturewarehouse story is a current-day situation in anemerging-economy country where the indigenousmarket is experiencing an increasing demand forthis kind of commodity. The fire sprinkler protec-tion options available now include sprinklers whichcan provide adequate protection for the full rangeof commodities stored, and at a lower cost. Thisnew facility has essentially been able to “leap-frog” from a position of no available options perlocal standards, directly to the latest R&D basedtechnology, hence gaining very significant benefitsfrom both a flexibility and cost standpoint.

Furthermore, the company elects to establish

manufacturing operations inthe region in order tosupply both its local and international markets,and benefit from lower costs. These productionand storage facilities, stretched and scatteredacross borders and time zones, form a global sup-ply cain which needs to be highly resilient. Now,thanks to the advances in sprinkler technologywhich allow cheaper, more flexible and versatilefire protection, the provision of sprinkler protec-tion in order to protect the company’s future fromthe risk of fire, is a far more palatable option.

If we now translate these advantages to indus-try in general, they help to significantly reduce thecost of providing sprinkler protection. Thisdecreased burden makes for a stronger cost-benefit case for their installation, which couldultimately have a bearing on building regulations.

Fire sprinkler systems can now be installed for aslittle as 1% of the overall cost of a new industrialestablishment and at far less than the price ofother building components e.g. carpeting. Firesprinkler systems serve to protect the value whichsuch facilities create, both for the enterprise andfor society as a whole. Installing sprinklers canprevent the potentially catastrophic and headline-making fire incidents, such as the fire in a toyfactory in Thailand in the 1990s which resulted in188 fatalities and several hundred injured workers,and which can negatively impact a country orregion’s reputation as a safe, trustworthy andreliable place to do business.

In summary, in response to the need forsolutions to the challenges faced by both businessand those in the regulatory environment, the firesprinkler industry continues to develop new andinnovative products and standards which providefar more flexible and cheaper solutions. Solutionswhich make protecting a facility and the value itcreates against the hazard of fire, an ever moreattractive, viable and logical proposition. IFP

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 29

Suppression Mode(“ESFR”) SprinklerHeads: making sprinklerprotection inwarehouses moreversatile, more effective,simpler and cheaper. © 2009 FM Global.Reprinted withpermission. All rightsreserved

PROTECTING WAREHOUSES – ONE SPRINKLER SIZE FITS ALL?SPRINKLERS

FM Global is a leadingcommercial and industrialproperty insurance companyand risk managementspecialist. If you havecomments or questions onthis article, please contactthe author, BrendanMacGrath, Manager,International StandardsGroup at email:[email protected] or Tel: +33.1.46.93.97.00

Fire sprinkler systems can now be installed for as little as

1% of the overall cost of a new industrial establishment

and at far less than the price of other building

components e.g. carpeting.

P. 27-29 Warehouse Sprinklers 9/2/09 2:53 pm Page 29

Firetrace INTERNATINALv6-FSWORLD AD | bleed: 303mmx216mm trim: 296mm x 210mm live: 276mm x 194mm

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 31

FIRE SUPPRESSION

Delhi covers an area of 1,483 squarekilometres and, with a population of 16.5 million that is expected to burgeon to

19 million by 2011, is one of the world’s mostpopulated metropolitan areas. To add to its alreadylegendary congestion, in 2010 the city will hostthe Commonwealth Games. As a key part of thegovernment’s plan to alleviate the problem, theDelhi Mass Rapid Transit System – better knownlocally simply as the Delhi Metro – is beingconstructed and operated by the Delhi Metro RailCorporation Limited.

The first phase of the project was completed inDecember 2005, and currently the system is a67km three-line network with 62 underground,surface and elevated stations. The second phase is

currently under construction with a target com-pletion date of 2010 – in time for the Common-wealth Games. Its completion will add a further128km of track and 79 stations. Phase Three willadd 112km and Phase Four a further 107km oftrack that, when the project is completed in 2020,will see Delhi with a metro network longer thanthat of London Underground.

In keeping with mass transit operators aroundthe world, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited isacutely aware of the need to ensure the safety of

passengers and staff, and to safeguard thenetwork’s assets and facilities, no doubt the moreso since the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai.Having carefully assessed the network’s fire safetyrequirements, and invested heavily in sophisticatedfire detection and alarm and security monitoringequipment, Metro’s management decided that, inaddition to these measures, dedicated protectionwas essential to safeguard vital enclosed electricalcabinets upon which the facilities’ entire opera-tional effectiveness depend.

The company recognised that these electricalenclosures are mission-critical and that theirdamage or destruction has the potential to go farbeyond the cost of their replacement. It couldquite possibility result in putting the network’s vital

building management systems out of operationwith an inevitable impact on passenger safety andservice levels. So it was decided that the only wayto avoid this occurring was to provide dedicatedfast-response detection, fast agent discharge, andfast and effective suppression to minimise firedamage to the cabinets’ internal components andprevent the spread of fire to adjoining cabinets.

The Rail Corporation acknowledged that, nomatter how effective and sophisticated the net-work’s main fire detection and alarm system is, it

By Nick Grant

Firetrace International’sGeneral Manager forthe EMEA region

Firetrace®

Chosen ToProtect Delhi’sNew MassTransit SystemFiretrace International has secured the second largest order ever placed in Indiafor its FIRETRACE® automatic fire suppression system. The “micro-enclosure” firedetection and suppression technology is being used to protect vital electricalcabinets on the new Delhi Mass Rapid Transit System.

Having carefully assessed the network’s fire safety

requirements, and invested heavily in sophisticated fire

detection and alarm and security monitoring equipment,

Metro’s management decided that, in addition to these

measures, dedicated protection was essential to safeguard

vital enclosed electrical cabinets upon which the facilities’

entire operational effectiveness depend.

P. 31-33 Firetrace Chosen 9/2/09 2:54 pm Page 31

would not respond fast enough. These systems arenot designed to provide protection to the microenvironments inside the cabinets. If a fire startsinside a cabinet, the interior is virtually certain tobe engulfed in flames and extensively damaged, ifnot destroyed by the time sufficient smoke hasescaped from the often-sealed electrical cabinet insufficient concentration to activate a ceiling-mounted smoke or heat sensor or beam detector.

However, electrical cabinets are a challengingenvironment. They contain a host of components,such as internal sealed chambers, bus bars andcable alleys, and the internal layout often compris-es any number of small sealed compartments.These are the high fire risk areas, so the firedetection system needs to be capable of beinginstalled in each and every internal compartment if the fire is to be extinguished at the earliestpossible stage and any damage or disruption keptto an absolute minimum.

Glass sprinkler bulb-type actuators were anoption that was dismissed as they discharge onlywhen sufficient heat has built up around the glassbulb to cause it to break. If the glass bulb happensto be positioned some distance from the source ofthe fire, there is the very real prospect of thecabinet‘s contents being seriously damaged beforethe extinguishing agent is deployed.

By comparison, FIRETRACE was found to

provide the essential detection and suppressioncharacteristics that would ensure the effectiveprotection of the cabinets. It provides around-the-clock protection, and is a “self-seeking”

32 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

FIRE SUPPRESSION

P. 31-33 Firetrace Chosen 9/2/09 2:54 pm Page 32

stand-alone solution that is entirely self-containedand does not require an external power source. Todate, 200 FIRETRACE systems have been dis-patched to India for the Metro project, althoughthis will eventually rise to 800 as work proceeds onthe network.

In essence, the FIRETRACE system comprises anextinguishing agent cylinder that is attached toproprietary Firetrace Detection Tubing via acustom-engineered valve. This small-bore specially-developed polymer tubing acts as a linearpneumatic heat and flame detector that deliversthe desired temperature-sensitive detection anddelivery characteristics. It detects a fire at its sourceat any point along the entire length of the tube,ruptures and automatically releases the suppres-sion agent, extinguishing the fire precisely where itstarts and before it has had time to take hold.

The flexibility of the Firetrace Detection Tubeenables it to be threaded around and throughoutthe cabinet’s tightly-packed maze of compart-ments and components. It enters and leaves eachcompartment through the integral cable glandsmeaning that, in the vast majority of cases, drillingis unnecessary, so FIRETRACE does not compro-mise the IP (Ingress Protection) rating of the cabinet.

The tube can be installed throughout severalconjoined electrical cabinets – subject to certainlimits – enabling one FIRETRACE system to protect

several cabinets. However, the installation needs tohave only sufficient gas to extinguish a fire in onecabinet, so the largest individual sealed cabinet ina row is used to calculate the quantity of extin-guishing gas needed for the entire run of cabinets.This means that there is sufficient suppressionagent to flood the whole cabinet, but it is dis-charged at the single hottest point, where the firehas started. The entire content of the cylinder isinstantly discharged to fill the entire cabinet toprevent re-ignition and fire spread.

The Delhi Metro uses both the Firetrace DirectSystem and the Firetrace Indirect System. TheFiretrace Direct System utilises the FIRETRACE tubeas both the detection device and the suppressantdelivery system. When the Firetrace DetectionTube detects a fire anywhere along its length itruptures, forming an effective spray nozzle thatautomatically releases the entire contents of thecylinder. The Firetrace Indirect System uses theFIRETRACE tube as a detection and system activa-tion device, but not for agent discharge. The

rupturing of the tube results in a drop of pressurecausing the indirect valve to activate. This divertsflow from the detection tube and the agent isdischarged from the cylinder through diffusernozzles, flooding the entire cabinet.

Detailed negotiations for the contract wereoverseen by Kuldeep Chauhan of ColimanorEnterprises LLP, Firetrace International’s principletrading partner for India, working closely with SVSBuildwell, the FIRETRACE master distributor forIndia. He says: “The Rail Corporation was acutelyaware of the importance of relying only on a solu-tion that met the highest international standards.Firetrace International’s ISO 9001 approval and theUL (Underwriters Laboratories), FM (Factory Mutual)and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association)certification for the genuine FIRETRACE systemwere major factors in securing the Delhi Metroorder in the face of competition from poor qualityimitators with uncertified products.”

He continues: “Being able to show a trackrecord of 75,000 successful installations aroundthe world and offer a wide selection of suppres-sion agents also underpinned Firetrace Internation-al’s status in the marketplace, as the RailCorporation formed the firm opinion that compet-ing suppliers offering only the widely-availableCO2 (carbon dioxide) suppressant were eithercommercially too weak or lacked the technicalcompetence for the project.” IFP

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 33

FIRETRACE® CHOSEN TO PROTECT DELHI’S NEW MASS TRANSIT SYSTEMFIRE SUPPRESSION

The installation needs to

have only sufficient gas to

extinguish a fire in one

cabinet, so the largest

individual sealed cabinet in a

row is used to calculate the

quantity of extinguishing

gas needed for the entire

run of cabinets.

P. 31-33 Firetrace Chosen 9/2/09 2:54 pm Page 33

34 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

Discerning readers may even have spotted thereintroduction of fire division of ‘under floorvoids’ which had curiously disappeared from

a previous version; the use of sprinklers in blocksof flats over 30m high; new guidance for thespecification and installation of fire dampers andthat a maximum compartment size has beenadded for un-sprinklered single storey warehouses.

Joining the dotsMost AD/B users of will have encountered thephrase ‘Thus there is no obligation to adopt anyparticular solution contained in an Approved Docu-ment if you prefer to meet the relevant requirement

(from Building Regulations) in some other way’.Now this sounds fairly simple, but the in-built

assumption that those choosing a different pathwill always do so in a responsible manner, may notbe valid and may pose an increasing problem tofire safety of UK Limited.

