Contents

Introduction

1.
2.
3.

.1

.2

Types of the Fire Alarm Detectors

.3

Types of the Fire Alarm

,,

,,

Control

Panels

.4

Commissioning & Testing of the

Fire Alarm systems

.5

.6

.7

Fire Alarm Systems Design

6.

Review of a Fire Alarm Systems

7.

Design

.9

Fire Alarm System Management

5.

Concepts

.8

4.

Fire Alarm Standards, samples

8.

Case Study

9.

1. Introduction

.1

FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

*CODE OF PRACTICE

*
. 1

1. Scope
This Part provides
recommendations for the
planning, design, and servicing
of fire detection and alarm
systems in and around
buildings.
This Part does not cover
systems whose primary function
to extinguish or control the fire,
such as sprinkler or automatic
extinguishing systems, even
though they might have a
secondary alarm function; it
does cover the use of a signal
from an automatic
extinguishing element of a fire
alarm system.

.







.
4

FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

*CODE OF PRACTICE

. 2- :

2. Definitions: -

2.1 :

2.1 Addressable System:

A system in which signals
from each detector and/or call point
are individually identified at the
control panel. Hybrid systems are
possible in which groups of devices
on a circuit can be separately
identified, but not individual devices
within the group.

/






.

2.2

2.2 Aspirating detector:

A detector system in which a

sample of the atmosphere in the
protected space is sucked by a fan or
a pump into a detector which may
be remote from the protected space.

FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

*CODE OF PRACTICE

2.3 :

2.3 Automatic System:

.
2.4

A system in which an alarm of

fire can be initiated automatically.
Competent person:

) ( :

2.4

A person competent to perform a

task.

2.5 Detector:

2.5 ) (:

A part of an automatic fire

detection system that contains at
least on sensor which constantly or
at frequent intervals monitors at
least one suitable physical and/or
chemical phenomenon associated
with fire to the control panel and

-

/

.

indicating equipment.

 : Fire Detection: Scope

Fire Detection Scope:

The basic objectives of effective fire

detection (protection) measures is
to protect human lives, material
assets and the environment from
dangers and the effects of fire.

) (

Specifically this means:

.
:
.1

) (

.2

) (

.3

) (

Preventing danger to life and

) health (Personnel protection

1.

Preventing material damage

)(Asset protection

2.

Preventing ecological damage

)(environment protection

3.

Fire Detection Scope ( Continue ) :

: ( )

To ensure adequate fire safety most countries

have enacted national and regional
regulations that allocate the
responsibility as follows:

Personnel protection is normally

governed by laws and ordinances.

Asset protection is usually governed by

insurance companies which publish
corresponding guidelines and
regulations.

Such laws, ordinances, guidelines and

standards have in all cases precedence
over the recommendations in this
security guide and must be
conscientiously taken into consideration
when planning a fire alarm (protection)
system.

) (

.

In cases where no laws and ordinances exist,

the fire detection system should be
planned in accordance with sound fire
protection practice.

 &
Fire Detection and Gas Warning Systems
:

Automatic fire detection

systems:

An automatic fire detection system

is designed to detect a fire in its
incipient stage and to
automatically initiate
programmed control functions.
For example:
Alarming persons who are in
danger.
Calling the fire fighting forces
and rescue teams.
Activating devices for restricting
smoke and fire propagation, for
example, closing fire doors, fire
dampers, and the like.

.
:

...

 &
Fire Detection and Gas Warning Systems
) Automatic fire detection systems( Continue

)(
.

Activating fixed extinguishing

systems,

Activating smoke and heat venting

systems, escape route
pressurization,

De-energizing technical systems

(installations),

Controlling building services

systems, particularly heating and
ventilation systems and elevators,

Activating the emergency lighting,

....

Activating the evacuation systems,

and the like.

10

 .2
Types of the Fire Alarm .2
Detectors

11

ELECTRONIC DETECTOR

SMOKE

FLAM E

HEAT

INFRARED

ULTRAVIOLET

VISIBLE
S.MOKE

INVISIBLE
S.MOKE

RAY

RAY

OPT ICAL
S.MOKE

OPT ICAL
S.MOKE

FLICKERED
INFRARED RAY
DETECTOR

FLICKERED
ULTRAVIOLET
RAY DETECTOR

12

Rate of Temp.
change

Fixed Temp.

