A heat detector is a fire alarm device designed to respond when the convected thermal energy of a fire increases the

temperature of a heat sensitive element. The thermal mass and conductivity of the element regulate the rate flow of heat into the element. All heat detectors have this thermal lag. Heat detectors have two main classifications of operation, "rate-of-rise" and "fixed temperature."
Contents
[hide]

1 Fixed temperature heat detectors 2 Rate-of-rise heat detectors 3 Heat detector selection 4 See also

[edit]Fixed

temperature heat detectors

This is the most common type of heat detector. Fixed temperature detectors operate when the heat sensitive eutectic alloy reaches the eutectic point changing state from a solid to a liquid. Thermal lag delays the accumulation of heat at the sensitive element so that a fixed-temperature device will reach its operating temperature sometime after the surrounding air temperature exceeds that temperature. The most common fixed temperature point for electrically connected heat detectors is 136.4F (58C). Technological developments have enabled the perfection of detectors that activate at a temperature of 117F (47C), increasing the available reaction time and margin of safety. This type of technology has been available for decades without the use of batteries or electricity as shown in the picture. [edit]Rate-of-rise

heat detectors

Worn out Edwards 281B heat detector. Note the missing central disk which activates the fixed temperature element.

Rate-of-Rise (ROR) heat detectors operate on a rapid rise in element temperature of 120 to 150F (67 to 83C) increase per minute, irrespective of the starting temperature. This type of heat detector can operate at a lower temperature fire condition than would be possible if the threshold were fixed. It has two heat-sensitive thermocouples/ thermistor. One thermocouple monitors heat transferred by convection or radiation. The other responds to ambient temperature. Detector responds when firsts temperature increases relative to the other. Rate of rise detectors may not respond to low energy release rates of slowly developing fires. To detect slowly developing fires combination detectors ad a fixed temperature element that will ultimately respond when the fixed temperature element reaches the design threshold. [edit]Heat

detector selection

Heat detectors commonly have a label on them that says "Not a life safety device". That is because heat detectors are not meant to replace smoke detectors in the bedrooms or in the hallway outside of the bedrooms. A heat detector will nonetheless notify of a fire in a kitchen or utility area (i.e., laundry room, garage, or attic), where smoke detectors should not be installed. This will allow extra time to evacuate the building or to put out the fire if possible. Mechanical heat detectors are independent fire warning stations that - unlike smoke detectors - can be installed in any area of a home. Portability, ease of installation, and excellent performance and reliability make this a good choice for residential fire protection when combined with the required smoke detectors. Because the detectors are not interconnected, heat activation identifies the location of the fire, facilitating evacuation from the home. Each type of heat detector has its advantages, and it cannot be said that one type of heat detector should always be used instead of another. If you were to place a rate-ofrise heat detector above a large, closed oven, then every time the door is opened a nuisance alarm could be generated due to the sudden heat transient. In this circumstance the fixed threshold detector would probably be best. If a room filled with highly combustible materials is protected with a fixed heat detector then a fast-flaming

fire could exceed the alarm threshold due to thermal lag. In that case the rate-of-rise heat detector may be preferred.

Smoke detector
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A smoke detector is a device that detects smoke, typically as an indicator of fire. Commercial, industrial, and mass residential devices issue a signal to a fire alarm system, while household detectors, known as smoke alarms, generally issue a local audible or visual alarm from the detector itself. Smoke detectors are typically housed in a disk-shaped plastic enclosure about 150 millimetres (6 in) in diameter and 25 millimetres (1 in) thick, but the shape can vary by manufacturer or product line. Most smoke detectors work either by optical detection (photoelectric) or by physical process (ionization), while others use both detection methods to increase sensitivity to smoke. Sensitive alarms can be used to detect, and thus deter, smoking in areas where it is banned such as toilets and schools. Smoke detectors in large commercial, industrial, and residential buildings are usually powered by a central fire alarm system, which is powered by the building power with a battery backup. However, in many single family detached and smaller multiple family housings, a smoke alarm is often powered only by a single disposable battery.

Contents
[hide]

1 History 2 Design
o o o o o

2.1 Optical 2.2 Ionization 2.3 Air-sampling 2.4 Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide detection 2.5 Performance differences 3.1 Conventional 3.2 Addressable 4.1 Batteries 4.2 Reliability

3 Commercial smoke detectors

o o

4 Single Station Smoke Alarms

o o

4.3 Installation and placement

5 References 6 External links

[edit]History
The first automatic electric fire alarm was invented in 1890 by Francis Robbins Upton (U.S. patent no. 436,961). Upton was an associate of Thomas Edison, but there is no evidence that Edison contributed to this project. George Andrew Darby patented the first electrical Heat detector and Smoke detector in 1902 in Birmingham, England.[1] In the late 1930s the Swiss physicist Walter Jaeger tried to invent a sensor for poison gas. He expected that gas entering the sensor would bind to ionized air molecules and thereby alter an electric current in a circuit in the instrument. His device failed: small concentrations of gas had no effect on the sensor's conductivity. Frustrated, Jaeger lit a cigaretteand was soon surprised to notice that a meter on the instrument had registered a drop in current. Smoke particles had apparently done what poison gas could not. Jaeger's experiment was one of the advances that paved the way for the modern smoke detector. It was 30 years, however, before progress in nuclear chemistry and solid-state electronics made a cheap sensor possible. While home smoke detectors were available during most of the 1960s, the price of these devices was rather high. Before that, alarms were so expensive that only major businesses and theaters could afford them. The first truly affordable home smoke detector was invented by Duane D. Pearsall in 1965, featuring an individual battery powered unit that could be easily installed and replaced. The first units for mass production came from Duane Pearsalls company, Statitrol Corporation, in Lakewood, Colorado. These first units were made from strong fire resistant steel and shaped much like a bee's hive. The battery was a rechargeable specialized unit created by Gates Energy. The need for a quick replace battery didn't take long to show itself and the rechargeable was replaced with a pair ofAA batteries along with a plastic shell encasing the detector. The small assembly line sent close to 500 units per day before Statitrol sold its invention to Emerson Electric in 1980 and Searss retailers picked up full distribution of the 'now required in every home' smoke detector. The first commercial smoke detectors came to market in 1969. Today they are installed in 93% of U.S. homes and 85% of UK homes. However it is estimated that any given time over 30% of these alarms do not work, as users remove the batteries, or forget to replace them.

[edit]Design

[edit]Optical

Optical Smoke Detector with the cover removed.

Optical Smoke Detector 1: Optical chamber 2: Cover 3: Case moulding 4: Photodiode (detector) 5: Infrared LED

Inside a basic ionization smoke detector. The black, round structure at the right is the ionization chamber. The white, round structure at the upper left is the piezoelectric buzzer that produces the alarm sound.
An optical detector is a light sensor. When used as a smoke detector, it includes a light source (incandescent bulb or infrared LED), a lens to collimate the light into a beam, and a photodiode or other photoelectric sensor at an angle to the beam as a light detector. In the absence of smoke, the light passes in front of the detector in a straight line. When smoke enters the optical chamber across the path of the light beam, some light is scattered by the smoke particles, directing it at the sensor and thus triggering the alarm. Also seen in large rooms, such as a gymnasium or an auditorium, are devices that detect a projected beam. A wall-mounted unit sends out a beam, which is either received by a separate monitoring device or reflected back via a mirror. When the beam becomes less visible to the "eye" of the sensor, it sends an alarm signal to the fire alarm control panel. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, "photoelectric smoke detection is generally more responsive to fires that begin with a long period of smoldering (called smoldering fires)." Also, studies by Texas A&M and the NFPA cited by the City of Palo Alto California state, "Photoelectric alarms react slower to rapidly growing fires than ionization alarms, but laboratory and field tests have shown that photoelectric smoke alarms provide adequate warning for all types of fires and have been shown to be far less likely to be deactivated by occupants." Although optical alarms are highly effective at detecting smoldering fires and do provide adequate protection from flaming fires, fire safety experts and the National Fire Protection Agency recommend installing what are called combination alarms, which are alarms that either detect both heat and smoke, or use both the ionization and photoelectric / optical processes. Also some combination alarms may include a carbon monoxide detection capability. Not all optical or photoelectric detection methods are the same. The type and sensitivity of the photodiode or optical sensor, and type of smoke chamber differ between manufacturers.

[edit]Ionization

An Americium container from a smoke detector.

An ionization smoke detector uses a radioisotope such as americium-241 to produce ionization in air; a difference due to smoke is detected and an alarm is generated. Ionisation detectors are more sensitive to flaming fires than optical detectors, while optical detectors are more sensitive to smouldering fires. [2] The radioactive isotope americium-241 in the smoke detector emits ionizing radiation in the form of Alpha particles into an ionization chamber that is open to the air and a sealed reference chamber. The air molecules in the chamber become ionized and these ions allow the passage of a smallelectric current between charged electrodes placed in the chamber. If any smoke particles pass into the chamber the ions will attach to the particles and so will be less able to carry the current. An electronic circuit detects the current drop, and sounds the alarm. The reference chamber cancels effects due to air pressure, temperature, or the aging of the source. [3] Other parts of the circuitry monitor the battery (where used) and sound an intermittent warning when the battery nears exhaustion. A self-test circuit simulates an imbalance in the ionization chamber and verifies the function of power supply, electronics, and alarm device. The standby power draw of an ionization smoke detector is so low that a small battery can provide power for months or years, making the unit independent of AC power supply or external wiring; however, batteries require regular test and replacement. An ionization type smoke detector is generally cheaper to manufacture than an optical smoke detector; however, it is sometimes rejected because it is more prone to false (nuisance) alarms than photoelectric smoke detectors.[4][5] It can detect particles of smoke that are too small to be visible. Americium-241, an alpha emitter, has a half-life of 432 years. Alpha radiation, as opposed to beta and gamma, is used for two additional reasons: Alpha particles have high ionization, so sufficient air particles will be ionized for the current to exist, and they have low penetrative power, meaning they will be stopped by the plastic of the smoke detector or the air. About one percent of the emitted radioactive energy of
241

Am is gamma radiation.

The amount of elemental americium-241 is small enough to be exempt from the regulations applied to larger sources. It includes about 37 kBq or 1 Ci of radioactive element americium-241 (241Am), corresponding to about 0.3 g of the isotope. [6][7] This provides sufficient ion current to detect smoke, while producing a very low level of radiation outside the device. The presence of americium-241 means that every decommissioned smoke detector must be properly disposed of lest it constitute an environmental hazard.[8]

[edit]Air-sampling
An air-sampling smoke detector is capable of detecting microscopic particles of smoke. Most air-sampling detectors are aspirating smoke detectors, which work by actively drawing air through a network of small-bore pipes laid out above or below a ceiling in parallel runs covering a protected area. Small holes drilled into each pipe form a matrix of holes (sampling points), providing an even distribution across the pipe network. Air samples are drawn past a sensitive optical device, often a solid-state laser, tuned to detect the extremely small particles of combustion. Air-sampling detectors may be used to trigger an automatic fire response, such as a gaseous fire suppression system, in high-value or mission-critical areas, such as archives or computer server rooms. Most air-sampling smoke detection systems are capable of a higher sensitivity than spot type smoke detectors and provide multiple levels of alarm threshold, such as Alert, Action, Fire 1 and Fire 2. Thresholds may be set at levels across a wide range of smoke levels. This provides earlier notification of a developing fire than spot type smoke detection, allowing manual intervention or activation of automatic suppression systems before a fire has developed beyond the smoldering stage, thereby increasing the time available for evacuation and minimizing fire damage.

[edit]Carbon

monoxide and carbon dioxide detection

Some smoke alarms use a carbon dioxide sensor or carbon monoxide sensor to detect extremely dangerous products of combustion.[9][10]However, not all smoke detectors that are advertised with such gas sensors are actually able to warn of poisonous levels of those gases in the absence of a fire. [citation needed]

[edit]Performance

differences

Photoelectric smoke detectors respond quickly to smoldering fires, which are made up of combustion particles between 0.3 and 10.0 microns. Ionization smoke detectors, however, are superior when detecting flaming fires, which can be characterized by combustion particles between 0.01 and 0.3 microns. Also, ionization detectors are weaker in high air-flow environments, and because of this, the photoelectric smoke detector is more reliable for detecting smoke in both the smoldering and flaming stages of a fire.[11] According to fire tests conformant to EN 54, the CO2 cloud from smoke can usually be detected before particulate.[10]

Due to the varying levels of detection capabilities between detector types, manufacturers have designed multicriteria devices which cross-reference the separate signals to both rule out false alarms and improve response times to real fires.[11] Examples include Photo/heat, photo/CO, and even CO/photo/heat/IR. Obscuration is a unit of measurement that has become the standard definition of smoke detector sensitivity. Obscuration is the effect that smoke has on reducing sensor visibility; higher concentrations of smoke result in higher obscuration levels.

Typical smoke detector obscuration ratings[12]

Type of Detector

Obscuration Level

Ionization

2.65.0% obs/m (0.81.5% obs/ft)

Photoelectric

6.513.0% obs/m (24% obs/ft)

Beam

3% obs/m (0.9% obs/ft)[citation needed]

Aspirating

0.00520.5% obs/m (0.00156.25% obs/ft)

Laser

0.066.41% obs/m (0.022.0% obs/ft)[13]

[edit]Commercial

smoke detectors

This section requires expansion.

An integrated locking mechanism for commercial building doors. Inside an enclosure are a locking device, smoke detector and power supply.
Commercial smoke detectors are either conventional or analog addressable, and are wired up to security monitoring systems or fire alarm control panels (FACP). These are the most common type of detector, and usually cost a lot more than a household smoke alarms. They exist in most commercial and industrial facilities, such as high rises, ships and trains. These detectors don't need to have built in alarms, as alarm systems can be controlled by the connected FACP, which will set off relevant alarms, and can also implement complex functions such as a staged evacuation.

[edit]Conventional
The word "conventional" is slang used to distinguish the method used to communicate with the control unit from that used by addressable detectors whose methods were unconventional at the time of their introduction. So called Conventional Detectors cannot be individually identified by the control unit and resemble an electrical switch in their information capacity. These detectors are connected in parallel to the signaling path or (initiating device circuit) so that the current flow is monitored to indicate a closure of the circuit path by any connected detector when smoke or other similar environmental stimulus sufficiently influences any detector. The resulting increase in current flow is interpreted and processed by the control unit as a confirmation of the presence of smoke and a fire alarm signal is generated.

[edit]Addressable

An addressable Simplex smoke detector

This type of installation gives each detector on a system an individual number, or address. Thus, addressable detectors allow an FACP, and therefore fire fighters, to know the exact location of an alarm where the address is indicated on a diagram. Analog addressable detectors provide information about the amount of smoke in their detection area, so that the FACP can decide itself, if there is an alarm condition in that area (possibly considering day/night time and the readings of surrounding areas). These are usually more expensive than autonomous deciding detectors. [14]

[edit]Single

Station Smoke Alarms

The main function of a single station or "standalone" smoke alarm is to alert persons at risk. Several methods are used and documented in industry specifications published by Underwriters Laboratories[15] Alerting methods include:

Audible tones

Usually around 3200 Hz due to component constraints (Audio advancements for persons with hearing impairments have been made; see External links)

85 dBA at 10 feet

Spoken voice alert Visual strobe lights

177 candela output

Tactile stimulation, e.g., bed or pillow shaker (No standards exist as of 2008 for tactile stimulation alarm devices.)

Some models have a hush or temporary silence feature that allows silencing without removing the battery. This is especially useful in locations where false alarms can be relatively common (e.g. due to "toast burning") or

users could remove the battery permanently to avoid the annoyance of false alarms, but removing the battery permanently is strongly discouraged. While current technology is very effective at detecting smoke and fire conditions, the deaf and hard of hearing community has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the alerting function in awakening sleeping individuals in certain high risk groups such as the elderly, those with hearing loss and those who are intoxicated.[16] Between 2005 and 2007, research sponsored by the United States' National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has focused on understanding the cause of a higher number of deaths seen in such high risk groups. Initial research into the effectiveness of the various alerting methods is sparse. Research findings suggest that a low frequency (520 Hz) square wave output is significantly more effective at awakening high risk individuals. Wireless smoke and carbon monoxide detectors linked to alert mechanisms such as vibrating pillow pads for the hearing impaired, strobes, and remote warning handsets are more effective at waking people with serious hearing loss than other alarms.[17]

[edit]Batteries

Photoelectric smoke detector equipped with strobe light for the hearing impaired
Most residential smoke detectors run on 9-volt alkaline or carbon-zinc batteries. When these batteries run down, the smoke detector becomes inactive. Most smoke detectors will signal a low-battery condition. The alarm may chirp at intervals if the battery is low, though if there is more than one unit within earshot, it can be hard to locate. It is common, however, for houses to have smoke detectors with dead batteries. It is estimated, in the UK, that over 30% of smoke alarms may have dead or removed batteries. As a result, public information campaigns have been created to remind people to change smoke detector batteries regularly. In Australia, for example, a public information campaign suggests that smoke alarm batteries should be replaced on April Fools' Day every year.[18] In regions using daylight saving time, campaigns may suggest that people change their batteries when they change their clocks or on a birthday.

Some detectors are also being sold with a lithium battery that can run for about 7 to 10 years, though this might actually make it less likely for people to change batteries, since their replacement is needed so infrequently. By that time, the whole detector may need to be replaced. Though relatively expensive, user-replaceable 9-volt lithium batteries are also available. Common NiMH and NiCd rechargeable batteries have a high self-discharge rate, making them unsuitable for use in smoke detectors. This is true even though they may provide much more power than alkaline batteries if used soon after charging, such as in a portable stereo. Also, a problem with rechargeable batteries is a rapid voltage drop at the end of their useful charge. This is of concern in devices such as smoke detectors, since the battery may transition from "charged" to "dead" so quickly that the low-battery warning period from the detector is either so brief as to go unnoticed, or may not occur at all. The NFPA, recommends that home-owners replace smoke detector batteries with a new battery at least once per year, when it starts chirping (a signal that its charge is low), or when it fails a test, which the NFPA recommends to be carried out at least once per month by pressing the "test" button on the alarm. [19]

[edit]Reliability
In 2004, NIST issued a comprehensive report[5] that concludes, among other things, that "smoke alarms of either the ionization type or the photoelectric type consistently provided time for occupants to escape from most residential fires", and "consistent with prior findings, ionization type alarms provided somewhat better response to flaming fires than photoelectric alarms (57 to 62 seconds faster response), and photoelectric alarms provided (often) considerably faster response to smoldering fires than ionization type alarms (47 to 53 minutes faster response)". The NFPA strongly recommends the replacement of home smoke alarms every 10 years. Smoke alarms become less reliable with time, primarily due to aging of their electronic components, making them susceptible to nuisance false alarms. In ionization type alarms, decay of the
241

Am radioactive source is a negligible factor,

as its half-life is far greater than the expected useful life of the alarm unit. Regular cleaning can prevent false alarms caused by the build up of dust or other objects such as flies, particularly on optical type alarms as they are more susceptible to these factors. A vacuum cleaner can be used to clean ionization and optical detectors externally and internally. However, on commercial ionisation detectors it is not recommended for a lay person to clean internally. To reduce false alarms caused by cooking fumes, use an optical or 'toast proof' alarm near the kitchen.
[20]

A jury in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York decided in 2006 that First Alert and its parent company, BRK Brands, was liable for millions of dollars in damages because the ionization smoke alarm in the Hackert's house was a defective design by its nature, typically failing to detect the slowburning fire and choking smoke that filled the home as the family slept.[21]

[edit]Installation

and placement

A 2007 U.S. guide to placing smoke detectors, suggesting that one be placed on every floor of a building, and in each bedroom.
In the United States, most state and local laws regarding the required number and placement of smoke detectors are based upon standards established in NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. Laws governing the installation of smoke detectors vary depending on the locality. Homeowners with questions or concerns regarding smoke detector placement may contact their local fire marshal or building inspector for assistance. However, some rules and guidelines for existing homes are relatively consistent throughout the developed world. For example, Canada and Australia require a building to have a working smoke detector on every level. TheUnited States NFPA code cited in the previous paragraph requires smoke detectors on every habitable level and within the vicinity of all bedrooms. Habitable levels include attics that are tall enough to allow access. In new construction, minimum requirements are typically more stringent. All smoke detectors must be hooked directly to the electrical wiring, be interconnected and have a battery backup. In addition, smoke detectors are required either inside or outside every bedroom, depending on local codes. Smoke detectors on the outside will detect fires more quickly, assuming the fire does not begin in the bedroom, but the sound of the alarm will be

reduced and may not wake some people. Some areas also require smoke detectors in stairways, main hallways and garages. Wired units with a third "interconnect" wire allow a dozen or more detectors to be connected, so that if one detects smoke, the alarms will sound on all the detectors in the network, improving the chances that occupants will be alerted, even if they are behind closed doors or if the alarm is triggered one or two floors from their location. Wired interconnection may only be practical for use in new construction, especially if the wire needs to be routed in areas that are inaccessible without cutting open walls and ceilings. As of the mid-2000s, development has begun on wirelessly networking smoke alarms, using technologies such as ZigBee, which will allow interconnected alarms to be easily retrofitted in a building without costly wire installations. Some wireless systems using Wi-Safe technology will also detect smoke or carbon monoxide through the detectors, which simultaneously alarm themselves with vibrating pads, strobes and remote warning handsets. As these systems are wireless they can easily be transferred from one property to another. In the UK the placement of detectors are similar however the installation of smoke alarms in new builds need to comply to the British Standards BS5839 pt6. BS 5839: Pt.6: 2004 recommends that a new-build property consisting of no more than 3 floors (less than 200sqm per floor) should be fitted with a Grade D, LD2 system. Building Regulations in England, Wales and Scotland recommend that BS 5839: Pt.6 should be followed, but as a minimum a Grade D, LD3 system should be installed. Building Regulations in Northern Ireland require a Grade D, LD2 system to be installed, with smoke alarms fitted in the escape routes and the main living room and a heat alarm in the kitchen, this standard also requires all detectors to have a main supply and a battery back up.