Not surprisingly, the Association for SpecialistFire Protection (ASFP) is a robust supporter of aholistic approach to fire precautions in buildings,including the need to put out fire quickly and tokeep any fire within the compartment of origin oroutside the building, if that is where the firestarted. But the Association does oppose trade offintroduced without due evidence and do require

By Bill Parlour

Technical Officer,Association forSpecialist Fire Protection (ASFP)

PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION FORUM

Filling The Fire SThe simple overviewTaking the general overview, ApprovedDocument B – Fire safety 2006 is nowpublished in two volumes. Volume 1 isfor dwelling houses and Volume 2 forBuildings other than dwelling houses.Various changes have been introduced,such as new comments on themanagement of premises, the benefitsavailable from product and installercertification schemes and the segregationof guidance for healthcare premises andschools, under HTM 05 Fire code andBB100 respectively as published by othergovernment departments.

Not surprisingly, the Association for Specialist Fire

Protection (ASFP) is a robust supporter of a holistic

approach to fire precautions in buildings, including

the need to put out fire quickly and to keep any fire

within the compartment of origin or outside the

building, if that is where the fire started.

P. 34-35 ASFP Forum 9/2/09 2:54 pm Page 34

that all assumptions are clearly laid out on thetable, so that we can have reasonable confidencein any risk assessment.

Consequently, this overview does not intend todwell on the ‘main changes’ as summarised on theinside cover of AD/B, but rather to think aloudabout some of the real implications of some of thedispensations in this guidance when coupled withother changes. These especially include theamended role of fire authorities to retrospectiveenforcement duties for risk assessment under theRegulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 andduties arising on contractors and designers fromthe new Building 16B as noted in the newAppendix G of AD/B.

We suggest there may be a growing factionwho encourage unsatisfactory ‘as built’ construc-tions in the belief that they’ll never be brought tocourt to explain their actions. Concern exists too,for fire safety design motivated solely by businessand financial cost savings, especially when thoseresponsible never even set foot on the building sitein question!

The Association notes that the effectiveness ofbuilding control is often determined by the lowestbidder and that unscrupulous builders considersuch lowest bidders as ‘easy to avoid’. The endeffect can be minimal control, if any. This is evi-denced by the notorious Pacific Wharf develop-ment where the multi-storey building displayedlittle in the way of completed fire compartmentsor effective fire stopping, or fire resisting duct-work, or fire dampers, etc. All living units weredirectly linked with the basement car park.

We note government’s position that (a) the dutyof the ‘responsible person’ to make a risk assess-ment in most buildings, as eventually enforced byfire authorities, coupled together with (b) duties on the ‘construction team’ to provide fire safetyinformation under the Building Regulation 16B, isenough. Unfortunately, experience of the realworld leads the ASFP to a very different conclusion.

Our reasoning is relatively simple.1 Some installers are still being pressured into

unwanted corners, that curtail the completion

or quality of work, or they risk losing futurebusiness.

2 Previously, for most buildings, the BuildingControl Officer’s (BCO) completion certificatewas coupled with the Fire Officers acceptanceof the building – both steps acting together tosuggest some sort of ‘Permit for Occupation’.

3 Today, there is minimal, if any, fire authorityinput at pre-occupation stage.

4 BCOs cannot prevent occupation even whenthe fire precautions provided are incomplete orunsuitable! The ASFP suggests that collectively these issues

beckon future disaster.Even if concern is raised, occupation can still

occur until a fire authority places a prohibitionnotice against use of the building – but how manypeople will be at risk in the interval?

Today, fire authorities can only progressivelyapply retrospective enforcement of the newrequirements to all the buildings in their sector,based on perceived risk to life. Their level of expec-tation, in case of fire, is not benefitting from a‘permit to occupy’ for newly constructed build-ings. The ASFP is equally cognizant of the need forsuch action.

The Association understands the need to avoidadditional legislation when we’ve just tidied it allup, but all should recognise that this glaring gapstill exists. The ‘permit to occupy’ stage is the onekey stage when all stakeholders could usefullycongregate, to agree that regulations have beenproperly complied with, to conclude financialmatters and to formally hand over the Regulation16B information pack to the intendedowner/occupier. Without such surety the ‘respon-sible person’ could unwittingly jeopardise the lifesafety of persons within the scope of his riskassessment duties.

So, with due regard to all concerned, the ASFPdoes not call for a new tool box from government,but we do STRONGLY urge the need for ‘an extraspanner’ to make the mechanics job attainable.That ‘spanner’ is a formal requirement for issue ofa ‘permit to occupy’ document. IFP

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 35

PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION FORUM

e Safety Toolbox?

Today, fire authorities can only progressively apply

retrospective enforcement of the new requirements

to all the buildings in their sector, based on perceived

risk to life. Their level of expectation, in case of fire,

is not benefitting from a ‘permit to occupy’ for newly

constructed buildings. The ASFP is equally cognizant

of the need for such action.

P. 34-35 ASFP Forum 9/2/09 2:54 pm Page 35

Specify FyreWrap® EliteTM 1.5 Duct Insulation, the innovative alternative to gypsum board enclosures.

Wrap It Up

w w w. u n i f r a x . c o m

A FyreWrap® fire-rated duct insulation system lets you wrap up your project in less time at lower cost. This lightweight, flexible material minimizes labor andinstallation time and saves valuable building space.FyreWrap Elite1.5 Duct Insulation offers superior fireprotection and design flexibility including:

■ ONE product for all fire rated duct wrapapplications (two hour ratings)

■ Complies with 2006 IMC and UMC for grease duct enclosures with a two layer system

■ Single layer system for ventilation air ducts

■ Thin, lightweight, flexible blanket form allows easy installation

■ Saves space when compared to traditional gypsum shaft enclosures

■ Utilizes high temperature biosoluble insulation

A FyreWrap product specification in several formats isavailable at search using keywordsUnifrax, FyreWrap, or . For additionalinformation on FyreWrap Elite 1.5 or other products,certifications, code compliance, installation instructionsor drawings, contact Unifrax Corporate HeadquartersUSA at 716-278-3888.

www.arcat.com;www.unifrax.com

FyreWrap Ad-IFP 1/12/09 11:51 AM Page 1

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 37

FIRE RATED SEALS

Despite this multi-decade period of growingmarket acceptance, it is recent code changesthat have provided the basis for even

broader acceptance by industry design and reg-ulatory professionals and is leading many toconsider flexible duct wraps for other ventilationduct applications.

Grease duct wrap benefitsPrior to the year 2000, a few types of grease ductenclosure systems were already commercial andbeing used in the North American market, includ-ing field-applied grease duct enclosures andfactory-built prefabricated grease ducts. Field-applied grease duct enclosures, better known as

By Sarah Brewer

Group ProductManager, Unifrax I LLC

Full scale testing underapplication conditions

ProjectExperience andNew CodesValidate GreaseDuct Wraps andCreate EmergingOpportunitiesFire resistive grease duct enclosures including flexible grease duct wrap systems,have been commercialized for over 20 years. Demand for these alternatemethods of fire protecting commercial kitchen exhaust ducts has increased astheir technical merit was verified through full scale fire testing and applicationbenefits defined through job site performance.

P. 37-40 Fire Rated Seals 9/2/09 2:55 pm Page 37

flexible grease duct wraps are composed of hightemperature fiber insulation blankets, typicallyencapsulated in a foil-scrim covering and suppliedin rolls (a product form very familiar to the insula-tion industry).Upon introduction, designers andinstallers immediately recognized the potentialspace saving and labor saving benefits of utilizingthis new method of fire protecting grease ducts.The potential benefits were translated in torealized value as industry professionals gainedpersonal experience with grease duct wrap.

The most significant benefit flexible grease ductwraps provide is building space savings. Thegrease duct wrap can be applied directly to theduct surface and the systems are tested to permitinstallation at zero clearance to combustibles. Thiseliminates any need to incorporate additional airspace between the duct and the enclosure. If atraditional shaft is utilized to protect the duct,mechanical codes mandate that 18” of air space(clearance) exist between the duct and a shaftenclosure, when constructed of combustiblematerial. A 6” air space (clearance) must existbetween the duct and the shaft enclosure whenthe enclosure is constructed of gypsum board. Thisclearance area cannot be utilized for any other

purpose (i.e. to run cable, pipe, etc.) and is lostspace to an Architect or Engineer typing to maxi-mize floor plan layouts or to Building Owners whodesire to maximize billable real estate space. Thisspace differential between grease duct wraps andgypsum board shafts is compounded when multipleducts exist, since code requires each grease duct tobe protected in a separate, dedicated enclosure.

The flexible, thin and lightweight duct wrapsystems are inherently easy to handle and install.They conform to complex duct geometries and uti-lize less space which can resolve project issueswhen other building service items are in closeproximity to the duct. This translates directly tocontractor labor savings and timely project com-pletion. The labor savings is significant enoughthat insulation contractors have been aggressivelysubmitting project change orders requests in caseswhere the specification doesn’t clearly define theuse of grease duct wraps.

Utilizing standard grease duct construction incombination with field-applied flexible grease ductwrap provides the designer and installer with themost flexibility to address unexpected job site situa-tions with fewer system changes or project delays.Factory-built grease ducts must be pre-engineeredduring the mechanical system design stage andprecisely manufactured to project drawings so thatparts arriving on-site match field conditions. Ifchanges to the duct configuration are necessary, itcould require ordering of alternate duct systemparts and potential delays.

Flexible grease duct wraps are made from hightemperature insulation blanket, some which haverecommended operating temperatures of 2000°Fand melting points that exceed 2300°F. As a result,they are capable of withstanding long term opera-tional conditions of commercial kitchen exhaustduct systems, which can be up to 500°F forextended periods of time and grease fire conditionsthat approach 2000°F with a comfortable safetymargin. This material property safety margin pro-vides designers and code authorities a comfort levelwith using wraps for grease duct fire protection.

Generic insulation materials that have notspecifically been tested for this application should

38 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

Duct with complexgeometry and close toother service items

FIRE RATED SEALS

Feature Benefit

Zero Clearance to Combustibles Saves building space versus shaft – no mandatory 6”–18” air spacebetween duct and enclosure

Flexible blanket product form Able to conform to complex duct configurations

Thin, lightweight system Easy to handle and install, reducing labor

Laboratory listings Independent verification of fire performance and reference to testresults, installation details

Fire tested on duct assemblies Proven performance under application conditions

Standard Duct Construction Flexibility to address job site issues without special system parts orpotential delays

Wrap applied directly on duct Simplifies installation on horizontal duct runs vs. construction of ahorizontal shaft

High temperature insulation Capable of withstanding operational (500°F) and fire conditions(2000°F)

Foil-scrim encapsulated Aids material handling, resists tearing and moisture absorption

Table 1. Grease Duct Wrap Features & Benefits

P. 37-40 Fire Rated Seals 9/2/09 2:55 pm Page 38

not be utilized. The operational temperature oruse limit of many insulation materials is not highenough to withstand the fire exposure conditionsof a kitchen grease fire. In fact, gypsum boardused for most fire rated shafts is not recommendedfor applications with continuous elevated temper-atures. One example of this is defined in the IMC,Section 602 covering Plenums, which does notpermit the use of gypsum board if the air tempera-ture exceeds 125°F. Due to the high temperatureconditions and long operation time common forkitchen grease duct systems, it may be prudent fordesigners to specify grease duct wrap productsthat utilize insulation materials that can easilymeet the application conditions without question.