RATE OF TEMP.
CHANGE
DETECTOR

RATE OF TEMP.
CHANGE
DETECTOR

FIRE ALARM DETECTORS

AUTOMATIC )

MECHANICAL

ELECTRONIC

ELECTROMECHANICAL

&

SMOKE

FLAM E

HEAT

MECH. & ELECT.

A SOLID BODY
MELTING / EXPANSION

VISIBLE S.

INVISIBLE S.

ULT RAVIOLET

A Liquid
Eevaporation
/

Ficed -Temp. / Rate of Temp.

Thermal Link

ULTRAVIOLET / INFRA RED

change

13

Water, ... Sprinklers

Ionization Smoke Detector

Duct Mounting Smoke Detector

BASE

14

Ionization Smoke Detector

:

.
15

How do Ionization fire

?detectors work
The sensing part of the
detector consists of two
chambers: an open, outer
chamber and a semisealed reference chamber
within.


?How do Ionization fire detectors work

) ( 241

.

) ( .





.

16

Mounted in the reference

chamber is a low activity
radioactive foil of Amercium
241helping current to flow
between the two chambers when
the detector is powered up
As smoke enters the detector,
particles become attracted to
the ions, causing a reduction in
current flow in the outer
chamber and an increase in
voltage measured between the
two chambers.
The voltage increase is
monitored by the electronic
circuitry which triggers the
detector into the alarm state at a
preset threshold, lighting
externally visible red LED when
the detector changes to alarm
state.


Integrating Ionization Smoke Detector

This type of detector works on the

same principles as the ionization
smoke detector, but has a modified
signal processing circuitry which
allows an alarm threshold to be
present for up to 20 seconds
without initiating an alarm. This
type of detectors is suitable for use
in areas where transient high levels
of smoke may be expected.
The integrating effect in Analogue
Addressable Systems can be
mimicked in both ionization and
optical smoke detectors by
adjusting the control equipment
software to cause an appropriate
delay.

) (20




.




.
17

 ) (
Optical ( Photo-electric ) Smoke Detector

LED -









.

18

( )
Optical ( Photo-electric ) Smoke Detector
Optical smoke detectors utilize
a pulsing infrared LED located
in a chamber within the housing
of the detector. The chamber is
designed to exclude light from
any external source. At an angle
to the LED is a photo-diode
which normally does not
register the column of light
emitted by the LED. When a
smoke enter the chamber, the
above light pulse will be
scattered and hence registered
by the photo-diode.

19

 ) ( Beam Detector
A beam detector is designed to
protect large, open spaces and
is made up of three main parts:

) (


- :
.1 :
.
.2 :


.
.3 :

.




.

1. The transmitter, which projects

a beam of infra-red light.
2. The receiver registers the
transmitted light and produces
an electrical signal.
3. The interface, which processes
the signal and generates alarm
or fault signals.
When a fire develops, smoke
particles obstruct the beam of
light and, once a pre-set
threshold has been exceeded,
the detector will go into alarm.

20

 - :

FLAME DETECTOR: -

.




.

21

A Flame detector is
designed to detect either ultraviolet
(UV) or infrared (IR) radiation
emitted by a fire. The flame
detector is sensitive to lowfrequency, flickering radiation.
This means that the
detector can operate even if the
lens is contaminated by a layer of
oil, dust, water vapour or ice.

FLAME DETECTOR
FLAME DETECTOR: -

- :





.

The flame detector has been

designed for use where open
flaming fires may be expected.
Applications include aircraft
hangers, coal handling , paper
manufacturing plants, and wood
working environments.

- :

)
( .

90 . 360

The detector is:

Loop powered.

Sensitive to flickering IR/or UV.

Able to detect open flames, and

glowing embers.

Has a 90 or 360 field of view.