Alarm System: Smoke and Heat Detectors

Smoke & Heat Detectors
Smoke detectors are available that will interface with your security system. The smoke detectors that are already in your home cant be tied into your security system. The device that the builder put in your home is either electrical, battery operated, or in some instances both, if you have the better quality detectors. Lifesaving smoke detectors should be in every home. If you elect to

add some to your system, your existing detectors should be left in place, as they are still able to help give early warning in case of a fire. If you add a smoke detector to your system it should be placed in the highest point of your home as possible, as smoke will rise no matter where it originates. Some homeowners elect to place one in the basement and top floor, and some want one added to every floor. The technology that makes most of these devices work is photoelectric technology. This means that the detector basically takes a snapshot of the density of smoke that enters its chamber, and wants to see a density increase as it samples every few milliseconds. This technology makes the detector much more discriminating then its inexpensive counterparts. Many of these devices also detect temperature change with their built in heat detectors. This means that the device will go into an alarm condition, if the temperature in its area of coverage is rising rapidly, even if there is no smoke yet. Independent heat detectors are also available, if you would like an added degree of protection in areas such as kitchens, furnace rooms, attics and fireplaces. (Required to meet code, in some municipalities) There are many advantages to adding fire devices to your security system. Some of them are: * Your detector is on all the time, even if your alarm is disarmed. * The devices work off the power from your alarm system and use its backup power supplies should power fail. * The siren will emit a tone that is audibly different then a burglary siren, so that you can differentiate. * Your dispatch is being made without you having to call for help yourself. This gives you more time to gather your loved ones and pets for immediate exit.

* A dispatch will take place even if you are not home. Typically flames will be coming through your roof, by the time your neighbors see them, and call for help. This early response may save your pets and a good portion of your home. * Insurance companies often give an additional discount, off your homeowners insurance, for having a fire system. These devices could effectively pay for themselves, after a few years. (INSIDE SCOOP!) Some municipalities will not dispatch their limited resources to an automatic fire alarm, unless it is designed completely to local code. This is a very expensive endeavor that, many homeowners in those areas cant justify. Businesses will have to do this, in order to get an occupancy permit. Check with your local fire authority before investing in smoke or heat detectors that will not get a response.
A fire sprinkler is the part of a fire sprinkler system that discharges water when the effects of a fire have been detected, such as when a predetermined temperature has been exceeded.
Contents
[hide]

1 History 2 US regulatory requirements 3 Operation 4 Sprinkler types

o

4.1 ESFR

5 See also 6 References 7 External links

[edit]History
This unreferenced section requires citations to

ensureverifiability.

See, generally, Dana (1919).[1]

In 1812, British inventor Sir William Congreve patented a manual sprinkler system using perforated pipes along the ceiling. When someone noticed a fire, a valve outside the building could be opened to send water through the pipes. [2] A large furniture factory had repeatedly burned down, and Hiram Stevens Maxim was consulted on how to prevent a recurrence. As a result, Maxim invented the first automatic fire sprinkler. It would douse the areas that were on fire, and it would report the fire to the fire station. Maxim was unable to sell the idea elsewhere, but when the patent expired the idea was used.[3][4] Henry S. Parmalee of New Haven, CT created and installed the first automatic fire sprinkler system in 1874, using solder that melted in a fire to plug holes in the otherwise open water pipes. At the time he was the president of Mathusek Piano Works. Parmelee invented his sprinkler system in response to exorbitantly high insurance rates. Parmelee patented his idea and had great success with it in the U.S. Parmelee called his invention the "automatic fire extinguisher".[5] He then traveled to Europe to demonstrate his method to stop a building fire before total destruction. His invention did not get as much attention as he had planned. Most people could not afford to install a sprinkler system. Once Parmelee realized this, he turned his efforts on educating the insurance companies about his system. He talked about how the sprinkler system would reduce the loss ratio, thus saving money for the insurance companies. He knew that he could never succeed in obtaining contracts from the business owners to install his system unless he could ensure for them a reasonable return in the form of reduced premiums. In this connection he was fortunate enough to enlist the sympathies of two men, who both had connections in the insurance industry. The first of these was Major Hesketh, who, in addition to being a cotton spinner in a large business in Bolton, was Chairman of the Bolton Cotton Trades Mutual Insurance Company. The Directors of this Company and more particularly its Secretary, the late Peter Kevan, took an interest in Parmelees early experiments, and eventually it was to Major Hesketh, its Chairman, that Parmelee owed his first order for the Sprinkler Installations which were installed in the Cotton Spinning Mills of John Stones &

Company, at Astley Bridge, Bolton, to be followed soon afterwards by the Alexandra Mills belonging to Mr. John Butler of the same town. Although he got a contract through his efforts, the Bolton Cotton Trades Mutual Insurance Company was not a very big company outside of its local area. Parmelee needed a wider influence. He found this influence in James North Lane, the Manager of the Mutual Fire Insurance Corporation of Manchester. This company was founded in 1870 by the Textile Manufacturers' Associations ofLancashire and Yorkshire as a protest against high insurance rates. They had a policy of encouraging risk management and more particularly the use of the most up-to-date and scientific apparatus for extinguishing fires. Even though he put tremendous effort and time into educating the masses on his sprinkler system, by 1883 only about 10 factories were protected by the Parmelee sprinkler. Back in the US, Frederick Grinnell, who was manufacturing the Parmelee sprinkler, designed a newer and more effective version which became known as the Grinnell sprinkler. He increased sensitivity by removing the fusible joint from all contact with the water, and, by seating a valve in the center of a flexible diaphragm, he relieved the low-fusing soldered joint of the strain of water pressure. By this means the valve seat was forced against the valve by the water pressure, producing a self-closing action, so that the greater the water pressure, the tighter the valve. The flexible diaphragm had a further and most important function. It caused the valve and its seat to move outwards simultaneously until the solder joint was completely severed. Grinnell got a patent for his version of the sprinkler system. He also took his invention to Europe, where it was a much bigger success than the Parmelee version. Eventually, the Parmelee system was withdrawn, which left an open path for Grinnell and his invention. [edit]US

regulatory requirements

Fire sprinkler application and installation guidelines, and overall fire sprinkler system design guidelines, are provided by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13, (NFPA) 13D, and (NFPA) 13R. The states,California and Pennsylvania require sprinklers in at least some new residential construction. [6] Fire sprinklers can be automatic or open orifice. Automatic fire sprinklers operate at a predetermined temperature, utilizing a fusible element, a portion of which melts, or a frangible glass bulb containing liquid which breaks, allowing the plug in the orifice

to be pushed out of the orifice by the water pressure in the fire sprinkler piping, resulting in water flow from the orifice. The water stream impacts a deflector, which produces a specific spray pattern designed in support of the goals of the sprinkler type (i.e., control or suppression). Modern sprinkler heads are designed to direct spray downwards. Spray nozzles are available to provide spray in various directions and patterns. The majority of automatic fire sprinklers operate individually in a fire. Contrary to motion picture representation, the entire sprinkler system does not activate, unless the system is a special deluge type. Open orifice sprinklers are only used in water spray systems or deluge sprinklers systems. They are identical to the automatic sprinkler on which they are based, with the heat sensitive operating element removed. Automatic fire sprinklers utilizing frangible bulbs follow a standardized color coding convention indicating their operating temperature. Activation temperatures correspond to the type of hazard against which the sprinkler system protects. Residential occupancies are provided with a special type of fast response sprinkler with the unique goal of life safety. [edit]Operation Each closed-head sprinkler is held closed by either a heat-sensitive glass bulb (see below) or a two-part metal link held together with fusible alloy such as Wood's metal[7] and other alloys with similar compositions.[8] The glass bulb or link applies pressure to a pip cap which acts as a plug which prevents water from flowing until the ambient temperature around the sprinkler reaches the design activation temperature of the individual sprinkler. Because each sprinkler activates independently when the predetermined heat level is reached, the number of sprinklers that operate is limited to only those near the fire, thereby maximizing the available water pressure over the point of fire origin. The bulb breaks as a result of the thermal expansion of the liquid inside the bulb.[9] The time it takes before a bulb breaks is dependent on the temperature. Below the design temperature, it does not break, and above the design temperature, it takes less time for higher temperatures. The response time is expressed as a response time index (RTI), which typically has values between 35 and 250 m s, where a low value indicates a fast response.[10] Under standard testing procedures (135 C air at a velocity of 2.5 m/s), a 68 C sprinkler bulb will break within 7 to 33 seconds, depending on the RTI.[11] The RTI can also be specified in imperial units,

where 1 fts is equivalent to 0.55 ms. The sensitivity of a sprinkler can be negatively affected if the thermal element has been painted.
Color Code (with Fusible Link)

Maximum Ceiling Temperature

Temperature Rating

Temperature Classification

Glass Bulb Color

100F / 38C

135-170F / 5777C

Ordinary

Uncolored or Black

Orange (135F) or Red (155F)

150F / 66C

175-225F / 79107C

Yellow (175F) Intermediate White or Green (200F)

225F / 107C

250-300F / 121-149C

High

Blue

Blue

300F / 149C

325-375F / 163-191C

Extra High

Red

Purple

375F / 191C

400-475F / 204-246C

Very Extra High

Green

Black

475F / 246C

500-575F / 260-302C

Ultra High

Orange

Black

625F / 329C

650F / 343C

Ultra High

Orange

Black

From Table 6.2.5.1 NFPA13 2007 Edition indicates the maximum ceiling temperature, nominal operating temperature of the sprinkler, color of the bulb or link and the temperature classification. [edit]Sprinkler [edit]ESFR ESFR, or ESFR Sprinkler, denotes a special type of fire sprinkler. Early Suppression Fast Response sprinkler heads were developed in the 1990s to take advantage of the latest fast-response fire sprinkler technology to provide fire suppression of specific high-challenge fire hazards. The sprinklers are specifically designed to fully suppress a fire that is within the design limits of the piping system. Prior to the introduction of these sprinklers, protection systems were designed to control fires until the arrival of the fire department.

types

Types Of Sprinkler Heads

The Different Types And Uses Of Sprays, Rotors, And Impact Sprinklers
Sprinkler heads come in a variety of sizes, shapes, models, and brands, but most of these variations fit into four main categories:

Pop-up sprinkler heads Impact rotors Gear-driven rotors Large turf rotors

Pop-Up Sprinkler Heads

Click here to buy Sprinkler Sprays

Probably the most widely used irrigation head; pop-ups are typically used for residential and small commercial sprinkler systems. There are two types of pop-up heads; stationary sprays and rotating heads, called rotors. Pop-up spray heads are designed to supply a continuous stream of water, and are fitted with a nozzle. There are nozzles in a variety of designs; each design is for a specific spray pattern, such as a full arc, a half-circle, or a quarter circle. Nozzles are used to distribute water in a variety of patterns to fit the contours of the landscape. Other than a pop-up stem, pop-up spray heads are stationary, and are inexpensive and simple to operate. Pop-up sprinkler bodies range in height from 2 to 20 inches. Two-inch pop-ups are common in areas with tough soil where digging is difficult. Four-inch pop-ups are commonly used in turf areas; the current standard for mowing height in lawn areas is about three inches a four-inch pop-up provides sufficient clearance for a growing lawn and for sinking it is common for sprinkler heads to settle over time as soil and thatch build up around the sprinkler head. Six to twelve-inch pop-ups can be used to irrigate groundcover, gardens, and shrub borders; risers can be installed under spray heads as the landscape grows and greater clearance is needed.

Pop-up spray heads are designed to cover relatively small areas with spray radii between 3 and 15 feet, and an operating pressure between 15 and 30 psi. The precipitation rate of fixed spray heads is dependent on system pressure, spray head spacing, manufacturer specs, and nozzle size, and varies from 1to 2.5 inches per hour. Manufacturers are continually improving pop-ups: features such as matched precipitation rates, adjustable and low trajectory nozzles, and nozzles with square spacing and strips are some of the more recent contributions to sprinkler efficiency. Several manufacturers have even developed nozzles that convert a pop-up spray head to a rotor capable of covering distances ranging from 8 to 30 feet. The advantage of these nozzles is that they reduce the precipitation rate, which improves water absorption and reduces run-off. Impact Rotors

Click here to buy Impact Rotors

Impact rotors provide single or multiple streams of water to the landscape and distribute water in an arc pattern typically ranging from 40 to 360 degrees. They are designed to cover larger areas than popup spray heads; the spray radius for most rotors is 20 to 150 feet with a precipitation rate between 0.1 to 1.5 inches per hour. There has been very little change in the design of impact rotors over the years; its uncomplicated design makes it suitable for areas with well water or where other types of heads might get gummed up by

hard water. The radius and arc are easily adjusted; however they require regular maintenance and the spring mechanism is often too noisy for residential sites. Because impact rotors are often made of bronze or brass, they may cost twice as much as a plastic, gear driven rotor; however, they can last for years, and have a much long field life than plastic rotors.

Click here to buy Sprinkler Rotors

Gear-Driven Rotors

Gear-driven rotors are one of the most commonly used sprinkler heads for medium- to large-scale sprinkler systems. Their low cost, quiet operation, and versatility are a few of the advantages that geardriven rotors have over impact rotors. They typically require less maintenance because the enclosed body design prevents clogging of the drive mechanism from dirt and other debris. Gear-driven rotors are best suited to small commercial sites or large residential areas. They work better than pop-up spray heads in areas with slopes or clay because their lower precipitation rate increases water absorption.

Gear-driven rotors use nozzles, and it is becoming more and more common for manufacturers to provide a nozzle tree with each of their rotors. This makes it easy to select the appropriate size nozzle for the desired radius and precipitation rate. Typically, gear-driven rotors have a radius that ranges from 18 to 55 feet and an arc rotation from 40 to 360 degrees. Operating pressures range from 25 to 75 psi and precipitation rates range from 0.2 to 0.8 inches per hour depending on the pressure, nozzle size, and the layout of the zone. Large Turf Rotors

Click here to buy Impact Rotors

Golf courses, parks, and some commercial properties require large turf rotors. These rotors require an operating pressure of 50 to 100 psi, and can cover radii up to 100 ft. with flows as high as 80 gallons per minute. Older model golf course heads were made of brass; some of these heads are still operating in the field 40 years after they were originally installed. The high cost of brass heads has made plastic heads a common choice. One of the major differences between the sprinkler heads used for residential and small commercial irrigation versus large turf rotors is their actuation. On smaller sites, sprinkler heads are laid out in a block formation and several heads are activated at one time when either a manual or electric valve is opened. The high flows and flexibility required on large sites make this type of layout cost prohibitive. Instead, most large turf rotors use either electric valve-inhead (EVIH) or hydraulic actuation. EVIH actuation generally has

fewer problems than hydraulic activation and is the most common actuation system for large-scale application.

Industry Innovation

The highly competitive irrigation manufacturing market benefits homeowners, landscapers, and other irrigation professionals. This competitive market continues to produce design improvements and innovations, increasing the durability of sprinkler heads and reducing costs. Advances in nozzle design decrease overspray, runoff, and wind dispersal. Knowing the conditions and requirements of the site to be irrigated is an important step in finding the right sprinkler head for the job. Soil type, water pressure, water source and weather conditions are just a few of the many factors that affect sprinkler head selection. After acquainting yourself with these factors, familiarizing yourself with the four basic designs of sprinkler heads will have you well on your way to making an informed, cost-effective selection for your sprinkler system

Fire hose
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the type of hose. For the band, see Firehose (band).

Indoor firehose

Look up fire hose in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

A fire hose is a high-pressure hose used to carry water or other fire retardant (such as foam) to a fire to extinguish it. Outdoors, it is attached either to afire engine or a fire hydrant. Indoors, it can be permanently attached to a building's standpipe or plumbing system. It was invented by Hero of Alexandriain the basis of Ctesibius' double action piston pump.[citation needed]

The usual working pressure of a firehose can vary between 8 and 20 bar (800 and 2,000 kPa; 116 and 290 psi), while its bursting pressure can be up to 83 bar (8,300 kPa; 1,204 psi).[citation needed] After use, a fire hose is usually hung to dry as standing water that remains in a hose for an extended period of time can deteriorate the material and render it unreliable or unusable. As such, the typical fire station often has a high structure to accommodate the length of a hose for such preventative maintenance. On occasion, fire hoses are used for crowd control (see also water cannon), including most notably by Bull Connor in Alabama against civil rightsprotestors in 1964.[citation needed] While still a common practice in many countries,[citation needed] it is no longer used in the U.S.

Contents
[hide]

1 History 2 Modern Usage

o o

2.1 Types 2.2 Raw Materials 3.1 Design 4.1 Preparing the yarn 4.2 Weaving the jackets 4.3 Extruding the liner 4.4 Forming the hose 4.5 Pressure testing the hose 4.6 Quality Control 4.7 Future

3 Connections
o

4 Manufacturing Process
o o o o o o o

5 References

[edit]History
Until the middle 19th century most fires were fought by water transported to the scene in buckets. Original hand pumpers discharged their water through a small pipe or monitor attached to the top of the pump tub.[1] It was not until the late 1860s that hose became available to convey water more easily from the hand pumps, and later steam pumpers, to the fire.[2]

In Holland, the Superintendent of the Fire Brigade, Jan van der Heyden, and his son Nicholaas took firefighting to its next step with the fashioning of the first fire hose in 1673.[3] These 50-foot lengths of leather were sewn together like a boot leg.[4] Even with the limitations of pressure, the attachment of the hose to the gooseneck nozzle allowed closer approaches and more accurate water application. Van der Heyden was also credited with an early version of a suction hose using wire to keep it rigid.[5] Early fire hose was fabricated of leather, fastened together with copper rivets and washers and, as can be imagined, it was heavy, stiff, and commonly leaked. Around 1890, unlined fire hose made of circular woven linen yarns began to replace leather hose. It was certainly much lighter. As the hose fibers, made of flax, became wet, they swelled up and tightened the weave, causing the hose to become watertight. Unlined hose, because of its lack of durability, was rapidly replaced with rubber hose in municipal fire service use. It continued to be specified, however for use on interior hose lines and hose racks until the 1960s,[citation needed] and is still used in some areas for forestry applications. Following the invention of the vulcanization process as a means of curing raw soft rubber into a harder, more useful product, the fire service slowly made the transition from bulky and unreliable leather hose to the unlined linen hose, then to a multi-layer, rubber lined and coated hose with an interior fabric reinforcement. This rubber hose was as bulky, heavy, and stiff as leather hose but was not prone to leaking. It also proved more durable than unlined linen hose. Its wrapped construction resembled some hose used today by industry, for example, fuel delivery hose used to service airliners.[2]

[edit]Modern

Usage

Tokyo Fire Department conducting a fire hose drill

Modern fire hoses use a variety of natural and synthetic fabrics and elastomers in their construction. These materials allow the hoses to be stored wet without rotting and to resist the damaging effects of exposure to sunlight and chemicals. Modern hoses are also lighter weight than older designs, and this has helped reduce the physical strain on firefighters.[6] Various devices are becoming more prevalent that remove the air from the interior of fire hose, commonly referred to as fire hose vacuums. This process makes hoses smaller and

somewhat rigid, thus allowing more fire hose to be packed or loaded into the same compartment on a fire fighting apparatus.[7]

[edit]Types
There are several types of hose designed specifically for the fire service. Those designed to operate under positive pressure are called discharge hoses. They include attack hose, supply hose, relay hose, forestry hose, and booster hose. Those designed to operate under negative pressure are called suction hoses.

Types

Name

Definition

Attack

hose is a fabric-covered, flexible hose used to bring water from the fire pumper to the nozzle. This hose ranges in nominal inside diameter from 1.5 to 3 in (38 to 76 mm) and is designed to operate at pressures up to about 400 psi (2,760 kPa). The standard length is 50 ft (15.24 m).[8]

are large-diameter, fabric-covered, flexible hoses used to bring water from a distant hydrant to the fire pumper or to relay water from one pumper to another over a long Supply and distance. These hoses range in nominal inside diameter from 3.5 to 5.0 in (89 to 127 mm). relay hoses They are designed to operate at pressures up to about 300 psi (2,070 kPa) for the smaller diameters and up to 200 psi (1,380 kPa) for the larger diameters. The standard length is 100 ft (30.48 m).[8]

Forestry hose

is a fabric-covered, flexible hose used to fight fires in grass, brush, and trees where a lightweight hose is needed in order to maneuver it over steep or rough terrain. Forestry hose comes in 1.0 and 1.5 in (25 and 38 mm) nominal inside diameters and is designed to operate at pressures up to about 450 psi (3,100 kPa). The standard length is 100 ft (30.48 m).

Booster hose

is a rubber-covered, thick-walled, flexible hose used to fight small fires. It retains its round cross-section when it is not under pressure and is usually carried on a reel on the fire pumper, rather than being stored flat. Booster hose comes in 0.75 and 1.0 in (19 and 25 mm) nominal inside diameters and is designed to operate at pressures up to 800 psi (5,520 kPa). The standard length is 100 ft (30.48 m).[9]

Suction hose

sometimes called hard suction, is usually a rubber-covered, semi-rigid hose with internal metal reinforcements. It is used to suck water out of unpressurized sources, such as ponds or rivers, by means of a vacuum. Suction hose ranges in nominal inside diameter from 2.5 to 6.0 in (64 to 152 mm). The standard length is 10 ft (3.05 m).

Another suction hose, called a soft suction, is actually a short length of fabric-covered, flexible discharge hose used to connect the fire pumper suction inlet with a pressurized hydrant. It is not a true suction hose as it cannot withstand a negative pressure.[9]

[edit]Raw

Materials

In the past, cotton was the most common natural fiber used in fire hoses, but most modern hoses use a synthetic fiber like polyester or nylon filament. The synthetic fibers provide additional strength and better resistance to abrasion. The fiber yarns may be dyed various colors or may be left natural.[10] Coatings and liners include synthetic rubbers, which provide various degrees of resistance to chemicals, temperature, ozone, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, mold, mildew, and abrasion. Different coatings and liners are chosen for specific applications.[citation needed] Hard suction hose consists of multiple layers of rubber and woven fabric encapsulating an internal helix of steel wire. Some very flexible hard suction hose uses a thin polyvinyl chloride cover with a polyvinyl chloride plastic helix.

