 Active Fire Protection (AFP)
An active fire protection system (AFP) requires an action to detect, alert, respond to,
contain, or suppress a fire—whether manual or automated. This system usually includes fire or
smoke detection and suppression systems to set off water and stamp out smoke or once it
detects fire. Its system works to protect lives, property, and business continuity.
Explanation: So basically, it is a detector which help you protect your property from burning.
Active Fire Protection Examples
Smoke Detectors - use noise and light alarms to alert occupants
of smoke, enabling an early evacuation and response to fires. Because of this, smoke
detectors are used to help identify a possible fire in the building.
Sprinkler Systems - automatically activate when heat from a fire causes its
mechanism to break(bulb), spraying water to suppress the fire. Sprinklers have a small
glass bulb containing a liquid, which when heated, causes the bulb to break.
Fire Extinguishers - are a manual form of active fire protection. A person must
locate the extinguisher and spray the small fire with a substance that cools the burning
item or deprives it of oxygen. They are usually used to suppress the onset of small fires.
Fire Hydrants - are a connection point for firefighters to access water to combat fires
using their hoses and other professional equipment.
https://resources.impactfireservices.com/active-vs.-passive-fire-protection-systems-thebasics-you-need-to-know
https://safti.com/articles/active-vs-passive-fire-protection-why-do-you-need-both/

Standpipe Systems
Standpipe systems are fixed piping systems with associated
equipment that transports water from a reliable water supply to
designated areas of buildings where hoses can be deployed for
firefighting. Such systems are typically provided in tall and large
buildings. The NFPA standard for regulating the design, installation, and
testing of standpipe systems is NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe, Private
Hydrant, and Hose Systems.

Types of standpipe systems
Automatic-Wet Systems - have piping that is filled with water at all times and have
an automatically available water supply capable of supplying the water demand
necessary for firefighting. Has a permanently attached water supply capable of
automatically supplying the system demand at all times.
Automatic-Dry Systems - have piping that is normally filled with pressurized air.
These systems are arranged, through the use of devices such as a dry-pipe valve, to
automatically admit water into system piping when a hose valve is opened, and they
are connected to an automatically available water supply that is capable of supplying
the water demand necessary for firefighting.
Semi-automatic Dry Systems - have piping that is normally filled with air that may
or may not be pressurized. These systems are arranged through the use of devices,
such as a deluge valve, to admit water into system piping when a remote actuation
device located at a hose station, such as a pull station, is operated. They also have a
pre connected water supply that is capable of supplying the water demand necessary
for firefighting.
Manual-Dry Systems - have piping that is normally filled with static air and do not
have a pre connected water supply. A fire department connection must be used to
manually supply water for firefighting.
Manual-Wet Systems - have piping that is normally filled with water for the purpose
of allowing leaks to be detected. The water supply for these systems is typically
provided by a small connection to domestic water piping, and it is not capable of
supplying firefighting water demands. A fire department connection must be used to
manually supply water for firefighting. Contains water, typically used to provide fire
sprinkler demand in a combined system but relies exclusively on the fire department to
provide standpipe system demand (pressure and flow) from the fire department
connection (FDC).

Classes of Standpipes Systems
Class I systems are typically required in buildings that
have more than three stories above or below grade. These
systems are generally intended for use by fire departments. Fire
department pumpers are the water supply for these systems.
These systems have a fire department connection at street level,
with a minimum of two 2 ½-in. inlets. The riser pipe is dry, with
2 ½-in. outlets on each floor above or below the ground floor,
including the roof.
Class II systems are often required in large unsprinklered buildings. These systems are connected directly to a
water source. The outlets for this system provide 1 ½-in. hose
connections, 100 feet of firefighting hose, and 50 GPM nozzle
for use by building occupants.
Class III systems combine the features of Class I and
Class II systems. They are generally intended for use by fire
departments, fire brigades, and perhaps building occupants.
Because of their multiple uses, Class III systems are provided
with both Class I and Class II hose connections. This is
sometimes accomplished by using 2 ½-in. hose valves with
removable 2 ½-in. to 1 ½-in. reducers.
https://exams.sdfdtraining.com/bc/res/man/Drill_Manual/Chapter_11%20Water%20Supply%
20&%20Fire%20Protection%20Systems.pdf
https://www.nfpa.org/news-blogs-and-articles/blogs/2021/11/19/standpipe-system-designand-calculations
https://nfsa.org/itm-2-2/standpipes/
 Automatic Fire Protection Systems
They are programmed to initiate a predetermined response to either smoke, flames, or
heat.

Conventional Automatic Sprinkler Systems
Conventional sprinklers are generally used in ordinary and extra-high hazard
applications. In this position, they produce a spherical water discharge pattern with
approximately half of the spray directed upward and the other half directed downward.

