Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (XXXXXX)

Department of Engineering
Higher Diploma in Building Services Engineering

Building Services System Design B (MBS4242)

Piped Services and Fire Services Design

for
XXX Building
Hong Kong

PROGRESS REPORT

Date of submission: XX-XX-XXXX

Submit to: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

We declare that this is a group project and that no part of this submission has been copied from any
other student’s work or from any other source except where due acknowledgement is made explicitly in
the text, nor has any part been written for us by another person.

Programme Code/Class: XXXXXXXX Group No.: XXX

No. Student Name Student No. Signature

1
 Table of Contents
PROGRESS REPORT..............................................................................1
Question 6.................................................................................................3
1.Introduction/Objectives.........................................................................3
2. Scope of Services Works.....................................................................4
3. Design Reference and Criteria..............................................................4
4. System Description...............................................................................6
5. Work Plan.............................................................................................9
Question 7...............................................................................................20
Electrical Services...................................................................................20
6. Appendix.............................................................................................25
References...............................................................................................26

2
 Question 6
1.Introduction/Objectives

1. Piped Services (Plumbing)

 Analyse the building’s plumbing installations
 Decide on usage
 Analyse design criteria for other types of plumbing installations
 Study the plant and system components
 Determine the best water pump sizes
 Carry out hydraulic analysis for design flow rate and the water tanks
2. Piped services (Drainage Services)
 Analyse the building’s drainage system
 Decide on the area’s usage
 Analyse design criteria of the area specified.
 Study the components of the system
 Determine pipework sizes and arrangement
3. Fire services
 Analyse the portable fire extinguisher installation required for the selected building.
 Carry out the investigation on the building constraints and surrounding environment of
the selected building and its impact on the services provision.
 Decide on the usage of the area and study the regulatory requirements for the portable
fire extinguisher installation for the building.
 Define the design criteria for different types of portable fire extinguisher installation of
the selected building.
 Carry out study on the following aspects including selection of system components and
selection of locations.

3
2. Scope of Services Works

1. Piped Services
2. Fire Services
3. Electrical services

3. Design Reference and Criteria

Piped Services and Fire Services

Piped Services
a. Plumbing System
Plumbing installations in the building
1. Pipework
 The building utilizes rigid copper pipe for pipework installations. The system was chosen
due to its ease of installation (high malleability) and comes without any health risks.
 Connections; solder-type connections were preferred
 Advantages include: it handles heat well, it can withstand high pressures, easy
recyclability, as waste copper can be sold.
 Disadvantages include: Expensive. (WHO, n.d)
2. Water pressure
 The minimum water pressure in the system is 55 psi which is adequate
3. the pipes have been installed in a neat configuration and hung from the ceiling with pipe
hangers and straps.
4. The cold and hot water main lines are running alongside each other.
5. Other accessories in the system include: gate valve, corporation stop, curb stop, curb stop box,
meter stop, S-traps and water meter.

4
 Design criteria for plumbing installations
1. Cold Water
System for increasing pressure
This can be achieved in a number of ways:
 Pumping cold water from
underground or at the ground level to a roof tank. The water flows back into the piping
through gravity.
 Providing adequate drinking water supply pressure through a hydro-pneumatic pressure
tank. It utilizes captive air pressure to pump water from a gravity storage tank/water
main. (WHO, n.d)
 Using multiple staged pumps that suck water from the water mains. These act as booster
pumps, and with the help of regulatory valves, ensure there is an even and constant
potable water supply pressure. . (QRFS, n.d)

2. Hot Water
 Hot water systems have non return devices that prevent hot water systems from getting
into cold water systems during an interruption of pressure.
 The approved hot water temperature should be determined in conjunction with public
health officials. (WHO, n.d)
 Temperatures above 50 degrees are recommended to prevent growth of Legionella. Care
should also be taken to set a temperature that wouldn’t scald children and the elderly.
 Heating is carried out by a heating device such as a boiler or a steam coil,
 Thermostats are installed to regulate the heat of the incoming hot water.
 Pressure relief valves are also installed to regulate pressure within the system. (QRFS,
n.d)

3. Water storage Tanks/reservoirs

 is an important part of a dual supply system
 tanks will be installed on a stiff enough base that is designed to carry the reservoirs
maximum weight, without distortion (WHO, n.d)

5
  install a noncorrosive insulating membrane between the tank’s underside and the support.
 The pipes should not bear any of the tank’s loads.
 Easy access for regular maintenance or repairs.
 Potable water reservoirs should be installed away from sanitary plumbing. (WHO, n.d)