[edit]Connections
Hose connections are often made from brass, though hardened aluminum connections are also specified. [10] In countries which use quick-action couplers for attack hoses, forged aluminum has been used for decades because the weight penalty of brass for Storz couplers is higher than for threaded connections. Threaded hose couplings are used in the USA, Canada, and Britain. Each of these countries uses a different kind of threading. Many other countries have standardized on quick-action couplings, which don't have a male and female end, but connect either way. Again, there is no international standard: In Central Europe, the Storz Connector is used by several countries. Belgium and France use the Guillemin connector. Spain, Sweden and Norway each have their own quick coupling. Countries of the former Soviet Union area use the Gost coupling. In the USA, a growing number of departments use Storz couplers for large diameter supply hose, or other quick-action couplings. Because the usage isn't standardized, mutual aid apparatus might have a small compartment dedicated to a multitude of hose adapters. The different styles of hose couplings have influenced fireground tactics. Apparatus in the USA features "preconnects": Hose for a certain task is put into an open compartment, and each attack hose is connected to

the pump. Time-consuming multiple connections or problems with male and female ends are avoided by tactics. In countries where Storz (or similar) connectors have been used for attack hoses for generations, firefighters drop a manifold at the border of the danger zone, which is connected to the apparatus by a single supply line. As a result, the tiny item "hose coupler" has also influenced the looks and design of fire apparatus.

[edit]Design
The woven fabric that reinforces fabric-covered fire hoses can come in one or more layers, or 'jackets': Single jacket hoses find use in forestry and industrial applications, for example, since weight is at a premium or use is infrequent, respectively. On the other hand, the frequent, sometimes harsh use brought about by urban firefighting makes the improved durability provided by double jacket hoses worth their greater weight. To prevent water from seeping through the hose jacket, a thin tube of extruded rubber or other elastomer usually lines jacketed hoses; however, the lining of some forestry hose is perforated so that it can "weep" a little water through the jacket as a protection against embers that might otherwise burn the hose. Another type of fabric hose construction is called through-the-weave extrusion. In this design, a single fabric jacket receives lining and coating of rubber from an extruder that simultaneously forces the rubber into and through the jacket weave to form an interlocking bond. Through-the-weave construction produces a lighter weight hose and is primarily used for larger-diameter supply hoses.[10]

[edit]Manufacturing

Process

Fire hose is usually manufactured in a plant that specializes in providing hose products to municipal, industrial, and forestry fire departments. Here is a typical sequence of operations used to manufacture a double jacket, rubber-lined fire hose.[11]

[edit]Preparing

the yarn

There are two different fiber yarns that are woven together to form a hose jacket. The yarns that run lengthwise down the hose are called warp yarns and are usually made from spun polyesteror filament nylon. They form the inner and outer surfaces of the jacket and provide abrasion resistance for the hose. The yarns that are wound in a tight spiral around the circumference of the hose are called the filler yarns and are made from filament polyester. They are trapped between the crisscrossing warp yarns and provide strength to resist the internal water pressure. The spun polyester warp yarns are specially prepared by a yarn manufacturer and are shipped to the hose plant. No further preparation is needed.

The continuous filament polyester fibers are gathered together in a bundle of 7-15 fibers and are twisted on a twister frame to form filler yarns. The plied and twisted yarn is then wound onto a spool called a filler bobbin.[11]

[edit]Weaving

the jackets

The warp yarns are staged on a creel, which will feed them lengthwise down through a circular loom. Two filler bobbins with the filler yarn are put in place in the loom.

As the loom starts, the filler bobbins wind the filler yarn in a circle through the warp yarns. As soon as the bobbins pass, the loom crisscrosses each pair of adjacent warp yarns to trap the filler yarn between them. This weaving process continues at a high speed as the lower end of the jacket is slowly drawn down through the loom, and the bobbins continue to wrap the filler yarns around the circumference of the jacket in a tight spiral. The woven jacket is wound flat on a take-up reel.

The inner and outer jackets are woven separately. The inner jacket is woven to a slightly smaller diameter so that it will fit inside the outer jacket. Depending on the expected demand, several thousand feet of jacket may be woven at one time. After an inspection, the two jackets are placed in storage.

If the outer jacket is to be coated, it is drawn through a dip tank filled with the coating material and then passed through an oven where the coating is dried and cured.[11]

[edit]Extruding

the liner

Blocks of softened, sticky, uncured rubber are fed into an extruder. The extruder warms the rubber and presses it out through an opening between an inner and outer solid circular piece to form a tubular liner.

The rubber liner is then heated in an oven where it undergoes a chemical reaction called vulcanizing, or curing. This makes the rubber strong and pliable.

The cured liner passes through a machine called a rubber calendar, which forms a thin sheet of uncured rubber and wraps it around the outside of the liner.[11]

[edit]Forming

the hose

The jackets and liner are cut to the desired length. The inner jacket is inserted into the outer jacket, followed by the liner.

A steam connection is attached to each end of the assembled hose, and pressurized steam is injected into the hose. This makes the liner swell against the inner jacket and causes the thin sheet of uncured rubber to vulcanize and bond the liner to the inner jacket.

The metal end connections, or couplings, are attached to the hose. The outer portion of each coupling is slipped over the outer jacket and an inner ring is inserted into the rubber liner. A tool called an expansion mandrel is placed inside the hose and expands the ring. This squeezes the jackets and liner between the ring and serrations on the outer portion of the coupling to form a seal all the way around the hose.[11]

[edit]Pressure

testing the hose

Standards set by the National Fire Protection Association require that each length of new double jacket, rubber-lined attack hose must be pressure tested to 600 psi (4,140 kPa), but most manufacturers test to 800 psi (5,520 kPa). Subsequent to delivery, the hose is tested annually to 400 psi (2,760 kPa) by the fire department. While the hose is under pressure, it is inspected for leaks and to determine that the couplings are firmly attached.

After testing the hose is drained, dried, rolled, and shipped to the customer.[11]

[edit]Quality

Control

In addition to the final pressure testing, each hose is subjected to a variety of inspections and tests at each stage of manufacture. Some of these inspections and tests include visual inspections,ozone resistance tests, accelerated aging tests, adhesion tests of the bond between the liner and inner jacket, determination of the amount of hose twist under pressure, dimensional checks, and many more.[11]

[edit]Future
The trend in fire hose construction over the last 20 years has been to the use of lighter, stronger, lower maintenance materials. This trend is expected to continue in the future as new materials and manufacturing methods evolve. One result of this trend has been the introduction of lightweight supply hoses in diameters never possible before. Hoses up to 12 in (30.5 cm) in diameter with pressure ratings up to 150 psi (1,030 kPa) are now available. These hoses are expected to find applications in large-scale industrial firefighting, as well as in disaster relief efforts and military operations.[11] Fire hoses come in a variety of diameters. Lightweight, single-jacket construction, , 1, and 1 inch diameter hose lines are commonly used in wildland firefighting applications. Heavy duty double, double-jacket, 1, 1, 2, 2, and on occasion 3 inch lines are used for structural applications. Supply lines, used to supply fire apparatus with water, are frequently found in 3, 3, 4, 4, 5 and 6 inch diameters. There are several systems available for repairing holes in fire hoses the most common being the Stenor Merlin which offer patching materials for Type 1 2 and 3 hoses, the patches come in two different sizes and 2 different colours (red and yellow). The patches are vulcanised onto the hose and will last the life of the hose. The Stenor Merlin is used in every continent in the world and is manufactured in the UK by Fire Hosetech

Fire extinguisher
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Extinguisher" redirects here. Extinguisher may also refer to a candle snuffer.

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (February 2011)

A stored-pressure fire extinguisher made by Amerex

Fire extinguisher with ID sign, call point and fire action sign in the UK

A fire extinguisher, flame extinguisher, or simply an extinguisher, is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situations. It is not intended for use on an out-of-control fire, such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the user (i.e., no escape route, smoke, explosion hazard, etc.), or otherwise requires the expertise of a fire department. Typically, a fire extinguisher consists of a hand-held cylindrical pressure vessel containing an agent which can be discharged to extinguish a fire. In the United States, fire extinguishers, in all buildings other than houses, are generally required to be serviced and inspected by a Fire Protection service company at least annually. Some jurisdictions require more frequent service for fire extinguishers. The servicer places a tag on the extinguisher to indicate the type of service performed (annual inspection, recharge, new fire extinguisher) and when. There are two main types of fire extinguishers: stored pressure and cartridge-operated. In stored pressure units, the expellant is stored in the same chamber as the firefighting agent itself. Depending on the agent used, different propellants are used. With dry chemical extinguishers, nitrogen is typically used; water and foam extinguishers typically use air. Stored pressure fire extinguishers are the most common type. Cartridgeoperated extinguishers contain the expellant gas in a separate cartridge that is punctured prior to discharge, exposing the propellant to the extinguishing agent. This type is not as common, used primarily in areas such as industrial facilities, where they receive higher-than-average use. They have the advantage of simple and prompt recharge, allowing an operator to discharge the extinguisher, recharge it, and return to the fire in a reasonable amount of time. Unlike stored pressure types, these extinguishers use compressed carbon dioxide instead of nitrogen, although nitrogen cartridges are used on low temperature (-60 rated) models. Cartridge operated extinguishers are available in dry chemical and dry powder types in the US and in water, wetting agent, foam, dry chemical (classes ABC and BC), and dry powder (class D) types in the rest of the world. Fire extinguishers are further divided into handheld and cart-mounted, also called wheeled extinguishers. Handheld extinguishers weigh from 0.5 to 14 kilograms (1 to 30 pounds), and are hence, easily portable by hand. Cart-mounted units typically weigh 23+ kilograms (50+ pounds). These wheeled models are most commonly found at construction sites, airport runways, heliports, as well as docks and marinas.

Contents
[hide]

1 History 2 Classification
o o

2.1 Australia 2.2 United Kingdom

2.3 United States

3 Installation 4 Types of extinguishing agents

o o o

4.1 Dry chemical 4.2 Foams 4.3 Water

4.3.1 Wet chemical and water additives

o o o o

4.4 Clean agents and carbon dioxide 4.5 Class D 4.6 Fire extinguishing ball 4.7 Condensed aerosol fire suppression 5.1 Vandalism and extinguisher protection 6.1 Placement of fire extinguisher signs 6.2 Photo-luminescent fire extinguisher signs

5 Maintenance
o

6 Fire extinguisher signs

o o

7 References 8 External links

[edit]History

A 1905 illustration marketing extinguishers

The first fire extinguisher of which there is any record was patented in England in 1723 by Ambrose Godfrey, a celebrated chemist at that time and to this day. It consisted of a cask of fire-extinguishing liquid containing a pewter chamber of gunpowder. This was connected with a system of fuses which were ignited, exploding the gunpowder and scattering the solution. This device was probably used to a limited extent, as Bradley's Weekly Messenger for November 7th, 1729, refers to its efficiency in stopping a fire in London. The modern fire extinguisher was invented by British Captain George William Manby in 1818; it consisted of a copper vessel of 3 gallons (13.6 liters) of pearl ash (potassium carbonate) solution contained within compressed air.

A classic copper building type soda-acid extinguisher

The soda-acid extinguisher was first patented in 1866 by Francois Carlier of France, which mixed a solution of water and sodium bicarbonate with tartaric acid, producing the propellant CO2 gas. A soda-acid extinguisher was patented in the U.S. in 1881 by Almon M. Granger. His extinguisher used the reaction between sodium bicarbonate solution and sulfuric acid to expel pressurized water onto a fire.[1] A vial was suspended in the cylinder containing concentrated sulfuric acid. Depending on the type of extinguisher, the vial of acid could be broken in one of two ways. One used a plunger to break the acid vial, while the second released a lead stopple that held the vial closed. Once the acid was mixed with the bicarbonate solution,carbon dioxide gas was expelled and thereby pressurized the water. The pressurized water was forced from the canister through a nozzle or short length of hose.

The cartridge-operated extinguisher was invented by Read & Campbell of England in 1881, which used water or water-based solutions. They later invented a carbon tetrachloride model called the "Petrolex" which was marketed toward automotive use.[2]

A glass "grenade" style extinguisher, to be thrown into a fire.

The chemical foam extinguisher was invented in 1904 by Aleksandr Loran in Russia, based on his previous invention of fire fighting foam. Loran first used it to extinguish a pan of burning naphtha.[3] It worked and looked similar to the soda-acid type, but the inner parts were slightly different. The main tank contained a solution of sodium bicarbonate in water, whilst the inner container (somewhat larger than the equivalent in a Soda-Acid unit) contained a solution of Aluminium Sulphate. When the solutions were mixed, usually by inverting the unit, the two liquids reacted to create a frothy foam, and carbon dioxide gas. The gas expelled the foam in the form of a jet. Although liquorice-root extracts and similar compounds were used as additives (stabilizing the foam by reinforcing the bubble-walls), there was no "foam compound" in these units. The foam was a combination of the products of the chemical reactions: Sodium and Aluminium salt-gels inflated by the carbon-dioxide. Because of this, the foam was discharged directly from the unit, with no need for an aspirating branchpipe (as in newer foam-compound types).

A Pyrene, brass, carbon-tetrachloride extinguisher

In 1910, The Pyrene Manufacturing Company of Delaware filed a patent for a using carbon tetrachloride (CTC) to extinguish fires.[4] The liquid vaporized and extinguished the flames by inhibiting the chemical chain reaction of the combustion process (it was an early 20th century presupposition that the fire suppression ability of carbon tetrachloride relied on oxygen removal.) In 1911, they patented a small, portable extinguisher that used the chemical.[5] This consisted of a brass or chrome container with an integrated handpump, which was used to expel a jet of liquid towards the fire. It was usually of 1 imperial quart (1.1 L) or 1 imperial pint (0.6 L) capacity but was also available in up to 2 imperial gallon (9 L) size. As the container was unpressurized, it could be refilled after use through a filling plug with a fresh supply of CTC.[6] Another type of carbon-tetrachloride extinguisher was the Fire grenade. This consisted of a glass sphere filled with CTC, that was intended to be hurled at the base of a fire (early ones used salt-water, but CTC was more effective). Carbon tetrachloride was suitable for liquid and electrical fires and the extinguisers were fitted to motor vehicles. Carbon-tetrachloride extinguishers were withdrawn in the 1950s because of the chemical's toxicityexposure to high concentrations damages the nervous system and internal organs. Additionally, when used on a fire, the heat can convert CTC to Phosgene gas,[7]formerly used as a chemical weapon. In the 1940s, Germany invented the liquid chlorobromomethane (CBM) for use in aircraft. It was more effective and slightly less toxic than carbon tetrachloride and was used until 1969. Methyl bromide was discovered as an extinguishing agent in the 1920s and was used extensively in Europe. It is a low-pressure gas that works by inhibiting the chain reaction of the fire and is the most toxic of the vaporizing liquids, used until the 1960s. The vapor and combustion by-products of all vaporizing liquids were highly toxic, and could cause death in confined spaces.

A chemical foam extinguisher with contents.

The carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguisher was invented (at least in the US) by the Walter Kidde Company in 1924 in response to Bell Telephone's request for an electrically non-conductive chemical for extinguishing the previously difficult to extinguish fires in telephone switchboards. It consisted of a tall metal cylinder containing 7.5 lbs. of CO2 with a wheel valve and a woven brass, cotton covered hose, with a composite funnel-like horn as a nozzle. CO2 is still popular today as it is an ozone-friendly clean agent and is used heavily in film and television production to extinguish burning stuntmen.[8] Carbon dioxide extinguishes fire mainly by displacing oxygen. It was once thought that it worked by cooling, although this effect on most fires is negligible. This characteristic is well known and has led to the widespread misuse of carbon dioxide extinguishers to rapidly cool beverages, especially beer.

An early dry chemical extinguisher, the first ones had copper cylinders, this one is steel.
In 1928, DuGas (later bought by ANSUL) came out with a cartridge-operated dry chemical extinguisher, which used sodium bicarbonate specially treated with chemicals to render it free-flowing and moisture-resistant. It consisted of a copper cylinder with an internal CO2cartridge. The operator turned a wheel valve on top to puncture the cartridge and squeezed a lever on the valve at the end of the hose to discharge the chemical. This was the first agent available for large scale three-dimensional liquid and pressurized gas fires, and was but remained largely a specialty type until the 1950s, when small dry chemical units were marketed for home use. ABC dry chemical came over from Europe in the 1950s, with Super-K being invented in the early 60s and Purple-K being developed by the US Navy in the late 1960s. In the 1970s, Halon 1211 came over to the United States from Europe, where it had been used since the late 40s or early 50s. Halon 1301 had been developed by DuPont and the US Army in 1954. Both 1211 and 1301 work by inhibiting the chain reaction of the fire, and in the case of Halon 1211, cooling class A fuels as well. Halon is still in use today, but is falling out of favor for many uses due to its environmental impact. Europe, and Australia have severely restricted its use, since the Montreal Protocol of 1987. It is however still in use in the United States, the Middle East, and Asia.

[edit]Classification
Internationally there are several accepted classification methods for hand-held fire extinguisher. Each classification is useful in fighting fires with a particular group of fuel.

[edit]Australia
Type Pre-1997 Current Suitable for use on Fire Classes (brackets denote sometimes applicable)

Water

Solid red

Solid red

Foam

Solid blue

Red with a blue band

Dry chemical (powder)

Red with a white band

Red with a white band

Carbon dioxide

Red with a black band

Red with a black band

(A)

Vaporising liquid (nonhalon clean agents)

Not yet in use

Red with a yellow band

Halon

Solid yellow

No longer produced

Wet chemical

Solid oatmeal

Red with an oatmeal band

In Australia, yellow (Halon) fire extinguishers are illegal to own or use on a fire, unless an essential use exemption has been granted.[9]

[edit]United

Kingdom

Typical United Kingdom CO2and water fire extinguishers

According to the standard BS EN 3, fire extinguishers in the United Kingdom as all throughout Europe are red RAL 3000, and a band or circle of a second color covering between 510% of the surface area of the extinguisher indicates the contents. Before 1997, the entire body of the fire extinguisher was color codedaccording to the type of extinguishing agent. The UK recognizes six fire classes:

Class A fires involve organic solids such as paper and wood. Class B fires involve flammable or combustible liquids, including petrol, grease, and oil. Class C fires involve flammable gases. Class D fires involve combustible metals. Class E fires involving electrical appliances (no longer used as when the power supply is turned off an electrical fire can fall into any category).

[10]

Class F fires involve cooking fat and oil.

Type

Old code

BS EN 3 colour code

Suitable for use on fire classes (brackets denote sometimes applicable)[11]

Water

Signal red

Signal red

Foam

Cream

Red with a cream panel above the operating instructions

Dry powder

French blue

Red with a blue panel above the operating instructions

(A)

Carbon dioxide Black CO2

Red with a black panel above the operating instructions

Wet chemical

Not yet in use

Red with a canary yellow panel above the operating instructions

(B)

Class D powder

French blue

Red with a blue panel above the operating instructions

Halon 1211/BCF

Emerald Green

No longer in general use

In the UK the use of Halon gas is now prohibited except under certain situations such as on aircraft and in the military and police.[11] Fire extinguishing performance per fire class is displayed using numbers and letters such as 13A, 55B. EN3 does not recognise a separate electrical class - however there is an additional feature requiring special testing (35 kV dielectric test per EN 3-7:2004). A powder or CO2 extinguisher will bear an electrical pictogramme as standard signifying that it can be used on live electrical fires (given the symbol E in the table). If a water-based extinguisher has passed the 35 kV test it will also bear the same electrical pictogramme however, any water-based extinguisher is only recommended for inadvertent use on electrical fires.

[edit]United

States

There is no official standard in the United States for the color of fire extinguishers, though they are typically red, except for Class D extinguishers, which are usually yellow, and water, which are usually silver, or white if water

mist. Extinguishers are marked with pictograms depicting the types of fires that the extinguisher is approved to fight. In the past, extinguishers were marked with colored geometric symbols, and some extinguishers still use both symbols. The types of fires and additional standards are described in NFPA 10: Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, 2010 edition.

Fire Class

Geometric Symbol

Pictogram

Intended Use

Mnemonic

Green Triangle

Garbage can and wood pile burning

Ordinary solid combustibles

A for "Ash"

Red Square

Fuel container and burning puddle

Flammable liquids and gases

B for "Barrel"

Blue Circle

Electric plug and burning outlet

Energized electrical equipment

C for "Current"

Yellow Decagon (Star)

Burning Gear and Bearing

Combustible metals

--

&nbsp

--

Oils and fats

K for "Kitchen"

Fire extinguishing capacity is rated in accordance with ANSI/UL 711: Rating and Fire Testing of Fire Extinguishers. The ratings are described using numbers preceding the class letter, such as 1-A:10-B:C. The number preceding the A multiplied by 1.25 gives the equivalent extinguishing capability in gallons of water. The number preceding the B indicates the size of fire in square feet that an ordinary user should be able to extinguish. There is no additional rating for class C, as it only indicates that the extinguishing agent will not conduct electricity, and an extinguisher will never have a rating of just C.

