CFPA Dip.....Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems

[Ianglass]

Afternoon all,

I have just started the CFPA E Diploma and figured unit 3 on fire extinguishment would be a good place to start given my background, however I am finding it difficult and a tad frustration to research accurate information from the FPA library or internet without paying a small fortune to purchase the relevant BS standards.

 In particular I cannot find any credible information on the types of sprinkler systems which can be extended and by what method ?

 I would be extremely grateful If any member who has completed the Dip could offer some advice or share your experience when researching the various assignments.........

 Many thanks in advance for any assistance

[wee brian]

Getting hold of standards - without paying - is a common problem.

You should be able to access them at most reference libraries. Anything on-line will cost you.

[Mike Buckley]

Try the British Fire Sprinkler Association who may be able to help with advice.

Otherwise depending on where you live it may be possible to get hold of the British Standards through libraries either public or academic if you are near a University or College, obviously you will be only able to borrow copies but that should do for your studies.

[mevans421]

Ian, like Mike said go on the BAFSA website, they have a host of information available - take link below.  BRE also have guides on commercial systems useful for the CFPA Eu. Course.

http://www.bafsa.org.uk/sprinkler-information/faq.php

With regards to BS's on line via the library, unfortunately the library has not renewed its subscription to BS as it was not getting enough users so I'm informed.  At least that is the case in Devon, if anyone can get it from their own county service still please let me know and I'll join that one.

[kurnal]

Derbyshire still offer online viewing using BSI online  but you cant copy print or do anything other than view a page at a time.

For sprinklers if you log into the FM Global website you can feely download all the FM Global datasheets - huge amounts of information on all topics including the FMG sprinkler guidance. Totally different format to BSI / LPCB but in my opinion LPC seem to follow what FMG do a couple of years after FMG.

At the moment most of my warehousing clients are going for the FMG  or the VDS approach in any case as LPC have shot themselves in the foot with the recent TB234. Whoever wrote that TB appears never to have looked at how warehouses operate. This time they have cut and pasted a small part of the FMG guidance into the TB234 without taking account of the full context.

[Mike Buckley]

Bear in mind if you are looking at the FM Global website that it is based on the NFPA standards which are higher than BS.

With regard to the library as you are in Devon, try and see if you can join the library at Exeter University they will probably be able to get you access to standards.

[kurnal]

No Mike FMG publish standards in their own right. I don't think they can be described as higher standards than Bs, they are different in many respects. For example FMG still permit  combined sprinkler and pumped hydrant systems.

[Ianglass]

Many thanks for your invaluable input guys,

I have joined Glasgow city library which provides free access to BSOL. All free!!!!!!!!!!

Hopefully this will save some time.

Cheers Ian

[Ianglass]

Guys,

After several days reading the relevant standards, websites and forums, I have learnt a lot about sprinkler systems. However one piece of valuable information eludes me and again I was hoping for some invaluable advice and expertise on how to find out what types of automatic sprinkler systems can be extended and by what method?? or put another way-

"Two of these main systems can be extended by one of three additional types
of system. Name these three additional types and briefly state to which of the
main types of system they may be connected, and why?"

Any advice on where to find such information would be really appreciated

Cheers

Ian

[Golden]

Think we've been here before and the answer is quite simple - however I can't find it! Its something quite logical regarding wet and dry pipe systems? Have you tried asking BAFSA directly?

[Ianglass]

I agree, there is most likely a very straight forward solution. However unless you know it, it is not that straight forward......

BAFSA will be my next port of call and as soon as I discover the solution I will share it with you all.

[kurnal]

Tail end wet pipe
Tail end dry pipe
and another my memory fails me

[Golden]

Tail end alternate would make sense?

[kurnal]

Indeed
My memory fails me more than I realise

[Ianglass]

Morning gents,

After speaking with BASFA I do not feel as bad as even they were puzzled by the question!!!!!

However I have had a breakthrough this morning and found this information in the Fire Service manual for your interest-

According to the BS/LPC Rules a sprinkler installation should be based on one of the following main
types:

? Wet pipe system
? Dry pipe
? Alternate (wet and dry pipe)
? Life safety
? Pre-action
? Recycling
? Deluge

Systems based on the first two types above may also include extensions of an additional type as:
? Tail-end alternate
? Tail-end dry type

Tail-end systems (dry pipe or alternate)

These systems are essentially similar to those previously described, except that they are of comparatively small extent and form extensions to standard sprinkler installations. They are permitted:

(a) As extensions to a wet pipe system in comparatively small areas (I) where there is possible frost danger in an otherwise adequately heated building, and (II) in high temperature areas or stoves. The tail-end would he on the alternate wet and dry principle in the case of I) and on the dry pipe principle for (II).

(b) As extensions to an alternate wet and dry system in high temperature areas or stoves, when tail-end systems would be on the dry pipe principle.

Sprinklers in tail-end systems must be installed in the upright position above the lines of pipes, an exception being if approved dry pendant pattern sprinklers are installed.

The number of sprinklers in a group of tail-end systems controlled by one set of wet pipe system or alternate wet and dry pipe system valves, must not exceed 250 in total, with not more than 100 sprinklers on any one tail-end system. Each tail- end system must be provided with a 50mm drain valve and drainpipe.

A pressure gauge must be fitted at a point above the seating of the tail-end valve. A subsidiary stop valve may be fitted below the tail-end valve, providing it is of the interlocking key type and in a conspicuous position. When the valve is temporarily closed the key must be readily visible.