22

HEAT DETECTOR

23

HEAT DETECTOR

Most conventional heat detectors

operate by using a matched
pair of thermistors to sense
heat. One thermistor is exposed
to the ambient temperature, the
other is sealed. In normal
conditions the two thermistors
register similar temperatures,
on the development of a fire the
temperature recorded by the
exposed thermistor will increase
rapidly, resulting in an
imbalance of the thermistors,
causing the detector to change
into alarm state.

.
24

HEAT DETECTOR

Externally, the heat detectors

are distinguishable from the
smoke detectors by having wide
openings to the surroundings to
allow good movement of air
around the external thermistor.

A heat detector may be more

appropriate than a smoke
detector where the environment
is dirty or smoky under normal
conditions. It must be
recognized, that any heat
detector will respond only when
a fire is well established and
generating a high heat output.

.
25

 Linear Heat Detector

26

27

) (

28


) Distributed Temperature Sensing ( DTS

Features & Benefits

& - :

Conventional systems have

limitations.
Fiber optic systems provide
intelligent solutions.
Real time temperature
profiles
& Fire location
direction of propagation
Programmable
functions
Break detection
and recovery remote
interrogation

.

:
.

.
.

.
29


) Distributed Temperature Sensing ( DTS
Distributed Temperature Sensing
(DTS) using optical fibers
established since 1986.
Used in a number of safety
critical applications:
Temperature profiling of
power cables.
Hot spot location on process
plant.
Cryogenic leak detection in
storage tanks.
Subsurface temperature
monitoring of oil production
wells.
Advanced linear heat fire
detection for tunnels.

1986

:

.

.

.

.

.

30


) Distributed Temperature Sensing ( DTS

DESIGN CRITERIA

8.

.

.
:
40 - : 8 0 +/
185 - : 300 +/
:

& :

31

Multiple loop capability

up to 8 km

Fire authority approval

Wide temperature range:

Loop design for high

integrity & fast response
Acrylate: range 40 c to
+ 90c
Polyimide : range 185 c
to + 300 c


) Distributed Temperature Sensing ( DTS

DESIGN CRITERIA

)(continued

:
316 .
3
.

6.

&
.

.
32

Metal jacket for best results

316 stainless steel
3 mm diam tube factory
inserted fiber
6 mm diam tube field blown
fiber
Emc immunity & hazardous
area safety
Safe for human exposure


) Distributed Temperature Sensing ( DTS

MULTIPLE
FUNCTIONALITY

Separate determination of
peaks & averages

) (
.

- :

Differentiation between fire

and ambient conditions

Average temperature for

ventilation control

.

.

peak temperature for fire

control

& Post data processing

condition monitoring
33

In conclusion

In order to enhance safety,

fire detection systems need
to provide a higher level of
information and continue to

operate throughout the
.
emergency situation
Fiber optic based distributed
linear heat detection is a cost
effective intelligent heat

detection that provides the
features required.
.

34

 Multisensor Detector

)(


.

Multisensor detectors
are general purpose
detectors which
respond well to a wide
range of fires.
35

 ( ( Carbon Monoxide CO
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a
poisonous gas produced by a
combustion and a CO fire
detector is used to indicate the
outbreak of a fire by sensing the
level of Co in the air. The
detector has an electrochemical
cell which senses CO, not smoke
or other combustion products.
The cells do not require much
power, so the detector can be
made electrically compatible
with ordinary smoke and heat
detectors.
CO detectors are particularly good
at detecting deep-seated
smouldering fires.

... -


.

.

36


Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

37


Combustible Gas Detectors

38

 / &
Pneumatic / Heat Fire Detectors & Extinguishers
39

 / &
Pneumatic / Heat Fire Detectors & Extinguishers
40

 / &
Pneumatic / Heat Fire Detectors & Extinguishers

Pneumatic Control Head

Pneumatic Heat Fire Detector

) (
) Fire Extinguisher (Pressurized Type

41

FIRE ALARM

DETECTORS

MECHANICAL DETECTOR

A LIQUID
EVAPORATION

A SOLID BODY MELTING /

EXPANSION

Water, ... Sprinklers

Thermal Link

T= 75C

42

 Listed Fusible Links

43

 Pendent

Upright

Concealed

Water, ... Sprinklers
Recessed

44

Quick-Response

.3

Types of the Fire Alarm .3
Control Panels

45


Addressable Control Panel
46

 ) 8 (

47

Integrated Fire Alarm System

48

4. Commissioning & Testing

of the Fire Alarm systems

49

4.