For additional US UL rating information see Fast Flow Extinguishers

Comparison of fire classes

American

European

Australian/Asian

Fuel/Heat source

Class A

Class A

Class A

Ordinary combustibles

Class B Class B Class C

Class B

Flammable liquids

Class C

Flammable gases

Class C

UNCLASSIFIED Class E

Electrical equipment

Class D

Class D

Class D

Combustible metals

Class K

Class F

Class F

Cooking oil or fat

[edit]Installation

A fire extinguisher fitted to the passenger seat of a car

Fire extinguishers are typically fitted in buildings at an easily-accessible location, such as against a wall in a high-traffic area. They are also often fitted to motor vehicles, watercraft, and aircraft - this is required by law in many jurisdictions, for identified classes of vehicles. Under NFPA 10 all commercial vehicles must carry at least one fire extinguisher, with size/UL rating depending on type of vehicle and cargo (i.e. fuel tankers typically must have a 9.1 kg (20 lb), while most others can carry a 2.3 kg (5 lb)). The revised NFPA 10 created criteria on the placement of "Fast Flow Extinguishers" in locations such as those storing and transporting pressurized

flammable liquids and pressurized flammable gas or areas with possibility of three dimensional class B hazards are required to have "fast flow" extinguishers as required by NFPA 5.5.1.1. Varying classes of competition vehicles require fire extinguishing systems, the simplest requirements being a 1A:10BC hand-held portable extinguisher mounted to the interior of the vehicle.

[edit]Types [edit]Dry

of extinguishing agents

chemical

A small, disposable sodium bicarbonate dry chemical unit intended for home kitchen use.

A typical dry chemical extinguisher containing 5 lbs. of ammonium phosphate dry chemical.

A 20lb.U.S.Navy cartridge-operated purple-K dry chemical (potassium bicarbonate) extinguisher.

Two Super-K (potassium chloride) extinguishers.

This is a powder based agent that extinguishes by separating the four parts of the fire tetrahedron. It prevents the chemical reactions involving heat, fuel, and oxygen and halts the production of fire sustaining "freeradicals", thus extinguishing the fire.

Monoammonium phosphate, also known as "tri-class", "multipurpose" or "ABC" dry chemical, used on class A, B, and C fires. It receives its class A rating from the agent's ability to melt and flow at 177 C (350 F) to smother the fire. More corrosive than other dry chemical agents. Pale yellow in color.

Sodium bicarbonate, "regular" or "ordinary" used on class B and C fires, was the first of the dry chemical agents developed. In the heat of a fire, it releases a cloud of carbon dioxide that smothers the fire. That is, the gas drives oxygen away from the fire, thus stopping the chemical reaction. This agent is not generally effective on class A fires because the agent is expended and the cloud of gas dissipates quickly, and if the fuel is still sufficiently hot, the fire starts up again. While liquid and gas fires don't usually store much heat in their fuel source, solid fires do. Sodium bicarbonate was very common in commercial kitchens before the advent of wet chemical agents, but now is falling out of favor, as it is much less effective than wet chemical agents for class K fires, less effective than Purple-K for class B fires, and is ineffective on class A fires. White or blue in color.

Potassium bicarbonate (aka Purple-K), used on class B and C fires. About two times as effective on class B fires as sodium bicarbonate, it is the preferred dry chemical agent of the oil and gas industry. The only dry chemical agent certified for use in ARFF by the NFPA. Violet in color.

Potassium bicarbonate & Urea Complex (aka Monnex/Powerex), used on Class B and C fires. More effective than all other powders due to its ability to decrepitate (where the powder breaks up into smaller particles) in the flame zone creating a larger surface area for free radical inhibition. Grey in color.

Potassium Chloride, or Super-K dry chemical was developed in an effort to create a high efficiency, protein-foam compatible dry chemical. Developed in the 60s, prior to Purple-K, it was never as popular as other agents since, being a salt, it was quite corrosive. For B and C fires, white in color.

Foam-Compatible, which is a sodium bicarbonate (BC) based dry chemical, was developed for use with protein foams for fighting class B fires. Most dry chemicals contain metal stearates to waterproof them, but these will tend to destroy the foam blanket created by protein (animal) based foams. Foam compatible type uses silicone as a waterproofing agent, which does not harm foam. Effectiveness is identical to

regular dry chemical, and it is light green in color (some ANSUL brand formulations are blue). This agent is generally no longer used since most modern dry chemicals are considered compatible with synthetic foams such as AFFF.

MET-L-KYL / PYROKYL is a specialty variation of sodium bicarbonate for fighting pyrophoric liquid fires (ignite on contact with air). In addition to sodium bicarbonate, it also contains silica gel particles. The sodium bicarbonate interrupts the chain reaction of the fuel and the silica soaks up any unburned fuel, preventing contact with air. It is effective on other class B fuels as well. Blue/Red in color.

[edit]Foams

A 2 gallon AFFF foam fire extinguisher

An American water extinguisher

Applied to fuel fires as either an aspirated (mixed & expanded with air in a branch pipe) or non aspirated form to form a frothy blanket or seal over the fuel, preventing oxygen reaching it. Unlike powder, foam can be used to progressively extinguish fires without flashback.

AFFF (aqueous film forming foam), used on A and B fires and for vapor suppression. The most common type in portable foam extinguishers. It contains fluoro tensides [12] which can be accumulated in the human body. The long-term effects of this on the human body and environment are unclear at this time.

AR-AFFF (Alcohol-resistant aqueous film forming foams), used on fuel fires containing alcohol. Forms a membrane between the fuel and the foam preventing the alcohol from breaking down the foam blanket.

FFFP (film forming fluoroprotein) contains naturally occurring proteins from animal by-products and synthetic film-forming agents to create a foam blanket that is more heat resistant than the strictly synthetic AFFF foams. FFFP works well on alcohol-based liquids and is used widely in motorsports.

CAFS (compressed air foam system) Any APW style extinguisher that is charged with a foam solution and pressurized with compressed air. Generally used to extend a water supply in wildland operations. Used on class A fires and with very dry foam on class B for vapor suppression.

Arctic Fire is a liquid fire extinguishing agent that emulsifies and cools heated materials more quickly than water or ordinary foam. It is used extensively in the steel industry. Effective on classes A, B, and D.

FireAde, a foaming agent that emulsifies burning liquids and renders them non-flammable. It is able to cool heated material and surfaces similar to CAFS. Used on A and B (said to be effective on some class D

hazards, although not recommended due to the fact that fireade still contains amounts of water which will react with some metal fires).

[edit]Water
Cools burning material.

APW (Air pressurized water) cools burning material by absorbing heat from burning material. Effective on Class A fires, it has the advantage of being inexpensive, harmless, and relatively easy to clean up. In the United States, APW units contain 2.5 gallons (9 liters) of water in a tall, stainless steel cylinder. In Europe, they are typically mild steel lined with polyethylene, painted red, containing 69 liters (1.752.5 gallons) of water.

Water Mist uses a fine misting nozzle to break up a stream of deionized water to the point of not conducting electricity back to the operator. Class A and C rated. It is used widely in hospitals for the reason that, unlike other clean-agent suppressants, it is harmless and non-contaminant. These extinguishers come in 1.75 and 2.5 gallon units, painted white in the United States and red in Europe.

[edit]Wet chemical and water additives

Wet Chemical (potassium acetate, carbonate, or citrate) extinguishes the fire by forming a soapy foam blanket over the burning oil and by cooling the oil below its ignition temperature. Generally class A and K (F in Europe) only, although newer models are outfitted with misting nozzles as those used on water mist units to give these extinguishers class B and C firefighting capability.

Wetting Agents Detergent based additives used to break the surface tension of water and improve penetration of Class A fires.

Antifreeze Chemicals added to water to lower its freezing point to about 40 F. Has no appreciable effect on extinguishing performance.

[edit]Clean

agents and carbon dioxide

A 5 lb. CO2 fire extinguisher

Agent displaces oxygen (CO2 or inert gases), removes heat from the combustion zone (Halotron, FE-36) or inhibits chemical chain reaction (Halons). They are labelled clean agents because they do not leave any residue after discharge which is ideal for sensitive electronics and documents.

Halon (including Halon 1211 and Halon 1301), a gaseous agent that inhibits the chemical reaction of the fire. Classes B:C for lower weight fire extinguishers (2.3 kg; under 9 lbs) and A:B:C for heavier weights (4.17.7 kg; 917 lbs). Banned from new production, except for military use, as of January 1, 1994 as its properties contribute to ozone depletion and long atmospheric lifetime, usually 400 years. Halon was completely banned in Europe resulting in stockpiles being sent to the United States for reuse. Although production has been banned, the reuse is still permitted. Halon 1301 and 1211 are being replaced with new halocarbon agents which have no ozone depletion properties and low atmospheric lifetimes, but are less effective.

Halocarbon replacements, HCFC Blend B (Halotron I, American Pacific Corporation), HFC-227ea (FM200, Great Lakes Chemicals Corporation), and HFC-236fa (FE-36, DuPont), have been approved by the FAA for use in aircraft cabins in 2010.[13] Considerations for halon replacement include human toxicity when used in confined spaces, ozone depleting potential, and greenhouse warming potential. The three recommended agents meet minimum performance standards, but uptake has been slow because of disadvantages. Specifically, they require two to three times the concentration to extinguish a fire compared

with Halon 1211.[14] They are heavier than halon, require a larger bottle because they are less effective, and have greenhouse gas potential.[15] Research continues to find better alternatives.

CO2, a clean gaseous agent which displaces oxygen. Highest rating for 7.7 kg (20 pound) portable CO2 extinguishers is 10B:C. Not intended for Class A fires, as the high-pressure cloud of gas can scatter burning materials. CO2 is not suitable for use on fires containing their own oxygen source, metals or cooking media. Although it can be rather successful on a person on fire, its use should be avoided where possible as it can causefrostbite and is dangerous to use as it may displace the oxygen needed for breathing, causing suffocation.

Mixtures of inert gases, including Inergen and Argonite. compressed CO2 sprinkler is another design used to fight the electric fires with cubic cylinder of 7 cubic meter starting from 1 meter above the sprinkler level.

Novec 1230 fluid (aka "dry water" or Saffire fluid), a fluoronated ketone that works by removing massive amounts of heat. Available in fixed systems in the US and in portables in Australia. Unlike other clean agents, this one has the advantage of being a liquid at atmospheric pressure, and can be discharged as a stream or a rapidly vaporizing mist, depending on application.

Potassium Aerosol Particle Generator, contains a form of solid potassium and other chemicals referred to as Aerosol Forming Compounds (AFC). The AFC is activated by an electrical current or other thermodynamic exchange which causes the AFC to ignite. The Majority of installed currently are fixed units due to the possibility of harm to the user from the heat generated by the AFC generator.

[edit]Class

A class D fire extinguisher for various metals

There are several Class D fire extinguisher agents available, some will handle multiple types of metals, others will not.

Sodium Chloride (Super-D, Met-L-X or METAL.FIRE.XTNGSHR) contains sodium chloride salt and thermoplastic additive. Plastic melts to form an oxygen-excluding crust over the metal, and the salt dissipates heat. Useful on most alkali metals including sodium and potassium, and other metals including magnesium, titanium, aluminum, and zirconium.

Copper based (Copper Powder Navy125S) developed by the U.S. Navy in the 70s for hard-to-control lithium and lithium-alloy fires. Powder smothers and acts as a heat sink to dissipate heat, but also forms a copper-lithium alloy on the surface which is non-combustible and cuts off the oxygen supply. Will cling to a vertical surface-lithium only.

Graphite based (G-Plus, G-1, Lith-X, Pyromet or METAL.FIRE.XTNGSHR) contains dry graphite that smothers burning metals. First type developed, designed for magnesium, works on other metals as well. Unlike sodium chloride powder extinguishers, the graphite powder fire extinguishers can be used on very hot burning metal fires such as lithium, but unlike copper powder extinguishers will not stick to and extinguish flowing or vertical lithium fires. Like copper extinguishers, the graphite powder acts as a heat sink as well as smothering the metal fire.

Sodium carbonate based (Na-X) used where stainless steel piping and equipment could be damaged by sodium chloride based agents to control sodium, potassium, and sodium-potassium alloy fires. Limited use on other metals. Smothers and forms a crust.

Some water based suppressants may be used on certain class D fires, such as burning titanium and magnesium. Examples include the Fire Blockade and FireAde brands of suppressant.[16] Some metals, such as elemental Lithium, will react explosively with water, therefore water-based chemicals should never be used on such fires due to the possibility of a violent reaction.

Most Class D extinguishers will have a special low velocity nozzle or discharge wand to gently apply the agent in large volumes to avoid disrupting any finely divided burning materials. Agents are also available in bulk and can be applied with a scoop or shovel.

[edit]Fire

extinguishing ball

Several modern ball or "grenade" style extinguishers are on the market. They are manually operated by rolling or throwing into a fire. The modern version of the ball will self destruct once in contact with flame, dispersing a cloud of ABC dry chemical powder over the fire which extinguishes the flame. The coverage area is about 5 square meters. One benefit of this type is that it may be used for passive suppression. The ball can be placed

in a fire prone area and will deploy automatically if a fire develops, being triggered by heat. Most modern extinguishers of this type are designed to make a loud noise upon deployment.[17] This technology is not new, however. In the 1800s, glass fire grenades filled with suppressant liquids were popular. These glass fire grenade bottles are sought by collectors.[18] Some later brands, such as Red Comet, were designed for passive operation, and included a special holder with a spring-loaded trigger that would break the glass ball when a fusible link melted. As was typical of this era, some glass extinguishers contained the toxic carbon tetrachloride.

[edit]Condensed

aerosol fire suppression

Condensed aerosol fire suppression is a particle-based form of fire extinction similar to gaseous fire suppression or dry chemical fire extinction. As with gaseous fire suppressants, condensed aerosol suppressants use clean agents to suppress the fire. The agent can be delivered by means of mechanical operation, electric operation, or combined electro-mechanical operation. To the difference of gaseous suppressants, which emit only gas, and dry chemical extinguishers, which release powder-like particles of a large size (25-150 microns) condensed aerosols are defined by the National Fire Protection Association as releasing finely-divided solid particles (generally <10 microns), usually in addition to gas.[19] Whereas dry chemical systems must be directly aimed at the flame, condensed aerosols are flooding agents and therefore effective regardless of the location and height of the fire. Wet chemical systems, such as the kind generally found in foam extinguishers, must, similarly to dry chemical systems, be sprayed directionally, onto the fire. Additionally, wet chemicals (such as potassium carbonate) are dissolved in water, whereas the agents used in condensed aerosols are microscopic solids.

[edit]Maintenance

An empty fire extinguisher which was not replaced for years.

Most countries in the world require regular fire extinguisher maintenance by a competent person to operate safely and effectively, as part of fire safety legislation. Lack of maintenance can lead to an extinguisher not discharging when required, or rupturing when pressurized. Deaths have occurred, even in recent times, from corroded extinguishers exploding. There is no all-encompassing fire code in the United States. Generally, most municipalities (by adoption of the International Fire Code) require inspections every 30 days to ensure the unit is pressurized and unobstructed (done by an employee of the facility) and an annual inspection by a qualified technician. Hydrostatic pressure testing for all types of extinguishers is also required, generally every five years for water and CO2 models up to every 12 years for dry chemical models. Recently the National Fire Protection Association and ICC voted to allow for the elimination of the 30 day inspection requirement so long as the fire extinguisher is monitored electronically. According to NFPA, the system must provide record keeping in the form of an electronic event log at the control panel. The system must also constantly monitor an extinguishers physical presence, internal pressure and whether an obstruction exists that could prevent ready access. In the event that any of the above conditions are found, the system must send an alert to officials so they can immediately rectify the situation. Electronic monitoring can be wired or wireless. In the UK, three types of maintenance are required:

Basic Service: All types of extinguisher require a basic inspection annually to check weight, correct pressure (using a special tool, not just looking at the gauge) and for signs of damage or corrosion, cartridge extinguishers are opened up for internal inspection & check weighing of the cartridge, labels are checked for legibility, where possible dip tubes, hoses and mechanisms checked for clear free operation.

Extended Service: Water, Wet Chemical, Foam & Powder extinguishers require every five years a more detailed examination including a test discharge of the extinguisher and recharging; on stored pressure extinguishers this is the only opportunity to internally inspect for damage/corrosion. By recharging fresh agent is used as they all have a shelf life, even water goes foul inside an extinguisher; Note: extinguishers should be percentage tested according to total number of units in any given area. Some extinguishers contain pressure in excess of 1.38 MPa (200 psi) and this internal pressure over periods of time affects each brand & make differently depending on their placement & location.

Overhaul: CO2 extinguishers, due to their high operating pressure, are subject to pressure vessel safety legislation and must be hydraulic pressure tested, inspected internally & externally and date stamped every 10 years. As it cannot be pressure tested a new valve is also fitted. If replacing any part of the extinguisher (valve, horn, etc.) with a part from another manufacturer then the extinguisher will lose its fire rating. This may invalidate insurance, as would incorrect or inadequate servicing if it were to be found.

In the United States there are 3 types of service as well:

Maintenance Inspection: All types of extinguishers should be inspected at least once a year. The extinguisher is checked to make sure it has proper pressure (gauge in green or proper cartridge weight), has the correct volume of extinguishing agent (tech weighs it), is within the required hydrotest and internal maintenance intervals, is in good condition and all external parts are serviceable. Often, dry chemical and dry powder types are hit on the bottom with a rubber mallet to make sure the powder is free-flowing, which is called "fluffing" the powder. The tech will then attach a new tamper seal around the pin and a yearly service tag.

Internal Maintenance:

Water - every 5 years Foam - every 5 years Wet chemical & CO2 - every 5 years Dry chemical - every 6 years Halon and clean agents - every 5 years. The extinguisher is emptied of its chemical and pressure to check for proper operation. All components are disassembled, inspected, cleaned, lubricated, or replaced if defective. Liquid agents are replaced at this time, dry agents may be re-used if in good condition, halon is recovered and re-used, but CO2 is discharged into the atmosphere. The extinguisher is then re-filled and recharged, after a "verification of service" collar is placed around the cylinder neck. It is impossible to properly install or remove a collar without depressurizing the extinguisher. Note: Cartridge-operated extinguishers should be visually examined, but do not require a verification of service collar.

Hydrostatic testing: Water, Foam, Wet chemical, and CO2, every 5 years. Dry chemical, dry powder, halon, and clean agents, every 12 years.

Note: these are the required intervals for normal service conditions, if the extinguisher has been exposed to excessive heat, vibration, or mechanical damage it may need to be tested sooner.

The agent is emptied and depressurized and the valve is removed. After a thorough internal and external visual inspection, the cylinder is filled with water, placed inside a safety cage, and pressurized to the specified test pressure (varies with the type, age, and cylinder material) for the specified time period. If no failure, bulges, or leaks are detected, the cylinder passes. The cylinder is then emptied of water and thoroughly dried. CO2 types have the test date, company's ID, etc. stamped on the cylinder, all other types get a sticker on the back of the cylinder. Once dry, the units are recharged. Unlike the UK, the US does not rebuild extinguishers and replace valves at specific intervals unless parts are found to be defective, with the exception of halon. Halon types are often given new o-rings and valve stems at every internal maintenance to minimize any leakage potential. OEM equipment must be used for replacement parts for the extinguisher to maintain its UL rating. If parts are unavailable, replacement is recommended, keep in mind extinguishers have a projected service life of about 2535 years, although many are of such quality that they can outlast this, but realize that science is ever-changing, and something that was the best available 30 years ago may not be acceptable for modern fire protection needs.

[edit]Vandalism

and extinguisher protection

A fire extinguisher stored inside a cabinet mounted to a wall

Heavy-duty CO2-powered fire extinguisher on standby at a temporaryhelicopter landing site

Fire extinguishers are sometimes a target of vandalism in schools and other open spaces. Extinguishers are occasionally, partially or fully discharged by a vandal, impairing the extinguisher's actual firefighting abilities. In open public spaces, extinguishers are ideally kept inside cabinets that have glass that must be broken to access the extinguisher, or which emit an alarm siren that cannot be shut off without a key, to alert people the extinguisher has been handled by an unauthorized person if a fire is not present.

[edit]Fire

extinguisher signs

Fire extinguisher identification signs are small signs designed to be mounted near a fire extinguisher, in order to draw attention to the extinguisher's location (e.g. if the Extinguisher is on a large pole, the sign would generally be at the top of the pole so it can be seen from a distance). Such signs may be manufactured from a variety of materials, commonly self-adhesive vinyl, rigid PVC and aluminum. In addition to words and pictographs indicating the presence of a fire extinguisher, some modern extinguisher ID signs also describe the extinguishing agent in the unit, and summarize the types of fire on which it may safely be used. Some public and government buildings are often required, by local legal codes, to provide an ID sign for each extinguisher on the site.[20] Similar signs are available for other fire equipment (including fire blankets and fire hose reels/racks), and for other emergency equipment (such as first aid kits).

[edit]Placement

of fire extinguisher signs

Most licensing authorities have regulations describing the standard appearance of these signs (e.g. text height, pictographs used and so on)

What is the difference between ABC fire extinguishers and DCP fire extinguishers?
In: Fire Prevention and Protection [Edit categories]

Automatic Smoke CurtainsFireCurtains.net/Smoke-CurtainsAutomatic

Smoke Curtains & Barriers Stop the Spread of Smoke and Fire Systems Tailored to your needs globally Ads

Containment Systemswww.fabricsolutions.com.auContainment Products &

Answer:
Answer ABC is the acronym for an extinguisher certified for A, B, and C type fires. A is common fuels like wood, B is for flammable liquids, and C is for charged electrical fires. DCP stands for Dry Chemical Powder, which is inside the extinguisher and is the actual fire suppressant. Basically, DCP is a type of ABC Extinguisher. You can also get extinguishers for Type D (combustible metals), Type K (kitchen), and other specialized extinguishing agents (i.e. Halon). Or you can get a Type A extinguisher, AB, B, BC, ABC, and others even!

Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_difference_between_ABC_fire_extin guishers_and_DCP_fire_extinguishers#ixzz1w7ayP3gG

Fire extinguisher
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Extinguisher" redirects here. Extinguisher may also refer to a candle snuffer.