The early years: establishing codecomplianceDuring the time when alternate duct enclosuresystems were emerging, mechanical engineers andcontractors were able to obtain local approval ofgrease duct wraps from local code officials forindividual projects based upon the AlternateMaterials procedure permitted by the Code, oftenan onerous process. It takes time for new tech-nologies to be widely embraced and accepted. Thehistory behind grease duct wraps is no different.Work to obtain broader acceptance by incorporat-ing new requirements within the code continuedand the regulations evolved over time.

Regulation of commercial kitchen exhaust ductsystems in North America most commonly fallsunder the International Mechanical Code (IMC),published by the International Code Council (ICC).(Additional recommended practices are captured inStandard NFPA 96, Ventilation Control and Fire Pro-tection of Commercial Cooking Operations, whichis typically referenced within project specifications).Requirements for commercial kitchen hood ventila-tion system ducts and exhaust equipment is locatedin Chapter 5: Duct Systems, Section 503.

The first edition of the IMC code was issued2000, and Section 506.3.10 covered the applica-tion of Grease Duct Enclosures. Grease duct wrapsand new types of grease duct enclosure systemswere viewed as alternates to the code prescribedmethod of protection which was a fire rated shaft.Therefore, grease duct enclosures were incorpor-ated in to the code, but categorized as an “Excep-tion” and listed in a separate sub-paragraph. Thelanguage in the Exception paragraph that definesthe performance criteria for grease duct enclosuresystems was vague. This was due to the lack of a

North American standardized test method on fireresistive grease duct enclosures. Therefore, the testcriterion was simply described as “…in accordancewith a nationally recognized standard for suchenclosure materials”. (Similar language was incor-porated in the Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC),published by the International Assn. of Plumbersand Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)). This providedthe first ever basis for which Authorities HavingJurisdiction (AHJ’s) could deem grease duct wrapsystems code compliant, but still left the task ofdefining the appropriate performance criteria andthe review of supporting manufacturer’s productdata to be done on a local basis.

To aid this process, the ICC Evaluation Servicewas established as an independent organization toconduct technical evaluations of building products,components, methods and materials. The evalua-tion process concludes with the issuance of atechnical report called an Evaluation Service Report(ESR). Agencies use the ESR as guidance to helpdetermine code compliance. Manufacturers usethe ESR as evidence that their product meets theintent of the code. This is especially useful if theproduct is new or the code requirements are notwell defined. ESR reports greatly aided the accep-tance of grease duct wrap systems, especially sincethe 2000 and 2003 editions of the IMC code didnot reference a fire test standard to which greaseduct wrap systems should be tested.

For grease duct enclosures, ICC ES evaluationshave been based upon acceptance criteria original-ly outlined by the Evaluation Service organizationsfor the three regional code bodies (SBCCI, BOCA,and ICBO) in existence prior to the formation ofICC and publication of the I-Codes. Differencesbetween criteria developed by each resulted intwo versions being used simultaneously withinNorth America. The SBCCI criteria was based upona few sections of UL1978 Standard for GreaseDucts, and resulted in qualification of single layerduct wrap systems, most commonly used in theEastern USA. The ICBO criteria utilized a moresevere internal fire test, which required two-layerduct wrap systems to qualify, and are mostcommonly used in the Western USA.

While the test criteria outlined by each regionvaried, all required the grease duct enclosure systemto be tested under full scale application conditions.This type of application testing is not required forshafts. The technical basis for this is likely the factthe performance of shafts is verified with a fire testin a wall configuration. Therefore, when utilized as

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 39

PROJECT EXPERIENCE AND NEW CODES VALIDATE GREASE DUCT WRAPSFIRE RATED SEALS

Evaluation Service Criteria Function

Internal Fire Test Contain internal grease fire within the duct

Engulfment Fire Resistance Test Prevent external fire from entering duct or passing (including Through-penetration through annular space opening between duct and the Firestop Test) wall or floor

Fire Resistance Wall Test Establish equivalency to shaft wall (ICBO only)

Non-combustibility Test Core insulation doesn’t support combustion

Durability Test Effect of temperature cycling on insulation

Other Property Tests

Surface Burning Characteristics Material doesn’t exceed code prescribed flame spread andsmoke developed ratings of 25/50

P. 37-40 Fire Rated Seals 9/2/09 2:55 pm Page 39

fire protection of grease ducts, four small shaftwalls are constructed to enclose the duct. Thisconfiguration is assumed to provide equivalentprotection to that of the flat, full size shaft wall.While code compliant, a fire rated shaft wall is nota tested system for grease duct enclosures.

Evolution of grease duct enclosurecode requirementsAs grease duct enclosure systems continued togain acceptance, there was an industry movementto develop a “nationally recognized test standard”specifically for grease duct enclosures that wouldharmonize the performance criteria and be accept-able for inclusion in the code(s). The culminationof this effort was ASTM E 2336 Standard TestMethods for Fire Resistive Grease Duct EnclosureSystems, published in May 2004. The performancecriteria mirrors ICBO AC101 and therefore resultsin two-layer grease duct wrap systems. ASTM E2336 can also be used to evaluate factory-builtprefabricated grease ducts as well as UL 2221Standard for Tests for Fire Resistive Grease DuctEnclosure Assemblies, which was developed by ULspecifically for factory-build grease ducts andutilizes similar performance criteria.

The new test standards were quickly embracedby industry and incorporated in the 2006 IMC. Thewords “…in accordance with a nationally recog-nized standard for such enclosure materials” weresimply replaced with “in accordance with ASTM E2336” or “in accordance with UL 2221”. Similarlanguage was also incorporated in to the 2004Edition of NFPA 96. While change was made toonly a few words, incorporation of the fire testcriteria directly in the code has had a widespreadimpact on the market. There will be a transitionperiod during which local jurisdictions are adoptingthe 2006 Edition of IMC when it will be unclearwhether projects previously designed and bidunder older codes will now have to comply withthe newest performance criteria. All stakeholders inthe project should be diligent to clarify with thelocal AHJ as to what criteria and duct wrap systemare required. In some cases, work order changesfor the duct wrap material may be necessary.

2006 IMC – Impact on Market:● Harmonizes performance criteria across the

USA

● Two-layer grease duct wrap systems used tocomply with 2006 IMC/UMC

● Eliminates or reduces the need for an ESRreport

● Design Listings from independent test labssuffice as test evidence and code compliance

● Contractors must be careful to install thegrease duct wrap system appropriate for theedition of the IMC under which the project waspermitted (pre-2006 vs. 2006); clarify with localAHJ before installing any single-layer UL1978system.

● Engineers must plan adequate space forenclosure systems, especially as grease ductsizes have gotten larger.In recent years, alternate grease duct enclosure

systems have become widely accepted by regulatoryauthorities, and so, the evolution of the code contin-ued. In the 2009 Edition of IMC due for publicationin March, Section 506.3.10 has been reorganizedin to three sections: shafts, field-fabricated greaseduct enclosures, and factory-built grease ducts.This format eliminates the Exception designationfor alternate grease duct enclosure systems andlists them as EQUIVALENT to fire rated shafts as arecognized method of fire protecting kitchenexhaust grease ducts. This code achievement is asignificant milestone for the grease duct enclosureindustry and for grease duct wraps.

Emerging opportunities for duct wrapsThe space savings, labor savings and designflexibility benefits offered by flexible grease ductwraps can also be realized for other ventilationduct systems that require fire protection. Potentialduct types include: hazardous exhaust ducts; lifesafety ducts – including stairwell and elevatorpressurization ducts and smoke extract ducts;toilet exhaust ducts, commercial dryer exhaustducts and trash and linen chutes.

Industry acceptance of duct wraps for non-grease ventilation ducts is at a similar stage towhere grease duct wraps were prior to the year2000. Approvals by local AHJ’s are already beinggranted based upon the Alternate Method pro-cedure. Independent laboratory design listings areavailable that can demonstrate fire performancethat meets the intent of the code. The specificvalue proposition duct wraps offer each duct typeis in the process of being defined based uponrecent project experiences. In addition, work isunderway to develop appropriate fire performancecriteria including a draft ASTM fire test standardfor fire resistive ventilation duct systems. Once a“nationally recognized standard” is available,potential code change proposals to include alter-nate duct enclosures, including duct wrap systemscan be considered for certain situations thatrequire fire protected ducts.

Project testimonials and new codes havecombined to validate grease duct wraps as a pre-ferred method of fire protecting kitchen exhaustgrease ducts. The experiences gained through theevolution of the grease duct enclosure applicationwill guide the industry for ventilation ducts andhopefully shorten the time frame required to com-plete the process. If the widespread acceptance ofthe grease duct wraps by designers, installers andinspectors is any indication, then the future isbright for emerging opportunities for ventilationduct wraps. IFP

40 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

Simple installationtechnique is easy toverify upon inspection

PROJECT EXPERIENCE AND NEW CODES VALIDATE GREASE DUCT WRAPSFIRE RATED SEALS

Sarah Brewer is a GroupProduct Manager for UnifraxI LLC with over 20 yearsexperience in variousengineering and marketingpositions supporting theNorth American passive fireprotection business. She ismember of the ASTM E05Task Group on DuctEnclosures, UL StandardsTechnical Committee onGrease Ducts and currentPresident of the InternationalFirestop Council (IFC) andChairperson of its DuctCommittee. She is also amember of the National FireProtection Association(NFPA) and Society of FireProtection Engineers (SFPE).

P. 37-40 Fire Rated Seals 9/2/09 2:55 pm Page 40

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CLEAN AGENTS

Turkey has 982,286km2 of airspace, and thecountry has long been considered to be atthe crossroad between Europe and Asia. It is

also strategically positioned between Africa andthe affluent northern hemisphere countries and ison the very doorstep of the Middle East. Hardlysurprising then that the Turkish civil aviation sectoris growing far faster than the European averagegrowth rate. In 2007, 890,087 flights werecontrolled over Turkish airspace, which was anincrease of more than 70,000 flights over theprevious year.

Turkey’s current radar system was installed in1989, but had become outdated and unable tomeet the needs of the country’s increasing air trafficmanagement demands. An even greater problemfaced by the country was Turkey’s lack of what isknown as an STCA or Short Term Conflict Alertsystem. This is an automated warning system forair traffic controllers that gives them a 90-secondalert to potential aircraft-to-aircraft collisions. Thiswarning time is intended to be sufficient to allowthe controller to issue appropriate instructions toavoid a collision. Significantly – particularly with itsaspiration to be accepted for membership of theEU –Turkey was the only European country thatdid not have such a system, which Eurocontrol,the European organisation for the safety of airnavigation, has declared to be obligatory.

To overcome these challenges, DHMI, theGeneral Directorate of State Airports Authority in

Turkey, embarked on a programme that willprovide the country with a world-class air trafficmanagement system for the next 20 years. Itsmulti-million-Euro SMART, or Systematic Modern-ization of Air Traffic Management Resources inTurkey, project will – when completed by the endof this year – provide Turkey with one of the mostadvanced air traffic control management systemsin the world. It will also enable Turkey to act as aregional hub, linking Turkey’s nine neighbouringcountries to the Eurocontrol Centre in Brussels.This was created to harmonise and integrate airnavigation services throughout Europe, aiming atthe creation of a uniform air traffic managementsystem for both civil and military users.

Smart safetyWith, no doubt, an eye on the potential furthergrowth in both passenger numbers and airfreightif the country finally achieves EU membership, theGeneral Directorate of State Airports Authority’sobjective is to maintain its level of performanceand continuously improve the quality of itsservices. It also aims to steadily develop its positionin Europe and achieve a leading position in theprovision of air navigation services in the region.Safety is therefore a major concern.

