Fire protection experts generally agree that automatic sprinklers represent one of the single, most significant aspects of a fire management program. Properly designed, installed, and maintained, these systems can overcome deficiencies in risk management, building construction, and emergency response. They may also provide enhanced flexibility of building design and increase the overall level of fire safety.

The following text presents an overview of fire detection, alarm and sprinkler systems including system types, components, operations, and answers to common anxieties.

Before attempting to understand fire detection systems and automatic sprinklers, it is beneficial to possess a basic knowledge of fire development and behavior. With this information, the role and interaction of these supplemental fire safety systems in the protection process can then be better realized.

Basically, a fire is a chemical reaction in which a carbon based material (fuel), mixes with oxygen (usually as a component of air), and is heated to a point where flammable vapors are produced. These vapors can then come in contact with something that is hot enough to cause vapor ignition, and a resulting fire. In simple terms, something that can burn touches something that is hot, and a fire is produced.

Libraries, archives, museums, and historic structures frequently contain numerous fuels. These include books, manuscripts, records, artifacts, combustible interior finishes, cabinets, furnishings, and laboratory chemicals. It should be recognized that any item containing wood, plastic, paper, fabric, or combustible liquids is a potential fuel. They also contain several common, potential ignition sources including any item, action, or process which produces heat. These encompass electric lighting and power systems, heating and air conditioning equipment, heat producing conservation and maintenance activities, and electric office appliance. Flame generating construction activities such as soldering, brazing, and cutting are frequent sources of ignition. Arson is unfortunately one of the most common cultural property ignition sources, and must always be considered in fire safety planning.

When the ignition source contacts the fuel, a fire can start. Following this contact, the typical accidental fire begins as a slow growth, smoldering process which may last from a few minutes to several hours. The duration of this "incipient" period is dependent on a variety of factors including fuel type, its physical arrangement, and quantity of available oxygen. During this period heat generation increases, producing light to moderate volumes of smoke. The characteristic smell of smoke is usually the first indication that an incipient fire is underway. It is during this stage that early detection (either human or automatic), followed by a timely response by qualified fire emergency professionals, can control the fire before significant losses occur.

As the fire reaches the end of the incipient period, there is usually enough heat generation to permit the onset of open, visible flames. Once flames have appeared, the fire changes from a relatively minor situation to a serious event with rapid flame and heat growth. Ceiling temperatures can exceed 1,000° C (1,800° F) within the first minutes. These flames can ignite adjacent combustible contents within the room, and immediately endanger the lives of the room's occupants. Within 3-5 minutes, the room ceiling acts like a broiler, raising temperatures high enough to "flash", which simultaneously ignites all combustibles in the room. At this point, most contents will be destroyed and human survivability becomes impossible. Smoke generation in excess of several thousand cubic meters (feet) per minute will occur, obscuring visibility and impacting contents remote from the fire.

If the building is structurally sound, heat and flames will likely consume all remaining combustibles and then self extinguish (burn out). However, if wall and/or ceiling fire resistance is inadequate, (i.e. open doors, wall/ceiling breaches, combustible building construction), the fire can spread into adjacent spaces, and start the process over. If the fire remains uncontrolled, complete destruction or "burn out" of the entire building and contents may ultimately result.

Successful fire suppression is dependent on extinguishing flames before, or immediately upon, flaming combustion. Otherwise, the resulting damage may be too severe to recover from. During the incipient period, a trained person with portable fire extinguishers may be an effective first line of defense. However, should an immediate response fail or the fire grow rapidly, extinguisher capabilities can be surpassed within the first minute. More powerful suppression methods, either fire department hoses or automatic systems, then become essential.

A fire can have far reaching impact on the institution's buildings, contents and mission. General consequences may include:

• Collections damage. Most heritage institutions house unique and irreplaceable objects. Fire generated heat and smoke can severely damage or totally destroy these items beyond repair.
   
• Operations and mission damage. Heritage occupancies often contain educational facilities, conservation laboratories, catalogue services, administrative/support staff offices, exhibition production, retail, food service, and a host of other activities. A fire can shut these down with adverse impact on the organization's mission and its clientele.
   
• Structure damage. Buildings provide the "shell" that safeguards collections, operations and occupants from weather, pollution, vandalism and numerous other environmental elements. A fire can destroy walls, floors, ceiling/roof assemblies and structural support, as well as systems that illuminate, control temperature and humidity, and supply electrical power. This can in turn lead to content harm, and expensive relocation activities.
   