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (February 2011)

A stored-pressure fire extinguisher made by Amerex

Fire extinguisher with ID sign, call point and fire action sign in the UK
A fire extinguisher, flame extinguisher, or simply an extinguisher, is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situations. It is not intended for use on an out-of-control fire, such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the user (i.e., no escape route, smoke, explosion

hazard, etc.), or otherwise requires the expertise of a fire department. Typically, a fire extinguisher consists of a hand-held cylindrical pressure vessel containing an agent which can be discharged to extinguish a fire. In the United States, fire extinguishers, in all buildings other than houses, are generally required to be serviced and inspected by a Fire Protection service company at least annually. Some jurisdictions require more frequent service for fire extinguishers. The servicer places a tag on the extinguisher to indicate the type of service performed (annual inspection, recharge, new fire extinguisher) and when. There are two main types of fire extinguishers: stored pressure and cartridge-operated. In stored pressure units, the expellant is stored in the same chamber as the firefighting agent itself. Depending on the agent used, different propellants are used. With dry chemical extinguishers, nitrogen is typically used; water and foam extinguishers typically use air. Stored pressure fire extinguishers are the most common type. Cartridgeoperated extinguishers contain the expellant gas in a separate cartridge that is punctured prior to discharge, exposing the propellant to the extinguishing agent. This type is not as common, used primarily in areas such as industrial facilities, where they receive higher-than-average use. They have the advantage of simple and prompt recharge, allowing an operator to discharge the extinguisher, recharge it, and return to the fire in a reasonable amount of time. Unlike stored pressure types, these extinguishers use compressed carbon dioxide instead of nitrogen, although nitrogen cartridges are used on low temperature (-60 rated) models. Cartridge operated extinguishers are available in dry chemical and dry powder types in the US and in water, wetting agent, foam, dry chemical (classes ABC and BC), and dry powder (class D) types in the rest of the world. Fire extinguishers are further divided into handheld and cart-mounted, also called wheeled extinguishers. Handheld extinguishers weigh from 0.5 to 14 kilograms (1 to 30 pounds), and are hence, easily portable by hand. Cart-mounted units typically weigh 23+ kilograms (50+ pounds). These wheeled models are most commonly found at construction sites, airport runways, heliports, as well as docks and marinas.

Contents
[hide]

1 History 2 Classification
o o o

2.1 Australia 2.2 United Kingdom 2.3 United States

3 Installation 4 Types of extinguishing agents

o o o

4.1 Dry chemical 4.2 Foams 4.3 Water

4.3.1 Wet chemical and water additives

o o o o

4.4 Clean agents and carbon dioxide 4.5 Class D 4.6 Fire extinguishing ball 4.7 Condensed aerosol fire suppression 5.1 Vandalism and extinguisher protection 6.1 Placement of fire extinguisher signs 6.2 Photo-luminescent fire extinguisher signs

5 Maintenance
o

6 Fire extinguisher signs

o o

7 References 8 External links

[edit]History

A 1905 illustration marketing extinguishers

The first fire extinguisher of which there is any record was patented in England in 1723 by Ambrose Godfrey, a celebrated chemist at that time and to this day. It consisted of a cask of fire-extinguishing liquid containing a pewter chamber of gunpowder. This was connected with a system of fuses which were ignited, exploding the gunpowder and scattering the solution. This device was probably used to a limited extent, as Bradley's Weekly Messenger for November 7th, 1729, refers to its efficiency in stopping a fire in London. The modern fire extinguisher was invented by British Captain George William Manby in 1818; it consisted of a copper vessel of 3 gallons (13.6 liters) of pearl ash (potassium carbonate) solution contained within compressed air.

A classic copper building type soda-acid extinguisher

The soda-acid extinguisher was first patented in 1866 by Francois Carlier of France, which mixed a solution of water and sodium bicarbonate with tartaric acid, producing the propellant CO2 gas. A soda-acid extinguisher was patented in the U.S. in 1881 by Almon M. Granger. His extinguisher used the reaction between sodium bicarbonate solution and sulfuric acid to expel pressurized water onto a fire.[1] A vial was suspended in the cylinder containing concentrated sulfuric acid. Depending on the type of extinguisher, the vial of acid could be broken in one of two ways. One used a plunger to break the acid vial, while the second released a lead stopple that held the vial closed. Once the acid was mixed with the bicarbonate solution,carbon dioxide gas was expelled and thereby pressurized the water. The pressurized water was forced from the canister through a nozzle or short length of hose. The cartridge-operated extinguisher was invented by Read & Campbell of England in 1881, which used water or water-based solutions. They later invented a carbon tetrachloride model called the "Petrolex" which was marketed toward automotive use.[2]

A glass "grenade" style extinguisher, to be thrown into a fire.

The chemical foam extinguisher was invented in 1904 by Aleksandr Loran in Russia, based on his previous invention of fire fighting foam. Loran first used it to extinguish a pan of burning naphtha.[3] It worked and looked similar to the soda-acid type, but the inner parts were slightly different. The main tank contained a solution of sodium bicarbonate in water, whilst the inner container (somewhat larger than the equivalent in a Soda-Acid unit) contained a solution of Aluminium Sulphate. When the solutions were mixed, usually by inverting the unit, the two liquids reacted to create a frothy foam, and carbon dioxide gas. The gas expelled the foam in the form of a jet. Although liquorice-root extracts and similar compounds were used as additives (stabilizing the foam by reinforcing the bubble-walls), there was no "foam compound" in these units. The foam was a combination of the products of the chemical reactions: Sodium and Aluminium salt-gels inflated by the carbon-dioxide. Because of this, the foam was discharged directly from the unit, with no need for an aspirating branchpipe (as in newer foam-compound types).

A Pyrene, brass, carbon-tetrachloride extinguisher

In 1910, The Pyrene Manufacturing Company of Delaware filed a patent for a using carbon tetrachloride (CTC) to extinguish fires.[4] The liquid vaporized and extinguished the flames by inhibiting the chemical chain reaction of the combustion process (it was an early 20th century presupposition that the fire suppression ability of carbon tetrachloride relied on oxygen removal.) In 1911, they patented a small, portable extinguisher that used the chemical.[5] This consisted of a brass or chrome container with an integrated handpump, which was used to expel a jet of liquid towards the fire. It was usually of 1 imperial quart (1.1 L) or 1 imperial pint (0.6 L) capacity but was also available in up to 2 imperial gallon (9 L) size. As the container was unpressurized, it could be refilled after use through a filling plug with a fresh supply of CTC.[6] Another type of carbon-tetrachloride extinguisher was the Fire grenade. This consisted of a glass sphere filled with CTC, that was intended to be hurled at the base of a fire (early ones used salt-water, but CTC was more effective). Carbon tetrachloride was suitable for liquid and electrical fires and the extinguisers were fitted to motor vehicles. Carbon-tetrachloride extinguishers were withdrawn in the 1950s because of the chemical's toxicityexposure to high concentrations damages the nervous system and internal organs. Additionally, when used on a fire, the heat can convert CTC to Phosgene gas,[7]formerly used as a chemical weapon. In the 1940s, Germany invented the liquid chlorobromomethane (CBM) for use in aircraft. It was more effective and slightly less toxic than carbon tetrachloride and was used until 1969. Methyl bromide was discovered as an extinguishing agent in the 1920s and was used extensively in Europe. It is a low-pressure gas that works by inhibiting the chain reaction of the fire and is the most toxic of the vaporizing liquids, used until the 1960s. The vapor and combustion by-products of all vaporizing liquids were highly toxic, and could cause death in confined spaces.

A chemical foam extinguisher with contents.

The carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguisher was invented (at least in the US) by the Walter Kidde Company in 1924 in response to Bell Telephone's request for an electrically non-conductive chemical for extinguishing the previously difficult to extinguish fires in telephone switchboards. It consisted of a tall metal cylinder containing 7.5 lbs. of CO2 with a wheel valve and a woven brass, cotton covered hose, with a composite funnel-like horn as a nozzle. CO2 is still popular today as it is an ozone-friendly clean agent and is used heavily in film and television production to extinguish burning stuntmen.[8] Carbon dioxide extinguishes fire mainly by displacing oxygen. It was once thought that it worked by cooling, although this effect on most fires is negligible. This characteristic is well known and has led to the widespread misuse of carbon dioxide extinguishers to rapidly cool beverages, especially beer.

An early dry chemical extinguisher, the first ones had copper cylinders, this one is steel.
In 1928, DuGas (later bought by ANSUL) came out with a cartridge-operated dry chemical extinguisher, which used sodium bicarbonate specially treated with chemicals to render it free-flowing and moisture-resistant. It consisted of a copper cylinder with an internal CO2cartridge. The operator turned a wheel valve on top to puncture the cartridge and squeezed a lever on the valve at the end of the hose to discharge the chemical. This was the first agent available for large scale three-dimensional liquid and pressurized gas fires, and was but remained largely a specialty type until the 1950s, when small dry chemical units were marketed for home use. ABC dry chemical came over from Europe in the 1950s, with Super-K being invented in the early 60s and Purple-K being developed by the US Navy in the late 1960s.

In the 1970s, Halon 1211 came over to the United States from Europe, where it had been used since the late 40s or early 50s. Halon 1301 had been developed by DuPont and the US Army in 1954. Both 1211 and 1301 work by inhibiting the chain reaction of the fire, and in the case of Halon 1211, cooling class A fuels as well. Halon is still in use today, but is falling out of favor for many uses due to its environmental impact. Europe, and Australia have severely restricted its use, since the Montreal Protocol of 1987. It is however still in use in the United States, the Middle East, and Asia.

[edit]Classification
Internationally there are several accepted classification methods for hand-held fire extinguisher. Each classification is useful in fighting fires with a particular group of fuel.

[edit]Australia
Type Pre-1997 Current Suitable for use on Fire Classes (brackets denote sometimes applicable)

Water

Solid red

Solid red

Foam

Solid blue

Red with a blue band

Dry chemical (powder)

Red with a white band

Red with a white band

Carbon dioxide

Red with a black band

Red with a black band

(A)

Vaporising liquid (nonhalon clean agents)

Not yet in use

Red with a yellow band

Halon

Solid yellow

No longer produced

Wet chemical

Solid oatmeal

Red with an oatmeal band

In Australia, yellow (Halon) fire extinguishers are illegal to own or use on a fire, unless an essential use exemption has been granted.[9]

[edit]United

Kingdom

Typical United Kingdom CO2and water fire extinguishers

According to the standard BS EN 3, fire extinguishers in the United Kingdom as all throughout Europe are red RAL 3000, and a band or circle of a second color covering between 510% of the surface area of the extinguisher indicates the contents. Before 1997, the entire body of the fire extinguisher was color codedaccording to the type of extinguishing agent. The UK recognizes six fire classes:

Class A fires involve organic solids such as paper and wood. Class B fires involve flammable or combustible liquids, including petrol, grease, and oil. Class C fires involve flammable gases. Class D fires involve combustible metals. Class E fires involving electrical appliances (no longer used as when the power supply is turned off an electrical fire can fall into any category).

[10]

Class F fires involve cooking fat and oil.

Type

Old code

BS EN 3 colour code

Suitable for use on fire classes (brackets denote sometimes applicable)[11]

Water

Signal red

Signal red

Foam

Cream

Red with a cream panel above the operating instructions

Dry powder

French blue

Red with a blue panel above the operating instructions

(A)

Carbon dioxide Black CO2

Red with a black panel above the operating instructions

Wet chemical

Not yet in use

Red with a canary yellow panel above the operating instructions

(B)

Class D powder

French blue

Red with a blue panel above the operating instructions

Halon 1211/BCF

Emerald Green

No longer in general use

In the UK the use of Halon gas is now prohibited except under certain situations such as on aircraft and in the military and police.[11] Fire extinguishing performance per fire class is displayed using numbers and letters such as 13A, 55B. EN3 does not recognise a separate electrical class - however there is an additional feature requiring special testing (35 kV dielectric test per EN 3-7:2004). A powder or CO2 extinguisher will bear an electrical pictogramme as standard signifying that it can be used on live electrical fires (given the symbol E in the table). If a water-based extinguisher has passed the 35 kV test it will also bear the same electrical pictogramme however, any water-based extinguisher is only recommended for inadvertent use on electrical fires.

[edit]United

States

There is no official standard in the United States for the color of fire extinguishers, though they are typically red, except for Class D extinguishers, which are usually yellow, and water, which are usually silver, or white if water mist. Extinguishers are marked with pictograms depicting the types of fires that the extinguisher is approved to fight. In the past, extinguishers were marked with colored geometric symbols, and some extinguishers still use both symbols. The types of fires and additional standards are described in NFPA 10: Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, 2010 edition.

Fire Class

Geometric Symbol

Pictogram

Intended Use

Mnemonic

Green Triangle

Garbage can and wood pile burning

Ordinary solid combustibles

A for "Ash"

Red Square

Fuel container and burning puddle

Flammable liquids and gases

B for "Barrel"

Blue Circle

Electric plug and burning outlet

Energized electrical equipment

C for "Current"

Yellow Decagon (Star)

Burning Gear and Bearing

Combustible metals

--

&nbsp

--

Oils and fats

K for "Kitchen"

Fire extinguishing capacity is rated in accordance with ANSI/UL 711: Rating and Fire Testing of Fire Extinguishers. The ratings are described using numbers preceding the class letter, such as 1-A:10-B:C. The number preceding the A multiplied by 1.25 gives the equivalent extinguishing capability in gallons of water. The number preceding the B indicates the size of fire in square feet that an ordinary user should be able to extinguish. There is no additional rating for class C, as it only indicates that the extinguishing agent will not conduct electricity, and an extinguisher will never have a rating of just C.

For additional US UL rating information see Fast Flow Extinguishers

Comparison of fire classes

American

European

Australian/Asian

Fuel/Heat source

Class A

Class A

Class A

Ordinary combustibles

Class B Class B Class C

Class B

Flammable liquids

Class C

Flammable gases

Class C

UNCLASSIFIED Class E

Electrical equipment

Class D

Class D

Class D

Combustible metals

Class K

Class F

Class F

Cooking oil or fat

[edit]Installation

A fire extinguisher fitted to the passenger seat of a car

Fire extinguishers are typically fitted in buildings at an easily-accessible location, such as against a wall in a high-traffic area. They are also often fitted to motor vehicles, watercraft, and aircraft - this is required by law in many jurisdictions, for identified classes of vehicles. Under NFPA 10 all commercial vehicles must carry at least one fire extinguisher, with size/UL rating depending on type of vehicle and cargo (i.e. fuel tankers typically must

have a 9.1 kg (20 lb), while most others can carry a 2.3 kg (5 lb)). The revised NFPA 10 created criteria on the placement of "Fast Flow Extinguishers" in locations such as those storing and transporting pressurized flammable liquids and pressurized flammable gas or areas with possibility of three dimensional class B hazards are required to have "fast flow" extinguishers as required by NFPA 5.5.1.1. Varying classes of competition vehicles require fire extinguishing systems, the simplest requirements being a 1A:10BC hand-held portable extinguisher mounted to the interior of the vehicle.

[edit]Types [edit]Dry

of extinguishing agents

chemical

A small, disposable sodium bicarbonate dry chemical unit intended for home kitchen use.

A typical dry chemical extinguisher containing 5 lbs. of ammonium phosphate dry chemical.

A 20lb.U.S.Navy cartridge-operated purple-K dry chemical (potassium bicarbonate) extinguisher.

Two Super-K (potassium chloride) extinguishers.

This is a powder based agent that extinguishes by separating the four parts of the fire tetrahedron. It prevents the chemical reactions involving heat, fuel, and oxygen and halts the production of fire sustaining "freeradicals", thus extinguishing the fire.

Monoammonium phosphate, also known as "tri-class", "multipurpose" or "ABC" dry chemical, used on class A, B, and C fires. It receives its class A rating from the agent's ability to melt and flow at 177 C (350 F) to smother the fire. More corrosive than other dry chemical agents. Pale yellow in color.

Sodium bicarbonate, "regular" or "ordinary" used on class B and C fires, was the first of the dry chemical agents developed. In the heat of a fire, it releases a cloud of carbon dioxide that smothers the fire. That is, the gas drives oxygen away from the fire, thus stopping the chemical reaction. This agent is not generally effective on class A fires because the agent is expended and the cloud of gas dissipates quickly, and if the fuel is still sufficiently hot, the fire starts up again. While liquid and gas fires don't usually store much heat in their fuel source, solid fires do. Sodium bicarbonate was very common in commercial kitchens before the advent of wet chemical agents, but now is falling out of favor, as it is much less effective than wet chemical agents for class K fires, less effective than Purple-K for class B fires, and is ineffective on class A fires. White or blue in color.

Potassium bicarbonate (aka Purple-K), used on class B and C fires. About two times as effective on class B fires as sodium bicarbonate, it is the preferred dry chemical agent of the oil and gas industry. The only dry chemical agent certified for use in ARFF by the NFPA. Violet in color.

Potassium bicarbonate & Urea Complex (aka Monnex/Powerex), used on Class B and C fires. More effective than all other powders due to its ability to decrepitate (where the powder breaks up into smaller particles) in the flame zone creating a larger surface area for free radical inhibition. Grey in color.

Potassium Chloride, or Super-K dry chemical was developed in an effort to create a high efficiency, protein-foam compatible dry chemical. Developed in the 60s, prior to Purple-K, it was never as popular as other agents since, being a salt, it was quite corrosive. For B and C fires, white in color.

Foam-Compatible, which is a sodium bicarbonate (BC) based dry chemical, was developed for use with protein foams for fighting class B fires. Most dry chemicals contain metal stearates to waterproof them, but these will tend to destroy the foam blanket created by protein (animal) based foams. Foam compatible type uses silicone as a waterproofing agent, which does not harm foam. Effectiveness is identical to

regular dry chemical, and it is light green in color (some ANSUL brand formulations are blue). This agent is generally no longer used since most modern dry chemicals are considered compatible with synthetic foams such as AFFF.

MET-L-KYL / PYROKYL is a specialty variation of sodium bicarbonate for fighting pyrophoric liquid fires (ignite on contact with air). In addition to sodium bicarbonate, it also contains silica gel particles. The sodium bicarbonate interrupts the chain reaction of the fuel and the silica soaks up any unburned fuel, preventing contact with air. It is effective on other class B fuels as well. Blue/Red in color.

[edit]Foams

A 2 gallon AFFF foam fire extinguisher

An American water extinguisher

Applied to fuel fires as either an aspirated (mixed & expanded with air in a branch pipe) or non aspirated form to form a frothy blanket or seal over the fuel, preventing oxygen reaching it. Unlike powder, foam can be used to progressively extinguish fires without flashback.

AFFF (aqueous film forming foam), used on A and B fires and for vapor suppression. The most common type in portable foam extinguishers. It contains fluoro tensides [12] which can be accumulated in the human body. The long-term effects of this on the human body and environment are unclear at this time.

AR-AFFF (Alcohol-resistant aqueous film forming foams), used on fuel fires containing alcohol. Forms a membrane between the fuel and the foam preventing the alcohol from breaking down the foam blanket.

FFFP (film forming fluoroprotein) contains naturally occurring proteins from animal by-products and synthetic film-forming agents to create a foam blanket that is more heat resistant than the strictly synthetic AFFF foams. FFFP works well on alcohol-based liquids and is used widely in motorsports.

CAFS (compressed air foam system) Any APW style extinguisher that is charged with a foam solution and pressurized with compressed air. Generally used to extend a water supply in wildland operations. Used on class A fires and with very dry foam on class B for vapor suppression.

Arctic Fire is a liquid fire extinguishing agent that emulsifies and cools heated materials more quickly than water or ordinary foam. It is used extensively in the steel industry. Effective on classes A, B, and D.

FireAde, a foaming agent that emulsifies burning liquids and renders them non-flammable. It is able to cool heated material and surfaces similar to CAFS. Used on A and B (said to be effective on some class D

hazards, although not recommended due to the fact that fireade still contains amounts of water which will react with some metal fires).

[edit]Water
Cools burning material.

APW (Air pressurized water) cools burning material by absorbing heat from burning material. Effective on Class A fires, it has the advantage of being inexpensive, harmless, and relatively easy to clean up. In the United States, APW units contain 2.5 gallons (9 liters) of water in a tall, stainless steel cylinder. In Europe, they are typically mild steel lined with polyethylene, painted red, containing 69 liters (1.752.5 gallons) of water.

Water Mist uses a fine misting nozzle to break up a stream of deionized water to the point of not conducting electricity back to the operator. Class A and C rated. It is used widely in hospitals for the reason that, unlike other clean-agent suppressants, it is harmless and non-contaminant. These extinguishers come in 1.75 and 2.5 gallon units, painted white in the United States and red in Europe.

[edit]Wet chemical and water additives

Wet Chemical (potassium acetate, carbonate, or citrate) extinguishes the fire by forming a soapy foam blanket over the burning oil and by cooling the oil below its ignition temperature. Generally class A and K (F in Europe) only, although newer models are outfitted with misting nozzles as those used on water mist units to give these extinguishers class B and C firefighting capability.

Wetting Agents Detergent based additives used to break the surface tension of water and improve penetration of Class A fires.

Antifreeze Chemicals added to water to lower its freezing point to about 40 F. Has no appreciable effect on extinguishing performance.

[edit]Clean

agents and carbon dioxide

A 5 lb. CO2 fire extinguisher

Agent displaces oxygen (CO2 or inert gases), removes heat from the combustion zone (Halotron, FE-36) or inhibits chemical chain reaction (Halons). They are labelled clean agents because they do not leave any residue after discharge which is ideal for sensitive electronics and documents.

Halon (including Halon 1211 and Halon 1301), a gaseous agent that inhibits the chemical reaction of the fire. Classes B:C for lower weight fire extinguishers (2.3 kg; under 9 lbs) and A:B:C for heavier weights (4.17.7 kg; 917 lbs). Banned from new production, except for military use, as of January 1, 1994 as its properties contribute to ozone depletion and long atmospheric lifetime, usually 400 years. Halon was completely banned in Europe resulting in stockpiles being sent to the United States for reuse. Although production has been banned, the reuse is still permitted. Halon 1301 and 1211 are being replaced with new halocarbon agents which have no ozone depletion properties and low atmospheric lifetimes, but are less effective.