 .4
Commissioning & Testing .4
.1 - :
1.1

.
1.2

.

.2 - :
2.1




24
.

SYSTEM NETWOK:1.1 Make final review and check the

network circuitry characteristics
*according to the final approved
design, and prepare the as-built
drawings.
1.2 Take care to keep the
documents related system network
preventive maintenance program in
good order, and enough copies too.
2.
SYSTEM COMPONENTS :2.1 Start to make the initial
visual and conformity inspection of
the system components according to
the manufacturer instructions, for
example dont store more than 30
ionization detectors particularly in
adjacent packages

Final approved* design: i.e. it is complying with relevant codes, and clients demands

50

 .4
.2 - :
2.2

.
2.3

.
2.4

.
2.5


.

2. SYSTEM COMPONENTS:2.2 Take care to keep the

related components catalogues
in good order, and enough
copies too.
2.3 Take care to keep the
related commissioning & testing
components catalogues in good
order, and enough copies too.
2.4 Take care to keep the
related running & maintenance
components catalogues in good
order, and enough copies too.
2.5 Take care to keep the
related spare components in
good order, and enough
numbers according to the
manufacturer instructions.

Final approved* design: i.e. it is complying with relevant codes, and clients demands

51

 .4

.3 - :

SYSTEM INSTALLATION

3.1
Make sure to attend each
zone commissioning and testing
according the related BS*, NPFA,
and Egyptian codes, including
individual detectors testing,
manual alarm stations, audible
and visual components etc, and
any related auto-programmed
ancillaries.

3.1





...

.

3.2
Perform entire system
commissioning and testing
according the related BS, NPFA,
and Egyptian codes, including
individual detectors testing,
manual alarm stations, audible
and visual components etc, and
any related auto-programmed
ancillaries.

3.2

.
52

BS* : 5839 Part 1

3.

 5.
5 . SYSTEM MANAGEMENT

53

.5 - :
5.1
)

(
.
5.2


.
5.3

.
5.4


.

5. SYSTEM
MANAGEMENT:Adopt the system
manufacturer technical advices
for running and maintaining
the system.
5.2 Initiate all standards and
manufacturer recommended
technical recommended logbooks for the installed system.
5.3 Keep a copy of the system
guarantee certificates.
5.4 Keep all the related
system documents in an orderly
file showing all relevant data.
5.1

54

BS* : 5839 Part 1

 6.
6. Fire Alarm Systems Design
Concepts

55


Overall Fire Protection Concept
. 5 /
5. Structural fire protection / containment
. 4
Automatic and manual suppression systems. 4
.3
3. Evacuation of building occupants
. 2
Automatic and manual fire detection. 2

.1
...
1. Area of Protection
buildings, room, processetc
...
Smoking prohibition, fire load reduction etc

Smoke detection, occupant warning, calling the fire department

Exit signs, emergency lighting, intercom etc

Fire resistive architecture, compartmentation

Multilevel fire protection concept

56

57


Choosing a suitable detector system
: -Choosing a suitable detector system

- :

Which detectors need to be specified, where, depends

:on the

:

.
.

) (
I

Monitoring category or the general

monitoring objectives of the fire detection
system.
Room height.
Environmental conditions, including
deceptive phenomena.

.
: -

I. Choosing a detector for normal

applications: -

:

.

58

Normally a smoke detector can be chosen

based on the following table, provided that
disturbance variables are minor and occur
only rarely. The principle criteria for
choosing a detector and parameter set or sensitivity
are the monitoring objective and the assessment of
the fire risk exposure.