• Knowledge loss. Books, manuscripts, photographs, films, recordings and other archival collections contain a vast wealth of information that can be destroyed by fire.
   
• Injury or loss of life. The lives of staff and visitors can be endangered.
   
• Public relations impact. Staff and visitors expect safe conditions in heritage buildings. Those who donate or loan collections presume these items will be safeguarded. A severe fire could shake public confidence and cause a devastating public relations impact.
   
• Building security. A fire represents the single greatest security threat! Given the same amount of time, an accidental or intentionally set fire can cause far greater harm to collections than the most accomplished thieves. Immense volumes of smoke and toxic gases can cause confusion and panic, thereby creating the ideal opportunity for unlawful entry and theft. Unrestricted firefighting operations will be necessary, adding to the security risk. Arson fires set to conceal a crime are common.

To minimize fire risk and its impact, heritage institutions should develop and implement comprehensive and objective fire protection programs. Program elements should include fire prevention efforts, building construction improvements, methods to detect a developing fire and alert emergency personnel, and means to effectively extinguish a fire. Each component is important toward overall accomplishment of the institution's fire safety goal. It is important for management to outline desired protection objectives during a fire and establish a program that addresses these goals. Therefore, the basic question to be asked by the property's managers is, "What maximum fire size and loss can the institution accept?" With this information, goal oriented protection can be implemented.

2: Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

2.1: Introduction

2.2: Control Panels

2.3: Fire Detectors

2.4: Alarm Output Devices

2.5: Summary

3: Fire Sprinklers

3.1: Introduction

For most fires, water represents the ideal extinguishing agent. Fire sprinklers utilize water by direct application onto flames and heat, which causes cooling of the combustion process and prevents ignition of adjacent combustibles. They are most effective during the fire's initial flame growth stage, while the fire is relatively easy to control. A properly selected sprinkler will detect the fire's heat, initiate alarm, and begin suppression within moments after flames appear. In most instances sprinklers will control fire advancement within a few minutes of their activation, which will in turn result in significantly less damage than otherwise would happen without sprinklers.

Among the potential benefits of sprinklers are the following:

• Immediate identification and control of a developing fire. Sprinkler systems respond at all times, including periods of low occupancy. Control is generally instantaneous.
   
• Immediate alert. In conjunction with the building fire alarm system, automatic sprinkler systems will notify occupants and emergency response personnel of the developing fire.
   
• Reduced heat and smoke damage. Significantly less heat and smoke will be generated when the fire is extinguished at an early stage.
   
• Enhanced life safety. Staff, visitors and fire fighters will be subject to less danger when fire growth is checked.
   
• Design flexibility. Egress route and fire/smoke barrier placement becomes less restrictive since early fire control minimizes demand on these systems. Many fire and building codes will permit design and operations flexibility based on the presence of a fire sprinkler system.
   
• Enhanced security. A sprinkler controlled fire can reduce demand on security forces by minimizing intrusion and theft opportunities.
   
• Decreased insurance expenditure. Sprinkler controlled fires are less damaging than fires in non-sprinkled buildings. Insurance underwriters may offer reduced premiums in sprinkler protected properties.

These benefits should be considered when deciding on the selection of automatic fire sprinkler protection.

3.2: Sprinkler System Components and Operation

3.3: System Components and Types

The basic components of a sprinkler system are the sprinklers, system piping, and a dependable water source. Most systems also require an alarm, system control valves, and means to test the equipment.

The sprinkler itself is the spray nozzle, which distributes water over a defined fire hazard area (typically 14-21 m2/150-225 ft²) with each sprinkler operating by actuation of its own temperature linkage. The typical sprinkler consists of a frame, thermal operated linkage, cap, orifice, and deflector. Styles of each component may vary but the basic principles of each remain the same.

• Frame. The frame provides the main structural component which holds the sprinkler together. Water supply piping is connected to the sprinkler at the base of the frame. The frame holds the thermal linkage and cap in place, and supports the deflector during discharge. Frame styles include standard and low profile, flush, and concealed mount. Some are designed for extended spray coverage, beyond the range of normal sprinklers. Standard finishes include brass, chrome, black, and white, while custom finishes are available for aesthetically sensitive spaces. Special coatings are available for areas subject to high corrosive effect. Selection of a specific frame style is dependent on the size and type of area to be covered, anticipated hazard, visual impact features, and atmospheric conditions.
   