Halocarbon replacements, HCFC Blend B (Halotron I, American Pacific Corporation), HFC-227ea (FM200, Great Lakes Chemicals Corporation), and HFC-236fa (FE-36, DuPont), have been approved by the FAA for use in aircraft cabins in 2010.[13] Considerations for halon replacement include human toxicity when used in confined spaces, ozone depleting potential, and greenhouse warming potential. The three recommended agents meet minimum performance standards, but uptake has been slow because of disadvantages. Specifically, they require two to three times the concentration to extinguish a fire compared

with Halon 1211.[14] They are heavier than halon, require a larger bottle because they are less effective, and have greenhouse gas potential.[15] Research continues to find better alternatives.

CO2, a clean gaseous agent which displaces oxygen. Highest rating for 7.7 kg (20 pound) portable CO2 extinguishers is 10B:C. Not intended for Class A fires, as the high-pressure cloud of gas can scatter burning materials. CO2 is not suitable for use on fires containing their own oxygen source, metals or cooking media. Although it can be rather successful on a person on fire, its use should be avoided where possible as it can causefrostbite and is dangerous to use as it may displace the oxygen needed for breathing, causing suffocation.

Mixtures of inert gases, including Inergen and Argonite. compressed CO2 sprinkler is another design used to fight the electric fires with cubic cylinder of 7 cubic meter starting from 1 meter above the sprinkler level.

Novec 1230 fluid (aka "dry water" or Saffire fluid), a fluoronated ketone that works by removing massive amounts of heat. Available in fixed systems in the US and in portables in Australia. Unlike other clean agents, this one has the advantage of being a liquid at atmospheric pressure, and can be discharged as a stream or a rapidly vaporizing mist, depending on application.

Potassium Aerosol Particle Generator, contains a form of solid potassium and other chemicals referred to as Aerosol Forming Compounds (AFC). The AFC is activated by an electrical current or other thermodynamic exchange which causes the AFC to ignite. The Majority of installed currently are fixed units due to the possibility of harm to the user from the heat generated by the AFC generator.

[edit]Class

A class D fire extinguisher for various metals

There are several Class D fire extinguisher agents available, some will handle multiple types of metals, others will not.

Sodium Chloride (Super-D, Met-L-X or METAL.FIRE.XTNGSHR) contains sodium chloride salt and thermoplastic additive. Plastic melts to form an oxygen-excluding crust over the metal, and the salt dissipates heat. Useful on most alkali metals including sodium and potassium, and other metals including magnesium, titanium, aluminum, and zirconium.

Copper based (Copper Powder Navy125S) developed by the U.S. Navy in the 70s for hard-to-control lithium and lithium-alloy fires. Powder smothers and acts as a heat sink to dissipate heat, but also forms a copper-lithium alloy on the surface which is non-combustible and cuts off the oxygen supply. Will cling to a vertical surface-lithium only.

Graphite based (G-Plus, G-1, Lith-X, Pyromet or METAL.FIRE.XTNGSHR) contains dry graphite that smothers burning metals. First type developed, designed for magnesium, works on other metals as well. Unlike sodium chloride powder extinguishers, the graphite powder fire extinguishers can be used on very hot burning metal fires such as lithium, but unlike copper powder extinguishers will not stick to and extinguish flowing or vertical lithium fires. Like copper extinguishers, the graphite powder acts as a heat sink as well as smothering the metal fire.

Sodium carbonate based (Na-X) used where stainless steel piping and equipment could be damaged by sodium chloride based agents to control sodium, potassium, and sodium-potassium alloy fires. Limited use on other metals. Smothers and forms a crust.

Some water based suppressants may be used on certain class D fires, such as burning titanium and magnesium. Examples include the Fire Blockade and FireAde brands of suppressant.[16] Some metals, such as elemental Lithium, will react explosively with water, therefore water-based chemicals should never be used on such fires due to the possibility of a violent reaction.

Most Class D extinguishers will have a special low velocity nozzle or discharge wand to gently apply the agent in large volumes to avoid disrupting any finely divided burning materials. Agents are also available in bulk and can be applied with a scoop or shovel.

[edit]Fire

extinguishing ball

Several modern ball or "grenade" style extinguishers are on the market. They are manually operated by rolling or throwing into a fire. The modern version of the ball will self destruct once in contact with flame, dispersing a cloud of ABC dry chemical powder over the fire which extinguishes the flame. The coverage area is about 5 square meters. One benefit of this type is that it may be used for passive suppression. The ball can be placed

in a fire prone area and will deploy automatically if a fire develops, being triggered by heat. Most modern extinguishers of this type are designed to make a loud noise upon deployment.[17] This technology is not new, however. In the 1800s, glass fire grenades filled with suppressant liquids were popular. These glass fire grenade bottles are sought by collectors.[18] Some later brands, such as Red Comet, were designed for passive operation, and included a special holder with a spring-loaded trigger that would break the glass ball when a fusible link melted. As was typical of this era, some glass extinguishers contained the toxic carbon tetrachloride.

[edit]Condensed

aerosol fire suppression

Condensed aerosol fire suppression is a particle-based form of fire extinction similar to gaseous fire suppression or dry chemical fire extinction. As with gaseous fire suppressants, condensed aerosol suppressants use clean agents to suppress the fire. The agent can be delivered by means of mechanical operation, electric operation, or combined electro-mechanical operation. To the difference of gaseous suppressants, which emit only gas, and dry chemical extinguishers, which release powder-like particles of a large size (25-150 microns) condensed aerosols are defined by the National Fire Protection Association as releasing finely-divided solid particles (generally <10 microns), usually in addition to gas.[19] Whereas dry chemical systems must be directly aimed at the flame, condensed aerosols are flooding agents and therefore effective regardless of the location and height of the fire. Wet chemical systems, such as the kind generally found in foam extinguishers, must, similarly to dry chemical systems, be sprayed directionally, onto the fire. Additionally, wet chemicals (such as potassium carbonate) are dissolved in water, whereas the agents used in condensed aerosols are microscopic solids.

[edit]Maintenance

An empty fire extinguisher which was not replaced for years.

Most countries in the world require regular fire extinguisher maintenance by a competent person to operate safely and effectively, as part of fire safety legislation. Lack of maintenance can lead to an extinguisher not discharging when required, or rupturing when pressurized. Deaths have occurred, even in recent times, from corroded extinguishers exploding. There is no all-encompassing fire code in the United States. Generally, most municipalities (by adoption of the International Fire Code) require inspections every 30 days to ensure the unit is pressurized and unobstructed (done by an employee of the facility) and an annual inspection by a qualified technician. Hydrostatic pressure testing for all types of extinguishers is also required, generally every five years for water and CO2 models up to every 12 years for dry chemical models. Recently the National Fire Protection Association and ICC voted to allow for the elimination of the 30 day inspection requirement so long as the fire extinguisher is monitored electronically. According to NFPA, the system must provide record keeping in the form of an electronic event log at the control panel. The system must also constantly monitor an extinguishers physical presence, internal pressure and whether an obstruction exists that could prevent ready access. In the event that any of the above conditions are found, the system must send an alert to officials so they can immediately rectify the situation. Electronic monitoring can be wired or wireless. In the UK, three types of maintenance are required:

Basic Service: All types of extinguisher require a basic inspection annually to check weight, correct pressure (using a special tool, not just looking at the gauge) and for signs of damage or corrosion, cartridge extinguishers are opened up for internal inspection & check weighing of the cartridge, labels are checked for legibility, where possible dip tubes, hoses and mechanisms checked for clear free operation.

Extended Service: Water, Wet Chemical, Foam & Powder extinguishers require every five years a more detailed examination including a test discharge of the extinguisher and recharging; on stored pressure extinguishers this is the only opportunity to internally inspect for damage/corrosion. By recharging fresh agent is used as they all have a shelf life, even water goes foul inside an extinguisher; Note: extinguishers should be percentage tested according to total number of units in any given area. Some extinguishers contain pressure in excess of 1.38 MPa (200 psi) and this internal pressure over periods of time affects each brand & make differently depending on their placement & location.

Overhaul: CO2 extinguishers, due to their high operating pressure, are subject to pressure vessel safety legislation and must be hydraulic pressure tested, inspected internally & externally and date stamped every 10 years. As it cannot be pressure tested a new valve is also fitted. If replacing any part of the extinguisher (valve, horn, etc.) with a part from another manufacturer then the extinguisher will lose its fire rating. This may invalidate insurance, as would incorrect or inadequate servicing if it were to be found.

In the United States there are 3 types of service as well:

Maintenance Inspection: All types of extinguishers should be inspected at least once a year. The extinguisher is checked to make sure it has proper pressure (gauge in green or proper cartridge weight), has the correct volume of extinguishing agent (tech weighs it), is within the required hydrotest and internal maintenance intervals, is in good condition and all external parts are serviceable. Often, dry chemical and dry powder types are hit on the bottom with a rubber mallet to make sure the powder is free-flowing, which is called "fluffing" the powder. The tech will then attach a new tamper seal around the pin and a yearly service tag.

Internal Maintenance:

Water - every 5 years Foam - every 5 years Wet chemical & CO2 - every 5 years Dry chemical - every 6 years Halon and clean agents - every 5 years. The extinguisher is emptied of its chemical and pressure to check for proper operation. All components are disassembled, inspected, cleaned, lubricated, or replaced if defective. Liquid agents are replaced at this time, dry agents may be re-used if in good condition, halon is recovered and re-used, but CO2 is discharged into the atmosphere. The extinguisher is then re-filled and recharged, after a "verification of service" collar is placed around the cylinder neck. It is impossible to properly install or remove a collar without depressurizing the extinguisher. Note: Cartridge-operated extinguishers should be visually examined, but do not require a verification of service collar.

Hydrostatic testing: Water, Foam, Wet chemical, and CO2, every 5 years. Dry chemical, dry powder, halon, and clean agents, every 12 years.

Note: these are the required intervals for normal service conditions, if the extinguisher has been exposed to excessive heat, vibration, or mechanical damage it may need to be tested sooner.

The agent is emptied and depressurized and the valve is removed. After a thorough internal and external visual inspection, the cylinder is filled with water, placed inside a safety cage, and pressurized to the specified test pressure (varies with the type, age, and cylinder material) for the specified time period. If no failure, bulges, or leaks are detected, the cylinder passes. The cylinder is then emptied of water and thoroughly dried. CO2 types have the test date, company's ID, etc. stamped on the cylinder, all other types get a sticker on the back of the cylinder. Once dry, the units are recharged. Unlike the UK, the US does not rebuild extinguishers and replace valves at specific intervals unless parts are found to be defective, with the exception of halon. Halon types are often given new o-rings and valve stems at every internal maintenance to minimize any leakage potential. OEM equipment must be used for replacement parts for the extinguisher to maintain its UL rating. If parts are unavailable, replacement is recommended, keep in mind extinguishers have a projected service life of about 2535 years, although many are of such quality that they can outlast this, but realize that science is ever-changing, and something that was the best available 30 years ago may not be acceptable for modern fire protection needs.

[edit]Vandalism

and extinguisher protection

A fire extinguisher stored inside a cabinet mounted to a wall

Heavy-duty CO2-powered fire extinguisher on standby at a temporaryhelicopter landing site

Fire extinguishers are sometimes a target of vandalism in schools and other open spaces. Extinguishers are occasionally, partially or fully discharged by a vandal, impairing the extinguisher's actual firefighting abilities. In open public spaces, extinguishers are ideally kept inside cabinets that have glass that must be broken to access the extinguisher, or which emit an alarm siren that cannot be shut off without a key, to alert people the extinguisher has been handled by an unauthorized person if a fire is not present.

[edit]Fire

extinguisher signs

Fire extinguisher identification signs are small signs designed to be mounted near a fire extinguisher, in order to draw attention to the extinguisher's location (e.g. if the Extinguisher is on a large pole, the sign would generally be at the top of the pole so it can be seen from a distance). Such signs may be manufactured from a variety of materials, commonly self-adhesive vinyl, rigid PVC and aluminum. In addition to words and pictographs indicating the presence of a fire extinguisher, some modern extinguisher ID signs also describe the extinguishing agent in the unit, and summarize the types of fire on which it may safely be used. Some public and government buildings are often required, by local legal codes, to provide an ID sign for each extinguisher on the site.[20] Similar signs are available for other fire equipment (including fire blankets and fire hose reels/racks), and for other emergency equipment (such as first aid kits).

[edit]Placement

of fire extinguisher signs

Most licensing authorities have regulations describing the standard appearance of these signs (e.g. text height, pictographs used and so on).[21]

[edit]Photo-luminescent

fire extinguisher signs

Photo-luminescent fire extinguisher signs are made with a photoluminescent phosphor that absorbs ambient light and releases it slowly in dark conditions the sign "glows in the dark". Such signs are independent of an external power supply, and so offer a low-cost, reliable means of indicating the position of emergency equipment in dark or smoky conditions. Photo-luminescent signs are sometimes wrongfully described as being reflective. A reflective material will only return ambient light for as long as the light source is supplied, rather than storing energy and releasing it over a period of time. However, many fire extinguishers and extinguisher mounting posts have strips of retroreflective adhesive tape placed on them to facilitate their location in situations where only emergency lighting or flashl

Fire extinguisher
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Extinguisher" redirects here. Extinguisher may also refer to a candle snuffer.

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (February 2011)

A stored-pressure fire extinguisher made by Amerex

Fire extinguisher with ID sign, call point and fire action sign in the UK
A fire extinguisher, flame extinguisher, or simply an extinguisher, is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situations. It is not intended for use on an out-of-control fire, such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the user (i.e., no escape route, smoke, explosion hazard, etc.), or otherwise requires the expertise of a fire department. Typically, a fire extinguisher consists of a hand-held cylindrical pressure vessel containing an agent which can be discharged to extinguish a fire. In the United States, fire extinguishers, in all buildings other than houses, are generally required to be serviced and inspected by a Fire Protection service company at least annually. Some jurisdictions require more frequent service for fire extinguishers. The servicer places a tag on the extinguisher to indicate the type of service performed (annual inspection, recharge, new fire extinguisher) and when. There are two main types of fire extinguishers: stored pressure and cartridge-operated. In stored pressure units, the expellant is stored in the same chamber as the firefighting agent itself. Depending on the agent used, different propellants are used. With dry chemical extinguishers, nitrogen is typically used; water and foam extinguishers typically use air. Stored pressure fire extinguishers are the most common type. Cartridgeoperated extinguishers contain the expellant gas in a separate cartridge that is punctured prior to discharge, exposing the propellant to the extinguishing agent. This type is not as common, used primarily in areas such as industrial facilities, where they receive higher-than-average use. They have the advantage of simple and prompt recharge, allowing an operator to discharge the extinguisher, recharge it, and return to the fire in a reasonable amount of time. Unlike stored pressure types, these extinguishers use compressed carbon dioxide instead of nitrogen, although nitrogen cartridges are used on low temperature (-60 rated) models. Cartridge operated extinguishers are available in dry chemical and dry powder types in the US and in water,

wetting agent, foam, dry chemical (classes ABC and BC), and dry powder (class D) types in the rest of the world. Fire extinguishers are further divided into handheld and cart-mounted, also called wheeled extinguishers. Handheld extinguishers weigh from 0.5 to 14 kilograms (1 to 30 pounds), and are hence, easily portable by hand. Cart-mounted units typically weigh 23+ kilograms (50+ pounds). These wheeled models are most commonly found at construction sites, airport runways, heliports, as well as docks and marinas.

Contents
[hide]

1 History 2 Classification
o o o

2.1 Australia 2.2 United Kingdom 2.3 United States

3 Installation 4 Types of extinguishing agents

o o o

4.1 Dry chemical 4.2 Foams 4.3 Water

4.3.1 Wet chemical and water additives

o o o o

4.4 Clean agents and carbon dioxide 4.5 Class D 4.6 Fire extinguishing ball 4.7 Condensed aerosol fire suppression 5.1 Vandalism and extinguisher protection 6.1 Placement of fire extinguisher signs 6.2 Photo-luminescent fire extinguisher signs

5 Maintenance
o

6 Fire extinguisher signs

o o

7 References 8 External links

[edit]History

A 1905 illustration marketing extinguishers

The first fire extinguisher of which there is any record was patented in England in 1723 by Ambrose Godfrey, a celebrated chemist at that time and to this day. It consisted of a cask of fire-extinguishing liquid containing a pewter chamber of gunpowder. This was connected with a system of fuses which were ignited, exploding the gunpowder and scattering the solution. This device was probably used to a limited extent, as Bradley's Weekly Messenger for November 7th, 1729, refers to its efficiency in stopping a fire in London. The modern fire extinguisher was invented by British Captain George William Manby in 1818; it consisted of a copper vessel of 3 gallons (13.6 liters) of pearl ash (potassium carbonate) solution contained within compressed air.

A classic copper building type soda-acid extinguisher

The soda-acid extinguisher was first patented in 1866 by Francois Carlier of France, which mixed a solution of water and sodium bicarbonate with tartaric acid, producing the propellant CO2 gas. A soda-acid extinguisher was patented in the U.S. in 1881 by Almon M. Granger. His extinguisher used the reaction between sodium bicarbonate solution and sulfuric acid to expel pressurized water onto a fire.[1] A vial was suspended in the cylinder containing concentrated sulfuric acid. Depending on the type of extinguisher, the vial of acid could be broken in one of two ways. One used a plunger to break the acid vial, while the second released a lead stopple that held the vial closed. Once the acid was mixed with the bicarbonate solution,carbon dioxide gas was expelled and thereby pressurized the water. The pressurized water was forced from the canister through a nozzle or short length of hose. The cartridge-operated extinguisher was invented by Read & Campbell of England in 1881, which used water or water-based solutions. They later invented a carbon tetrachloride model called the "Petrolex" which was marketed toward automotive use.[2]

A glass "grenade" style extinguisher, to be thrown into a fire.

The chemical foam extinguisher was invented in 1904 by Aleksandr Loran in Russia, based on his previous invention of fire fighting foam. Loran first used it to extinguish a pan of burning naphtha.[3] It worked and looked similar to the soda-acid type, but the inner parts were slightly different. The main tank contained a solution of sodium bicarbonate in water, whilst the inner container (somewhat larger than the equivalent in a Soda-Acid unit) contained a solution of Aluminium Sulphate. When the solutions were mixed, usually by inverting the unit, the two liquids reacted to create a frothy foam, and carbon dioxide gas. The gas expelled the foam in the form of a jet. Although liquorice-root extracts and similar compounds were used as additives (stabilizing the foam by reinforcing the bubble-walls), there was no "foam compound" in these units. The foam was a combination of the

products of the chemical reactions: Sodium and Aluminium salt-gels inflated by the carbon-dioxide. Because of this, the foam was discharged directly from the unit, with no need for an aspirating branchpipe (as in newer foam-compound types).

A Pyrene, brass, carbon-tetrachloride extinguisher

In 1910, The Pyrene Manufacturing Company of Delaware filed a patent for a using carbon tetrachloride (CTC) to extinguish fires.[4] The liquid vaporized and extinguished the flames by inhibiting the chemical chain reaction of the combustion process (it was an early 20th century presupposition that the fire suppression ability of carbon tetrachloride relied on oxygen removal.) In 1911, they patented a small, portable extinguisher that used the chemical.[5] This consisted of a brass or chrome container with an integrated handpump, which was used to expel a jet of liquid towards the fire. It was usually of 1 imperial quart (1.1 L) or 1 imperial pint (0.6 L) capacity but was also available in up to 2 imperial gallon (9 L) size. As the container was unpressurized, it could be refilled after use through a filling plug with a fresh supply of CTC.[6] Another type of carbon-tetrachloride extinguisher was the Fire grenade. This consisted of a glass sphere filled with CTC, that was intended to be hurled at the base of a fire (early ones used salt-water, but CTC was more effective). Carbon tetrachloride was suitable for liquid and electrical fires and the extinguisers were fitted to motor vehicles. Carbon-tetrachloride extinguishers were withdrawn in the 1950s because of the chemical's toxicityexposure to high concentrations damages the nervous system and internal organs. Additionally, when used on a fire, the heat can convert CTC to Phosgene gas,[7]formerly used as a chemical weapon. In the 1940s, Germany invented the liquid chlorobromomethane (CBM) for use in aircraft. It was more effective and slightly less toxic than carbon tetrachloride and was used until 1969. Methyl bromide was discovered as an extinguishing agent in the 1920s and was used extensively in Europe. It is a low-pressure gas that works by

inhibiting the chain reaction of the fire and is the most toxic of the vaporizing liquids, used until the 1960s. The vapor and combustion by-products of all vaporizing liquids were highly toxic, and could cause death in confined spaces.

A chemical foam extinguisher with contents.

The carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguisher was invented (at least in the US) by the Walter Kidde Company in 1924 in response to Bell Telephone's request for an electrically non-conductive chemical for extinguishing the previously difficult to extinguish fires in telephone switchboards. It consisted of a tall metal cylinder containing 7.5 lbs. of CO2 with a wheel valve and a woven brass, cotton covered hose, with a composite funnel-like horn as a nozzle. CO2 is still popular today as it is an ozone-friendly clean agent and is used heavily in film and television production to extinguish burning stuntmen.[8] Carbon dioxide extinguishes fire mainly by displacing oxygen. It was once thought that it worked by cooling, although this effect on most fires is negligible. This characteristic is well known and has led to the widespread misuse of carbon dioxide extinguishers to rapidly cool beverages, especially beer.