The SMART project called for the constructionof 63,700m2 of new facilities at a number of thecountry’s major airports to house data rooms,critical plant rooms and information recovery

By John Allen

EMEA MarketingDirector, Tyco FireSuppression & BuildingProducts

Cleared For Ta k

Arguably the largest single HYGOOD® FM-200® fixed fire suppression order everplaced in Turkey is safeguarding the country’s new multi-million-Euro air trafficmanagement system.

P. 42-44 Cleared for Takeoff 9/2/09 2:56 pm Page 42

centres. These include 41,000m2

of new buildings for an areacontrol centre [ATC] and approach[APP] air traffic control facilities atEsenbo_a International Airport inAnkara. This will enable all ofTurkey’s airspace to be controlledfrom the capital’s airport. Othernew facilities include: a 6,700m2

area control centre, approachbuilding and tower at Ercan Airport in northern Cyprus; a6,300m2 approach building atAdnan Menderes Airport at Izmiron the western Aegean Sea coast;a 2,700m2 approach building atDalaman Airport on the southernAegean coast; and a 700m2

approach building at AtatürkInternational Airport at Istanbul.

In total there are over 150control rooms located across thefive sites. This includes on-routeapproach centre control rooms,the approach control centres[APC], data rooms, critical plantrooms and information recoverycentres, all of which have to pro-vide service-critical, uninterruptedaround-the-clock performance.Providing these facilities with theessential fire safety required theinstallation of several ANSUL®

high-pressure CO2 [Carbon Diox-ide] total flooding systems in thenumerous unoccupied areas, andHYGOOD® FM-200® fixed gaseous, total floodingsystems in the occupied areas. In all probability,this was the largest single fixed fire suppressionsystem contract ever embarked upon in Turkey,and certainly the largest single order ever placed inthe country for HYGOOD FM-200.

Integrated, single-source solutionAll of these fire safety systems were installed bythe Turkish engineering procurement and contract-ing services company, Palmet Engineering, whichwas responsible for the engineering design, supplyand supervision of all of the fire protectionsystems. Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Productssupplied Palmet with over 28 tonnes of HYGOODFM-200 agent from the UK and ten tonnes ofANSUL HPCO2 from the USA. The installations aredesigned in compliance with current NFPA[National Fire Protection Association] design codesand practices and the FM-200 system carriesUnderwriters Laboratories [UL] listing and FactoryMutual [FM] approval. Both the CO2 and FM-200installations are supported and controlled by thelatest Pyro-chem detection and activation equip-ment that was supplied from the USA.

Palmet also installed a total of 1,200 fire detec-tors, 150 separate fire detection and extinguishingpanels, fire hose cabinets, sprinklers and firepumps.

CO2 protection for unoccupied spacesThe decision to use ANSUL CO2 was based on thesuppressant’s global record for providing reliabletotal flooding protection for unoccupied spaces. Itis an efficient, versatile and cost-effective agentthat, when discharged, leaves nothing behind todamage or impede the performance of the air-ports’ sensitive IT and communications equipment.With no agent clean-up required, any affectedarea at the five airports can be up and runningand playing its part protecting Turkey’s air spaceagain in the shortest possible time.

The CO2 gas is stored under pressure and ispiped to the protected room or enclosure, where itis discharged in an emergency via a network ofpiping and strategically located nozzles. Onrelease, it discharges as a colourless, odourless,electrically non-conductive, and non-corrosive gasthat quickly floods the entire protected area andextinguishes the fire.

This permeation of the CO2 gas, coupled with itbeing one-and-a-half times heavier than air, makesit ideal for suppressing fires in the ducts and voidsbeneath raised floors and cable vaults that arecommonly used to house extensive cabling. Whilethis cabling rarely initiates a fire, particularly if it iscarefully selected for its fire performance, it canrepresent a fire hazard that may be difficult ortime-consuming to locate, with the potential to

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 43

CLEARED FOR TAKEOFFCLEAN AGENTS

a keoff

P. 42-44 Cleared for Takeoff 9/2/09 2:56 pm Page 43

cause serious damage if it is not extinguishedquickly.

However, CO2 is not a universal solution, and iscertainly not suitable for the air traffic controlcentres’ many occupied areas, as the discharge ofCO2 in fire extinguishing concentrations would belethal to room occupants. Because of this, it wasalso essential for Palmet Engineering and thebuildings’ designers to take steps to ensure that allof the CO2 flooded areas could be adequatelyventilated after discharge to prevent accidentalexposure of airport personnel to dangerous levelsof CO2 when investigating the cause of thedischarge.

Turkey’s largest FM-200 contractThe decision to use HYGOOD FM-200 for theoccupied areas was based on a number of factors.First, it is the most successful of the early chemicalreplacements for Halon 1301; an agent that hasbeen used to successfully protect tens of thou-sands of high-technology centres around theworld. At the latest count, it has been entrusted tosafeguard over one hundred thousand applications

in more than 70 countries. Its use as a firesuppressant is not inhibited either by the MontrealProtocol of the Kyoto Protocol. Indeed, it is a cleanagent that belongs to a class of compounds that was introduced specifically to facilitate thephase-out of ozone depleting gases, such as the now-banned Halon 1301.

At its design concentration, FM-200 does notsufficiently deplete the oxygen level to a pointwhere it is unsafe for occupants to remain in theroom. Following a fire, the gas may be dispersedthrough natural ventilation, which is madepossible by FM-200’s freedom from any toxic side effects and – because it contains neitherbromine nor chlorine – its zero ozone depletioncharacteristics.

The speed in which it extinguishes a fire was amajor factor in its selection by DHMI for the newair traffic control centres, where – in an emergency– seconds can have the potential to make the

difference between a safe flight and a catastrophicdisaster. FM-200 systems reach their extinguishinglevels in ten seconds or less, snuffing-out ordinarycombustible, electrical, and flammable liquid firesbefore they cause any significant damage. Whilethis means less damage, lower repair costs, andrepresents a massive improvement in the safety ofair traffic control staff, perhaps the most signifi-cant consequence is the reduced downtime.

The HYGOOD FM-200 agent is stored in cylin-ders as a liquid, pressurised with nitrogen, savinghuge amounts of storage space. In fact, for thesame amount of protection, FM-200 systems takeup to significantly less storage space than acomparable CO2 and inert gas installation. Whendischarged, the liquid flows through a pipingnetwork into the particular airport’s protectedarea, where it vaporises to extinguish the firelargely through heat absorption.

Significantly, there is no risk of thermal shockdamage to the centres’ delicate electronic equip-ment and FM-200 is electrically non-conductiveand non-corrosive. Additionally, it leaves no oilyresidue or deposits to damage software, data files

or communications equipment so clean-upoperations are unnecessary following an installa-tion discharge. This is a far cry from the aftermathof the discharge of, say, a water, foam or drychemical system where the extinguishant has thepotential to do more damage than the fire itself.

Commenting on the SMART fire protectionsolutions, a spokesperson for Istanbul-basedPalmet Engineering said: “Fixed gaseous fireprotection systems are frequently used to protectareas defined as ‘mission critical’ or ‘businesscritical’, but it is hard to conceive of another appli-cation where the word ‘critical’ is so accuratelyapplied.” He continued: “It is absolutely impera-tive that the fire safety solutions at these fiveairports work exactly as they have been designedand installed; that they deliver a totally integratedsolution. That is why we chose to recommend tothe DHMI that the various systems were sourcedfrom a single supplier.” IFP

44 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

CLEARED FOR TAKEOFFCLEAN AGENTS

John Allen is EMEAMarketing Director for TycoFire Suppression & BuildingProducts

Following a fire, the gas may be dispersed through natural

ventilation, which is made possible by FM-200’s freedom

from any toxic side effects and – because it contains

neither bromine nor chlorine – its zero ozone

depletion characteristics.

P. 42-44 Cleared for Takeoff 9/2/09 2:56 pm Page 44

SEVO IFP35 full 7/8/08 12:19 PM Page 1

436a

460383IFPAd.indd 1 9/5/08 1:14:40 PM

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 47

PUMP SYSTEMS

The concept of factory produced pump housesthat are pre-manufactured and dropped on toa base, ready for immediate operation, is

helping to bring project programmes in on time.The package can meet the relevant listing andapproval standards and cover all of the flows andpressures needed to satisfy the system demands.All Industrial and commercial applications canutilise this solution. Schools, supermarkets, ware-houses, factories and power plants all benefit fromthis type of water supply. Electric and diesel drive,horizontal or vertical pumps, whatever type ofpump the application demands can be accom-modated in the packaged pump house. If required,priming facilities for suction lift horizontalpackages can be added and connected for use, ifsuction lift supply proves necessary and is acceptedby the relevant approvals body.

The concept can help the fire system installationcontractor in many ways. It helps the installerchannel resource from the control valves throughto the sprinkler heads, hydrants or monitors. Thepackage can be custom designed to incorporatethe requirements of the client and to be in linewith many needs of the installation site.

The availability of a product which enables the

installer to outsource the pump house part of thecontract can provide a valuable helping hand. Thepackage popularity has also gained momentum withthe ease of design, allowing the contractor to leaveit in the hands of the supplier. The brick built pumphouse can be difficult to manage with its need forhands-on co-ordination of the various trades neededto bring together the project. The packaged pumphouse is a drop down, connect up product that haspumps, pipe work, heating, lighting, ventilation,test facilities and inmost cases its own sprinklersystem. The whole unit is fully assembled andtested prior to dispatch. Contractors, approvalbodies, listing authorities, consultants, end usersand insurers have the opportunity to inspect andwitness test the unit under factory conditions.

Duty is proven under factory conditions withthe actual test equipment that will be used whenthe package is run on site, the pump havingalready been proven with calibrated factory testequipment. In most cases it will have already beenstring tested before installation in the pump housewith the panel and project driver. This results inon-site test proving issues being a thing of thepast as any issues will be resolved before thepackage arrives on site.

By Alex Playfair

General Manager,Industrial Fire Division, SPP Pumps Ltd

Pump HousePackagesAs project schedules in the construction industry reduce and the need forbespoke fire water supplies grow, pump house packages are becoming an evenmore crucial part of the fire protection installation programme.

Typical Packaged FirePump designed andbuilt by SPP Pumps

P. 47-51 Complete Fire Pump 9/2/09 3:01 pm Page 47

There are a number of ways to produce theenclosure. The methods of construction includefabricated steel and composite panels, but othertypes of enclosures are used, including glass rein-forced plastic (GRP). The composite panel claddedmethod of producing a package requires a steelframe to be constructed then cladding is attachedin segments around the frame. Another is for steelconstruction to be designed then the house andbase fabricated in one unit. The third popularmethod for a steel manufactured unit is to utilisean ISO container and modify it to be used as theenclosure. These designs allow the pipework to besupported from the construction or frame. Theway of producing the GRP unit is to construct the pump house parts on to a base, supportingthe pipework on frames, such as A frames, from thebase and then to drop over a GRP enclosure on

site. It is important to note that the constructionhas to withstand fire ratings of the relevant stan-dards demanded by the regulations.

The most popular way of fitting the floor is toinstall a checker-plate design that gives the userease of access throughout the package.

The enclosures can be designed to meet thedemanding noise reduction requirements of somespecifications. Insulation in the walls of the enclo-sure combined with critical grade exhaust silencerscan allow installation of diesel engine drivenpumps in areas with a high sensitivity to noise.