• Thermal linkage. The thermal linkage is the component that controls water release. Under normal conditions the linkage holds the cap in place and prevents water flow. As the link is exposed to heat, however, it weakens and releases the cap. Common linkage styles include soldered metal levers, frangible glass bulbs, and solder pellets. Each link style is equally dependable.

Upon reaching the desired operating temperature, an approximate 30 second to 4 minute time lag will follow. This lag is the time required for linkage fatigue and is largely controlled by the link materials and mass. Standard responding sprinklers operate closer to the 3-4 minute mark while quick response (QR) sprinklers operate in significantly shorter periods. Selection of a sprinkler response characteristic is dependent upon the existing risk, acceptable loss level, and desired response action.

In heritage applications the advantage of quick response sprinklers often becomes apparent. The faster a sprinkler reacts to a fire, the sooner the suppression activity is initiated, and the lower the potential damage level. This is particularly beneficial in high value or life safety applications where the earliest possible extinguishment is a fire protection goal. It is important to understand that response time is independent of response temperature. A quicker responding sprinkler will not activate at a lower temperature than a comparable standard head.

• Cap. The cap provides the water tight seal which is located over the sprinkler orifice. It is held in place by the thermal linkage, and falls from position after linkage heating to permit water flow. Caps are constructed solely of metal or a metal with a Teflon disk.
   
• Orifice. The machined opening at the base of the sprinkler frame is the orifice from which extinguishing water flows. Most orifice openings are 15 mm (1/2 inch) diameter with smaller bores available for residential applications and larger openings for higher hazards.
   
• Deflector. The deflector is mounted on the frame opposite the orifice. Its purpose is to break up the water stream discharging from the orifice into a more efficient extinguishing pattern. Deflector styles determine how the sprinkler is mounted, with common sprinkler mounting styles known as upright (mounted above the pipe), pendent (mounted below the pipe, i.e. under ceilings), and sidewall sprinklers which discharge water in a lateral position from a wall. The sprinkler must be mounted as designed to ensure proper action. Selection of a particular style is often dependent upon physical building constraints.

A sprinkler that has received wide spread interest for museum applications is the on/off sprinkler. The principle behind these products is that as a fire occurs, water discharge and extinguishing action will happen similar to standard sprinklers. As the room temperature is cooled to a safer level, a bimetallic snap disk on the sprinkler closes and water flow ceases. Should the fire reignite, operation will once again occur. The advantage of on/off sprinklers is their ability to shut off, which theoretically can reduce the quantity of water distributed and resultant damage levels. The problem, however, is the long time period that may pass before room temperatures are sufficiently cooled to the sprinkler's shut off point. In most heritage applications, the building's construction will retain heat and prevent the desired sprinkler shut down. Frequently, fire emergency response forces will have arrived and will be able to close sprinkler zone control valves before the automatic shut down feature has functioned.

On-off sprinklers typically cost 8-10 times more than the average sprinkler, which is only justifiable when assurance can be made that these products will perform as intended. Therefore, on/off sprinkler use in heritage facilities should remain limited.

Selection of specific sprinklers is based on: risk characteristics, ambient room temperature, desired response time, hazard criticality and aesthetic factors. Several sprinkler types may be used in a heritage facility.

All sprinkler systems require a reliable water source. In urban areas, a piped public service is the most common supply, while rural areas generally utilize private tanks, reservoirs, lakes, or rivers. Where a high degree of reliability is desired, or a single source is undependable, multiple supplies may be utilized.

Basic water source criteria include:

• The source must be available at all times. Fires can happen at any time and therefore, the water supply must be in a constant state of readiness. Supplies must be evaluated for resistance to pipe failure, pressure loss, droughts, and other issues that may impact availability.
   
• The system must provide adequate sprinkler supply and pressure. A sprinkler system will create a hydraulic demand, in terms of flow and pressure, on the water supply. The supply must be capable of meeting this demand. Otherwise, supplemental components such as a fire pump or standby tank must be added to the system.
   
• The supply must provide water for the anticipated fire duration. Depending of the fire hazard, suppression may take several minutes to over an hour. The selected source must be capable of providing sprinklers with water until suppression has been achieved.
   
