Essentials of Fire Fighting
6 th Edition
Firefighter II
Chapter 20 — Fire Protection
Systems
Learning Objective 1
Describe fire alarm systems.
20–2
Fire alarm systems alert occupants and
other parties of an emergency
condition.
20–3
Alarm systems consist of several
components you should know about.
Courtesy of Ron Moore, McKinney (TX) Fire Department
(Cont.)
20–4
Courtesy of Ron Moore, McKinney (TX) Fire Department
There are several alarm system
components firefighters should know.
20–5
(Cont.)
There are several alarm system
components firefighters should know.
(Cont.)
20–6
There are several alarm system
components firefighters should know.
(Cont.)
20–7
There are several alarm system
components firefighters should know.
20–8
REVIEW QUESTION
What are the basic components of
an alarm system?
20–9
There are several types of alarm
signaling systems in use.
(Cont.)
20–10
There are several types of alarm
signaling systems in use.
20–11
REVIEW QUESTION
How do protected premises and
station alarm systems differ?
20–12
Learning Objective 2
Identify alarm initiating devices.
20–13
Alarm-initiating devices send a signal
to the alarm system when fire is
present.
20–14
Pull stations allow occupants to
initiate the fire signaling system.
20–15
Heat detectors activate when
temperatures in monitored area
reach a predetermined point.
20–16
There are several types of fixedtemperature detectors.
(Cont.)
20–17
There are several types of fixedtemperature detectors.
20–18
Rate-of-rise detectors signal
when temperatures rise quickly.
20–19
There are several types of
rate-of-rise detectors.
20–20
Smoke detectors and alarms
both detect the presence of
products of combustion.
20–21
Photoelectric smoke detectors
can respond more quickly than
ionization- type.
20–22
Ionization smoke detectors react to
ionized molecules in the chamber.
20–23
There are several types of power
sources used for these devices.
20–24
The basic types of flame detectors
detect light in different spectrums.
20–25
Flame detectors are among the fastest
to respond, even in non-fire
conditions.
20–26
Fire-gas detectors operate by
detecting gases that may be
released.
20–27
Combination detectors combine
various systems into a single device.
20–28
REVIEW QUESTION
What are the major categories of
alarm-initiating devices?
20–29
Learning Objective 3
Explain the ways automatic sprinkler
systems work.
20–30
Automatic sprinkler systems are an
integrated system of pipes, sprinklers,
and control valves.
20–31
Courtesy of the U.S. Navy
There are two general types of
automatic sprinkler systems.
20–32
Understanding sprinkler systems
also requires other information.
20–33
Sprinkler systems have several
effects on life safety during a fire.
20–34
Sprinkler systems are made up of
several components.
20–35
Sprinklers are fixed spray nozzles
that operate to discharge water.
20–36
All of the common release
mechanisms for sprinklers respond
to heat.
20–37
Sprinkler deflectors create the
discharge pattern of water
downward.
20–38
Courtesy of Ron Moore, McKinney (TX) Fire Department
Sprinkler storage cabinets are
usually installed near a riser or
valve.
20–39
Most system main water control
valves are indicating valves.
20–40
There are other operating valves
also used on sprinkler systems.
20–41
Waterflow alarms initiate when water
begins to flow in the system.
20–42
Courtesy of Ron Moore, McKinney (TX)
Fire Department
The water supply for a sprinkler
system must address several
considerations.
(Cont.)
20–43
The water supply for a sprinkler
system must address several
considerations.
20–44
REVIEW QUESTION
What are the fundamental aspects of
a sprinkler system?
20–45
Each type of sprinkler system requires
understanding of several concepts.
(Cont.)
20–46
Each type of sprinkler system requires
understanding of several concepts.
(Cont.)
20–47
Each type of sprinkler system requires
understanding of several concepts.
(Cont.)
20–48
Each type of sprinkler system requires
understanding of several concepts.
(Cont.)
20–49
Each type of sprinkler system requires
understanding of several concepts.
20–50
Residential sprinkler systems require
understanding of several concepts.
20–51
REVIEW QUESTION
How do the application methods for
sprinkler systems differ?
20–52
Learning Objective 4
Describe standpipe and hose
systems.
20–53
Standpipe and hose systems are
designed for a specific purpose.
20–54
Standpipe systems are made up of
several components.
20–55
Standpipe systems are regulated by
two NFPA ® standards.
20–56
Standpipe systems are classified in
three different groups.
20–57
There are several types of standpipe
systems you should know about.
(Cont.)
20–58
There are several types of standpipe
systems you should know about.
20–59
REVIEW QUESTION
How are standpipe systems
classified?
20–60
Learning Objective 5
Explain the ways smoke
management systems work.
20–61
Smoke management systems remove
and/or control the spread of smoke.
20–62
Smoke control strategies use various
methods to remove smoke.
20–63
Each type of smoke control systems
may be dedicated or non-dedicated.
20–64
The firefighters’ smoke control station
provides a location for monitoring.
20–65
REVIEW QUESTION
What types of smoke control
systems can be used at an incident?
20–66
Summary
• Many buildings are protected, partially
or fully, by fire protection systems that
range from simple to complex.
• These systems can perform a variety of
functions and it is important that these
are identified during preincident
surveys to ensure firefighters
understand how to operate in these
structures.
20–67