An early dry chemical extinguisher, the first ones had copper cylinders, this one is steel.
In 1928, DuGas (later bought by ANSUL) came out with a cartridge-operated dry chemical extinguisher, which used sodium bicarbonate specially treated with chemicals to render it free-flowing and moisture-resistant. It consisted of a copper cylinder with an internal CO2cartridge. The operator turned a wheel valve on top to puncture the cartridge and squeezed a lever on the valve at the end of the hose to discharge the chemical. This was the first agent available for large scale three-dimensional liquid and pressurized gas fires, and was but remained largely a specialty type until the 1950s, when small dry chemical units were marketed for home use. ABC dry chemical came over from Europe in the 1950s, with Super-K being invented in the early 60s and Purple-K being developed by the US Navy in the late 1960s. In the 1970s, Halon 1211 came over to the United States from Europe, where it had been used since the late 40s or early 50s. Halon 1301 had been developed by DuPont and the US Army in 1954. Both 1211 and 1301 work by inhibiting the chain reaction of the fire, and in the case of Halon 1211, cooling class A fuels as well. Halon is still in use today, but is falling out of favor for many uses due to its environmental impact. Europe, and Australia have severely restricted its use, since the Montreal Protocol of 1987. It is however still in use in the United States, the Middle East, and Asia.

[edit]Classification
Internationally there are several accepted classification methods for hand-held fire extinguisher. Each classification is useful in fighting fires with a particular group of fuel.

[edit]Australia
Type Pre-1997 Current Suitable for use on Fire Classes (brackets denote sometimes applicable)

Water

Solid red

Solid red

Foam

Solid blue

Red with a blue band

Dry chemical (powder)

Red with a white band

Red with a white band

Carbon dioxide

Red with a black band

Red with a black band

(A)

Vaporising liquid (nonhalon clean agents)

Not yet in use

Red with a yellow band

Halon

Solid yellow

No longer produced

Wet chemical

Solid oatmeal

Red with an oatmeal band

In Australia, yellow (Halon) fire extinguishers are illegal to own or use on a fire, unless an essential use exemption has been granted.[9]

[edit]United

Kingdom

Typical United Kingdom CO2and water fire extinguishers

According to the standard BS EN 3, fire extinguishers in the United Kingdom as all throughout Europe are red RAL 3000, and a band or circle of a second color covering between 510% of the surface area of the extinguisher indicates the contents. Before 1997, the entire body of the fire extinguisher was color codedaccording to the type of extinguishing agent. The UK recognizes six fire classes:

Class A fires involve organic solids such as paper and wood. Class B fires involve flammable or combustible liquids, including petrol, grease, and oil. Class C fires involve flammable gases. Class D fires involve combustible metals. Class E fires involving electrical appliances (no longer used as when the power supply is turned off an electrical fire can fall into any category).

[10]

Class F fires involve cooking fat and oil.

Type

Old code

BS EN 3 colour code

Suitable for use on fire classes (brackets denote sometimes applicable)[11]

Water

Signal red

Signal red

Foam

Cream

Red with a cream panel above the operating instructions

Dry powder

French blue

Red with a blue panel above the operating instructions

(A)

Carbon dioxide Black CO2

Red with a black panel above the operating instructions

Wet chemical

Not yet in use

Red with a canary yellow panel above the operating instructions

(B)

Class D powder

French blue

Red with a blue panel above the operating instructions

Halon 1211/BCF

Emerald Green

No longer in general use

In the UK the use of Halon gas is now prohibited except under certain situations such as on aircraft and in the military and police.[11] Fire extinguishing performance per fire class is displayed using numbers and letters such as 13A, 55B. EN3 does not recognise a separate electrical class - however there is an additional feature requiring special testing (35 kV dielectric test per EN 3-7:2004). A powder or CO2 extinguisher will bear an electrical pictogramme as standard signifying that it can be used on live electrical fires (given the symbol E in the table). If a water-based extinguisher has passed the 35 kV test it will also bear the same electrical pictogramme however, any water-based extinguisher is only recommended for inadvertent use on electrical fires.

[edit]United

States

There is no official standard in the United States for the color of fire extinguishers, though they are typically red, except for Class D extinguishers, which are usually yellow, and water, which are usually silver, or white if water

mist. Extinguishers are marked with pictograms depicting the types of fires that the extinguisher is approved to fight. In the past, extinguishers were marked with colored geometric symbols, and some extinguishers still use both symbols. The types of fires and additional standards are described in NFPA 10: Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, 2010 edition.

Fire Class

Geometric Symbol

Pictogram

Intended Use

Mnemonic

Green Triangle

Garbage can and wood pile burning

Ordinary solid combustibles

A for "Ash"

Red Square

Fuel container and burning puddle

Flammable liquids and gases

B for "Barrel"

Blue Circle

Electric plug and burning outlet

Energized electrical equipment

C for "Current"

Yellow Decagon (Star)

Burning Gear and Bearing

Combustible metals

--

&nbsp

--

Oils and fats

K for "Kitchen"

Fire extinguishing capacity is rated in accordance with ANSI/UL 711: Rating and Fire Testing of Fire Extinguishers. The ratings are described using numbers preceding the class letter, such as 1-A:10-B:C. The number preceding the A multiplied by 1.25 gives the equivalent extinguishing capability in gallons of water. The number preceding the B indicates the size of fire in square feet that an ordinary user should be able to extinguish. There is no additional rating for class C, as it only indicates that the extinguishing agent will not conduct electricity, and an extinguisher will never have a rating of just C.

For additional US UL rating information see Fast Flow Extinguishers

Comparison of fire classes

American

European

Australian/Asian

Fuel/Heat source

Class A

Class A

Class A

Ordinary combustibles

Class B Class B Class C

Class B

Flammable liquids

Class C

Flammable gases

Class C

UNCLASSIFIED Class E

Electrical equipment

Class D

Class D

Class D

Combustible metals

Class K

Class F

Class F

Cooking oil or fat

[edit]Installation

A fire extinguisher fitted to the passenger seat of a car

Fire extinguishers are typically fitted in buildings at an easily-accessible location, such as against a wall in a high-traffic area. They are also often fitted to motor vehicles, watercraft, and aircraft - this is required by law in many jurisdictions, for identified classes of vehicles. Under NFPA 10 all commercial vehicles must carry at least one fire extinguisher, with size/UL rating depending on type of vehicle and cargo (i.e. fuel tankers typically must have a 9.1 kg (20 lb), while most others can carry a 2.3 kg (5 lb)). The revised NFPA 10 created criteria on the placement of "Fast Flow Extinguishers" in locations such as those storing and transporting pressurized

flammable liquids and pressurized flammable gas or areas with possibility of three dimensional class B hazards are required to have "fast flow" extinguishers as required by NFPA 5.5.1.1. Varying classes of competition vehicles require fire extinguishing systems, the simplest requirements being a 1A:10BC hand-held portable extinguisher mounted to the interior of the vehicle.

[edit]Types [edit]Dry

of extinguishing agents

chemical

A small, disposable sodium bicarbonate dry chemical unit intended for home kitchen use.

A typical dry chemical extinguisher containing 5 lbs. of ammonium phosphate dry chemical.

A 20lb.U.S.Navy cartridge-operated purple-K dry chemical (potassium bicarbonate) extinguisher.

Two Super-K (potassium chloride) extinguishers.

This is a powder based agent that extinguishes by separating the four parts of the fire tetrahedron. It prevents the chemical reactions involving heat, fuel, and oxygen and halts the production of fire sustaining "freeradicals", thus extinguishing the fire.

Monoammonium phosphate, also known as "tri-class", "multipurpose" or "ABC" dry chemical, used on class A, B, and C fires. It receives its class A rating from the agent's ability to melt and flow at 177 C (350 F) to smother the fire. More corrosive than other dry chemical agents. Pale yellow in color.

Sodium bicarbonate, "regular" or "ordinary" used on class B and C fires, was the first of the dry chemical agents developed. In the heat of a fire, it releases a cloud of carbon dioxide that smothers the fire. That is, the gas drives oxygen away from the fire, thus stopping the chemical reaction. This agent is not generally effective on class A fires because the agent is expended and the cloud of gas dissipates quickly, and if the fuel is still sufficiently hot, the fire starts up again. While liquid and gas fires don't usually store much heat in their fuel source, solid fires do. Sodium bicarbonate was very common in commercial kitchens before the advent of wet chemical agents, but now is falling out of favor, as it is much less effective than wet chemical agents for class K fires, less effective than Purple-K for class B fires, and is ineffective on class A fires. White or blue in color.

Potassium bicarbonate (aka Purple-K), used on class B and C fires. About two times as effective on class B fires as sodium bicarbonate, it is the preferred dry chemical agent of the oil and gas industry. The only dry chemical agent certified for use in ARFF by the NFPA. Violet in color.

Potassium bicarbonate & Urea Complex (aka Monnex/Powerex), used on Class B and C fires. More effective than all other powders due to its ability to decrepitate (where the powder breaks up into smaller particles) in the flame zone creating a larger surface area for free radical inhibition. Grey in color.

Potassium Chloride, or Super-K dry chemical was developed in an effort to create a high efficiency, protein-foam compatible dry chemical. Developed in the 60s, prior to Purple-K, it was never as popular as other agents since, being a salt, it was quite corrosive. For B and C fires, white in color.

Foam-Compatible, which is a sodium bicarbonate (BC) based dry chemical, was developed for use with protein foams for fighting class B fires. Most dry chemicals contain metal stearates to waterproof them, but these will tend to destroy the foam blanket created by protein (animal) based foams. Foam compatible type uses silicone as a waterproofing agent, which does not harm foam. Effectiveness is identical to

regular dry chemical, and it is light green in color (some ANSUL brand formulations are blue). This agent is generally no longer used since most modern dry chemicals are considered compatible with synthetic foams such as AFFF.

MET-L-KYL / PYROKYL is a specialty variation of sodium bicarbonate for fighting pyrophoric liquid fires (ignite on contact with air). In addition to sodium bicarbonate, it also contains silica gel particles. The sodium bicarbonate interrupts the chain reaction of the fuel and the silica soaks up any unburned fuel, preventing contact with air. It is effective on other class B fuels as well. Blue/Red in color.

[edit]Foams

A 2 gallon AFFF foam fire extinguisher

An American water extinguisher

Applied to fuel fires as either an aspirated (mixed & expanded with air in a branch pipe) or non aspirated form to form a frothy blanket or seal over the fuel, preventing oxygen reaching it. Unlike powder, foam can be used to progressively extinguish fires without flashback.

AFFF (aqueous film forming foam), used on A and B fires and for vapor suppression. The most common type in portable foam extinguishers. It contains fluoro tensides [12] which can be accumulated in the human body. The long-term effects of this on the human body and environment are unclear at this time.

AR-AFFF (Alcohol-resistant aqueous film forming foams), used on fuel fires containing alcohol. Forms a membrane between the fuel and the foam preventing the alcohol from breaking down the foam blanket.

FFFP (film forming fluoroprotein) contains naturally occurring proteins from animal by-products and synthetic film-forming agents to create a foam blanket that is more heat resistant than the strictly synthetic AFFF foams. FFFP works well on alcohol-based liquids and is used widely in motorsports.

CAFS (compressed air foam system) Any APW style extinguisher that is charged with a foam solution and pressurized with compressed air. Generally used to extend a water supply in wildland operations. Used on class A fires and with very dry foam on class B for vapor suppression.

Arctic Fire is a liquid fire extinguishing agent that emulsifies and cools heated materials more quickly than water or ordinary foam. It is used extensively in the steel industry. Effective on classes A, B, and D.

FireAde, a foaming agent that emulsifies burning liquids and renders them non-flammable. It is able to cool heated material and surfaces similar to CAFS. Used on A and B (said to be effective on some class D

hazards, although not recommended due to the fact that fireade still contains amounts of water which will react with some metal fires).

[edit]Water
Cools burning material.

APW (Air pressurized water) cools burning material by absorbing heat from burning material. Effective on Class A fires, it has the advantage of being inexpensive, harmless, and relatively easy to clean up. In the United States, APW units contain 2.5 gallons (9 liters) of water in a tall, stainless steel cylinder. In Europe, they are typically mild steel lined with polyethylene, painted red, containing 69 liters (1.752.5 gallons) of water.

Water Mist uses a fine misting nozzle to break up a stream of deionized water to the point of not conducting electricity back to the operator. Class A and C rated. It is used widely in hospitals for the reason that, unlike other clean-agent suppressants, it is harmless and non-contaminant. These extinguishers come in 1.75 and 2.5 gallon units, painted white in the United States and red in Europe.

[edit]Wet chemical and water additives

Wet Chemical (potassium acetate, carbonate, or citrate) extinguishes the fire by forming a soapy foam blanket over the burning oil and by cooling the oil below its ignition temperature. Generally class A and K (F in Europe) only, although newer models are outfitted with misting nozzles as those used on water mist units to give these extinguishers class B and C firefighting capability.

Wetting Agents Detergent based additives used to break the surface tension of water and improve penetration of Class A fires.

Antifreeze Chemicals added to water to lower its freezing point to about 40 F. Has no appreciable effect on extinguishing performance.

[edit]Clean

agents and carbon dioxide

A 5 lb. CO2 fire extinguisher

Agent displaces oxygen (CO2 or inert gases), removes heat from the combustion zone (Halotron, FE-36) or inhibits chemical chain reaction (Halons). They are labelled clean agents because they do not leave any residue after discharge which is ideal for sensitive electronics and documents.

Halon (including Halon 1211 and Halon 1301), a gaseous agent that inhibits the chemical reaction of the fire. Classes B:C for lower weight fire extinguishers (2.3 kg; under 9 lbs) and A:B:C for heavier weights (4.17.7 kg; 917 lbs). Banned from new production, except for military use, as of January 1, 1994 as its properties contribute to ozone depletion and long atmospheric lifetime, usually 400 years. Halon was completely banned in Europe resulting in stockpiles being sent to the United States for reuse. Although production has been banned, the reuse is still permitted. Halon 1301 and 1211 are being replaced with new halocarbon agents which have no ozone depletion properties and low atmospheric lifetimes, but are less effective.

Halocarbon replacements, HCFC Blend B (Halotron I, American Pacific Corporation), HFC-227ea (FM200, Great Lakes Chemicals Corporation), and HFC-236fa (FE-36, DuPont), have been approved by the FAA for use in aircraft cabins in 2010.[13] Considerations for halon replacement include human toxicity when used in confined spaces, ozone depleting potential, and greenhouse warming potential. The three recommended agents meet minimum performance standards, but uptake has been slow because of disadvantages. Specifically, they require two to three times the concentration to extinguish a fire compared

with Halon 1211.[14] They are heavier than halon, require a larger bottle because they are less effective, and have greenhouse gas potential.[15] Research continues to find better alternatives.

CO2, a clean gaseous agent which displaces oxygen. Highest rating for 7.7 kg (20 pound) portable CO2 extinguishers is 10B:C. Not intended for Class A fires, as the high-pressure cloud of gas can scatter burning materials. CO2 is not suitable for use on fires containing their own oxygen source, metals or cooking media. Although it can be rather successful on a person on fire, its use should be avoided where possible as it can causefrostbite and is dangerous to use as it may displace the oxygen needed for breathing, causing suffocation.

Mixtures of inert gases, including Inergen and Argonite. compressed CO2 sprinkler is another design used to fight the electric fires with cubic cylinder of 7 cubic meter starting from 1 meter above the sprinkler level.

Novec 1230 fluid (aka "dry water" or Saffire fluid), a fluoronated ketone that works by removing massive amounts of heat. Available in fixed systems in the US and in portables in Australia. Unlike other clean agents, this one has the advantage of being a liquid at atmospheric pressure, and can be discharged as a stream or a rapidly vaporizing mist, depending on application.

Potassium Aerosol Particle Generator, contains a form of solid potassium and other chemicals referred to as Aerosol Forming Compounds (AFC). The AFC is activated by an electrical current or other thermodynamic exchange which causes the AFC to ignite. The Majority of installed currently are fixed units due to the possibility of harm to the user from the heat generated by the AFC generator.

[edit]Class

A class D fire extinguisher for various metals

There are several Class D fire extinguisher agents available, some will handle multiple types of metals, others will not.

Sodium Chloride (Super-D, Met-L-X or METAL.FIRE.XTNGSHR) contains sodium chloride salt and thermoplastic additive. Plastic melts to form an oxygen-excluding crust over the metal, and the salt dissipates heat. Useful on most alkali metals including sodium and potassium, and other metals including magnesium, titanium, aluminum, and zirconium.

Copper based (Copper Powder Navy125S) developed by the U.S. Navy in the 70s for hard-to-control lithium and lithium-alloy fires. Powder smothers and acts as a heat sink to dissipate heat, but also forms a copper-lithium alloy on the surface which is non-combustible and cuts off the oxygen supply. Will cling to a vertical surface-lithium only.

Graphite based (G-Plus, G-1, Lith-X, Pyromet or METAL.FIRE.XTNGSHR) contains dry graphite that smothers burning metals. First type developed, designed for magnesium, works on other metals as well. Unlike sodium chloride powder extinguishers, the graphite powder fire extinguishers can be used on very hot burning metal fires such as lithium, but unlike copper powder extinguishers will not stick to and extinguish flowing or vertical lithium fires. Like copper extinguishers, the graphite powder acts as a heat sink as well as smothering the metal fire.

Sodium carbonate based (Na-X) used where stainless steel piping and equipment could be damaged by sodium chloride based agents to control sodium, potassium, and sodium-potassium alloy fires. Limited use on other metals. Smothers and forms a crust.

Some water based suppressants may be used on certain class D fires, such as burning titanium and magnesium. Examples include the Fire Blockade and FireAde brands of suppressant.[16] Some metals, such as elemental Lithium, will react explosively with water, therefore water-based chemicals should never be used on such fires due to the possibility of a violent reaction.

Most Class D extinguishers will have a special low velocity nozzle or discharge wand to gently apply the agent in large volumes to avoid disrupting any finely divided burning materials. Agents are also available in bulk and can be applied with a scoop or shovel.

[edit]Fire

extinguishing ball

Several modern ball or "grenade" style extinguishers are on the market. They are manually operated by rolling or throwing into a fire. The modern version of the ball will self destruct once in contact with flame, dispersing a cloud of ABC dry chemical powder over the fire which extinguishes the flame. The coverage area is about 5 square meters. One benefit of this type is that it may be used for passive suppression. The ball can be placed

in a fire prone area and will deploy automatically if a fire develops, being triggered by heat. Most modern extinguishers of this type are designed to make a loud noise upon deployment.[17] This technology is not new, however. In the 1800s, glass fire grenades filled with suppressant liquids were popular. These glass fire grenade bottles are sought by collectors.[18] Some later brands, such as Red Comet, were designed for passive operation, and included a special holder with a spring-loaded trigger that would break the glass ball when a fusible link melted. As was typical of this era, some glass extinguishers contained the toxic carbon tetrachloride.

[edit]Condensed

aerosol fire suppression

Condensed aerosol fire suppression is a particle-based form of fire extinction similar to gaseous fire suppression or dry chemical fire extinction. As with gaseous fire suppressants, condensed aerosol suppressants use clean agents to suppress the fire. The agent can be delivered by means of mechanical operation, electric operation, or combined electro-mechanical operation. To the difference of gaseous suppressants, which emit only gas, and dry chemical extinguishers, which release powder-like particles of a large size (25-150 microns) condensed aerosols are defined by the National Fire Protection Association as releasing finely-divided solid particles (generally <10 microns), usually in addition to gas.[19] Whereas dry chemical systems must be directly aimed at the flame, condensed aerosols are flooding agents and therefore effective regardless of the location and height of the fire. Wet chemical systems, such as the kind generally found in foam extinguishers, must, similarly to dry chemical systems, be sprayed directionally, onto the fire. Additionally, wet chemicals (such as potassium carbonate) are dissolved in water, whereas the agents used in condensed aerosols are microscopic solids.

[edit]Maintenance

An empty fire extinguisher which was not replaced for years.

Most countries in the world require regular fire extinguisher maintenance by a competent person to operate safely and effectively, as part of fire safety legislation. Lack of maintenance can lead to an extinguisher not discharging when required, or rupturing when pressurized. Deaths have occurred, even in recent times, from corroded extinguishers exploding. There is no all-encompassing fire code in the United States. Generally, most municipalities (by adoption of the International Fire Code) require inspections every 30 days to ensure the unit is pressurized and unobstructed (done by an employee of the facility) and an annual inspection by a qualified technician. Hydrostatic pressure testing for all types of extinguishers is also required, generally every five years for water and CO2 models up to every 12 years for dry chemical models. Recently the National Fire Protection Association and ICC voted to allow for the elimination of the 30 day inspection requirement so long as the fire extinguisher is monitored electronically. According to NFPA, the system must provide record keeping in the form of an electronic event log at the control panel. The system must also constantly monitor an extinguishers physical presence, internal pressure and whether an obstruction exists that could prevent ready access. In the event that any of the above conditions are found, the system must send an alert to officials so they can immediately rectify the situation. Electronic monitoring can be wired or wireless. In the UK, three types of maintenance are required:

Basic Service: All types of extinguisher require a basic inspection annually to check weight, correct pressure (using a special tool, not just looking at the gauge) and for signs of damage or corrosion, cartridge extinguishers are opened up for internal inspection & check weighing of the cartridge, labels are checked for legibility, where possible dip tubes, hoses and mechanisms checked for clear free operation.

Extended Service: Water, Wet Chemical, Foam & Powder extinguishers require every five years a more detailed examination including a test discharge of the extinguisher and recharging; on stored pressure extinguishers this is the only opportunity to internally inspect for damage/corrosion. By recharging fresh agent is used as they all have a shelf life, even water goes foul inside an extinguisher; Note: extinguishers should be percentage tested according to total number of units in any given area. Some extinguishers contain pressure in excess of 1.38 MPa (200 psi) and this internal pressure over periods of time affects each brand & make differently depending on their placement & location.

Overhaul: CO2 extinguishers, due to their high operating pressure, are subject to pressure vessel safety legislation and must be hydraulic pressure tested, inspected internally & externally and date stamped every 10 years. As it cannot be pressure tested a new valve is also fitted. If replacing any part of the extinguisher (valve, horn, etc.) with a part from another manufacturer then the extinguisher will lose its fire rating. This may invalidate insurance, as would incorrect or inadequate servicing if it were to be found.

