DIAGRAMMATIC FIRE PUMP  INSTALLATIONS

Sprinkler System

       A sprinkler system is an integrated system of piping, connected to a water supply, with listed sprinklers that automatically initiate water discharge over a fire area. Usually the sprinkler system also includes a control valve and a device for activating an alarm when the system operates.

         Each sprinkler has its own individual heat sensitive element (such as a glass bulb filled with a fluid consisting of a non-toxic proprietary glycerin solution) to detect a fixed temperature of approximately 68°C/155°F. When the room or space temperature reaches this point, the sprinkler element is activated.
               As the fluid is heated it expands and shatters the glass bulb enclosure. Sprinklers are extremely reliable and do not activate without heat and only the sprinkler closest to the fire will operate, thus the phrase “One-At-A-Time Activation”

Wet Riser System

Dry and Wet Riser Mains are intended for use by the Fire Service to provide a readily available means of delivering considerable quantities of water to extinguish or prevent the spread of fire in large buildings.

Typically, Dry Risers are used in low level buildings where there are excessive distances from entrances (above 60 m) OR in buildings where there are floors higher than 18m above Fire Service access level (to a
maximum of 50m).

Wet Risers are used in high storey buildings where there are floors higher than 50m above Fire Service access level.

Hose Reel System

Hose Reel systems are intended for the occupant to use during the early stages of fire before it spreads. It comprises of hose reel pumps, fire water tank, hose reels, pipe work and valves. The hose reel system generally serves as an initial fire-fighting aid. When the hose reel is brought into use the pressure in the pipe immediately downstream of the pump check valves will drop below the pressure setting of the hose reel line, thereby triggering the pump to come into operation automatically to feed a steady supply of water to discharge through the hose.

Fire-fighting hose reels must be easily accessible throughout the building for easy access and should be properly housed in glass fronted cabinet secured under lock and key.

Reticulated Hydrant System

Usually designed for buildings with a large land area or where there are no nearby public hydrants, the Fire Hydrant installation consists of pipework connected directly to the water supply mains to provide water to
each and every hydrant outlet and is intended to provide water for the fireman to fight a fire. The water is discharged into the fire engine from which it is then pumped and sprayed over a fire.

Where the water supply is not reliable or inadequate, hydrant pumps should be provided to pressurize the fire mains. These are typically pumps with large flow capacities and can be driven by both motor and a diesel engine as stand-by.