The use of acoustic enclosures or pre packagedpump house packages is becoming increasinglycommon in the Oil and Gas Industry. These areinstalled offshore on platform decks or FPSOmachinery spaces as well as onshore in hazardousareas of refineries and storage facilities. Thesepackages are designed to meet demanding projectspecifications in terms of noise reduction, haz-ardous area requirements and construction. Thismarket usually utilises the fabricated steel methodof construction with welding standard standardssuch as ASME IX commonly specified. Stainlesssteel is also becoming more popular to increasethe corrosion resistance of the unit. Space is amajor consideration offshore, so these units haveto be as compact as possible but still allow suffi-cient space for access, maintenance and pump orengine removal. The use of removable panels, 180deg opening doors and lifting facilities all have tobe considered.

The normal target noise level from an Oil andGas industry enclosure or pump house would be85dbA at 1m. However, as well as pure noiseattenuation, the enclosures can be designed tomeet stringent fire resistance criteria such as A0 oreven H60 or H120 ratings for hydrocarbon fires.This can be achieved in various ways such as theuse of intumescent coatings or thermal insulation.It is also necessary to install fire detection and fire

48 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

These SPP Pump Housesare designed to handle5000gpm

Fabricated steelPackaged Pump Houseshowing SPP pumpconfiguration

PUMP HOUSE PACKAGESPUMP SYSTEMS

P. 47-51 Complete Fire Pump 9/2/09 3:01 pm Page 48

Extensive knowledge of fire protection systems

Tech support for all OCV control valves Valves are factory tested before shipment

ISO 9001:2000

More than 50 years of experience

Elaborate parts inventory

Serial numbers on all control valves

Quality components for efficiency UL/FM approval on certain models

WHAT YOU GET IS EVERYTHING YOU DON’T SEE.

OCV takes its commitment to quality seriously. From the drawing board to your fire protection system, OCV uses only quality materials to ensure maximum efficiency, performance and safety. We are dedicated to protecting your system and the environment so each valve is manufactured through an ISO registered process and includes a water-tight seal to prevent waste. Our fire valves come in a range of materials in order to address your specific application. Choose from Ductile Iron, Bronze, Stainless Steel or Nickel Aluminum Bronze. We’ve been perfecting this process for over 50 years, so you can be confident that your valve will perform to its exact specification.

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OCV IFP37 2/2/09 4:13 pm Page 1

protection systems. Detection takes and protectionwould utilise systems such as water mist, Hi Fog orCO2. As well as stringent noise and constructionconsiderations, the electrical installations are veryoften ATEX certified for use in hazardous areas.

The other major benefit of the pre packaged Oiland Gas industry pump houses in particular is thereduction of site installation work. This is a majorconsideration in the increasingly remote areas thatthese packages are operating in. The packages canbe pre fabricated and delivered to site that

requires an absolute minimum of on site hook up.This is a major cost saving for both the contractorand the end user.

Transportation from the factory to the site is amajor consideration when planning the method ofconstruction for the package. Although the vastmajority of the configurations can be shipped asone final unit on the back of the road transporta-tion, one option that can be considered with thelarge multiple pump package is to design the pack-age so that it is assembled in one pump house unit,

50 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

This SPP pre-fabricatedsteel Pump Housegreatly reduced on siteinstallation time

PUMP SYSTEMS

P. 47-51 Complete Fire Pump 9/2/09 3:01 pm Page 50

then broken down into sections, to be reassembledon the project site. This has been accomplishedmany times in the past and takes minimal time toreassemble and seal, with the right design.

Pump packages installed into ISO containershave many benefits with transportation. This typeof design lends itself to ease of movement and theISO container design can be delivered overthousands of miles and to remote sites. End usershave specified this type of enclosure with the ideaof moving the plant from one installation toanother if the need becomes necessary.

Another example of the flexibility of the unit isthat other parts of the fire system can be installedin the purpose built pump house. In the past foamextinguishing packages, industrial water supplypumps and system monitoring panels have beenadded to the house, to name but a few.

Generally the paint colour of the house can besupplied to suit any site requirements.

Packages are designed to incorporate necessaryworking areas for the regular maintenance of thepackages. Allowances can also be made for majoroverhauls of any equipment. Cranes can beincorporated in the pump house package itself orremovable roof panels can be installed to allowthe use of portable cranes.

The work required to make the packages opera-tional on site is minimal. A pre-prepared plinth tomount the unit, connection to an approved watersupply and an incoming electric supply is all that isneeded to put the package on line.

The site can be commissioned by experienced,qualified engineers to make a final check andplace the system in operation. IFP

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 51

PUMP HOUSE PACKAGES

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Pump House internals showing SPP pumpconfiguration

Container Pump House

P. 47-51 Complete Fire Pump 10/12/09 4:57 pm Page 51

52 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

GAS DETECTION

Fixed gas detection

Providing total coverage around the plant, fixedsystems measure flammable, explosive andtoxic hazards on a permanent basis. Often

referred to as failsafe or intrinsically safe, they caninstigate a counter measure as soon as a predeter-mined gas concentration level is reached and, ifthe gas concentration continues to rise, can auto-matically switch off all apotential ignition sources,identify a toxic release, and warn of these risks,even in unoccupied areas.

Point detectors Installed in critical locations that are prone topotential leakage such as flanges, pumps or com-pressors, point detectors can also be strategicallyplaced to provide general air monitoring or tomonitor the perimeter or “fence line” againstmigration of escape to neighbours. Point detectorscan be used to measure both toxic and flammablegases.

The transmitters are enclosed in a ruggedhousing, usually made of stainless steel, andgenerate an output signal proportional to theconcentration of the gas in question. This signal,which is transmitted either as analogue using 4-20mA technology or digitally via a HART bussystem or RS interface, is received in a control

room. The data is immediately displayed, storedand evaluated by a control system. If alarm thresh-olds have been reached, the controller will thengenerate an alarm function such as valve closure,process shutdown or a company-wide alarm.

Open path Designed for use with flammable gases, open pathsystems consist of a transmitter that projects abeam of infra-red (IR) light towards a separatereceiver where the flammable gas concentration ismeasured along a line of sight over largedistances. This measures the amount of gaspresent in the atmosphere and directly indicatesthe hazard of a gas cloud – the more gas there is,the more severe the explosion is likely to be.

As the distance between transmitter and receivercan be as far as 200m, a single open path systemcan replace several point detectors. Requiring lesscabling than multiple point detectors, open pathsystems can also bring further cost savings interms of reduced maintenance costs. They alsobring benefits when considering environmentalconditions. Immune to the effects of the sun, flareradiation and common contaminants, for instance,the Polytron Pulsar Open Path Infra Red Hydro-carbon Detector has built-in directional guidancefor ease of alignment and heated optics to

By Steve Robinson

Sales and Marketing,Draeger Safety GasDetection Systems

Whether offshore, on board ship or in industry, gas detection systems are beingused to prevent fires and explosions as well as avoiding pollution and ensuringsafe, breathable air. Fixed gas detection systems are designed to protect plantand personnel, as opposed to personal, handheld gas detectors that providesingle or multi-gas protection for individuals on the move.

Safety By Dete c

P. 52-54 Gas Detection 9/2/09 3:02 pm Page 52

eliminate snow, icing and condensation, ensuringaccurate measurement at all times.

In some situations, point detectors can be usedin combination with open path technology. A gridof point detectors can easily locate a leak, forinstance, where the open path system will providegreater coverage across a wider area.

Gas aspiratorsFrequently used in duct monitoring applicationsfor detecting smoke, gas aspirators can also detectflammable and toxic gas. They are ideal where thedetector would be inaccessible for calibration andmaintenance or where the location takes the fielddevice outside its normal working parameters. Arecent example of their use can be found in acustom designed solution that included the supplyof over 30 aspirator systems for the detection offlammable gas, toxic gas and smoke in the HVACinlet ductwork on a number of refinery controlbuildings and workshops. Located in a hazardousarea of the plant, the control buildings are pro-tected by over-pressurised air drawn from a non-hazardous area. Designed, supplied andinstalled by Draeger, the aspirator systems arebeing used to detect any gas or smoke enteringthe inlet ductwork. This, in turn, ensures that theHVAC system can shut down and isolate the build-ing in a pressurised state, whilst protecting theworkforce by means of recirculation.

Explosion proofDesigned to meet ATEX Regulations, explosionproof systems such as the Draeger Polytron 2 XPTox, feature a metal enclosure wall and glass view-ing windows. Incorporating several critical designfactors to ensure that they contain any explosioninside the instrument, they prevent the ignition ofany explosive gases outside of the enclosure.These features include enhanced enclosurestrength, flange gap widths and quenching dis-tance, i.e. the travel distance required through anarrow flange gap to ensure that the flame will becooled or quenched before it reaches the exteriorsurface. Combining the functions of detection andalarm annunciation in one package through built-in relays, they incorporate infra red communi-cation technology to allow normal maintenanceand calibration functions to be performed withoutdeclassification of the area.

The portable solutionWhen working alone or where employees areregularly working within a potentially hazardousatmosphere, portable instrumentation can makesure that the creation of toxic gases and vapours,or oxygen deficiency or enrichment, does not goundetected.

In recent years the use of tiny, miniaturisedelectrochemical sensors has revolutionised personalgas detection instrumentation. Specially designedto allow powerful, reliable detection in instru-ments that can be as small as a mobile phone,they are highly sensitive to the gases being moni-tored. With an exceptionally long life of up to

eight years, for instance, the Draeger XXS sensorsalso offer long term stability and quick responsetimes, ensuring that the user receives reliablewarning against dangerous gases, immediately.For improved safety when facing unknown hazards,some instruments also incorporate a catalytic Exsensor which, when calibrated to methane,responds quickly to explosive gases.

Bringing peace of mind to both the user and theemployer, the better units will combine vibrationalwith visual and two-tone audible alarms. Theyshould also be easy to configure and calibrate andbe capable of downloading records. If it does notfeature an integral data logger, an IR interface willenable connection to a PC and/or mobile printer.

Another consideration is the way in which theinstrument is to be used. Is it easily recognised andclearly marked for use with particular gases andcan it be operated with minimal training? This isparticularly important where third party contractpersonnel may be involved. Can it be used withgloves and what happens if it is inadvertentlyplaced in a pocket or a gas inlet is accidentallycovered?

The more modern units feature straightforwardpush button controls and benefit from two gasinlets at the top and front of the unit. This carefulpositioning of the sensor inside the instrumentmeans that gas ingress can still be assured. Large,language-free liquid crystal displays will make surethat the instructions and measurements are clearlyunderstood and a back-lit control panel will avoidthe problems associated with dark or dimly litenvironments. Neckstraps should be supplied for

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 53

SAFETY BY DETECTIONGAS DETECTION

e ction

P. 52-54 Gas Detection 9/2/09 3:02 pm Page 53

the larger instruments and, where smaller instru-ments are concerned, crocodile clips should fixthem securely to the lapel or belt and rotate toallow the user to see the display properly.

In addition to providing continuous personalprotection, portable instruments can also be usedto verify that an area is safe to enter. Whilst con-fined space applications are a typical example,they are ideal for use during rescue or recoveryand will ensure that decontamination has beensuccessful after clean-up operations.

Providing one-off, on-the-spot measurements oftargeted gases, short term tubes can provide fast,highly accurate measurement of over 1000 sub-stances, including chemical warfare agents. Theycan also be used in conjunction with short termpumps to enable rapid measurements to be takenand provide optimum volume and flow specifica-tions. Incorporating automatic stroke counters anda clear end of stroke indicator, pumps require nospecial tools and give accurate and reproducibleresults.

