OFFICE BUILDING WET PROTECTION

SYSTEMS
DESIGN REPORT

CBD Construction 177 Manchester Street

Christchurch Central, New Zealand
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• SCOPE STANDARDS AND CODES
• INTRODUCTION
• BUILDINGS USES AND OCCUPANCIES
• FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS SELECTION
• FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS SELECTION
• FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM DESIGN CRITERIA
• SPRINKLER SYSTEM
• WATER SUPPLY
• PUMP SELECTION CRITERIA

1.0 SCOPE
The design of Fire Fighting System in respect of fire safety as the functional usage requires office
building of large number of people at a single location and any emergency must be ensure minimum
disruption in operations. The objective of this report is to design a Fire Fighting system that shall
provide:
• Life safety of occupants.
• Property protection.
• Compliance with all relevant statutory requirements.
• Minimum disruption during emergency to the operations.

1.1 CODES, STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS

• The following governing regulations, standards and codes of practices will be followed
during design of firefighting systems for the project spaces and buildings. The most
recent approved edition will be applied. In case of contradiction in the standards, the
one that provides more safety and/or reliability measures will be followed.
• NZS 4541 Automatic fire sprinkler systems
• NZS 4510:1998 Fire hydrant systems for buildings
• NZS 4512:2003 Fire detection and alarm systems in buildings
• NZS 4515:2003 Fire sprinkler systems for residential occupancies
• NZS 4541 :2003 Automatic fire sprinkler systems
• NZ PAS 4505:2007 Specification for firefighting waterway equipment
• SNZ PAS 4509:2003 New Zealand Fire Service firefighting water supplies code of
practice
• NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, 2018 Edition
• NFPA 13 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2016 Edition
• NFPA 14 Standard for the Installation of Standpipes and Hose Systems,
2016 Edition
• NFPA 20 Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection,
2016 Edition
• NFPA 22 Standard for Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection, 2013
Edition
• NFPA 24 Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and
Their Appurtenances, 2016 Edition
• NFPA 25 Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-
Based Fire Protection Systems, 2017 Edition
• NFPA 70 National Electrical Code®, 2017 Edition
 • NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, 2016 Edition
• NFPA 101 Life Safety Code®, 2018 Edition
• NFPA 2001 Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems, 2015
Edition
• NFPA 5000 Building Construction and Safety Code®, 2018 Edition

2.0 INTRODUCTION
The aim of this report is to present the project firefighting systems through the following:
• Description of project buildings uses and occupancies
• Define governing codes, standards and regulations.
• Define applicable firefighting systems for each building/space.
• Define design criteria and objective of applicable fire suppression system.
The project firefighting systems’ design and installations are based on main objectives as
summarized below:
• To comply with AS-NZ and international codes and standards.
• To achieve reliability and durability of systems and components.
• To implement safety and protection measures for people and equipment.
While achieving the design objectives, other important factors are considered carefully:
• Environmental impact
• Cost effectiveness
• Efficiency of system operation
• Coordination with other design elements
• Flexibility of installations
• Simplifying installations, operation and maintenance

3. BUILDINGS USES AND OCCUPANCIES

The use and footprint area of the project different spaces and buildings are summarized and
listed in the following Table.
Occupancy Description Area Remarks
Fire Hydrant / Wet riser cum down comer Various fire protection and
Office / Yard Hydrant / Automatic Sprinkler / Fire All floor safety measures
Building Detection and Alarm / Two-way Public Area implemented throughout
addressable systems / Fire Extinguishers the building.

Building Name Building Description

 Item
Footprint Area, f2 Usage
No.
Office, Reception, Electric Rooms,
1 Ground Floor 5584.5768
Mechanical Rooms
2 First Floor 5584.5768 Office, Reception, Exhibition
3 Second Floor 5584.5768 Office, Reception,
4 Third Floor 5584.5768 Office, Reception,
5 Fourth Floor 5584.5768 Office, Reception, Exhibition

4. FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS SELECTION

Reference to codes of practices requirements, selection of fire suppression systems for
different spaces and buildings of the project are summarized and listed in the following table.
Proposed Fire Fighting Systems and Types
Ite
Building/ Wet Standpipe Portable Auto.
m Hose Wet Chemical
Space Sprinkler Fire Clean
No. Reel System
System Wet Dry Exting. Agent
Main Building:
Ground
1 A A NA A A NA
Floor
NA
First
2
Floor
A A NA A A NA NA
NA
Second
3
Floor
A A NA A A NA NA
NA
Third
4 A A NA A A NA NA
Floor
NA
Fourth
5
Floor
A A NA A A NA

Notations:
A Applicable
NA Not applicable

5. OFFICE BUILDING WET PROTECTION SYSTEMS:

Number of Floor: 5
Floor Area: 5584.5768 square ft.
System: WET PROTECTION SYSTEMS (Including Sprinkler System, Fire Hydrant System,
Fire Hose Cabinet, Portable Fire Extinguisher and Fire Brigade Connection)
Fire Brigade Connection: 150 mm Diameter.
Sprinkler: Pendent Type, 245 Nos. Maximum Gap between sprinkler- 3000 mm.

Temperature Rating (°C) Color of Yoke Arms Color of Bulbs

68 - Red

ZONE CONTROL VALVE ASSEMBLY SET CONSIST OF: (Total 5 Nos.)

• 1NO. WATER FLOW DETECTOR

• 1NO. SUPERVISORY BUTTERFLY VALVE
• 1NO.TEST AND DRAIN VALVE
• 1NO. PRESSURE GAUGE
 Fig: ZONE CONTROL VALVE ASSEMBLY SET

Ground Floor Design:

HYDRAULIC CONNECTION:
Gate Valve: 150 mm- 10 Nos, 50mm- 1 Nos., 40mm- 1 Nos.
Check Valve: 150 mm- 2 Nos, 40mm- 1 Nos.
Flexible Connection: 150 mm- 10 Nos, 50mm- 1 Nos., 40mm- 1 Nos.
Y- Stainer: 150 mm- 3 Nos, 40mm- 1 Nos.
Pressure Gauge: 50 mm- 7 Nos., 100 Kpa.
FLOW SWITCH (WATER FLOW DETECTOR): 8 Nos.
Drainpipe: 50 mm
Pressure Relief Valve: 100 mm.
Water Source: Boosted Towns Main Supply, Boosted Pressure 675 Kpa.
Header Pipe: 150 mm Diameter.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER: (ABC TYPE- 5 Nos. & CO2 TYPE- 5 Nos.)

FIRE HOSE CABINET:

Hose Pipe: 40 mm & 60 mm Diameter.
Hose Reel: 100 ft. long.
Stand Pipe: 100 mm Diameter.
6. FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM DESIGN CRITERIA
The Fire Sprinkler Standards Committee is aware that some water supplies approved in the past, may
not now comply with the requirements for an "approved" water supply under NZS 4541. There are a
number of reasons why this deteriorating situation is occurring, such as: (a) Water conservation
measures which may include the installation of pressure reduction valves in public water mains, or
shut down of water pumps during periods of the low draw-off, for example, during the early hours of
the morning;
Fire Mains Network Design Criteria
The fire mains network will be designed based on the following design criteria:
• A listed check valve shall be installed in each fire department connection.
No shutoff valve shall be permitted in the fire department connection
piping.
• As per NFPA 24, fire department connection shall be located and arranged
so that hose lines can be readily and conveniently attached to the inlets
without interference from any nearby objects.

1. Fire Standpipe and Hose Stream System Design Criteria

The fire standpipe system will be designed based on the following design criteria:
• The dry standpipes shall be provided with at least one dry fire department
connection.
• The fire hose should travel without any bends or barriers in a safe fire bath.
• Additional cabinet shall be added if a partition will restrict the motion of fire
hose.
• The dry standpipe size shall be at least 100 mm size.

