Ten Steps to Smarter Fire Sprinkler System Design
When it comes to fire sprinkler system design, code-compliant fire sprinkler systems are vital to the safety of your buildings and their occupants. There are a number of ways to optimise fire sprinkler systems to save time, money, and hassle, all while delivering a major boost to building safety.
BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems have made fire sprinkler system specification simpler than ever, with The Orange Book. Before we explore its pages, here are ten tips to help you get started.
1. Consider your property's unique fire sprinkler design needs
What is considered a suitable fire sprinkler system for a school will not necessarily work as effectively for a care home. Think about the needs of the occupants themselves and their mobility in the event of an emergency. This will factor into the placement of fire sprinkler heads during the design process.
2. Plan your design drawings carefully to ensure optimal coverage
Many fires have been successfully extinguished after discharging just one sprinkler head. A sprinkler head activates at the precise location of a fire, instantly controlling the scale of the blaze. An accurate fire protection system will get to work on keeping buildings safe, much faster.
3. Calculate water and pressure requirements
The status of the property's water supply, such as location of water tanks will help you to determine required flow, as well as determine optimum pipe routes and required pressure.
Accurate hydraulic calculations before installation, as well as a flow test to determine flow rate after installation is a life saving task.
4. Account for special hazards and other design parameters
BlazeMaster CPVC is certified for use in all light hazard occupancies as well as limited ordinary hazard locations. For example, a fire sprinkler system design for a hospital may require a combination of pipe material and unique pipe routes. Compatibility plays into these types of designs a lot.
BlazeMaster CPVC is compatible for use with a variety of other materials. See our FBC System Compatible Program for more details.
5. Factor in climate conditions and other environmental factors
All pipe material reacts in different ways to its surroundings; some residual effects you won't find in any reflected ceiling plan.
BlazeMaster CPVC has a consistent Hazen-Williams C Factor of 150, while steel has a starting C value of 120, eventually causing pressure loss.
6. Coordinate with local authorities to ensure code compliance
Successful fire sprinkler system design is about collaboration between the design professional, fire protection engineers and local authorities. Currently in the UK, fire sprinkler design legislation differs between England, Scotland and Wales. While more regions are making automatic sprinkler systems mandatory in more buildings, correct application of local laws and standards is essential to ensure compliance.
7. Follow manufacturer guidelines for expert advice
No two configurations of fire sprinklers are the same. Consult technical support for assistance in determining the right installation for your clients, including pipe diameters, pressure required and number of sprinkler heads.
8. Choose the right pipes and equipment for your systems
By now we realise that the specification of the pipe itself makes a major difference in a sprinkler system's ability to save lives. However, by putting some thought into the installation process itself, you can save lives as well as time.
BlazeMaster CPVC does not require additional machinery or welding tools to complete installation. All it takes is hand tools and solvent cement, creating a safer and efficient building environment.
9. Install quality components and fixtures using trained professionals
A fire sprinkler design service is only as good as the subsequent installation service. This is why BlazeMaster CPVC is only permitted for use by third party trained CPVC installers.
10. Test and inspect your system regularly
BlazeMaster CPVC fire sprinkler systems are available as wet or dry pipe systems. In either case, water flow testing in accordance with original pressure calculations is key to ensuring ongoing compliance.
Step 11: Download The Orange Book
Thorough sprinkler specification requires more than ten steps; fortunately, support is available.
The Orange Book is filled with all the information you need to specify fire sprinkler systems that keep buildings safe. It is also a great way to collaborate with engineers, contractors and property owners, who all want the best from each project.
Download The Orange Book here.