Handheld single gas instruments monitor for

known gases, a single gas at a time. Available witha wide range of electrochemical sensors that canbe interchangeable, the most innovative instru-ments combine speed with accuracy, reliability andmaintenance-free operation. Data logging capabil-ities will mean that essential data, includingresults, dates and times, can be stored, printedand downloaded.

High performance, multi-gas measurementinstruments such as the Draeger X-am 7000 canbe supplied with a choice of over 25 sensors toprovide continuous detection of up to five gasessimultaneously. This state-of-the art instrumentalso benefits from pre-calibrated sensors that areinstantly recognised by the instrument. As a result,the detector can be reconfigured immediately,simply by changing a sensor and without requiringadditional service or maintenance.

As well as specially designed “two-in one”detectors for use with combination hazardsinvolving explosive gases and a lack or surplus ofoxygen, systems are also available for domesticpreparedness applications. These specialist instru-ments use Open Loop Ion Mobility Spectrometryto detect a wide range of chemical and biologicalagents. Photo ionisation detectors (PID), whichtrace volatile organic substances in air and can becalibrated to monitor individual hazards, are alsouseful for confined space measurements emissionsmonitoring, fire investigation and post-accidentscreening.

As with all aspects of safety, legislation plays apart in deciding which system is right for eachapplication. The latest SIL, ATEX, DSEAR andCOSHH regulations can all be relevant and, for thisreason, Draeger offers a range of training courseson the subject of gas detection. These includecurrent legislation as well as the use, selection andcare of gas detection equipment and, amongstothers, gas detection in confined spaces.

Draeger offers products, services and systemsolutions for all encompassing toxic, flammableand oxygen detection, flame detection and design,build, commission and maintenance of fire andgas detection systems for protection of personneland assets. IFP

54 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

SAFETY BY DETECTIONGAS DETECTION

Further information: Fixed gas detection systems:Marion MackenzieTel: 01670 561413 www.draeger.com/gdsuk

Portable gas detectors: Paul HarveyTel: 01670 352891www.draeger.com

P. 52-54 Gas Detection 9/2/09 3:02 pm Page 54

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At first glance you would never realize that thenew Dräger X-am 5000 personal monitor hasgrown to meet your requirements. The reason forthat is that whilst its capabilities have grown itsphysical size has not. We have not only develo-ped the smallest 1 to 5-gas detector but we havealso enhanced its capabilities with extendedfunctionality, increased operating time andadditional flexible application options.The Dräger X-am 5000 not only detects O2,CO and H2S but is also capable of warningwhen harmful concentrations of CO2, Cl2, HCN,NH3, NO2, PH3, SO2, and organic vapors arepresent.A variety of special calibrations for the new EXsensor (which outputs values in Vol.-% as well as% LEL) allow even more sensitivity whendetecting combustible gases and vapors.The Dräger X-am 5000 is also easy to upgrade:The Software Dräger CC-Vision makes itpossible to customize the sensors to match yourchanging operational requirements.

xam_5000_ad.qxd:Layout 1 15/9/08 17:03 Page 1

56 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

+1.219.663.1600www.janusfiresystems.com1102 Rupcich DriveCrown Point, IN 46308 U.S.A.

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INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 57

FOAM SYSTEMS

From foam enhanced sprinklers to high expan-sion generators, foam is used in fixed systemsto deal with a bewildering variety of fire

scenarios. However, one thing that they all have incommon – with very few exceptions – is thatflammable liquids are the fuel source. This articlewill provide an overview of the range from thefoam frontline.

The science simplified: foam provides a barrieragainst flammable liquid vapours without aggres-sively mixing with the product and enhancing thevolatility of fire from the fuel – water alone doesn’tfloat on hydrocarbons and only serves to makematters worse. On the other hand, foam, whetheraspirated or unaspirated film forming foam,suppresses the burning vapour either with its sup-pressant polymer or degree of expansion or both.

How we proportion the foam concentrate withwater, and to what extent we expand it, is deter-mined by the application. It’s perhaps moreinformative to look at the system types first to helpunderstand what choices there are to be made.

Foam enhanced sprinklers Water is a fantastic firefighting medium, no ques-tion. However, sometimes it needs a little helpwhen being delivered through sprinkler systems.Where a site has a large inventory of plasticmaterial or where the storage medium itself isplastic, as in the case of tote bins, adding foaminto the sprinkler nozzles via a bladder tank givesenhanced fire control. This is classed as unaspiratedfoam. In other words, there is no mechanism builtinto the system for entraining air into the foam to

By David Owen

Business DevelopmentManager, FiremainEngineering Ltd.

Hotfoam commissioningtest

Covered inFoam – anoverview offoam systemsDavid Owen, Business Development Manager with foam specialist FiremainEngineering Ltd., discusses the various foam systems available.

P. 57-60 Firemain Foam 9/12/09 3:42 pm Page 57

give any expansion. Because the foam is onlyexpanded to what might crudely be called a“milky effect,” the foam concentrate itself needsto be aqueous film forming – AFFF. AFFF’s havebeen around so long now that this isn’t news andany LPC approved sprinkler contractor will befamiliar with its use. Insurers often require anexisting sprinkler system to be upgraded in areaswhere storage has changed over time, this couldalso apply to high flash flammables where thewater will need some assistance if effective firecontrol is to be achieved. This isn’t a problem with

the inclusion of a locally sited bladder tank andwide range proportioner. The bladder contains thefoam concentrate and the bladder is retainedinside a pressure vessel, the incoming pressurizedwater squeezes the bladder which drives the foaminto a proportioner and the resulting foam solu-tion flows to the discharge heads. It’s essential todeliver the correct mixture of foam to water if onehead operates or 20 so wide range proportionersare readily available. Actuation will still be via thefrangible glass bulb of the sprinkler head at the settemperature.

Foam deluge systemsThe difference between deluge and sprinklers,whether we use foam or not, is simply that in adeluge system a whole zone will actuate and applywater or foam to the hazard. The detection line isseparate and controls the opening of a delugevalve to supply foam/water to the hazard. A rangeof detection options are available from simple aircharged lines with detector bulbs through to triplespectrum UV/IR flame detection. On the otherhand, sprinklers are self zoning in the sense thateach head is both detector and fire control device:

if the fire is not controlled by one head operating,more heads will actuate until the assumed maxi-mum area of operation is reached. Because delugesystems use open nozzles we have the option toaspirate the foam so that it becomes low expan-sion rather than unsapirated. This is achieved withthe use of nozzles that entrain air and give anexpansion ratio of up to 20:1 but more typicallylower. A relatively gentle application of aspiratedfoam is to be preferred where solvents in particu-lar are stored. Process hazards are typically wheredeluge systems are to be found.

58 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

FOAM SYSTEMS

Where a site has a large inventory of plastic material or

where the storage medium itself is plastic, as in the case

of tote bins, adding foam into the sprinkler nozzles via a

bladder tank gives enhanced fire control.

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P. 57-60 Firemain Foam 9/12/09 3:42 pm Page 58

Again, bladder tanks can be used to proportionthe foam into the lines. It needs to be remem-bered that these are finite foam resources – thetank is designed to supply foam for a set periodand the difficulty of refilling bladder tanks meansthat additional running time is not possible duringthe incident. Alternatives include balancedpressure proportioners fed by a dedicated foamconcentrate pump but these have the drawback ofanother power source other than the pressurizedwater supply. Increasingly, a water driven propor-tioner such as FireDos is being used by installerswho want to eliminate this potential source offailure and to eliminate the need for costly main-tenance. Only pressurized water is required todrive the FireDos proportioner. FireDos uses anatmospheric storage tank for concentrate whichmeans that running times are only limited by the

foam stocks available as the tank can be refilledduring use. It also allows the use of the mostviscous foam concentrates with great accuracy inproportioning.

Medium expansion pourersUsing the same methods of proportioning andfoam storage, we can expand most of the com-monly available foams up to 200:1. This provides asubstantial foam blanket but with very limitedthrow from discharge devices. It’s ideal where agentle application is preferred and where spillageof flammables is contained. This is typically intobunds around tank farms and process areas wherebunding is easily achieved whilst not hindering themeans of escape. Medium expansion foam wasparticularly successful at the Buncefield incidentfor securing the bunds once the more volatilebund fires had been dealt with by monitors.

The vapour suppressing qualities of foams areenhanced by the greater expansion achieved byMEX and by its density, although it should be bornin mind that discharge devices need to be regularlyplaced around areas such as bunds to overcomethe limiting effects on the travel of foam fromobstructions.

High expansion foamAlong with foam enhanced sprinklers, this isanother application where class B fires are not theonly limitation to its use. Expanding foam to any-thing up to 1000:1 means that we have a very

light and relatively dry finished foam. Useless inanything but still air, it comes into its own withinclosed areas. As far back as the mid 90s a Hi ExHotfoam system (see below) was installed into awell known building society’s deed store becausetests showed that the documents were only mar-ginally wetted by the finished foam. The incipientnature of fires in tightly stored paper productsmeans that gas may not always be the medium ofchoice due to the need to maintain long holdtimes to prevent further combustion. Hi Ex canprovide a good alternative.

However, the main applications for Hi Exsystems at present are for the protection of aircrafthangars and warehouses. For aircraft hangars,NFPA allows a choice of options including Hi Ex,roof level low expansion deluge and underwingmonitor protection. Hi Ex is often chosen in prefer-ence because it produces far less firewater run-off,a significant issue when considering containment.

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 59

COVERED IN FOAM – AN OVERVIEW OF FOAM SYSTEMSFOAM SYSTEMS

It needs to be remembered

that these are finite foam

resources – the tank is

designed to supply foam for

a set period and the

difficulty of refilling bladder

tanks means that additional

running time is not possible

during the incident.

Head Office and Factory HamburgLiebigstrasse 5 · D-22113 HamburgPhone +49 40 736168-0Telefax +49 40 736168-60E-Mail: [email protected] · www.sthamer.com

International Sales ContactMr. Jan KnappertPhone +44 (0) 7795 101770E-mail: [email protected]

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P. 57-60 Firemain Foam 9/12/09 3:42 pm Page 59

The two main approaches with Hi Ex are (i) usingair from external sources, i.e. opening vents toallow an air supply to the generator and (ii) usingan internal air supply that could include theproducts of combustion from the fire itself, i.e.Hotfoam and its unique ability to generate foamfrom the exhaust gases and internal air supply.(i) Conventional generators use a water driven

fan, combined with a high expansion foamconcentrate, to expand the finished foam toanything up to 1000:1. The generators can belocated either along the side walls or roof levelof the hangar or warehouse. Only aircrafthangars are considered large enough spacesnot to need external air supply and over pres-sure venting when Hi Ex is used.

(ii) Hotfoam was developed by Svenska Skum andenables the use of Hi Ex far more economicallyin spaces such as warehouses. The generatorhas no moving parts, the high expansion foamdischarging through nozzles that are combinedwith an external mesh assembly to expand thefoam solution when mixed with the rising hotgases. The largest unit only weighs 10kg whichmeans that it can be mounted as a nozzle offdistribution and range pipework without theneed for additional support structures.

Again, Hi Ex foam discharge devices can besupplied by either bladder tanks or FireDos typesystems. It is the type of foam and the discharge

device that creates the expansion ratio, not themeans of proportioning.

