Ja mes Goerl M etro Protec tion Sys tems , Inc . jg oe r l@m etroprotec t ionsys tem s .com

WHO, WHERE, WHY, HOW, & WHEN ?? A GUIDE TO FIRE SUPPRESSION SUB-SYSTEMS AND THE LATEST CODE REQUIREMENTS

BUILDING SUB-SYSTEMS

Different Types of Sub Systems that Exist in NYC • How do they work to suppress fires? • What are the code requirements for Servicing? • Who is permitted to perform inspections & service on these systems?

• What is the inspection/testing frequency for these systems?

• Questions

Agenda

• Chapter 9 - Covers all Building Fire Systems – Design, Installation, Operation, and Maintenance, including Inspections and Testing of Fire Protection Devices, equipment, and Systems, and other fire protection measures for the control and extinguishment of fire.

• Recognizes NFPA Standards as Reference Standards

• Kitchen Hood Extinguishing Systems – NFPA 17 or NFPA 17A

• Water Based Fire Protection Systems – NFPA 25 (Preaction)

• Halon 1301 Systems – NFPA 12A

• Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems – NFPA 2001

• Fire Alarm Systems (Related to Sub-Systems) – NFPA 72

• Foam Water Sprinkler and Spray Systems – NFPA 16

• Watermist Systems – NFPA 750

NYC Fire Code – 2008 Edition

Key Aspects of Code FDNY Now Provides Certificate of Approval

• No longer is MEA Required (Department of Buildings Approvals of Equipment) FDNY to issue Approvals for Pre-Engineered Non Water Systems, including Systems for Commercial Cooking

• Prefabricated Hoods and Grease Filters installed in Connection with commercial cooking systems

• Fire Department Siamese Connections, standpipe system hose outlets, and pressure reducing valves

• Fire Alarm System Control Panels Out of Service Systems – Now Covered by Specific Requirements for Action / Notification

• Impairment Coordinator – Assigned by Building Owner • Tag / Disc Required • Notification to FDNY Borough Communications Office

NYC Fire Code – 2008 Edition

Systems must be in compliance with UL 300 – Wet chemical systems only – can no longer install dry chemical for Kitchen Systems

• Inspections once a month – Trained and Knowledgeable Person to Access that the system is in good working order

• Quarterly Cleaning of Exhaust System - Hood, Filters, Grease Removal devices, Ducts, Fans, Pollution Control Devices, etc. • Cleaning Technician must possess W-64 - Commercial

Kitchen Exhaust System Cleaning Technician Certificate of Fitness

• Semi-Annual Testing conducted by Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractor - Must have Factory Certification for the specific brand of system that is being serviced

Kitchen Hood Extinguishing Systems (FC 904.11)

Preaction Systems – Used for Special Hazard / Mission Critical Hazards

• Sprinkler Valve Assembly keeps water from sprinkler pipe until a “PRE” condition takes place – Smoke detection, Thermal detection, Flame detection, Manual Release Station

• Building Fire Alarm System is activated

• Sprinkler Valve Opens to Fill Piping with Water – System reverts to Conventional Wet Sprinkler System

Water Based Fire Protection Systems (FC 903)

Preaction Sprinkler and Dry Pipe Systems (Cold Storage Areas)

• Inspections once a month – Trained and Knowledgeable Person to Access that the system is in good working order – Inspector must possess S-12 - Certificate of Fitness for Citywide Sprinkler Systems (or Operating Engineer Q-01 & Q-99 with S-12 Certificate of Fitness)

• Quarterly Testing conducted by Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractor or S-12 Certificate of Fitness Holder - Certificate of Fitness for Citywide Sprinkler Systems (or Operating Engineer Q-01 & Q-99 with S-12 Certificate of Fitness)

• Tamper / Low Air / Waterflow

• Annual System Valve Test conducted by Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractor

Also –

• Fire Alarm components associated with water based fire protection system require semi-annual cleaning (smoke detectors) and annual smoke entry / sensitivity testing

• Fire Alarm Technician must possess S-98 - Fire Alarm Systems Inspection, Testing, and Service Technician Certificate of Fitness (Cleaning Technician Only may possess S-78 C of F)