Detectors
Opto Poly Thermo

- Flaming incipient fire

II

Monitoring Projection /
Category
Monitoring Objective

- Flaming incipient fire

-

III

Smoldering incipient
)fire (desired

- Flaming incipient fire

II
III

Smoldering incipient
fire

Suited

Un suited

- :

Optimally suited
Conditionally suited

Influence of the room height: -

59

With increasing of room height the influence

of fire phenomena weakens which means that
more sensitive detectors must be installed.


Choosing a suitable detector system

) (Cl .2

6m

) (Cl .1

7.5 m

Suitability
Flaming Fire Smoldering
Heat detector (Cl .2) 6

Heat detector (Cl .1) 7.5

-m

60

m Smoke detector / or 12-20

Linear Smoke
detector

/ 12-20 m

20 m

Smoke detector 12

12 m

Suitable detector
type

Room
Height

Flame detector 20
Suited

Optimally suited
Un suited


Choosing the appropriate detector
Three different detector series are available:
Interactive detector system
AnalogPLUS detector system
Collective detector system
Each of these systems has its own special characteristics and is suited to specific applications
System

Characteristics

Applications

Interactive

- Freely programmable adjustment

- Demanding system engineering of any size
the response behavior
Optimum detector reliability
- Where transit or continuous interference is
Also usable under critical ambient conditions present which could cause a false alarm
High immunity to soiling
- With direct alarm link to the fire department
Immune to electromagnetic, electrical and
- Wherever the prevention of false alarm has
optical interference signals
top priority
Individual addressing
Microprocessor controlled electronics
Transmits 4 danger levels
Automatic self test
Remote diagnostic capability
Loop line with T branches
-

61


Choosing the appropriate detector
( )

System

Characteristics

Applications

AnalogPLUS

Evaluation of two response sensitivities

Very good detector reliability
- Large systems
Immune to ambient influences
- For rarely occurring deceptive
Electronics with integrated circuit (ASIC)
phenomena that can cause false alarms
Individual addressing
- Alerting of the fire department with
Drift signals
CAC
Detector monitoring
Loop line with module for T branches
-

- Normal system engineeri

-

Collective

- One response sensitivity for a wide

- Easy system engineering
application range
- Small easily manageable system
Optimum detector reliability
- Few potential interference that
Good detection reliability
could cause false alarms
Monitored line
- No direct alerting to the fire department
Compatible with existing control units
Electronics with integrated circuit (ASIC)
Stub line
Favorably priced
-

62

63

64

 .7

Review of a Fire Alarm .7
Systems Design
65

 Review a Design of a Fire Alarm System

Data Required to Review a Design of

a Fire Alarm System

.1
.2
.3

Complete set of Alarm system design

drawings for the project building in
details, if possible - + specifications
and bill of quantities book.
Sufficient description for nature of
users and occupants of the areas to be
protected.
Architectural and decoration
drawings ( To determine the volumes,
ceilings heights and types, and any
projected slabs- if existing as far
ceilings heights are reversely
proportional to the protected areas,
also the upper volumes of the fall
ceilings should be protected too,
finally the falling slabs are forming a
delaying obstacles to the smokes
currents.

+
.

.
)

...







.

66

1.

2.
3.

 Review a Design of a Fire Alarm System

4. Air-conditioning and ventilation
drawings ] To ensure early smoke
detection for the air sucked by the airconditioning ... etc hence special duct
smoke detectors must be employed
( or a continuous air sample must be
drawn for early smoke detection ).
Moreover it enables the design
reviewer to determine the dimensions
and ducts roots to ensure that it forms
no obstacles similar to the falling
slabs.
5. A primary design review to the
available fire alarm detectors
distribution.
a. The number and types of the
detectors according to E.S , B.S.
& NFPA.
b. The fire alarm zones according
to E.S., B.S. & NFPA.

.4 )



)

(

.
. 5
-:
.

.
.
.

67

 Review a Design of a Fire Alarm System

....


.


)
... (
.

68

Review the cables and

wires types, specifications,
and the connectors too.
Review the conduits types
and specifications too.
Review the
communication link with
other intelligent systems
e.g. Auto-fire fighting
systems.
Review the evacuation
plans and techniques.