Tank protection systemsStorage tanks are largely divided into fixed roofand floating roof tanks. There are two differentapproaches for each – fixed roof tanks requirefoam pourers to be installed into the side wall ofthe tank with foam solution discharging onto thefull surface of the product. Floating roof tanks are designed with a rim seal to contain vapoursand it is this area that is vulnerable to fire. Therimseal pourer is designed to discharge around the circumference of the floating roof tank seal. Like all fixed foam systems, the rimseal pourerwill tackle fire at an early stage. The means of

proportioning foam is similar to our other applica-tions with the possibility of longer pipe runs todischarge devices. Using a FireDos proportioningskid will overcome any hydraulic issues associatedwith this as it uses a positive displacement pumpto overcome line pressures.

Foam systems are no different to other fireprotection media such as gas or watermist: themost important thing is to choose the mediumthat is most appropriate for the fire hazard. Foam’smixture of vapour suppressant, cooling mediumand oxygen depleter means that it can work on allfronts of the fire triangle and is the medium ofchoice for most flammable liquid fire scenarios. IFP

60 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

FireDos foamproportioning skid

COVERED IN FOAM – AN OVERVIEW OF FOAM SYSTEMSFOAM SYSTEMS

Foam systems are no different to other fire

protection media such as gas or watermist: the

most important thing is to choose the medium that

is most appropriate for the fire hazard.

For more information visit:www.firemain.com

P. 57-60 Firemain Foam 9/12/09 3:42 pm Page 60

Fire Fighting Foams & Equipment

Manufacturer of high quality foam concentratesand foam equipment

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omtect

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Dafo Fomtec 3/5/06 14:51 Page 1

62 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

Fire test demonstrationduring the last IWMAconference at DBI. A firebarrier with water mistis shown in order toprotect glazing

WATER MIST

Water mist fire-fighting today has certainlybecome a well accepted technology inthe fire protection business and the

number of potential applications has increasedconsiderably over the last years. The well estab-lished water mist system manufacturers aroundthe globe, serving the market for many years, haveinvested significant amounts of time and funds inresearch and development and collectively carriedout thousands of fire tests in order to bringreliable systems to the market that meet thediverse requirement of different applications.

However, what will be the result if newcomersenter the market underestimating the need forextensive fire testing, which is essential for thedevelopment of reliable water mist systems? Theanswer seems obvious. The further success ofmodern water mist technology would be at risk,and the installation of unreliable systems wouldcause an unacceptable risk to lives and properties.

How can end users and others recognize areliable or an unreliable system, and what is areliable water mist system? The answer is notsimple, but the following paragraphs intend togive some answers.

Reliable versus unreliable systemsThe International Water Mist Association is a panelof dedicated professionals and companies havingan interest in fire fighting systems using water mistas an extinguishing agent. Members of IWMAinclude independent scientists, research laborato-ries, manufacturers, insurers, end users andauthorities. The IWMA believes that water mist isan effective fire protection media for many risks,often with performance advantages over traditionaltechnologies when taking into consideration theexcellent cooling effect and environmental aspectsof the agent. However, the International WaterMist Association promotes exclusively the profes-sional design, installation and maintenance ofwater mist systems.

IWMA has observed in recent months thetendency for few companies to offer and installsystems in a manner inconsistent with the pro-fessional practices promoted by IWMA. The IWMAis concerned that the installation of unprovensystems would lead to an unacceptable risk to livesand properties being protected.

Therefore, this article is particularly addressed toengineers, consultants, end users and others who

By Matthias Ecke

IWMA General Manager

The rebirth of water mist technology for general fire-fighting purposes, thebroad and increasing variety of marine and land-based applications in particular,and the specific advantages of water mist systems compared to conventionalagents have been discussed in numerous articles over the last two decades.

Rebirth of water m

P. 62-64 Water Mist 9/2/09 3:03 pm Page 62

plan and supervise the installation of water mistsystems, in order to provide some guidance onhow to distinguish between reliable and unreliablesystems. The association would like to share withother fire protection professionals its thoughts onprofessional procedures for the design, installationand maintenance that will help produce a reliablewater mist system. In this regard, the IWMA hasidentified three very important issues that must betaken into account when selecting a water mistsystem:

● Fire Testing and ApprovalsFirst, it is essential that the design of a givensystem is based on an applicable full-scale fire testprotocol, carried out under supervision of an inde-pendent third party or witnessed by an authorityhaving jurisdiction, and not merely based onassumptions, mathematical calculations, or simula-tions created by computer modeling.

The IWMA has recently observed that a fewmarket players offer systems based on computersimulations only. It has to be emphasized thatthese practices lead to an incalculable risk to livesand properties, and the IWMA discourages suchbehavior. While computer simulations may bevaluable as a supplemental tool in understanding awater mist system, they have not been sufficientlydeveloped yet to accurately predict results. It isoften the responsibility of the authority havingjurisdiction to ask for fire test documentation andto assure the tested scenarios are appropriate forthe risk being protected. Nevertheless, designersand engineers should also look for fire testdocumentation in order to assure the properinstallation of a system for the respective risk.

Manufacturers can often provide officialapproval documentation which makes the task ofassessing suitability easier. However, it is importantto note that such approvals are often application

specific, thus one approval may not be relevant foranother application. For those unsure as to therelevance of an offered approval, the IWMA canprovide assistance through our pool of dedicatedindependent experts.

● Standards and Test ProtocolsThe role of standards and test protocols is impor-tant in guiding manufacturers, designers andsystem installers to produce high quality, reliablewater mist systems. Even though not all possiblerisks are yet covered by standards and testprotocols, the number of available documentscontinuously increases. The European standard forwater mist systems was published in the summerof 2008 as Technical Specification 14972, andcontains test protocols for flammable liquids, cabletunnels and office occupancies. Other test proto-cols are under preparation and will be includedduring the first revision cycle.

Furthermore, it is recommended to refer to theU.S. design standard NFPA 750, Water Mist FireProtection Systems. NFPA 750 covers most of themechanical and maintenance aspects of a watermist system. In addition, FM Approvals haspublished the test standard FM 5560, Water MistSystems, which contains a number of various testprotocols. Also, there are other test protocols suchas IMO A. 800, MSC 668/728, MSC 1165 andMSC 913 prepared by the International MaritimeOrganization, principally focused on marine appli-cations. These test protocols often provide usefulguidance for the application of water mist systemsto land based installations. Additional documentssuch as the International Standard ISO 15371which addresses Fire extinguishing systems for theprotection of galley deep-fat cooking equipmentor the UL 2167, Standard for Safety for Water MistNozzles for Fire Protection Service, should benamed in this context as well.

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 63

Audience at the IWMAconference 2008. Thenext IWMA conferencewill take place fromSeptember 23–24 inLondon, UnitedKingdom

REBIRTH OF WATER MIST TECHNOLOGYWATER MIST

r mist technology

P. 62-64 Water Mist 9/2/09 3:03 pm Page 63

● ExperienceWater mist systems are quite different fromconventional fire fighting systems such as sprinklers,CO2 or other gaseous systems in the way they aredesigned, installed, operated and maintained.Therefore, it is important that manufacturers andinstallers of water mist systems have gained thenecessary experience to produce high quality,reliably performing systems. It is thereforecommon sense that the development of a reliablewater mist system will take several years. That is, afunctioning system is not just taking a water sup-ply, pipe network and nozzles arranged in gridform. In recent years, some companies followedthis misconception and attempted to put togethera system in such a manner. It is not that simple.They very soon had to acknowledge that thisstrategy failed. Considerable human resources,funds and time are indispensable for a fullyfunctional system to be developed.

When considering a provider for a water mistsystem, prospective customers should ask forreferences and also training certificates fromsystem manufacturers. Designers and engineersshould also consider if the manufacturer providesan experienced and professional research anddevelopment department.

It can be concluded that adherence to firetesting, standards and test protocols andexperience, as discussed above, will assure soundprofessional practices and reliable water mistsystems for customers.

International Water Mist Conference 2009An excellent opportunity, to extent the knowledgeabout water mist technology, will be the next Inter-national Water Mist Conference. The conferencewill take place this year from September 23–24 inLondon, United Kingdom. The conference is opento anybody and will offer an opportunity for thoseresponsible for selecting fire protection as well asresearchers/scientists to be updated on the currentstate of water mist technology for fire protection.This conference will be held in cooperation withindependent member institutions which will pro-vide full technical support for the conference. Allnecessary information about the conference can befound on the web page of IWMA www.iwma.net

Current research workOne of the major questions in the future is goingto be if and how scaling rules can be applied towater mist systems. The need for full scale fire test-ing was broadly discussed above. However, scalingrules – based on the investigation of real fire testdata – could help to reduce the cost for testingand, therefore, the overall system costs to someextent. The International Maritime Organizationhas discussed this issue during the last session in2008 but the discussion was postponed due to thelack of sufficient data. IWMA has started a researchprogram on this subject matter, and the results willbe presented at the next IMO meeting in February.Furthermore, IFP will publish in the next issue anarticle on the results of the research program. IFP

64 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

Test set up for a fire testunder the the IMOregulation formachinery spaces.Validated scaling rulesmight save costs for firetesting to some extent

REBIRTH OF WATER MIST TECHNOLOGYWATER MIST

About IWMA:The International Water MistAssociation (IWMA) is apanel of dedicatedprofessionals and companieshaving an interest in firefighting systems using watermist as an extinguishingagent. Members of IWMAinclude independentscientists, researchlaboratories, manufacturers,insurers, end users andauthorities. The main objective is topromote research,development and the use ofwater mist fire suppressionsystems world wide.

For more information pleasecontact: International Water MistAssociationBiederitzer Str. 5, 39175Heyrothsberge, GermanyTel: + 49 392 92 690 – 25,Fax: 26Mobile: +49 175 415 33 66Email: [email protected]: www.iwma.net

P. 62-64 Water Mist 9/2/09 3:03 pm Page 64

IWMA IFP37 2/2/09 4:10 pm Page 1

66 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

FIRE-RATED CABLES

Firetuf Connecta was developed in the late1990s with the aim of simplifying and reduc-ing the installation cost of projects that have

repetitive wiring requirements. It has becomeparticularly sought after for road and rail tunnels,power and mass transit emergency lighting and 3-phase power applications and has been used ona number of high profile projects around theglobe. These include the Mass Rapid Transit systemat the Changi Airport extension and the VictoriaLine extension in Singapore, the HS1 – High Speed1 – rail link between London and Paris, the Dublin

Port Tunnel, the Docklands Light Railway extensionand the Heathrow Express extension.

The key installer benefit of the Firetuf Connecta0HLS halogen-free modular wiring system is thatevery Connecta installation is manufactured anddelivered in precise predetermined cable-loomlengths of Draka cable between the factory-fittedmoulded Connecta socket outlets that eliminatedthe need for on-site joint forming. Connectacomponents are also manufactured from a highquality injection-moulded 0HLS material. Thesystem features a male joint and female plug with

By Mark Froggatt

The global economy is having its inevitable impact on the construction market –orders are in shorter supply, competition is fiercer and margins are beingsqueezed. At the same time, quality expectations are on the rise and fire safetylegislation is being rigorously enforced. It is a tough time to be an installationcontractor, so here Mark Froggatt looks at some of Draka’s recent contractswhere its Firetuf Connecta system has delivered considerable time, cost andease-of-installation savings.

Cutting Fire-rat eInstallation Cos t

P. 66-68 Fire-Rated Cables 9/2/09 3:04 pm Page 66

an optional integral fuse and coupling nut, and isavailable with a primary cable in a range of sizesthat span from of 2.5mm2 to 50mm2, in three, fouror five-core cable options and a wiring loom lengthof up to approximately 700 metres, depending onthe cable size and number of sockets.