4. System Description
Component sizes and flow rates
1. Storage tanks
2. Plumbing fixtures (peak flow rate)
No. of fixture units Litres per second Gallons per minute
1 5 0.23 3.04
.
2 10 0.34 4.49
.
3 20 0.54 7.14
.
4 50 1.13 14.93
.
5 100 1.67 22.07
.
Table 1.

b. Drainage system
Analysis of the drainage system
the building uses subsurface drainage system. Also known as a French drain, the drains are
placed underneath the soil’s top layer. This helps remove water at the root level. Deep ditches
were dug and pipes installed. (WHO, n.d)
The other type of system used is a downspout and gutter system. The downspout is connected to
the gutters and water from the roof is carried away and towards the ground (WHO, n.d). The
water is carried away on aslope to ensure it doesn’t stagnate at the downspout base.
Therefore, the building uses a combined drainage system to convey both stormwater and water
from sanitary usage.
Area usage
 The most economical method of draining both the stormwater and foul water would be to
combine them into a single drain as opposed to a separate system that would have two

6
 different drains, one draining to a foul water sewer, and the other draining into a surface
water sewer. . (QRFS, n.d)
Design criteria
Pipes
1. Pipe sizing
 The minimum size storm sewer will be fifteen inches in diameter.
 The rain water drainage system will be designed such that it keeps a constant velocity of
three feet per second at the outlet. (WHO, n.d)
2. Pipe Slope
 Concrete collars will be provided for pipes with slopes more than twenty percent.
3. Depth
 Provide a minimum cover of eighteen inches for all storm drainage lines.
Junction Box
 4feet by 4 feet
Inlets
 Constructed outside curb radii
Driveways
 Have a minimum two feet from curb inlet flare.
Culverts
Minimum diameter = 450mm, min widthxheight is 450mmx450mm for rectangular culverts
Minimum depth = 500mm

The sizes of external and internal drains may be calculated depending on the overall number of
fixtures in each section:

7
Figure 1: MAX LOADS FOR HORIZONTAL FIXTURE BRANCHES AND BUILDING DRAINS
OR SEWERS

b. Fire System
Selection of appropriate type of fire system
The following factors should be considered:
 Classification of the building
 Capacity of the building in terms of occupancy, location and awareness
 The building’s fire hazard, potential growth and duration
 The height of the building
 Security measures that impede escape
 Number, location, size and layout of escape routes
 Protection from adjacent buildings
 Intervention of fire services
Portable fire extinguisher locations in a building
Fire extinguishers should be installed near fire hazards for example, near kitchens, or server
rooms. It should also be not too close to the fire hazard such that it is inaccessible in the event of
an emergency. The following are the maximum distances that one should travel to reach an
extinguisher in the event of a fire: (Scdf, n.d)

8
Table 2.
The fire extinguisher will be accompanied by two signs, an identification sign that indicates what
types of fires it can extinguish, and a location sign. The location sign is installed at least two
metres above the ground and indicates that an extinguisher is located underneath it. It should be
visible up to a distance of twenty metres. The identification sign is placed directly above the fire
extinguisher. (Scdf, n.d)
For cooking oils or fat fire hazards, the extinguisher should not be more than two metres away
from the hazard. For electrical switchboards, a five-kilogram CO2 can is recommended, at least
two metres away from the switchboard. (Scdf, n.d)

5. Work Plan
Design criteria for types of portable fire extinguishers
They are grouped into five classes:
Class A fire
This is ordinary fire involving normal flammable materials such as cloths, wood, trash and paper.
This fire can be put out using a water fire extinguisher, foam or dry chemical powder. (Scdf, n.d)
Class B fire
These are fires that have flammable liquids as the fuel source. They include petrol, paints and
petroleum-based oils. This type of fire is common in industries that deal with these types of
chemicals. However, one needs to determine the specific fire source to know which type of
extinguisher is required. The best extinguisher for flammable liquid fires is foam and dry powder
extinguishers. (Scdf, n.d)
Class C fire