Water Based Fire Protection Systems (FC 903)

Standpipe Systems

• Inspections once a month – Trained and Knowledgeable Person to Access that the system is in good working order – Inspector must possess S-13 - Certificate of Fitness for Citywide Standpipe Systems (or Operating Engineer Q-01 & Q-99 with S-13 Certificate of Fitness)

• Quarterly Testing conducted by Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractor or S-13 Certificate of Fitness Holder - Certificate of Fitness for Citywide Standpipe Systems (or Operating Engineer Q-01 & Q-99 with S-13 Certificate of Fitness)

• Waterflow

• Tamper Valves

• Annual System Flow Test conducted by Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractor

Water Based Fire Protection Systems (FC 903)

New FDNY Requirements for Preaction New Installations

Bulletin # 08-01-12 (replaces EUIB 08-02-11)

** Elimination of Preaction System Audible Devices – A sufficient Quantity of Building Fire Alarm Audio/Visual devices should be installed

** Require a control panel listed for releasing service (not a relay from Building Fire Alarm System to trip solenoid)

** Building fire alarm system smoke detector shall be installed at preaction control panel where installed in an area not continuously occupied

** ALARM, SUPERVISORY, & TROUBLE SIGNALS to Bldg. FA

Remote alarm indicator (Graphic Display or an Approved Map typically used with an Addressable System)

** Fuse Cut-Out or General Service Disconnect Switch with Power Source Local to Protected Space

Solid # 10 – Building Steel to Control Panel – No Bonding of Neutral

Local disconnect switch for air compressor

All sub-system components installed in EMT / Conduit with THHN or 1500 FDNY Approved Cabling

**Preaction Panel located OUTSIDE of preaction protected space unless part of cabinet system – FirePac, PrePac, TotalPac

** HVAC Shutdown – Required when HVAC Units are installed on a raised floor, cooling underfloor cables

HVAC Shutdown – Not Required with stand-alone unit in preaction space where no raised floor exists

** Where panel is located in a concealed space, some means of identification (light / audible) indicating its location, shall be installed

Preaction protected space shall be clearly identified with placard, which also lists the location of the preaction valve and control panel

** Underfloor smoke detection for raised floor areas for preaction

Cross zoning of smoke detectors for Preaction Systems is prohibited

Tamper Valves / Air Supply – all electrically supervised – NO CHAINS

New FDNY Requirements for Preaction New Installations

Halon • First true clean agent fire suppression • Fast suppression • Minimal damage • SAFE for occupied spaces • Ozone Depleting Gas

• Molecular structure similar to Freon

NYC Suppression Systems (Halon 1301) Require Monthly Visual Inspections conducted by a Trained and Knowledgeable person to access whether the system is in good working order. (FC 904.9.1)

A Licensed Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractor shall inspect, test service, and otherwise maintain such systems on a semi-annual basis.

Halon 1301 – Fire Suppression Systems – (FC 904.9)

No Longer Installed Domestically

Halon 1301 will remove the air from the protected space • NO! – Halon is safe

to breathe • Protects all of the

token booths in the NYC Transit system

Halon 1301 systems have been banned • NO! – Can

continue in service – replacement at the discretion of client

Misunderstandings about Halon 1301

Clean Agent Systems– Used for Special Hazard / Mission Critical Hazards

• Gaseous Fire Suppression Systems designed to fill an enclosure with a gas that will suppress the fire without causing damage to people, the equipment in the protected space, and the business continuity

• Various agents used are environmentally friendly – non-ozone depleting, safe on people, effective on fires with limited or no damage

Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems (FC 904.10)

A variety of different gases each with their own strengths and weaknesses

HFC-227ea (DuPont - FM-200® )

FK-5-1-12 (3MTM NovecTM 1230 Fire Protection Fluid or SapphireTM)

HFC-125 (Fike - Ecaro 25)

HFC-23 (DuPont FE-13)

IG-55 (Ginge-Kerr - Argonite®)

IG-541 (Ansul - Inergen®)

Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems (FC 904.10)