• The system must provide water for fire department hoses operating in tandem with the sprinkler system. Most fire department procedures involve the use of fire attack hoses to supplement sprinklers. The water supply must be capable of handling this additional demand without adverse impact on sprinkler performance.

Sprinkler water is transported to fire via a system of fixed pipes and fittings. Piping material options include various steel alloys, copper, and fire resistant plastics. Steel is the traditional material with copper and plastics utilized in many sensitive applications.

Primary considerations for selection of pipe materials include:

• Ease of installation. The easier the material is installed, the less disruption is imposed on the institution's operations and mission. The ability to install a system with the least amount of disturbance is an important consideration, especially in sprinkler retrofit applications where building use will continue during construction.
   
• Cost of material versus cost of protected area. Piping typically represents the greatest single cost item in a sprinkler system. Often there is a temptation to reduce costs by utilizing less expensive piping materials that may be perfectly acceptable in certain instances, i.e. office or commercial environs. However, in heritage applications where the value of contents may be far beyond sprinkler costs, appropriateness of the piping rather than cost should be the deciding factor.
   
• Contractor familiarity with materials. A mistake to be avoided is one in which the contractor and pipe materials have been selected, only to find out that the contractor is inexperienced with the pipe. This can lead to installation difficulties, added expense, and increased failure potential. A contractor must demonstrate familiarity with the desired material before selection.
   
• Prefabrication requirements or other installation constraints. In some instances, such as in fine art vaults, requirements may be imposed to limit the amount of work time in the space. This will often require extensive prefabrication work outside of the work area. Some materials are easily adapted to prefabrication.
   
• Material cleanliness. Some pipe materials are cleaner to install than others. This will reduce the potential for soiling collections, displays, or building finishes during installation. Various materials are also resistant to accumulation in the system water, which could discharge onto collections. Cleanliness of installation and discharge should be a consideration.
   
• Labor requirements. Some pipe materials are heavier or more cumbersome to work with than others. Consequently additional workers are needed to install pipes, which can add to installation costs. If the number of construction workers allowed into the building is a factor, lighter materials may be beneficial.

The benefits and disadvantages of each material should be evaluated prior to selection of pipe materials.

Other major sprinkler system components include:

• Control valves. A sprinkler system must be capable of shut down after the fire has been controlled, and for periodic maintenance and modification. In the simplest system a single shutoff valve may be located at the point where the water supply enters the building. In larger buildings the sprinkler system may consist of multiple zones with a control valve for each. Control valves should be located in readily identified locations to assist responded emergency personnel.
   
• Alarms. Alarms alert building occupants and emergency forces when a sprinkler water flow occurs. The simplest alarms are water driven gongs supplied by the sprinkler system. Electrical flow and pressure switches, connected to a building fire alarm system, are more common in large buildings. Alarms are also provided to alert building management when a sprinkler valve is closed.
   
• Drain and test connections. Most sprinkler systems have provisions to drain pipes during system maintenance. Drains should be properly installed to remove all water from the sprinkler system, and prevent water from leakage onto protected spaces, when piping service is necessary. It is advisable to install drains at a remote location from the supply, thereby permitting effective system flushing to remove debris. Test connections are usually provided to simulate the flow of a sprinkler, thereby verifying the working condition of alarms. Test connections should be operated every 6 months.
   
• Specialty valves. Dry pipe and pre-action sprinkler systems require complex, special control valves that are designed to hold water from the system piping until needed. These control valves also include air pressure maintenance equipment and emergency operation/release systems.
   
• Fire Hose Connections. Fire fighters will often supplement sprinkler systems with hoses. Firefighting tasks are enhanced by installing hose connections to sprinkler system piping. The additional water demand imposed by these hoses must be factored into the overall sprinkler design in order to prevent adverse system performance.

3.4: System Types

There are three basic types of sprinkler systems: wet pipe, dry pipe and pre-action, with each having applicability, depending on a variety of conditions such as potential fire severity, anticipated fire growth rates, content water sensitivity, ambient conditions, and desired response. In large multifunction facilities, such as a major museum or library, two or more system types may be employed.

Wet pipe systems are the most common sprinkler system. As the name implies, a wet pipe system is one in which water is constantly maintained within the sprinkler piping. When a sprinkler activates this water is immediately discharged onto the fire.