9
Is a fire that has flammable gases as its fuel source. Methane, propane and butane are the most
common. These are common in large quantities in chemical factories and industrial warehouses.
Dry powder and carbon dioxide extinguishers are used to extinguish. (Scdf, n.d)
Class D fire
Is a fire that has combustible metals as its fuel source e.g., magnesium and zirconium. This type
of fire is most commonly found in laboratories. Dry powder extinguishers are used. (Scdf, n.d)
Class E fire
This is a type of fire caused by energized electrical equipment e.g., electric appliances and
transformers. The most appropriate would be the chemical powder extinguisher and carbon
dioxide extinguisher. (Scdf, n.d)
Fire hydrant and hose reel system:
Fire Hydrants
These are located in all built up areas and served by a water distribution system. They are located
at convenient locations that are easily accessible by the fire department. There are methods
established for the location of a fire hydrant in a community. Some of these factors include:
population of the community, number of existing fire hydrants in the area, and property types
within the area. For a fire hydrant to be installed in a certain community the hydrant has to be at
least a thousand feet within the properties to be protected. (The Australian Government 2012)
Locating a fire hydrant
 In built up or densely populated area, a spacing of 250 to 300 feet is generally accepted.
In a fireman’s perspective, the best position for fire hydrant is at intersecting streets. This
is ue to the relative centrality of that location in reference to adjacent buildings.
 The best fire hydrant design for this area would be a nozzle hydrant due to the densely
populated nature of the location.
 The fire hydrants should be installed as soon as access to the water mains is available.
Inspection and repair
The fire department normally has an inspection and repair schedule already in place. It should be
done regularly to prevent catastrophic failure in the event of a fire.
Hose reel system
 All hose reels have to be installed next to a fire hydrant
 if internal fire hydrants have been installed, hose reels have to be attached as well.
 Every sole occupancy unit greater than five hundred metres square will have an attached
hose reel.
 They have to be located within four metres of an exit
 Each storey has to have a separate hose reel.

10
 They have to be indicated using appropriate signage two metres above the ground in clear
with white letters
 Robust mounting of the hose reel
 Install a water storage tank or pump if there is inadequate pressure to increase hydrant
pressure. (The Australian Government 2012)

Determine the sizes of all necessary components of the fire control

system (hydrant, and hose reel system)

11
 Hose Reels
Fixed or swing type to suite the site installation conditions. Hose length is 30m and bore
19mm.
 Drum – diecast light alloy
 Hydraulically balanced
 Free from denting and twisting
 Red Enamel
 Brass Hub and shaft
 Drip free
 Reinforced rubber/PVC tubing hose reel
 Wall mounting brackets of substantial construction
 Support brackets able to support a 180 degree swing out
 Each hose reel nozzle contained within a glass fronted metal box, o.8mm thick.
 Easily replaced break glass
 Break glass not more than 1.5mm thick
 Common key used for padlocks.
 Metal or plastic striker, 300mm long secured by steel chains for shattering the glass in
the event of a fire.
Tanks
F.S. Water tank
The water storage capacity should be able to support 30minutes of firefighting operation.
30,000litres is adequate for firefighting services for this application. In an emergency the
swimming pool can be used as a reasonable water storage/reservoir. If a poly tank is installed, it
should be placed at a point where there will be no combustion at those water levels.
The ideal flow rate is 300 to 600 litres per minute.
Steel tanks also lose their structural integrity when exposed to extreme heat hence will leak at the
seams. An option we can consider is underground poly tanks. These are relatively cheap and can
also collect stormwater runoff.
Fresh Water Tank
The fresh water tank size for the apartment is 20,000 litres
Septic Tank
The septic tank is 4m × 1.4m × 1.30m (13ft × 4.59ft × 4.25ft). this tank has a capacity 7,500
litres of liquid waste.
Plumbing and fittings
Draw off outlet – 65mm, with, male coupling (64mm thread, 25x50mm nominal bore BSpipe)

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Piping – 50mm nominal bore
Fire Sprinkler Pump Specifications (Electric)
The ideal water pump specifications for a hose reel and fire hydrant system include:
General
 Suitable for automation
 415volts, 3 phase, 50hz A/C system
 Assemble on base plate of fabricated cast iron (Apfbcs, n.d)
Drive
 Flexible coupling
Fire pump
 Horizontal end suction centrifugal
 2280LPM, minimum pa. of 3kg per sq.cm
 Discharge more than one fifty percent of rated discharge (Apfbcs, n.d)
Motor
 Squirrel cage A/C induction type
 415 volts, 3phase, 50hz.
 Provide a motor with enough horsepower to drive pump at one fifty percent of rated
discharge.
Motor starter
 Automatic star Delta type
 Won’t include under voltage or overload trip
 Starter system will be suitably incorporated with the power control panel for wet riser.
(Apfbcs, n.d)

13
Fire Sprinkler System
1. The sprinkler system in the building is a wet pipe fire sprinkler system. Cold water is stored
within the pipes under considerable pressure. When a predetermined heat level is reached, the
water is released at once by sprinkler heads.