Quick-fit secondary outlets to individual appli-ances or luminaires are taken from the primarycables via moulded Connecta 0HLS plugs thatenable the accessories to be plugged in asopposed to being hard wired. This results in fastinstallation that minimises the site labour and skillrequirement and so significantly reduces theoverall project labour cost and timescale.

Firetuf Connecta is fully approved to BS 6387:1994 (Specification for performance requirementsfor cables required to maintain circuit integrityunder fire conditions) in particular the C, W and Ztest that is used to determine if a cable is capableof maintaining circuit integrity under different fireconditions. This superb fire performance ensuresthat emergency lighting will continue to functionif one section of the circuit is involved in a fire. It is

based on Firetuf power fire-performance cable, isavailable in both fire resistant and flame retardantdesigns and provides ingress protection to IP67.

Significantly for applications where, in the eventof a fire, the public may have to evacuate inextremely stressful circumstances, 0HLS cables donot emit halogen gases and burn without pro-ducing large amounts of dense smoke. Bycomparison, under fire conditions, the standardPVC cables used widely in the constructionindustry emit hydrogen chloride gas, which has asuffocating odour that is detectable in even verylow concentrations.

One of the earliest Connecta projects was theChannel Tunnel Rail Link, now renamed HS1,which utilised almost 100km of Connecta varyingin size from 6mm2 five-core cable up to 25mm2

five-core. Onto this Draka’s Connecta partner,Custom Design Group in Cwmbran, Wales mouldedalmost 5,000 Connecta outlets. The Londonsection of HS1 starts with a 2.5km tunnel thatdives under the Thames near Dartford, then runsalongside the London, Tilbury and Southend rail

track as far as Dagenham. Here it enters a 19kmtunnel before emerging over the East Coast mainline near St Pancras Station. The tunnel is inter-rupted by the new Stratford International Station,where a 1km stretch runs close to the surface,dividing the tunnel into London East and LondonWest sections.

The 4.5km Dublin Port Tunnel, an undergroundtwin dual-carriageway that links Dublin Port withDublin Airport and the main arterial routes to andfrom the capital, used 25km of Connecta, both4mm2 and 25mm2, with 955 outlets. A key factorinfluencing the decision to install the Draka systemwas given at the time as being Connecta’s abilityto maintain the integrity of the circuit even if alocal device fails in the event of a fire. This ensuresthat escape routes either side of a failed luminaireremain illuminated rather than plunging people inthe tunnel into panic-inducing darkness. This wasunderpinned by all of the Connecta componentsbeing individually tested before leaving the factory,

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 67

CUTTING FIRE-RATED CABLE INSTALLATION COSTSFIRE-RATED CABLES

t ed Cables ts

Significantly for applications

where, in the event of a fire,

the public may have to

evacuate in extremely stressful

circumstances, 0HLS cables do

not emit halogen gases and

burn without producing large

amounts of dense smoke.

P. 66-68 Fire-Rated Cables 9/2/09 3:04 pm Page 67

and then retested as a complete system with theluminaires energised.

While tunnel lighting accounts for the majorityof Connecta applications, the versatility of thesystem is such that it has also been used extensivelyfor power applications in a number of demandinghigh-hazard environments. When London Under-ground was refurbishing the Waterloo and CityLine, in addition to using Connecta for tunnellighting, it was also chosen for power sockets,where transformers were used to power tools inthe tunnels in order to carry out maintenancework. The time allocated for maintenance on theunderground is understandably very limited, theuse of petroleum or gas generators in the tunnelsis prohibited, and the alternative of setting-upcompressed air generators on the platforms is avery time consuming operation.

An even more demanding application occurredduring the decommissioning of a nuclear powerplant in Trawsfynydd, North Wales. There theConnecta system was used in a waste bunker –where, again, access time is limited – as it wasestablished that a plug and socket system would

reduce the number of hours required for themaintenance of the lighting circuits. The site used1.8km of Firetuf power cable with 275 mouldedsockets and leads. This particular cable is manufac-tured in compliance with BS 7846 (Electric cables.600/1000 V armoured fire-resistant cables havingthermosetting insulation and low emission ofsmoke and corrosive gases when affected by fire).It is particularly appropriate for applications wherethe danger to life, equipment and structures maybe greatly increased in the event of a power failuredue to fire.

A bonus in both the Waterloo and City Line andthe Trawsfynydd nuclear power plant powersocket installations, is that Connecta itself isdesigned to require the minimum maintenance.

The latest high-profile project is the 2.5kmextension to the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) inLondon from King George V Station to the newWoolwich Arsenal Station. The contract called for8,940 metres of Draka 0HLS cable and 711Connecta socket outlets for the emergencylighting in the tunnel, which runs as deep as 35 metres under the River Thames. IFP

CUTTING FIRE-RATED CABLE INSTALLATION COSTSFIRE-RATED CABLES

68 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

P. 66-68 Fire-Rated Cables 9/2/09 3:04 pm Page 68

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 69

BEACONS AND WARNING SIGNALS

Building up part of the basis for modern daybuilding and fire codes are the lessons thathave been learned from past fires. It is these

which have helped to structure the laws that havebeen put in place for owners and operators toabide by, ensuring the up-most fire protection isprovided. By following the fire code, thoseentrusted must inspect and maintain the require-ments and quality of various fire safety items toensure optimal functionality and protection. Withthe correct fire safety features installed theamount of damage and injury caused by fire canbe reduced.

Due to constant growth and demands withinthe market, the fire safety sector has developednew products to ensure a sustained commitmentto the publics’ wellbeing. Available productsinclude sounders, beacons, sounder/beacon com-bined units, intrinsically safe equipment, powersupply units, door retainers, fire bells, beamdetectors and call points. Between these, both thefire and security sectors can be catered for; someproducts, such as sounders and beacons nowcover a much wider operating voltage rangeenabling product to be used for both applications.

With increasing awareness and emphasis beingplaced on the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)installers’ and proprietors’ should ensure that theyare prioritising this law with the upmost impor-tance. To ensure compliancy, applications shouldfeature audible alert (such as sounders), visual alert(beacons for example) and tactile stimulation(products such as the Deafgard.)

Consideration for ease of entry and exit shouldalso be put into place, door retainers are ideal forthis, keeping fire doors accessible for wheel chairusers. However, despite the DDA’s growingimportance, sounders still remain a top sellerwithin the fire safety sector with many differentoptions available.

Although the sounder market place offersconsumers’ a wide choice of products, virtually allcan be used for most applications.

Even though the more traditional fire bell is stillavailable further development has been made overthe years to include new and exciting products.These include voice sounders, room sounders(ideal for bed heads), combined sounder/ beaconunits (perfect for compliancy with the DDA), plat-form sounders, platform sounder beacons (both

By Charlotte Philo

Cranford Controls Ltd

The Sound OfThe 21st CenturyAfter yet another year of highly publicised fire incidents, including fires at theRoyal Marsden Hospital and in the Channel Tunnel, 2009 is already shaping itselfup for a much urged and major push on fire safety within public buildings. Withsuch a range of products on the market there is no excuse for those responsiblefor the safety of others to ignore their moral and legal obligation.

P. 69-71 Beacons & Warning Sig. 9/2/09 3:04 pm Page 69

can be left to stand alone with a cover plate orcompleted with a smoke detector attached) andthe standard sirens.

Market trends are showing that voice soundersare on the increase with consumers particularly likingthe fact they can select a specific alert from a multi-tude of various warnings thus making the productsuitable for all types of sectors and applications.

Amongst various regulations that have been putinto a effect it is also enforceable that all audible

alarms are required to have an output of at least 5decibels above the ambient background noise ingeneral areas such as offices and shops; however insleeping areas the minimum level should be 65 deci-bels with 75 required at the occupant’s bed head.

At the heart of each and every sounder is eithera pressure transducer or piezoelectric unit; toproduce the audible alert from the sounder, thusacting as its speaker. Since the introduction of thepiezo within the fire safety sector, there has been

70 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

BEACONS AND WARNING SIGNALS

High Performance Directional Sounder

For more information please contact the Clifford & Snell sales office:Tom Cribb Road, Thamesmead, London SE28 0BH, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 208 317 1717 Fax: +44 (0) 208 317 2400

Email: [email protected] Web: www.cliffordandsnell.com

Baseefa

ATEX & IECEx

Approved

NEW

CS&Clifford & SnellYodalex˜ YO9 series

Clifford & Snell has extended its range of Explosion ProofAudible & Visual Signalling devices with the introduction ofa new series of High Output Directional Sounders.

Features include:• Lightweight GRP Exd enclosure• High sound output 115dB• ATEX & IECEx Approved for Gas & Dust• Zones 1 & 2• Certified temperature range -20°C to +60°C• 32 selectable sound tones• Dual M20 cable gland cable entry• Gas groups IIB & IIC• 24Vdc, 48Vdc. Single AC unit covering

115Vac & 230Vac• Adjustable stainless steel ratchet bracket• Stainless Steel fixings

P. 69-71 Beacons & Warning Sig. 9/2/09 3:04 pm Page 70

on-going research and debate into the benefits ofusing the traditional pressure transducer for theunit’s sound production.

As with everything both have their benefits anddisadvantages yet the industry seems to want toprogress further with incorporation of piezo unitswithin products so moving away from the estab-lished pressure transducer;

With the economy as it stands, pressure trans-ducers are not economically viable as they areexpensive to produce due to their internal com-plexity and construction, leaving manufacturers ina position where they are unable to reduce costs.

Pressure transducers work by the applied energyfixating on moving its internal coil to create thenecessary sound waves. This type of technology inturn requires higher amounts of energy causingthe product to be less energy efficient, limiting theamount of sounders and beacons, for example, asystem panel can have on its loop or soundercircuit.

Despite the pressure transducer’s high currentdraw and cost, the product offers a wide dynamicsound range enabling a greater sound quality,which makes the pressure transducer ideal for usewithin sounders.

Because piezo units work differently from pres-sure transducers; their simple design with minimalcomponent count enables a lower manufacturingcost. The design is predominantly encased in aplastic housing with the inner parts made frommetal and a piezoelectric material, in this casepiezoelectric ceramic. The simplicity of the designallows for a quick and effective mass production ofthe item. By applying AC Voltage to the piezo’selectrodes the piezoelectric effect occurs, thismeans that the electrical power causes the piezo-electric ceramic to expand and contract causing themetal diaphragm surrounding it to bend, creatingsound waves. The design of the piezo itself hasbeen done so the mechanical resonant frequencymatches the frequency of the driving signal.

However, the relative low cost and the energyefficiency of the piezo comes at a price, as it doesnot give the same dynamic sound range as itstransducer rival. To achieve a frequency range thatcomes close to the pressure transducer the piezohas to be optimised for each application bothelectronically and mechanically. IFP

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 71

THE SOUND OF THE 21ST CENTURY

For further information on the products mentioned inthis article and information on additional products tohelp fully equip your fire safety system please contactCranford Controls on 01420 592 444

FIRE & SECURITY

Why not contact usfor more information on

T: +44 (0)1420 592 444

F: +44 (0)1420 592 445

www.cranfordcontrols.com

The UK’s Leading Independentmanufacturer of Quality Fire

and Security Products

Quality shinesFocusing strongly on our research and

development, Cranford Controls are extendingour already high quality product range with

further exciting and reliable products.

The popularity of the current Cranfordproducts are well renowned throughout the

industry. Combined with our extensive stocklevels and the constant praise we receive for

quicker delivery time than competitors;Cranford Controls really do outshine the rest.

P. 69-71 Beacons & Warning Sig. 9/2/09 3:04 pm Page 71

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