Wet pipe system advantages include:

• System simplicity and reliability. Wet pipe sprinkler systems have the least number of components and therefore, the lowest number of items to malfunction. This produces unexcelled reliability, which is important since sprinklers may be asked to sit in waiting for many years before they are needed. This simplicity aspect also becomes important in facilities where system maintenance may not be performed with the desired frequency.
   
• Relative low installation and maintenance expense. Due to their overall simplicity, wet pipe sprinklers require the least amount of installation time and capital. Maintenance cost savings are also realized since less service time is generally required, compared to other system types. These savings become important when maintenance budgets are shrinking.
   
• Ease of modification. Heritage institutions are often dynamic with respect to exhibition and operation spaces. Wet pipe systems are advantageous since modifications involve shutting down the water supply, draining pipes, and making alterations. Following the work, the system is pressure tested and restored. Additional work for detection and special control equipment is avoided, which again saves time and expense.
   
• Short term down time following a fire. Wet pipe sprinkler systems require the least amount of effort to restore. In most instances, sprinkler protection is reinstated by replacing the fused sprinklers and turning the water supply back on. Pre-action and dry pipe systems may require additional effort to reset control equipment.

The main disadvantage of these systems is that they are not suited for subfreezing environments. There also may be concern where piping is subject to severe impact damage, such as some warehouses.

The advantages of wet systems make them highly desirable for use in most heritage applications, and with limited exception, they represent the system of choice for museum, library and historic building protection.

The next system type, a dry pipe sprinkler system, is one in which pipes are filled with pressurized air or nitrogen, rather than water. This air holds a remote valve, known as a dry pipe valve, in a closed position. The dry pipe valve is located in a heated area and prevents water from entering the pipe until a fire causes one or more sprinklers to operate. Once this happens, the air escapes and the dry pipe valve releases. Water then enters the pipe, flowing through open sprinklers onto the fire.

The main advantage of dry pipe sprinkler systems is their ability to provide automatic protection in spaces where freezing is possible. Typical dry pipe installations include unheated warehouses and attics, outside exposed loading docks and within commercial freezers.

Many heritage managers view dry pipe sprinklers as advantageous for protection of collections and other water sensitive areas, with a perceived benefit that a physically damaged wet pipe system will leak while dry pipe systems will not. In these situations, however, dry pipe systems will generally not offer any advantage over wet pipe systems. Should impact damage happen, there will only be a mild discharge delay, i.e. 1 minute, while air in the piping is released before water flow.

Dry pipe systems have some disadvantages that must be evaluated before selecting this equipment. These include:

• Increased complexity. Dry pipe systems require additional control equipment and air pressure supply components, which increases system complexity. Without proper maintenance this equipment may be less reliable than a comparable wet pipe system.
   
• Higher installation and maintenance costs. The added complexity impacts the overall dry pipe installation cost. This complexity also increases maintenance expenditure, primarily due to added service labor costs.
   
• Lower design flexibility. There are strict requirements regarding the maximum permitted size (typically 750 gallons) of individual dry pipe systems. These limitations may impact the ability of an owner to make system additions.
   
• Increased fire response time. Up to 60 seconds may pass from the time a sprinkler opens until water is discharged onto the fire. This will delay fire extinguishing actions, which may produce increased content damage.
   
• Increased corrosion potential. Following operation, dry pipe sprinkler systems must be completely drained and dried. Otherwise, remaining water may cause pipe corrosion and premature failure. This is not a problem with wet pipe systems where water is constantly maintained in piping.

With the exception of unheated building spaces and freezer rooms, dry pipe systems do not offer any significant advantages over wet pipe systems and their use in heritage buildings is generally not recommended.

The third sprinkler system type, preaction, employs the basic concept of a dry pipe system in that water is not normally contained within the pipes. The difference, however, is that water is held from piping by an electrically operated valve, known as a preaction valve. The operation of this valve is controlled by independent flame, heat, or smoke detection. Two separate events must happen to initiate sprinkler discharge. First, the detection system must identify a developing fire and then open the preaction valve. This allows water to flow into system piping, which effectively creates a wet pipe sprinkler system. Second, individual sprinkler heads must release to permit water flow onto the fire.

In some instances, the preaction system may be set up with an interlock feature in which pressurized air or nitrogen is added to system piping. The purpose of this feature is twofold: first to monitor piping for leaks and second to hold water from system piping in the event of inadvertent detector operation. The most common application for this system type is in freezer warehouses.