14
2. the sprinkler head being used is an upright or pendant spray sprinkler. This type of sprinkler
head directs cold water straight down. This is perfect for the room as the building has high
ceilings. (IFSEC Global, n.d)

Hydraulic analysis for design flow rate and fire sprinkler pump
A fire sprinkler uses around eight gallons per minute.
Needed fire flow = [(length x width) ÷ 3] x percent of involvement
=(50x60)/3 x 25%℃
= 250GPM
15
Use a Horizontal split case pump, with a rating of 250 gpm through to 5,000 gpm.

Max flow = 2083M3/hr

Head Max = 157m
Liquid = 0 – 100℃
Max Pressure = 25 psi

Building investigation and impact on the fire sprinkler system chosen

The building has exceptionally high storey height. This is favourable for a pendant spray
sprinkler head which aims the stream of cold water straight down towards the flames. It has a
12.7mm thread connection and a 5.6 K-factor. (IFSEC Global, n.d)
Area Usage
The sprinkler system does not discharge all the water at once. If the fire is localized to one area,
the sprinkler system in that area is activated for that particular area. (IFSEC Global, n.d)
Other types of fire sprinkler installation.
Dry pipe fire sprinkler system
Contains compressed air in the pipes. It keeps the pressure up by utilizing electric air
compressors, bottles of nitrogen or other supply systems. When the sprinkler head is opened, the
compressed air is discharged and the system pipes are filled with water. (IFSEC Global, n.d)

16
The Pre-Action fire sprinkler system
It is similar to a dry fire sprinkler system, but differs in that it needs either a single, or two other
events for a sprinkler discharge. This is normally the opening of the sprinkler head, and a
different detection of smoke, a flame or a heat source. It helps prevent false positives especially
in expensive settings such as museums and art galleries. (IFSEC Global, n.d)
It majorly uses the idea of a dry pipe sprinkler system. This is whereby there is no wter in the
piping until heat sensors activate the release. The pre-action fire sprinkler system is epeciy ueful
against accidental discharge in case of a false alarm. It achieves this by utilizing a electrically
operated pre-action valve.
Advantages
 Is good in extremely cold environments as the pipes are empty until the system is
triggered by a sensor.
 Is the preferred system in sensitive environments such as bank vaults, server rooms, and
laboratories.
 It helps minimize incidences o water and fire damages.
 There is no accidental water release in case of a false alarm.
Disadvantages
 They are expensive to install
 They are difficult to install as they require more components than the average sprinkler
system, hence making them more complex. They therefore need an experienced
technician to carry out installation and regular maintenance.

17
  Modifications to the system are difficult to implement due to limitations caused by the
system’s size.
 There is a delay between the time of the alarm and the water discharge.

Deluge fire sprinkler system

It is similar to a pre-action system with the difference being the sprinkler heads are kept
permanently open. It is activated by a detecting device such as a smoke detector. It sends a signal
to a monitoring panel that releases a solenoid valve which douses the fire. They trigger
immediately hence are effective in hazardous areas.
Advantages
 It has many advantages over a more traditional fire sprinkler system. The deluge system
is better in colder areas because, unlike traditional sprinkler systems which are full of
water, its system is dry hence there a lower risk of freezing pipes.
 It has aa faster response in the event of a fire emergency. This I because it releases all the
eter in the system in one go. In a traditional sprinkler system, the sprinkler heads are
activated individually. This makes the deluge system better in an emergency.

18
Fire sprinkler system components (Wet System)
 Water supply
 Piping
 Sprinklers
 System air vent
 Waterflow alarm
 Fire department connection
 Auxiliary drain
 Main drain
 Control valve
 Backflow prevention device
Sizes of components
Water pump
The building is a fully sprinklered structure with standpipes. The first standpipe will be
connected to a 250 gpm pump and the second standpipe will be connected to a 250 gpm
standpipe.
Storage tanks
The appropriate size water tank is 20,000 litres. this would be enough to fill the fire truck and
also douse surrounding buildings.
Pipework Arrangement
Requirements:
1. quality of water flowing through the distribution pipes should not deteriorate.
2. there should be enough pressure head in the system to supply water to intended locations.
3. capable of supplying required amount in the event of a fire emergency.
4. consumers shouldn’t lack water due to the system.
5. Watertight to prevent leakages.
The three types of patterns normally used include:
1. Circular/ring system (Grid pattern with loop)
2. Gridiron system (Grid Pattern)
3. Tree system (Branching pattern with dead end)
Water Pump Sizing
A fire sprinkler uses around eight gallons per minute.
Needed fire flow = [(length x width) ÷ 3] x percent of involvement

19
=(50x60)/3 x 25%
= 250GPM

20
 Question 7
Electrical Services
Estimation of preliminary loadings
The area is mainly a commercial district. The average estimated loading is 22.5 KWh
Design of electrical distribution system