2. Automatic Wet Sprinkler System Design Criteria

The design criteria of automatic wet sprinkler system depend strongly on the hazard
of each protected area. The wet sprinkler system will be designed based on the
following design criteria:
• As per NFPA 13, the maximum operating pressure in a sprinkler system
shall not be more than 12 bar.
• As per NFPA 13, the minimum required design density of water discharge
over the protected surface area shall be determined based on the
occupancy and hazard classification and shall be determined by Density /
AMAO (Assumed Maximum Area of Operation) method or room design
method.
• The riser of sprinkler systems and hose reels shall be at least 100 mm
size.
• The water supply shall be capable of supplying the sprinkler system flow
rate plus hose stream allowance for a minimum duration as per Table
11.2.3.1.2 of NFPA 13.
• The sprinkler water demand shall be calculated based on the hydraulic
calculations according to the occupancy hazard classification. The
hydraulic calculation of sprinkler system shall be performed using the Civil
Defense listed and approved software.
The design basis of sprinkler system is summarized and listed in the following table:
Hazard Classification
Conditions Ordinary
Light Hazard Extra Hazard
Hazard
Buildings
Building/Space Basements Fire pump room
Floors
Maximum Sprinkler Operating Area
20 12 9
(m2)
Maximum Sprinkler Spacing (m) 4.6 4.6 3.7
Sprinkler/nozzle K-Factor (gpm/psi1/2) 5.6 5.6 5,6
Sprinkler Rated Temperature (oC) 68 79 79
Water Supply Density (mm/min) 4.1 6.1 10.2
Hose Stream Allowance, gpm 100 250 500
90 -
Storage Duration Time , min 30-60 60 - 90
120

3. Clean Agent (FM-200) Total Flooding System Design Criteria

FM-200 total flooding system will be designed based on the following design criteria:
• FM-200 system shall be designed based on latest version of NFPA 2001
and QCDD. The agent system shall be designed to utilize Nitrogen for
super pressurization.
• The hydraulic calculations for FM-200 clean agent quantities shall be based
on Minimum Design Concentration (MDC) and Minimum Design Quantity
(MDQ) with atmospheric correction and safety factors in accordance with
Chapter 5 of NFPA 2001.
• The agent design concentration shall be checked to insure that it is under
No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) at maximum anticipated
temperature in protected space.
• The minimum design concentration for Class C fire hazard shall be the
extinguishing concentration, as determined in NFPA 2001, times a safety
factor of 1.35.
• The minimum design working pressure for FM-200 shall be as per Table
4.2.1.1.1(b) of NFPA 2001.
• The piping system shall be designed to ensure that maximum allowable
agent release time is achieved in accordance with Section 5.7.1.1.2 of
NFPA 2001.
• The installation contractor shall make necessary works to seal properly any
areas of leakage in the protected workplace to assure that it will pass Fan-
Door test. Any louvers and or dampers shall be motorized type and
interlocked with fire alarm system.
• As per Section A.5.4.2.2 of NFPA 2001, the minimum design concentration
of the clean agent shall be maintained inside the protected workplace for
10 minutes.
• Beams inside any protected area that are less than 0.3 m below the slab
need not be considered. Obstructions greater than 300 mm (12”) can affect
the distribution of agent and may require additional nozzles.
• Provide separate zones above and below the raised floor (if applicable). If
smoke is detected below the raised floor, agent shall be discharged in the
under-floor zone only. If smoke is detected above the raised floor, agent
shall be discharged in zones above and below the floor.
4. Portable Fire Extinguishers Design Basis
Portable fire extinguishers will be selected and installed in the buildings in accordance
with NFPA 10 and QCD requirements based on the following design criteria:
• Fire extinguishers shall be LPCB certified, UL listed or FM approved.
• The wall mount type portable fire extinguishers shall be installed in such a
way that the top of the fire extinguisher is not more than 1.5 m above the
floor and not less than 30 cm from the bottom of extinguisher to the finished
floor.
• Portable fire extinguishers shall be installed in an easily accessible location,
without obstructing the escape path. Portable fire extinguishers should be
located so that a fire extinguisher can be reached without travelling more
than 23 m.
• All extinguishers shall be installed such that the operating instructions are
facing towards front side to read clearly.
• Portable fire extinguishers shall not be installed / placed in any areas where
the temperatures outside of the listed temperature range shown on the fire
extinguisher label. Generally, the fire extinguishers are permitted to be
installed in the areas where temperatures ranging from 4 C to 49 C.
• All extinguishers must be provided with a pictorial design (how to use)
instruction label.
• All fire extinguishers shall be inspected immediately after the installation
and periodically at regular intervals not more than 30 days.
• Each extinguisher should be furnished with a maintenance record plate for
indicating the last inspection by month and year. The language used for
nameplates shall be English and Arabic unless otherwise specified in the
project specification.
• Fire extinguishers shall conform to the relevant provisions of QCS – Section
23 and BS 5423.
• Fire extinguishers shall be maintained in accordance with NFPA 10.
5. Wet Chemical Extinguishing System
Wet chemical extinguishing systems will be provided for all kitchen hoods and will be
designed based on the following design criteria:
• The wet chemical fire protection will be a listed system including the wet
chemical stored in cylinder, detectors, discharge nozzles, manual
actuators, indicators, pipe and fittings, tubing, hose and shut off devices.
• The system will be designed to provide the required design objectives and
calculations referenced in Chapter 5 of NFPA 17A.
• The design will follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Wet chemical suppression system shall be UL/FM.
PRELIMINARY SIZING
6. Fire Pumps
Fire pumps will consist of three pumps, one electric driven pump on duty, one identical diesel
driven pump standby and jockey pump. The fire pump will be mainly horizontal split case
centrifugal pump with zero or positive suction head. NFPA and QCDD do not allow installing
water pumps under negative suction head, which mean that the pump room should be beside
the firefighting water tank.
Based on a preliminary calculation for most demanding area of the building, the fire pumps
are preliminary estimated to have a capacity of 750 gpm @ 120 psi.
7. Fire Fighting Water Tank
The firefighting water tank shall have a water capacity sufficient to suppress fire for a certain
period. The tanks will be provided with a main non-potable water supply pipe from municipality
network with a dedicated water meter. The total capacity of the firewater tank is preliminary
estimated as follows:
• Location of most demanding sprinkler system for ordinary hazard is at the
basement floor.
• Estimated fire pump characteristics are 750 gpm @ 120 psi.
• A 60 minutes duration are selected for firewater requirements.
• Based on the above estimations, total capacity for fire tank is 45,000 US
gallons (171 m3).
HYDROSTATIC TESTS
Prior to completion, all sprinkler systems shall by hydrostatically tested at a minimum of 1,400 kPa
for a period of two hours.