Types of Conventional Automatic Sprinkler Systems
Wet Pipe Systems - Wet pipe fire sprinkler’s pipes contain water and are the most common
type of fire sprinkler system. Since water is present in the system, facilities must
maintain a temperature of at least 40 degrees. This prevents the water
in
the
pipes from freezing. The process to activate a wet pipe fire sprinkler is simple. When
a fire sprinkler element reaches a designated temperature, it breaks and releases the
water. Wet pipe fire sprinkler systems are found in office buildings, schools, and
high-rise buildings with ordinary hazards.
Dry Pipe Systems - dry pipe fire sprinklers are filled with nitrogen or pressurized air. The air
pressure holds a dry pipe valve closed and prevents water from entering the system.
When a fire sprinkler detects a sudden temperature increase it activates and the air
pressure drops in the system. This causes the dry pipe valve to open and floods water
into the dry pipe fire sprinkler system. Then the activated fire sprinkler discharges the
water. Since dry pipe fire sprinklers contain no water, they’re ideal in areas subject to
freezing temperatures. Unheated warehouses, parking garages, and attic spaces often
utilize this type of fire protection system.
Deluge Systems - High hazard facilities utilize deluge fire sprinkler systems since the open
style sprinkler heads can discharge water quickly. Unlike the
other types of fire sprinkler systems, these sprinkler heads always
remain open and activate all at once.
These systems also contain no water nor pressurized air.
Once a heat or smoke
detector detects smoke or heat, the deluge
valve opens and sends water to all the fire sprinklers. This allows
water to discharge from each sprinkler head. When highly
combustible material catches on fire the flames can grow and
spread immediately. That’s why facilities like aircraft hangars, industrial plants, and
manufacturing companies need a fast-acting deluge fire sprinkler system.
Pre-Action Systems - contain pressurized air or nitrogen instead of water. Activating preaction systems is a two-step process. First, a heat or
smoke detector must detect a fire which then sends a
signal to open the pre-action valve. This fills the system
with water. Next, a fire sprinkler head must detect an
increased temperature to indicate a fire. Once, the fire
sprinkler opens water immediately pours onto the fire.
Pre-action fire sprinklers two-step activation process
helps prevent accidental system activations. This makes
these types of fire sprinkler systems ideal for
applications such as
and data farms.
museums, server rooms, libraries,
https://kinetixfire.com/types-of-fire-sprinkler-systems-applications
https://exams.sdfdtraining.com/bc/res/man/Drill_Manual/Chapter_11

Automatic Sprinklers
An Automatic Fire Sprinkler System is a network of water-filled pipes which starts at
your domestic water service line and ends with strategically spaced fire sprinkler heads located
throughout your home.
https://newarkde.gov/DocumentCenter/View/999/Fire-Sprinkler-Brochure?

Sprinkler Operation and Layout
A sprinkler works by having a heat-activated element made of either a glass bulb or a
fusible metal link that will activate and discharge water when heated to a designated
temperature. Sprinklers are tested and listed for specific uses, and they need to be used in
accordance with their listing. The most common design layout of sprinklers is called ‘head-tohead watering’ where the spray from one sprinkler hits the next sprinkler on the head.
https://www.nfpa.org/news-blogs-and-articles/blogs/2022/02/18/types-of-sprinklers
https://designerwatering.com.au/sprinkler-layout/

Alarm and Control Valves
Alarm check valve is mainly used in wet pipe fire protection system, which prevents
the reverse flow and controls water pressure. It automatically actuates alarm when water flows
into the system upon fire sprinkler operation. Control valves are used to shut off the water
supply to a fire sprinkler system. Control valves should remain in the open position at all times
with the exception of system modification or maintenance. The control valve is usually located
on the main riser directly under the sprinkler alarm valve or electronic flow switch. It may also
be located outside the structure. These valves function in the same manner as the main control
valve by controlling water flow in a smaller section of the fire sprinkler system. They are
generally used to isolate the individual floors of the structure so the entire system does not have
to be shut down. They must be an indicating valve and will generally be located near the spot
where the riser enters the floor.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/copy-whats-function-alarm-check-valve-seth-yuan-jjsac
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Control_valve

Primary Sources of Water Supply
The sources which are used to provide sufficient quantities of water for firefighting. It
may be consider as public water mains and water tanks (Fixed or mobile), or natural sources
as rivers, lakes, wells and other similar sources.
https://mfrs.govmu.org/Documents/Downloads/Fire%20Code/Appendix/Appendix%209.pdf

Supplementary Sources of Water Supply
Reliable water sources such as municipal water mains or dedicated fire pumps ensure
sufficient water pressure and flow for fire protection systems.
https://www.nfpa.org/news-blogs-and-articles/blogs/2021/06/07/types-of-water-supplies