Principles of Fire Suppression

• Heat Absorption (Like a Sponge Soaking up Liquid) at a Molecular Level

• FM-200 • Novec 1230 • Ecaro 25 • FE-13

• Lowering Oxygen – Reducing oxygen in protected space to a level lower than required for the propogation of flame

• Inergen • Argonite

Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems (FC 904.10)

Storage Space Requirements

Halon 1301

FE-13

Inert Gas

FM-200 / Novec / Ecaro

NYC Suppression Systems (Clean Agent) Require Monthly Visual Inspections conducted by a Trained and Knowledgeable person to access whether the system is in good working order. (FC 904.10.1)

A Licensed Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractor shall inspect, test service, and otherwise maintain such systems.

Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems (FC 904.10)

Fuse Cut-Out or General Service Disconnect Switch with Power Source Local to Protected Space

Solid # 10 – Building Steel to Control Panel – No Bonding of Neutral

Clean Agent Panel located INSIDE of Clean Agent protected space

HVAC Shutdown / Damper Closures – Always Required for Clean Agent Systems to prevent loss of agent, except stand-alone unit in clean agent space where no raised floor exists

FDNY Requirements for Clean Agent Systems – New Installations

Audio Visual Indication (FC 904.10.4) for First Alarm, 2nd Alarm & Discharge

Abort Station – (FC 904.10.5) (If Installed) NYC Sequence – 90 second investigative time delay

Audio Indication during Investigative Timer – Reverts back to First Alarm Indication

Manual Pull Station Overrides the Abort Time Delay

EPO – Not a requirement for Clean Agent Systems – recommended via a Pressure Operated Switch

FDNY Requirements for Clean Agent Systems – New Installations

Installed in accordance with NYC Electrical Code

Smoke Detector spacing in accordance with NFPA-72 – air changes per hour

6 air changes/Hour – 900 sq. ft

30 air changes/Hour – 250 sq. ft.

60 air changes/Hour – 125 sq. ft.

Detectors > 3’ from air registers

Beam depths - 12’ ceilings w/ 1’ beams – detectors located at bottom of beam

Beam depths - >12’ ceilings w >1’ beams – detectors located in each beam pocket

FDNY Requirements for Clean Agent Systems – New Installations

Warning & Instruction Signs – (FC 904.10.4.1) Clean Agent protected space shall be clearly identified with warning placards and appropriate audio/visual indications

FDNY Requirements for Clean Agent Systems

Underfloor Protection – Installation of Smoke Detectors in Areas with cabling and other combustibles

Graphic Annunciator or Approved Indicator

FDNY Requirements for Clean Agent Systems

Purge for Clean Agent Systems – Not required for MAIN ONLY systems (FC 904.10.7)

When required, purge must be sized for air exchange of 6 air changes per hour, to outside of protected space

Purge Key to be provided outside of Clean Agent protected Space to Open purge damper and turn-on purge fan

Pressure Relief Venting – Inert Gas Systems shall be provided with suitable pressure relief venting for the flooded area that discharges outdoors

FDNY Requirements for Clean Agent Systems – New Installations

NFPA-2001 – 2004 – Pipe Pressure Test – 6.7.2.2.12 – The piping system shall be pneumatically tested in a closed circuit for a period of 10 minutes at 360 psi. At the end of 10 minutes, the pressure drop shall not exceed 20 percent of the test pressure.

NFPA-2001 – 2004 – Pipe Puff Test – 6.7.2.2.13 – A flow test using nitrogen or an inert gas shall be performed on the piping network to verify that flow is continuous and that the piping and nozzles are unrestricted.

NFPA-2001 – 2004 – Review Enclosure Integrity– 6.7.2.3 – All total flooding systems shall have the enclosure examined and tested to locate and effectively seal any significant air leaks that could result in the failure of the enclosure to hold the specified agent for the specified time.

FDNY Requirements for Clean Agent Systems – New Installations

Door Closures / Door Sweeps / Rubber Gasketing

Clean Agent System components are easily accessible

FDNY Requirements for Clean Agent Systems – New Installations

Fire Stopping of Penetrations

Integrity of the Hazard

FDNY Requirements for Clean Agent Systems New Installations

Carbon Dioxide Systems – Suppress Fire by Removing Oxygen • Ansul / Tyco • Kidde Fire Systems • Chemetron

Existing total flooding carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems installed to protect normally occupied areas prior to the effective date of this code (July 2008) may be continued in service until July 1, 2013, after which they will be removed from service, and a replacement fire extinguishing system shall be installed.