DETERMINATION OF FIRE HAZARD

Classes of occupancy

The provided text outlines three broad classes of fire hazard as per the classification
system:
• Extra Light Hazard (ELH):
• Description: Non-industrial occupancies where the amount and
combustibility of the contents are low.
• Example: Residential buildings, small offices, places with minimal storage of
non-combustible materials.
• Ordinary Hazard (OH):
• Description: Commercial and industrial occupancies involving the handling,
processing, and storage of mainly ordinary combustible materials that are
unlikely to develop intensely burning fires in the initial stages.
• Further divided into sub-groups:

▪ Group 1 (OH1):
• Description: Moderate hazard level within the ordinary
hazard class.

▪ Group 2 (OH2):
• Description: Moderate hazard level within the ordinary
hazard class.

▪ Group 3 (OH3):
• Description: Moderate hazard level within the ordinary
hazard class.

▪ Group 3 Special (OH3S):

• Description: Special cases within the ordinary hazard class.
Note: The term "storage" includes the warehousing or temporary depositing of goods or
materials undergoing processing.

• Extra High Hazard (EHH):

• Description: Commercial and industrial occupancies with high fire loads.
• Further divided into categories:

▪ Extra High Hazard Process Risk:

• Description: Involves handling or processing materials
mainly of an extra hazardous nature, likely to develop rapid and
intensely burning fires.