Backflow and Beck flow Prevention
Backflow preventers are installed to prevent contaminants from traveling from the non-
potable source to the potable public drinking supply via back siphonage and back pressure.
An air gap is the most effective type of backflow prevention. This method utilizes a
physical air space between the potable and non-potable systems. The most common example
of this would be a faucet and a sink. This may be a backflow prevention method used to fill a
water supply tank.
An Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker Assembly contains an air inlet valve and a check
seat. When water flows through, the air inlet valve closes, but when the water flow stops, the
air inlet valve falls against the check seat and stops back siphonage, while at the same time
letting air into the system.
The Pressure Vacuum Breaker Assembly is like an atmospheric vacuum breaker, but it
contains a spring-loaded air inlet valve and check valve, two shutoffs, and two test cocks. When
water is flowing, the check valve is open and air inlet valve is shut, when water stops flowing,
the check valve shuts, and air inlet valve opens. The addition of the shutoff valves and test
ports allows for this assembly to be field tested.
A Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA) contains two spring-loaded check valves
with two shut off valves and four test cocks. In the event of a backflow the first check valve
will close, if that check valve fails then the other check valve will close. The addition of the
shutoff valves and test ports allow this assembly to be tested.
A Reduced Pressure Zone Assembly (RPZA) provides the maximum protection and
along with the DCVA is the most common type of backflow prevention used in fire protection
systems. This assembly contains two spring-loaded check valves with a differential relief valve
between them and two shut off valves and four test cocks. The RPZA operates like a DCVA
with the addition of a relief valve, if there is a backflow the check valves will close, and the
relief valve will open, resulting in a reduced pressure zone and air gap between the check
valves. The two shut off valves and four test cocks allow this assembly to be field tested as
well.
https://www.nfpa.org/news-blogs-and-articles/blogs/2022/10/28/backflow-preventer-types

Alternative Fire Suppression Systems
Argonite - leaves no residue behind, creates no ozone depletion. Typically used in server
rooms and data centers.
Carbon Dioxide - safe and non-conductive. Often used in machine and metal shops, and
around electrical panels.
Dry Chemical - economical option for vehicle systems used in mining, logging operations,
and spray booths.
FM-200 - best option in clean agent fire protection. It’s safe, leaves no damaging residue, and
is a high-level green product, causing very low environmental impact.
Foam - used in airport hangers. Stops the spread of fire instantly by mixing with water system
to create a bubble bath flame suppressant. Also used in chemical storage and manufacturing.
Liquid Agents - wet chemical systems used in commercial kitchens.
Water Mist - economical option – special nozzles create a fine mist to fight fire, so as to cool
the area without dousing electrical equipment. Commonly used in the engine rooms of Navy
vessels and cruise ships.
https://www.wsfp.com/alternative-agents-for-fire-suppression/
 Automatic Sprinkler Testing and Maintenance
The NFPA25 Standard puts forth weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual fire sprinkler
system inspection requirements:
In addition to regular inspections, fire sprinkler system maintenance and testing are also
vital pieces of the overall process. A test is a more involved physical check to make sure the
fire sprinkler system not only looks like it’s functioning, but actually works as it
should. Routine sprinkler maintenance and repair are critical to keep your fire sprinklers in
good working condition. Be sure to do your research to find the best fire sprinkler maintenance
companies to ensure your business is safe.
Fire Sprinkler Testing Timeline:
Fire Sprinkler System Maintenance Timeline:
Fire sprinkler system maintenance and testing is a vital step in the process that should never be
skipped. In fact, without proper fire sprinkler maintenance, your fire sprinkler system may
appear in working order and test okay once a year, but without lubrication, tightening of loose
bolts, cleaning, and clearing lines, your fire sprinklers may experience a shortened life span
and may not work during a fire. Be sure to follow the below sprinkler maintenance schedule to
ensure your systems are working.
As needed: repair and maintain parts that appear questionable during visual inspections/testing.
Annually: lubricate control valves, clean interior of the pre-action/deluge valve and dry pipe
valves; repair/replace parts as needed.
Other: Examine systems for internal obstructions where conditions exist that could cause
obstructed piping. Correct if it has not been corrected or the condition is one that could result
in future obstruction of piping despite previous flushing procedures.
https://aiefire.com/fire-sprinkler-systems-inspection-testing-requirements/
 Influence on Building Design
Automatic fire sprinklers can permit more freedom of design, reduce the overall cost of
the building, offer more scope for the use of the building or allow for approval of a particular
design.
https://www.thecadroom.com/blog/what-impact-do-fire-sprinklers-have-on-building-design/