The primary advantage of a preaction system is the dual action required for water release: the preaction valve must operate and sprinkler heads must fuse. This provides an added level of protection against inadvertent discharge, and for this reason, these systems are frequently employed in water sensitive environments such as archival vaults, fine art storage rooms, rare book libraries and computer centers.

There are some disadvantages to preaction systems. These include:

• Higher installation and maintenance costs. Preaction systems are more complex with several additional components, notably a fire detection system. This adds to the overall system cost.
   
• Modification difficulties. As with drypipe systems, preaction sprinkler systems have specific size limitations which may impact future system modifications. In addition, system modifications must incorporate changes to the fire detection and control system to ensure proper operation.
   
• Potential decreased reliability. The higher level of complexity associated with preaction systems creates an increased chance that something may not work when needed. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure reliability. Therefore, if the facility's management decides to install preaction sprinkler protection, they must remain committed to installing the highest quality equipment, and to maintaining these systems as required by manufacturer's recommendations.

Provided the application is appropriate, preaction systems have a place in heritage buildings, especially in water sensitive spaces.

A slight variation of preaction sprinklers is the deluge system, which is basically a preaction system using open sprinklers. Operation of the fire detection system releases a deluge valve, which in turn produces immediate water flow through all sprinklers in a given area. Typical deluge systems applications are found in specialized industrial situations, i.e. aircraft hangers and chemical plants, where high velocity suppression is necessary to prevent fire spread. Use of deluge systems in heritage facilities is rare and typically not recommended.

Another preaction system variation is the on/off system which utilizes the basic arrangement of a preaction system, with the addition of a thermal detector and nonlatching alarm panel. The system functions similar to any other preaction sprinkler system, except that as the fire is extinguished, a thermal device cools to allow the control panel to shut off water flow. If the fire should reignite, the system will turn back on. In certain applications on/off systems can be effective. Care, however, must be exercised when selecting this equipment to ensure that it functions as desired. In most urban areas, it is likely that the fire department will arrive before the system has shut itself down, thereby defeating any actual benefits.

3.5: Sprinkler Concerns

Several common misconceptions about sprinkler systems exist. Consequently, heritage building owners and operators are often reluctant to provide this protection, especially for collections storage and other water sensitive spaces. Typical misunderstandings include:

• When one sprinkler operates, all will activate. With the exception of deluge systems (discussed later in this leaflet), only those sprinklers in direct contact with the fire's heat will react. Statistically, approximately 61% of all sprinkler controlled fires are stopped by two or less sprinklers.
   
• Sprinklers operate when exposed to smoke. Sprinklers function by thermal impact against their sensing elements. The presence of smoke alone will not cause activation without high heat.
   
• Sprinkler systems are prone to leakage or inadvertent operation. Insurance statistics indicate a failure rate of approximately 1 head failure per 16,000,000 sprinklers installed per year. Sprinkler components and systems are among the most tested systems in an average building. Failure of a proper system is very remote.

Where failures do occur, they are usually the result of improper design, installation, or maintenance. Therefore, to avoid problems, the institution should carefully select those who will be responsible for the installation and be committed to proper system maintenance.

• Sprinkler activation will cause excessive water damage to contents and structure. Water damage will occur when a sprinkler activates. This issue becomes relative, however, when compared to alternative suppression methods. The typical sprinkler will discharge approximately 25 gallons per minute (GPM) while the typical fire department hose delivers 100-250 GPM. Sprinklers are significantly less damaging than hoses. Since sprinklers usually operate before the fire becomes large, the overall water quantity required for control is lower than situations where the fire continues to increase until firefighters arrive.

The table below shows approximate comparative water application rates for various manual and automatic suppression methods.

One final point to consider is that the water damage is usually capable of repair and restoration. Burned out contents, however, are often beyond mend.

• Sprinkler systems look bad and will harm the building's appearance. This concern has usually resulted from someone who has observed a less than ideal appearing system, and admittedly there are some poorly designed systems out there. Sprinkler systems can be designed and installed with almost no aesthetic impact.

To ensure proper design, the institution and design team should take an active role in the selection of visible components. Sprinkler piping should be placed, either concealed or in a decorative arrangement, to minimize visual impact. Only sprinklers with high quality finishes should be used. Often sprinkler manufacturers will use customer provided paints to match finish colors, while maintaining the sprinkler's listing. The selected sprinkler contractor must understand the role of aesthetics.