Carbon Dioxide Fire Suppression Systems (FC 904.8)

NYC Suppression Systems (Carbon Dioxide) Require Monthly Visual Inspections conducted by a Trained and Knowledgeable person to access whether the system is in good working order. (FC 904.8.1)

A Licensed Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractor shall inspect, test service, and otherwise maintain such systems on a Semi-Annual basis.

Carbon Dioxide Fire Suppression Systems (FC 904.8)

Water Based Foam Systems – Low Expansion or High Expansion • Ansul / Tyco • Fire Flex • National Foam

Foam Water Fire Suppression Systems (FC 904.7)

NYC Suppression Systems (Foam) Require Monthly Visual Inspections conducted by a Trained and Knowledgeable person to access whether the system is in good working order. (FC 904.7.1) A Licensed Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractor shall inspect, test service, and otherwise maintain such systems on an Annual basis.

New Systems create fog like environment to suppress fire • Marioff (UTC) • Secureplex • Victaulic (Vortex) • Fike

Watermist Fire Suppression Systems (FC 904.12)

NYC Suppression Systems (Watermist) Require Monthly Visual Inspections conducted by a Trained and Knowledgeable person to access whether the system is in good working order. (FC 904.12.1)

A Licensed Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractor shall inspect, test service, and otherwise maintain such systems on an Annual basis.

Watermist Fire Suppression Systems (FC 904.12)

•Approved by U.S. EPA for unoccupied & normally unoccupied areas.

•Safe for personnel at normal design parameters with evacuation time delays.

•Non-Corrosive - extensive tests have been run on a wide variety of structural and specialized materials used in electronics and aviation.

•Significant installation and maintenance savings…does not require pressure vessels, manifolds, nozzles or pipe work.

•Weight and space reductions up to 90% over conventional systems.

Aerosol Technology – Site Specific FDNY Approval

Non-Permeable Membrane

Exit Ports

Insulating Medium

Aerosol Forming Compound

Cooling Element

Oxidation Element

Initiator Element

Upon activation, an aerosol of ultra-fine particles (≤ 2 micron) is dispersed under low pressure (< 50 psi )

Aerosol Technology

Inspections / Service Summary

SYSTEM MONTHLY INSPECTION REQUIRED

QUALIFICATIONS FOR MONTHLY

TESTING FREQUENCY

QUALIFICATIONS FDNY TESTING

KITCHEN YES TRAINED & KNOWLEDGABLE

SEMI-ANNUAL W-64 / FACTORY CERTIFIED

TECHNICIAN

INITIAL INSTALL

PREACTION YES S-12 QUARTERLY S-12 / MFSPC ANNUAL TRIP 5 YR. FDNY

HALON YES TRAINED & KNOWLEDGABLE

SEMI-ANNUAL MFSPC INITIAL INSTALL

CLEAN AGENT

YES TRAINED & KNOWLEDGABLE

SEMI-ANNUAL MFSPC INITIAL INSTALL

WATER -FOAM

YES TRAINED & KNOWLEDGABLE

QUARTERLY MFSPC INITIAL INSTALL

CARBON DIOXIDE

YES TRAINED & KNOWLEDGABLE

SEMI-ANNUAL MFSPC INITIAL INSTALL

WATERMIST YES TRAINED & KNOWLEDGABLE

QUARTERLY MFSPC INITIAL INSTALL

FDNY Website for Listings of Authorized Smoke Detector Service Companies Company Principal – S-97 Technicians – S-98 & S-78 Sprinkler Testing – MFSPC or MP Technicians / Inspectors – S-12 & S-13 All Inspections on All Sub-systems to be Recorded in Fire Alarm Log book with Appropriate Certificate of Fitness #

“The bitter taste of poor quality work

lingers long after the sweet taste of low

bid”

Thought to ponder…

Questions / Discussion