Automatic Sprinkler Systems in Residences
NFPA 13R is a residential sprinkler design standard focused on low-rise residential
occupancies. The Standard's intent is to provide a sprinkler system that aids in the control of
residential fires and provides improved protection against injury and life loss in multi-family
dwellings.
https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-13r-standard-development/
 Portable Fire Extinguishers
Portable fire extinguishers are first-line defense tools, enabling occupants to tackle
small fires before they escalate.
 Types of Portable Fire Extinguishers
Water Mist Fire Extinguishers
Water mist extinguishers put out fires by taking away
the heat element of the fire triangle. They are an alternative to the clean
agent extinguishers where contamination is a concern. This are primarily
for Class A fires, although they are safe for use on class C fires as well.
Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers
Halogenated or clean agent extinguishers include the halon
agents as well as the newer and less ozone depleting halocarbon agents.
They extinguish the fire by interrupting the chemical reaction and/or
removing heat from the fire triangle. Clean agent extinguishers are
effective on Class A, B and C fires. Smaller sized handheld
extinguishers are not large enough to obtain a 1A rating and may carry
only a Class B and C rating.
Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers
Dry chemical fire extinguishers extinguish the fire primarily by
interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire triangle. The most widely
used type of fire extinguisher is the multipurpose dry chemical that is
effective on Class A, B, and C fires. This agent also works by creating
a barrier between the oxygen element and the fuel element on Class A
fires. Ordinary dry chemical is for Class B and C fires only. It is
important to use the correct extinguisher for the type of fuel! Using the
incorrect agent can allow the fire to re-ignite after apparently being
extinguished successfully
Water and Foam Fire Extinguishers
Water and foam fire extinguishers extinguish the fire by taking
away the heat element of the fire triangle. Foam agents also separate
the oxygen element from the other elements. Water extinguishers are for
Class A fires only; they should not be used on Class B or C fires. The
discharge stream could spread the flammable liquid in a Class B fire or
could create a shock hazard on a Class C fire
Cartridge Operated Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers
Cartridge operated dry chemical fire extinguishers extinguish the
fire primarily by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire triangle.
Like the stored pressure dry chemical extinguishers, the multipurpose
dry chemical is effective on Class A, B and C fires. This agent also
works by creating a barrier between the oxygen element and the fuel
element on Class A fires. Ordinary dry chemical is for Class B and C
fires only. It is important to use the correct extinguisher for the type of
fuel! Using the incorrect agent can allow the fire to reignite after
apparently being extinguished successfully.
Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers
Dry powder extinguishers are similar to dry chemical
extinguishers except that they extinguish the fire by separating
the fuel from the oxygen element or by removing the heat element of the
fire triangle. Dry powder extinguishers are for Class D or combustible
metal fires ONLY. They are ineffective on all other classes of fires
Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers
Wet chemical is an agent that extinguishes the fire by removing
the heat of the fire triangle and prevents reignition by creating a barrier
between the oxygen and fuel elements. Wet chemical or Class K
extinguishers were developed for modern, high efficiency deep fat fryers
in commercial cooking operations. Some may also be used on Class A
fires in commercial kitchens.
https://femalifesafety.org/fire-equipment/portable-fire-extinguishers/
 Air-Pressurized Water Fire Extinguishers
APW stands for "air-pressurized water." APWs are large,
silver extinguishers which are filled about two-thirds of the way
with ordinary tap water, then pressurized with normal air. In
essence, an APW is just a giant squirt gun.
APWs stand about 2 feet tall and weigh approximately
25 pounds when full. They are designed for Class A (wood,
paper, cloth) fires only.
https://www.cvcc.edu/Services/SafetyBB/water.cfm
 Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers
Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers extinguish fire by taking away
the oxygen element of the fire triangle, and by removing the heat with a
very cold discharge. Carbon dioxide extinguishers can be used on Class
B and C fires. They are usually ineffective on Class A fires
 Fire Extinguisher Location
Kitchen – The kitchen is the most common location for fires to start, making it a critical area
for a fire extinguisher. Place one near the stove and another near the kitchen exit.
Garage – Flammable materials and chemicals are often stored in garages, making them highrisk fire areas. Keep a fire extinguisher near the garage door and another near the workbench.
Bedrooms – People are most vulnerable when sleeping, so having a fire extinguisher near the
bedroom is essential. Ensure it’s easily accessible, so you can quickly grab it in an emergency.
Living room – Many fires start in living rooms due to electrical malfunctions or from candles.
Place a fire extinguisher near the living room exit and another near any fireplaces or space
heaters.
Offices – In an office setting, fire extinguishers should be placed near exits, copy rooms, break
rooms, and any other areas with electrical devices or flammable materials.
https://amptec.ca/fire-extinguisher-location-where-to-place-them/
 Smoke Control Systems
Smoke control is a vital aspect of fire protection engineering that aims to prevent the
spread of smoke and toxic gases in buildings during a fire. Smoke control systems use various
strategies, such as mechanical ventilation, pressurization, and compartmentation, to limit the
movement of smoke and protect the occupants and property from its harmful effects.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/smoke-control-systems-explained-kyle-schuler-set-gzsyc