To help ensure overall success, the sprinkler system designer should understand the institution's protection objectives, operations, and fire risks. This individual should be knowledgeable about system requirements and flexible to implement unique, thought-out solutions for those areas where special aesthetic or operations concerns exist. The designer should be experienced in the design of systems in architecturally sensitive applications.

Ideally, the sprinkler contractor should be experienced working in heritage applications. However, an option is to select a contractor experienced in water sensitive applications such as telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, clean rooms, or high tech manufacturing. Companies including AT&T, Bristol Meyers Squibb, and IBM have very stringent sprinkler installation requirements. If a sprinkler contractor has demonstrated success with these type of organizations, then they will be capable of performing satisfactorily in a heritage site.

The selected sprinkler components should be provided by a reputable manufacturer, experienced in special, water sensitive hazards. The cost differential between average and the highest quality components is minimal. The long term benefit, however, is substantial. When considering the value of a facility and its contents, the extra investment is worth while.

With proper attention to selection, design, and maintenance, sprinkler systems will serve the institution without adverse impact. If the institution or design team does not possess the experience to ensure the system is proper, a fire protection engineer experienced in heritage applications can be a great advantage.

3.6: Water Mist

One of the most promising automatic extinguishing technologies is the recently available fine water droplet, or mist systems. This technology represents another tool that can provide automatic fire suppression in some cultural property applications. Potential uses include locations where reliable water supplies do not exist, where even sprinkler water discharges are too high, or where building construction and aesthetics impact the use of standard sprinkler pipe dimensions. Mist systems may also be an appropriate solution to the protection void left by the environmental concerns, and subsequent demise, of Halon 1301 gas.

Mist technology was originally developed for offshore uses such as on board ships and oil drilling platforms. For both of these applications, there is a need to control severe fires while limiting the amount of extinguishing water, which could impact vessel stability. These systems have been extensively approved by a number of domestic and international marine organizations, and have been a protection standard for the past 8-10 years. They have a solid track record dealing with maritime fires. These systems have also been used in several land based applications, and have a number of listings, primarily in Europe, where their effectiveness has been recognized. Some systems have recently received approvals for North American land based uses.

Mist systems discharge limited water quantities at higher pressures than sprinkler systems. These pressures range from approximately 100 to 1,000 psi, with the higher pressure systems generally producing larger volumes of fine sprays. The produced droplets are usually in the 50 to 200 micron diameter range (compared to 600-1,000 microns for standard sprinklers), resulting in exceptionally high efficiency cooling and fire control, with significantly little water. In most situations, fires are controlled with approximately 10-25% of the water normally associated with sprinklers. Water saturation that is often associated with standard firefighting procedures is decreased. Other benefits include lower aesthetic impact and known environmental safety.

Typical water mist systems consist of the following components:

• Water supply: Water for a system may be provided by either the piped building system or a dedicated tank arrangement. In some instances, lower pressure systems may use existing sprinkler piping. For most, however, supplemental pumps will be required. Other options include dedicated water/nitrogen storage cylinders, which can deliver a limited duration supply.
   
• Piping and nozzles: Piping can be greatly reduced when compared to sprinklers. For low pressure systems, pipes are generally 25-50% smaller than comparable sprinkler piping. For high pressure systems, piping is even smaller with the 0.50-0.75 inch diameters as the norm. Like sprinklers, nozzles are individually activated by the fire's heat, and are selected to cover a certain size hazard. Their sizes are comparable to a low profile sprinkler.
   
• Detection and control equipment. In some instances, mist discharge can be controlled by selected, high reliability intelligent detectors or by an advanced technology VESDA smoke detection system. These systems represent the premier, state-of-the-art, fire detection technology that can provide very early warning of a developing fire, as well as reduce the probability of inadvertent discharge.

At this point, one of the main drawbacks to mist systems is their higher cost, which can be 50-100% greater than standard sprinklers. This cost, however, may be reduced due to possible installation labor savings. In rural applications, where reliable sprinkler water supplies can be expensive, mist systems may be comparable or less than standard sprinklers. Another problem is that these systems do not have the variety of approvals and listings commonly associated with sprinklers. As such, they may not be as recognized by fire and building authorities. In addition, the number of contractors who are familiar with the technology is limited. These concerns are diminishing, however, as use of these systems becomes more widespread.

3.7: Summary:

Copyright 1999, Northeast Document Conservation Center. All rights reserved.