 Review a Design of a Fire Alarm System

ALARM ZONES

.


30.
) (


.
69

When a signal of fire is ALARM

ZONES n it is necessary that there
should be no confusion about
the zone from which it is
received. To facilitate response
by persons providing assistance,
the zone should be small enough
for a fire to be located quickly.
The search distance should not
exceed 30m.
Remote indicator lamps outside
doors , etc., may be helpful,
especially if doors are likely to
be locked

.8

Fire Alarm Standards, .8

samples

70

Standards for fire detection systems

:

European standards:

CEN
) ( CENELEC
( (

In Europe the standards are defined

EN54-1

by CEN) European committee for

standardization), and CENELEC
(European committee for Electro-technical
Standardization).
Number

Title

EN54-1 Components of automatic fire detection

:
EN54-2
EN54-3
EN54-4
EN54-5

systems: Introduction.
Control and indicating equipment.
Audible fire alarm devices.
Power supplies.
Heat sensitive detectors point detectors
containing a static element.

71

EN54-2
EN54-3
EN54-4
EN54-5


Standards for fire detection systems

) (

Title

EN54-6
.
EN54-7
.
.EN54-8
. EN54-9
.EN54-10
. EN54-11 ) (
.EN54-12
.EN54-13
EN54-14

.
EN54-15

.

72

Number

EN54-6 Heat sensitive detectors rate of rise point

detectors without static element.
EN54-7 Smoke detectors - point detectors using
scattered light, transmitted light, or
ionization.
EN54-8 High Temperature heat detectors.
EN54-9 Fire Tests for smoke detectors.
EN54-10 Flame detectors.
EN54-11 Manual call points
EN54-12 Optical beam detectors.
EN54-13 System requirements.
EN54-14 Guidelines for planning design,
installation, commissioning, use and
maintenance.
EN54-15 Point type multi-sensor fire detectors
incorporating a smoke sensor in
combination with a heat sensor.

 ) (

) (
)UL standards ( Underwriters Laboratories Inc. USA
UL521

UL268
UL268A
UL38
UL864

Heat detectors for fire protection

signaling systems.

UL521

Smoke detectors for fire protection

signaling systems.

UL268

Smoke detectors for duct application.

UL268A

Manual call point.

UL38
UL864

Control units for fire protection

signaling systems

UL827
UL217

Central station for watchman, fire alarm

and supervisory systems.

Single and multiple-station smoke

UL827
UL217

detectors.

UL985

Household fire warning system unit

73

UL985

( )

Testing laboratories

The major testing laboratories are :

1.

2.
3.

4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

ANPI: Association Nationale pour la

Protection contre Iincendie
( Belgium )
CNPP: Centre National de Prvention et de
Protection ( France )
DELTA: DELTA Electronics Testing

(Denmark(
LPC Lab: Loss Prevention Council
laboratories ( UK )
VDS Lab: Verband der Schadenversicher
e.V. (Germany )
ULI: Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
(USA)
ULC: Underwriters Laboratories of
Canada
FMRC: Factory Mutual Research
Corporation (USA)

74

: ANPI

: CNPP

: DELTA

: LPC Lab

: VDS Lab

: ULI

: ULC

: FMRC

 .9
Case Study
.9

75

 & ...
] - [
Design a Special profile Detection System for Mains & Control Panels
etc, at Al-Maliah Towers Project, Abbasia, Cairo
:
.1

.2

/ )
& (
.

.3

/
-

-

.

76

This case study are briefed as the

following:1.
The above mentioned panels are
shown on the attached schematic
drawing.
2.
The consultant demanded to
utilize Ceiling Detector /
Extinguisher Modular CO2 type
(i.e. Sprinkler is the heat
detector).
3.
Instead, pneumatic detector was
proposed to be looped within the
panels, Polymer pressurized tube,
rather than above mentioned
sprinkler, for much earlier alarm,
faster and reliable extinguishing.

& CO2
CO2 Extinguisher &
Pneumatic Detector

&

Distribution &
Control Panels

77

10

1 5

78