A firefighting system usually has a water source and pumps, a pipe network, sprinklers that open automatically in heat, fire hose cabinets and hand extinguishers. What is required depends on the type of building, its activity and the approved drawing.
What does each part do, and how does the system work?
The system is not one device but parts that work together: a water source, pumps that raise the pressure, a pipe network that reaches every space, and points where the water or extinguishing agent comes out.
Sprinklers are heads in the ceiling. Usually each one opens on its own when the heat at its position rises, so water falls on the fire without every sprinkler in the building discharging. Deluge systems are different: all their heads open together, and the approved drawing says which system suits each place.
Fire hose cabinets hold a hose for someone trained to use it, and hand extinguishers are for early action on a small fire. Each extinguisher type suits a class of fire, so the type is chosen for the activity.
The alarm system is separate from the firefighting system even though they work together: the alarm detects and warns, and the firefighting system fights the fire. It helps to build both from one drawing so detectors and sprinklers do not clash in the ceiling.
Commercial kitchens may need a firefighting system specific to the kitchen; the approved drawing and the competent authority decide what is required.
Suppose a building has offices and a small warehouse. The warehouse has a sprinkler network, a pump and hose cabinets, with extinguishers at the exits; the offices have extinguishers and cabinets; and the alarm panel is linked to smoke detectors. When the heat rises in one corner of the warehouse, usually only the sprinklers near it open, and the panel warns everyone in the building.
Practical step-by-step
- Define the type of building, its activity and its area; the choice of parts is built on them.
- Ask for the approved fire drawing and check the positions of sprinklers, cabinets and extinguishers.
- Make sure the network has a water source and a pump suited to the drawing.
- Coordinate sprinkler positions with the ceiling, lighting and air-conditioning before the gypsum goes up.
- Agree regular maintenance and a test of the pumps and valves, and keep the reports.
Tick what you've done
Need help with firefighting systems?
We serve Dammam, Khobar, Dhahran and Qatif. Send us your question or photos of the site and we'll reply.
Firefighting systems
- Sprinkler networks
- Fire hose cabinets
- Extinguishers