Electrical services equipment inside the building

1. Water Heater
2. Dishwasher
3. Microwave
4. Dryer
5. Television
6. Washing Machine
7. Lighting (15 rooms)
8. Central Air Conditioner (6tons)
9. Oven
10. Refrigerator
Current consumption for each equipment
Appliance Consumption (KWh)
1. Water Heater 930
2. Dishwasher 90
3. Microwave 48
4. Dryer 225
5. Television 81
6. Washing Machine 27
7. Lighting (15 rooms) 150
8. Central Air Conditioner (6tons) 4350
9. Oven 174
10 Refrigerator 615
.
11 TOTAL 6690
.
Table 2.
Protective devices
Fuses

21
Are the most common types of devices used to protect electric equipment and electronics. They
are useful against overloads and short circuits. Fuses come in various shapes and sizes, with
various ratings. (Dr Alzuhairi, M. n.d.)
1. low voltage fuses. They include semi-enclosed fuse, cartridge fuse, high rupturing capacity, or
high breaking capacity fuses.

22
High Voltage Fuses
There are three types: Open type, enclosed, spring type. These fuses can be used up to 33KV.
(Dr Alzuhairi, M. n.d.)

2. Circuit breakers
Is an electric switch that is automatically operated, and designed to protect an the electronics
from short circuits and overloads. Circuit breakers are easily reset, unlike fuses which have to be
replaced. (Dr Alzuhairi, M. n.d.)

23
3. Poly Switch/Resettable Fuse
Us a passive device used for protection against over current. They are used in compyters, or even
nuclear applications where substitution is difficult. (ELPROCUS, n.d)

4. RCCB or RCD
These are usually used in conjunction with circuit breakers or fuses that prevent an overload of
current within the circuit.

24
5. Inrush current limiter
It stops inrush current to prevent damage to equipment and stop tripping circuit breakers and
blown fuses. (ELPROCUS, n.d)

Equipment Schedules
Equipment Number Rating (KWh_
1 Lights 50 1
.
2 Oven 2 6
.
3 Refrigerator 4 4
.
4 Heater 60 5.5
.
5 Microwave 3 0.8
.
6 Air Conditioning Units 20 4
.
Table 2.

25
6. Appendix

Table 1: Plumbing fixtures (peak flow rate)

Table 2: Portable fire extinguisher locations in a building
Table 3. Equipment schedules and power rating

26
References

QRFS, (n.d). #75 - Fire Sprinkler Systems: History, Types, and Uses
(https://www.qrfs.com/blog/75-fire-sprinkler-systems-history-types-and-uses/)

Ryherd et al., (2011) Influence of a wearer’s voice on noise dosimeter measurements Viewed at
14th May 2021. Available at: (https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/70594132.pdf)

Occupational Safety and Health Branch of the Labour Department, (2017) Guidance Notes on
Factories and industrial Undertakings (Noise at Work) Regulation Viewed at 14th May 2021.
Available at: (https://www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/os/C/FIUNR.pdf)\)

The Australian Government (2012) Design fire hydrant and hose reel systems Viewed at 14th
May 2021. Available at:
(https://training.gov.au/TrainingComponentFiles/CPC08/CPCPFS5002A_R1.pdf)

The Hong Kong special administrative region (2001) General specification for fire service
installation in government buildings of the hong kong special administrative region 2001 edition
Viewed at 14th May 2021. Available at: (https://www.archsd.gov.hk/media/publications-
publicity/general-specification-for-fire-service-installation/e36.pdf)

Scdf, n.d Fire fighting systems Viewed at 14th May 2021. Available at:
(https://www.scdf.gov.sg/docs/default-source/scdf-library/fssd-downloads/hb_v4_ch6.pdf) \

Apfbcs, n.d Specifications for fire hydrant & sprinklet system.Viewed at 14th May 2021.
Available at: (http://apfbcs.nic.in/apfbcs/Res-notice/Res-doc-4-21112016.pdf)

IFSEC Global, n.d Fire sprinkler systems: A beginner’s guide Viewed at 14th May 2021.
Available at: (https://www.ifsecglobal.com/fire-sprinkler-systems/)

WHO, n.d Design of plumbing systems for multi-storey buildings Viewed at 14th May 2021.
Available at: (https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/hygiene/plumbing14.pdf)

27
Dr Alzuhairi, M. n.d. Protective Devices: Fuses & Circuit Breakers Viewed at 14th May 2021.
Available at: (https://www.philadelphia.edu.jo/academics/mlazim/uploads/Power%20System
%20protection%20-%20Part%2004.pdf)

28