▪ High Piling of Goods:

• Description: Involves high stacking or piling of goods beyond
specified limits.
SPRINKLER SYSTEM
Wet pipe systems
Where perimeter sprinklers are required for wet pipe systems they shall be installed to the following
details:
(a) The water demand for these heads shall be added to the ceiling sprinkler demand;
(b) There shall be a row of sprinklers 600 mm (+ or - 50 mm) from any panel wall. Starting with the
first head of each row 600 mm from each corner:
(c) Maximum spacing along the wall of 3,0 m;
(d) The minimum flow from the sprinkler adjacent to the wall shall be 115 Llmin;
(e) The sprinkler shall be quick response, 68°C (or 30 °C above the highest ambient temperature):
(f) Minimum of 10 wall heads discharging in addition to roof level demands;
(g) Ceiling sprinklers shall be positioned so that they are at staggered intervals to the perimeter
sprinklers and shall be positioned to provide the normal minimum clearance spacing
h) A drain valve of at least one-third the distribution pipe diameter, but in no case less than 25 mm
Nominal Bore shall be installed downstream of each subsidiary stop valve and connected to a
permanently piped drain (which is drained to the appropriate public utility installation);
Occupancy Design Maximum Time of Water
Sprinkler Type
Hazard Number Delivery (seconds)
ELH Residential
1 15
(Residential) Sprinklers
ELH Spray Sprinklers 1 60
Ordinary
2 50
Hazard
EHH Process Risks 4 45
High Piled Storage
EHH 4 40
Risks

Extra Large Orifice (ELO). These are a spray type sprinkler with a K factor greater than 11.5 which may
be used in extra high hazard occupancies.
Extended Coverage Area Density (ECAD). These are a spray sprinkler with an unusually large K factor
used in extra high hazard occupancies. They may be used at normal spray sprinkler spacings, or at
greater spacings in accordance with their listing criteria,
Extended Coverage Light Hazard (ECLH). This is a spray pattern sprinkler designed to protect areas
larger than 21 m2/sprinkler within extra light hazard occupancies.
K factor is the constant in the formula

Q = K * √P
• Q: Flow rate (in liters per minute, L/min)
• K: Flow coefficient or K-factor (dimensionless constant)
• P: Pressure (in kilopascals, kPa)
Sprinkler head nominal orifice sizes shall be identifiable by one of the following means:
(a) Sprinkler heads shall be marked with a Sprinkler Identification Number (SIN Number) which will
allow the sprinkler head characteristics to be identified from the manufacturer's published data; or
(b)

• 15 mm Orifice (K = 8.0):
o These sprinkler heads are unmarked.
o If other orifice sizes are used, a pintle is fitted on the deflector.
• 10 mm Orifice (K = 5.7):
o The letters "ELH" should be marked on the frame.
• 20 mm Orifice (K = 11.5):
o These sprinkler heads, whether conventional or spray pattern,
should have the letters "EHH" marked on the frame.
• 15 mm Residential:
o For residential sprinklers, the words "Residential" or "Res" should
be marked on the deflector or heat collector, along with the K factor.
Table 1: Fusible Link Sprinklers

Temperature Rating (°C) Color

55/77 Natural (uncolored)
80/107 White
121/141 Blue
163/191 Red
204/246 Green
260/302 Orange
320/343 Black

Table 2: Glass Bulb Types

Temperature Rating (°C) Color of Yoke Arms Color of Bulbs

57 Orange Orange
68 - Red
79 - Yellow
93 - Green
141 - Blue
182 - Mauve
227/260 - Black

Sprinkler Orifice Size Type of Sprinkler Temperature Rating

10 mm SSP or SSU 68°C or 93°C
15 mm SSP, SSU or C/UP 68°C or 93°C
20 mm SSP, SSU or C/UP 68°C or 141°C

VALVES
Installation control valves
404.1.1 General Each installation shall be provided with a set of installation control valves comprising:
(a) A main stop valve;
(b) An alarm valve (wet pipe, dry pipe, composite or a deluge valve);
(c) A water motor alarm and gong;
(d) A drain valve.
Town's main water supply strainer
404.10.1 Where strainers are required on a town's main each strainer shall be designed: (a) To provide
at least 25 mm2 screen open area for each liter per minute of design flow, and not less than four times
the cross-sectional area of the supply pipe;

Pressure gauges shall be calibrated with divisions not exceeding:

20 kPa for maximum scale values ~ 1000 kPa
50 kPa for maximum scale values> 1 000 ~ 1600 kPa
100 kPa for maximum scale values> 1600 kPa.
the sprinkler installation criteria regarding spacing requirements, including general
requirements and special circumstances:
General Requirements:
• For buildings up to 9.1 m height, sprinklers should be installed at a maximum
spacing of 3.7 m apart.
• For buildings greater than 9.1 m height but less than 13.7 m high, the maximum
spacing between sprinklers is 3.1 m.
• The minimum spacing between sprinklers is 2.4 m.
Special Circumstances:
• In situations where the elimination of obstructions is crucial for the successful
operation of suppression mode sprinklers, slight extensions to the spacing
requirements are permissible.
• For buildings up to 9.1 m high, the maximum spacing of 3.7 m may be increased
to 4 m, and the area of coverage may be increased to 10.2 m² for sprinklers
that need to be moved to be at least 300 mm from obstructions.
 • For buildings over 9.1 m and up to 12.2 m high, the maximum spacing of 3.1 m
may be increased to 3.4 m, with a maximum area of coverage of 10.2 m², for
sprinklers that need to be moved to be at least 300 mm from obstructions.

WATER SUPPLY
Class C2 - Single superior supply
Buildings greater than 25 m high, measured from the point of lowest entry to the floor level of the
highest normally occupied floor.
A single approved primary supply. Where the supply is reliant on the use of fire pumps, two pumps
shall be provided in parallel. Each pump shall be individually capable of meeting the highest design
flow and pressure. At least one pump shall be driven by a diesel engine.

TOWN'S MAINS, BOOSTED TOWN'S MAINS, SUPPLEMENTED TOWN'S MAINS

Except in the case of a supplemented town's main, a listed strainer, complying with 404.10, shall be
installed on every town's main water supply in the following cases:
(a) Where the design flow is 2,300 Llmin or greater;
(b) Where the deSign flow is less than 2,300 Llmin and previous experience or test results indicate a
need for a strainer to eliminate particulate matter which could block a sprinkler or other system
orifice. In such cases, the contractor may obtain an early ruling regarding the need for a strainer, by
the submission of appropriate information to, or by facilitating demonstrative tests for, a sse.
Ordinarily, it will not be necessary to require a strainer for an "Extra light hazard" occupancy design
flow if the town's main is 100 mm or larger.
Connections for hose reels and other low demand uses
Provided the town's main and the branch connection are not less than 100 mm nominal diameter:

CONNECTION OF HYDRANTS
Hydrants including those on risers in multi-storeyed buildings may only be connected to a branch
connection from the town's main, provided they comply with the following conditions: (a) The branch
connection is at least 100 mm diameter;

SUCTION PIPE INLET

All suction pipes shall commence with:
(a) A screen having a net cross section open area of 4 times the cross-sectional area of the suction
pipe and openings in the screen shall not have a major dimension larger than 8 mm; and
(b) An anti-vortex plate having a minimum dimension, measured from the centre of the outlet pipe to
the outside edge of the plate, of 0.4 m for design flows up to 2,000 Umin and 0.6 m for greater design
flows: or
PUMP SELECTION CRITERIA:
• Manufacturer's Curve:
The published manufacturer's curve of the selected pump should demonstrate that:
▪ At the design flow of every installation supplied, the pump will
produce 110% of the additional pressure needed at the point of
connection to the water supply of the pump inlet flange. This is required
to meet the highest design pressure of each installation at the control
valves, plus pressure losses (or gains) due to differences in height and
friction between the pump delivery and each alarm valve.

• Pressure Available at Pump Suction:

When determining the pressure available at the pump suction, the following factors
should be considered:
▪ For tanked or open water supplies, account for the pressure loss due
to friction at the highest design flow in the suction pipe between the tank
and the pump suction, along with the difference in elevation of the pump
suction and the water level in tanks (both full and empty).
▪ For boosted town mains, consider the pressure differences due to
friction loss (at the highest design flow) and static height between the
point where the pressure measurement is taken to determine the
characteristics of the town's main and the suction inlet of the pump.

• Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH):

o The "Net positive suction head (NPSH) required" at the highest design flow
should not be more than the "NPSH available" minus 20 kPa at the suction inlet.
This measurement should be calculated or measured as an absolute pressure,
considering the water temperature.