In the United States there are 3 types of service as well:

Maintenance Inspection: All types of extinguishers should be inspected at least once a year. The extinguisher is checked to make sure it has proper pressure (gauge in green or proper cartridge weight), has the correct volume of extinguishing agent (tech weighs it), is within the required hydrotest and internal maintenance intervals, is in good condition and all external parts are serviceable. Often, dry chemical and dry powder types are hit on the bottom with a rubber mallet to make sure the powder is free-flowing, which is called "fluffing" the powder. The tech will then attach a new tamper seal around the pin and a yearly service tag.

Internal Maintenance:

Water - every 5 years Foam - every 5 years Wet chemical & CO2 - every 5 years Dry chemical - every 6 years Halon and clean agents - every 5 years. The extinguisher is emptied of its chemical and pressure to check for proper operation. All components are disassembled, inspected, cleaned, lubricated, or replaced if defective. Liquid agents are replaced at this time, dry agents may be re-used if in good condition, halon is recovered and re-used, but CO2 is discharged into the atmosphere. The extinguisher is then re-filled and recharged, after a "verification of service" collar is placed around the cylinder neck. It is impossible to properly install or remove a collar without depressurizing the extinguisher. Note: Cartridge-operated extinguishers should be visually examined, but do not require a verification of service collar.

Hydrostatic testing: Water, Foam, Wet chemical, and CO2, every 5 years. Dry chemical, dry powder, halon, and clean agents, every 12 years.

Note: these are the required intervals for normal service conditions, if the extinguisher has been exposed to excessive heat, vibration, or mechanical damage it may need to be tested sooner.

The agent is emptied and depressurized and the valve is removed. After a thorough internal and external visual inspection, the cylinder is filled with water, placed inside a safety cage, and pressurized to the specified test pressure (varies with the type, age, and cylinder material) for the specified time period. If no failure, bulges, or leaks are detected, the cylinder passes. The cylinder is then emptied of water and thoroughly dried. CO2 types have the test date, company's ID, etc. stamped on the cylinder, all other types get a sticker on the back of the cylinder. Once dry, the units are recharged. Unlike the UK, the US does not rebuild extinguishers and replace valves at specific intervals unless parts are found to be defective, with the exception of halon. Halon types are often given new o-rings and valve stems at every internal maintenance to minimize any leakage potential. OEM equipment must be used for replacement parts for the extinguisher to maintain its UL rating. If parts are unavailable, replacement is recommended, keep in mind extinguishers have a projected service life of about 2535 years, although many are of such quality that they can outlast this, but realize that science is ever-changing, and something that was the best available 30 years ago may not be acceptable for modern fire protection needs.

[edit]Vandalism

and extinguisher protection

A fire extinguisher stored inside a cabinet mounted to a wall

Heavy-duty CO2-powered fire extinguisher on standby at a temporaryhelicopter landing site

Fire extinguishers are sometimes a target of vandalism in schools and other open spaces. Extinguishers are occasionally, partially or fully discharged by a vandal, impairing the extinguisher's actual firefighting abilities. In open public spaces, extinguishers are ideally kept inside cabinets that have glass that must be broken to access the extinguisher, or which emit an alarm siren that cannot be shut off without a key, to alert people the extinguisher has been handled by an unauthorized person if a fire is not present.

[edit]Fire

extinguisher signs

Fire extinguisher identification signs are small signs designed to be mounted near a fire extinguisher, in order to draw attention to the extinguisher's location (e.g. if the Extinguisher is on a large pole, the sign would generally be at the top of the pole so it can be seen from a distance). Such signs may be manufactured from a variety of materials, commonly self-adhesive vinyl, rigid PVC and aluminum. In addition to words and pictographs indicating the presence of a fire extinguisher, some modern extinguisher ID signs also describe the extinguishing agent in the unit, and summarize the types of fire on which it may safely be used. Some public and government buildings are often required, by local legal codes, to provide an ID sign for each extinguisher on the site.[20] Similar signs are available for other fire equipment (including fire blankets and fire hose reels/racks), and for other emergency equipment (such as first aid kits).

[edit]Placement

of fire extinguisher signs

Most licensing authorities have regulations describing the standard appearance of these signs (e.g. text height, pictographs used and so on).[21]

[edit]Photo-luminescent

fire extinguisher signs

Photo-luminescent fire extinguisher signs are made with a photoluminescent phosphor that absorbs ambient light and releases it slowly in dark conditions the sign "glows in the dark". Such signs are independent of an external power supply, and so offer a low-cost, reliable means of indicating the position of emergency equipment in dark or smoky conditions. Photo-luminescent signs are sometimes wrongfully described as being reflective. A reflective material will only return ambient light for as long as the light source is supplied, rather than storing energy and releasing it over a period of time. However, many fire extinguishers and extinguisher mounting posts have strips of retroreflective adhesive tape placed on them to facilitate their location in situations where only emergency lighting or flashlights are available.

This site is intended to provide individuals with general information pertaining to fire extinguisher types and fire prevention.

With so many fire extinguishers to choose from, selecting the proper one for your home can be a daunting task. Everyone should have at least one fire extinguisher at home, but it's just as important to ensure you have the proper type of fire extinguisher. Fire protection experts recommend one for the kitchen, the garage and workshop. Fire extinguishers are divided into four categories, based on different types of fires. Each fire extinguisher also has a numerical rating that serves as a guide for the amount of fire the extinguisher can handle. The higher the number, the more fire-fighting power. The following is a quick guide to help choose the right type of extinguisher. Also see how to buy a fire extinguisher.

Class A extinguishers are for ordinary combustible materials such as paper, wood, cardboard, and most plastics. The numerical rating on these types of extinguishers indicates the amount of water it holds and the amount of fire it can extinguish. Geometric symbol (green triangle) Class B fires involve flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, grease and oil. The numerical rating for class B extinguishers indicates the approximate number of square feet of fire it can extinguish. Geometric symbol (red square) Class C fires involve electrical equipment, such as appliances, wiring, circuit breakers and outlets. Never use water to extinguish class C fires - the risk of electrical shock is far too great! Class C extinguishers do not have a numerical rating. The C classification means the extinguishing agent is non-conductive. Geometric symbol (blue circle) Class D fire extinguishers are commonly found in a chemical laboratory. They are for fires that involve combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, potassium and sodium. These types of extinguishers also have no numerical rating, nor are they given a multipurpose rating - they are designed for class D fires only. Geometric symbol (Yellow Decagon) Class K fire extinguishers are for fires that involve cooking oils, trans-fats, or fats in cooking appliances and are typically found in restaurant and cafeteria kitchens. Geometric symbol (black hexagon)

Some fires may involve a combination of these classifications. Your fire extinguishers should have ABC ratings on them. Here are the most common types of fire extinguishers:

Water extinguishers or APW extinguishers (airpressurized water) are suitable for class A fires only.Never use a water extinguisher on grease fires, electrical fires or class D fires - the flames will spread and make the fire bigger! Water extinguishers are filled with water and are typically pressurized with air. Again water extinguishers can be very dangerous in the wrong type of situation. Only fight the fire if you're certain it contains ordinary combustible materials only. Dry chemical extinguishers come in a variety of types and are suitable for a combination of class A, B and C fires. These are filled with foam or powder and pressurized with nitrogen. o BC - This is the regular type of dry chemical extinguisher. It is filled with sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate. The BC variety leaves a mildly corrosive residue which must be cleaned immediately to prevent any damage to materials. o ABC - This is the multipurpose dry chemical extinguisher. The ABC type is filled with monoammonium phosphate, a yellow powder that leaves a sticky residue that may be damaging to electrical appliances such as a computer

Dry chemical extinguishers have an advantage over CO2 extinguishers since they leave a non-flammable substance on the extinguished material, reducing the likelihood of re-ignition.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguishers are used for class B and C fires. CO2 extinguishers contain carbon dioxide, a non-flammable gas, and are highly pressurized. The pressure is so great that it is not uncommon for bits of dry ice to shoot out the nozzle. They don't work very well on class A fires because they may not be able to displace enough oxygen to put the fire out, causing it to re-ignite.

CO2 extinguishers have an advantage over dry chemical extinguishers since they don't leave a harmful residue - a good choice for an electrical fire on a computer or other favorite electronic device such as a stereo or TV.
It is vital to know what type of extinguisher you are using. Using the wrong type of extinguisher for the wrong type of fire can be life-threatening.

These are only the common types of fire extinguishers. There are many others to choose from. Base your selection on the classification and the extinguisher's compatibility with the items you wish to protect.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Fire Extinguishers are distinguished by a black coloured band around the top of the cylinder. Carbon dioxide is a non-conductive and non-corrosive gas used to reduce the amount of oxygen available to the fire. Carbon dioxide is extracted from the atmosphere and stored at high pressure in the liquid state within a fire extinguisher. Wormald offers a range of CO2 type extinguishers including 2kg, 3.5kg and 5kg options. Click here to view the specifications chart. Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers are suitable for the following types of fires: Class B Flammable liquids Class E Electrically energised equipment

Foam fire extinguishers are marked with a blue band. Foam fire extinguishers work by covering a burning flammable liquid with a blanket of foam, cutting off the fires air supply and preventing the release of flammable vapours. Foam options are available in a 9.1 litre size. Click here to view the specifications chart. Foam Fire Extinguishers are suitable for the following types of fires: Class A Paper, textiles, wood, most plastics & rubber Class B Flammable liquids A foam fire extinguisher is capable of controlling flammable solid fires - those fuelled by ordinary inflammable substances such as wood, paper, cloth, hay etc. - as well as being able to put out a flammable liquid fire fires fuelled by flammable oils, petrol, diesel, spirits etc. (To use the fire classification system, this type of extinguisher is capable of tackling class A and B fires). All potential users of fire extinguishers should know what types of fires that particular fire extinguisher is capable and not capable of extinguishing. A foam fire extinguisher is non toxic, non damaging to most materials, extinguishes fires progressively (not suddenly and violently), and prevents the re ignition of flammable liquid fires. The foam works by forming a blanket on the surface of a burning liquid or solid, this cools and smothers the fire so that there is no oxygen or heat available to re ignite the fire.

The type of extinguisher comes in a range of sizes and is suitable for the home, car and caravan as well as for business use. Fire fighters also occasionally use foam in certain types of fire due to its ability to tackle flammable liquids and for its cooling and smothering qualities which prevent re - ignition. A foam fire extinguisher shouldnt be used on electrical fires. However, most foam extinguishers have passed the 35kv conductivity test,indicating the extinguisher user has added operator safety if it were to be unintentionally used on electrical risks. The extinguisher user may still on the other hand obtain an electric shock if positioned in a residual puddle if the live electrical equipment did not short circuit, which is why foam fire extinguishers are not deemed as suitable for electrical fires. A conventional foam fire extinguisher contains aqueous film forming foam so is also known as an afff foam fire extinguisher.You may also come across the same type being called a spray foam fire extinguisher due to the type of discharge it has. This type of fire extinguisher is colour coded with a Cream band on 5% of its body to let any potential user know at a glance which type it is. Foam fire extinguishers are ideal for use in offices, garages, boats, caravans, kitchens and other multi risk premises. This type of fire extinguisher is highly effective against flammable solid and flammable liquid fires. This includes wood, paper, and textile fires as well as petrol, oil, diesel and other volatile liquid fires. Foam fire extinguishers combine the cooling effect of water with the smothering benefits of AFFF which prevent a fire re-igniting by sealing the flammable vapors. Its spray nozzle gives a wide coverage to boost its fire fighting abilities. Nationwide fire extinguishers foam extinguishers are manufactured to BS EN3, are CE approved and kitemarked. They are stored pressure factory filled extinguishers with a squeeze grip handle and UV resistant paint finish. As with all our fire extinguishers, our foam fire extinguishers come with a free mounting bracket. Our extinguishers are easy to service and refills for our models are readily available from most good fire extinguisher servicing companies. We stock a range of sizes to suit your needs including 2 litre, 6 litre and 9 litre extinguishers. We also stock great looking and hardwearing stainless steel foam fire extinguishers. Our 6 litre foam fire extinguishers are a great alternative to the traditional 9 litre water fire extinguishers. It has the same coverage as a 9 litre water extinguisher, with the added benefit of flammable liquid coverage, it has smothering as well as cooling capabilities and it is lighter. Another advantage of using a foam fire extinguisher is its increased operator safety if it was accidentally used on electrical risks. Our foam extinguishers have passed the 35kv conductivity test.

Foam fire extinguishers are identified by a cream coloured band on their cylinder. We recommend fitting a foam fire extinguisher identification sign above the extinguisher to quickly let the user know what type of fire this type of extinguisher can and cannot be used on.

Foam Fire Extinguishers

AFFF fire extinguishers and foam extinguishers are two names for the same thing but be careful, because AFFF extinguishers contain a proportion of water, so they are not recommended for fires where live electricity is involved. A foam extinguisher can be used to fight Class A fires involving wood, paper, textiles, coal or similar materials, as well as Class B flammable liquid fires. That makes them more versatile than water extinguishers, and a lighter and smaller alternative for an equivalent fire risk. We supply AFFF extinguishers in sizes from 1 litre to 9 litres. Some are available in stainless steel, for use in specialist locations like design-led interiors, hospitals and applications where hygiene and corrosion resistance are paramount. If youre unsure about where its safe to deploy AFFF extinguishers, visit our advice page on foam fire extinguishers or call us on 01724 281044.

Water Fire Extinguishers

Water fire extinguishers are only suitable for Class A (solid burning) fires. Using water to cool and therefore extinguish the fire is the quickest and easiest way to combat fires. Supplied with a jet spray nozzle, our range of water fire extinguishers have one of the highest A ratings available in the fire extinguisher market today. These fire extinguishers are manufactured to BS EN3:1996 and are kite marked. See our range of water fire extinguishers below:

Fire alarm system

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (January 2008)

A fire alarm notification appliance with astrobe light.

An automatic fire alarm system is designed to detect the unwanted presence of fire by monitoring environmental changes associated with combustion. In general, a fire alarm system is classified as either automatically actuated, manually actuated, or both. Automatic fire alarm systems are intended to notify the building occupants to evacuate in the event of a fire or other emergency, report the event to an off-premises location in order to summon emergency services, and to prepare the structure and associated systems to control the spread of fire and smoke.

Contents
[hide]

1 Design 2 Fundamental configuration 3 Initiating devices 4 Notification appliances 5 Emergency Voice Alarm Communication Systems 6 Building safety interfaces 7 UK fire alarm system categories 8 See also 9 References

10 External links

[edit]Design
After the fire protection goals are established - usually by referencing the minimum levels of protection mandated by the appropriate model building code, insurance agencies, and other authorities - the fire alarm designer undertakes to detail specific components, arrangements, and interfaces necessary to accomplish these goals. Equipment specifically manufactured for these purposes are selected and standardized installation methods are anticipated during the design. In the United States, NFPA 72, The National Fire Alarm Code is an established and widely used installation standard.

[edit]Fundamental

configuration

A Honeywell DeltaNet FS90 fire alarm control panel.

Fire alarm control panel: This component, the hub of the system, monitors inputs and system integrity, controls outputs and relays information.

Primary Power supply: Commonly the non-switched 120 or 240 Volt Alternating Current source supplied from a commercial power utility. In non-residential applications, a branch circuit is dedicated to the fire alarm system and its constituents. "Dedicated branch circuits" should not be confused with "Individual branch circuits" which supply energy to a single appliance.

Secondary (backup) Power supplies: This component, commonly consisting of sealed lead-acid storage batteries or other emergency sources including generators, is used to supply energy in the event of a primary power failure.

Initiating Devices: This component acts as an input to the fire alarm control unit and are either manually or automatically actuated. Examples would be devices like pull stations or smoke detectors.

Fire Alarm on a street in San Francisco.

Notification appliances: This component uses energy supplied from the fire alarm system or other stored energy source, to inform the proximate persons of the need to take action, usually to evacuate. This is done by means of a flashing light, strobe light, electromechanical horn, speaker, or a combination of these devices.

Building Safety Interfaces: This interface allows the fire alarm system to control aspects of the built environment and to prepare the building for fire and to control the spread of smoke fumes and fire by influencing air movement, lighting, process control, human transport and exit.

[edit]Initiating

devices

Manually actuated devices; Break glass stations, Buttons and manual fire alarm activation are constructed to be readily located (near the exits), identified, and operated.

Automatically actuated devices can take many forms intended to respond to any number of detectable physical changes associated with fire: convected thermal energy; heat detector, products of combustion; smoke detector, radiant energy; flame detector, combustion gasses; carbon monoxide detector and release of extinguishing agents; water-flow detector. The newest innovations can use

cameras and computer algorithms to analyze the visible effects of fire and movement in applications inappropriate for or hostile to other detection methods.

[edit]Notification

appliances

Main article: Fire alarm notification appliance

A Honeywell speaker and a Space Age Electronics V33 remote light.

Audible, visible, tactile, textual or even olfactory stimuli (odorizer).[1][2]to alert the occupants. Evacuation signals may consist of audible or visible appliances with a distinct audible tone or speakers to deliver live or pre-recorded instructions to the occupants.

In the United States, fire alarm evacuation signals generally consist of a standardized temporal code 3 audible tone, with visual notification in all public and common use areas. Emergency signals are intended to be distinct and understandable to avoid confusion with other signals.

Other methods include:

Audible textual appliances, which are employed as part of a fire alarm system that includes Emergency Voice Alarm Communications (EVAC) capabilities. High reliability speakers are used to notify the occupants of the need for action in connection with a fire or other emergency. These speakers are employed in large facilities where general undirected evacuation is considered impracticable or undesirable. The signals from the speakers are used to direct the occupant's response. The system may be controlled from one or more locations within the building known as Fire Wardens Stations, or from a single location designated as the building Fire Command Center. Speakers are automatically actuated by the fire alarm system in a fire event, and following a pre-alert tone, selected groups of speakers may transmit one or more prerecorded messages directing the occupants to safety. These messages may be repeated in one or more languages. Trained personnel activating and speaking into a dedicated

microphone can suppress the replay of automated messages in order to initiate or relay real time voice instructions.[3]

[edit]Emergency

Voice Alarm Communication Systems

[4]

Some Fire Alarm Systems utilize Emergency Voice Alarm Communication Systems (EVACS)

to provide

pre-recorded and manual voice messaging to building occupants. Voice Alarm systems are typically used in high-rise buildings, arenas and other large "defend-in-place" occupancies such as Hospitals and Detention facilities where total evacuation is difficult to achieve.[citation needed]

Voice-based systems provide response personnel with the ability to conduct orderly evacuation and notify building occupants of changing event circumstances.[citation needed]

In high rise buildings, different evacuation messages may be played to each floor, depending on the location of the fire. The floor the fire is on along with ones above it may be told to evacuate while floors much lower may simply be asked to stand by.[citation needed]

[edit]Building

safety interfaces

This unreferenced section requires citations to ensureverifiability.

S.H. Couch F5GX non-coded fire alarm pull station below a Couch 10" bell.

Magnetic Smoke Door Holders: Wall or floor mounted solenoids or electromagnets controlled by a fire alarm system or detection component that magnetically secures spring-loaded self-closing smoke tight

doors in the open position. Designed to de-magnetize to allow automatic closure of the door on command from the fire control or upon failure of the power source, interconnection or controlling element. Stored energy in the form of a spring or gravity can then close the door to restrict the passage of smoke from one space to another in an effort to maintain a tenable atmosphere on either side of the door during evacuation and fire fighting efforts.

Duct Mounted Smoke Detection: Smoke detection mounted in such a manner as to sample the airflow through duct work and other plenums specifically fabricated for the transport of environmental air into conditioned spaces. Interconnection to the fan motor control circuits are intended to stop air movement, close dampers and generally prevent the recirculation of toxic smoke and fumes produced by fire into occupiable spaces.

Emergency Elevator Service: Activation of automatic initiating devices associated with elevator operation are used to initiate emergency elevator functions, such as recall of associated elevator cab(s). Recall will cause the elevator cabs to return to the ground level for use by fire service response teams and to ensure that cabs do not return to the floor of fire incidence. Phases of operation include primary recall (typically the ground level), alternate/secondary recall (typically a floor adjacent to the ground level - used when the initiation occurred on the primary level), illumination of the 'fire hat' indicator when an alarm occurs in the elevator hoistway or associated control room, and in some cases shunt trip (disconnect) of elevator power (generally used where the control room or hoistway is protected by fire sprinklers).

[edit]UK

fire alarm system categories

There are many types of fire alarm systems each suited to different building types and applications. A fire alarm system can vary dramatically in both price and complexity, from a single panel with a detector and sounder in a small commercial property to an addressable fire alarm system in a multi-occupancy building. Systems have to protect both buildings and occupants. The categories of fire alarm systems are L if they are designed to protect life, P to protect buildings and M if they are manual systems.[5]

Manual systems, e.g. hand bells, gongs, etc. These may be purely manual or manual electric, the latter may have call points and sounders. They rely on the occupants of the building discovering the M fire and acting to warn others by operating the system. Such systems form the basic requirement for places of employment with no sleeping risk.

P1 The system is installed throughout the building - the objective being to call the fire brigade as early as possible to ensure that any damage caused by fire is minimized. Small low risk areas can be

excepted, such as toilets and cupboards less than 1m.

Detection should be provided in parts of the building where the risk of ignition is high and/or the P2 contents are particularly valuable. Category 2 systems provide fire detection in specified parts of the building where there is either high risk or where business disruption must be minimised.

A category L1 system is designed for the protection of life and which has automatic detectors installed throughout all areas of the building (including roof spaces and voids) with the aim of L1 providing the earliest possible warning. A category L1 system is likely to be appropriate for the majority of residential care premises. In practice, detectors should be placed in nearly all spaces and voids. With category 1 systems, the whole of a building is covered apart from minor exceptions.

A category L2 system designed for the protection of life and which has automatic detectors installed in escape routes, rooms adjoining escape routes and high hazard rooms. In a medium sized premises L2 (sleeping no more than ten residents), a category L2 system is ideal. These fire alarm systems are identical to an L3 system but with additional detection in an area where there is a high chance of ignition, e.g., kitchen) or where the risk to people is particularly increased (e.g., sleeping risk).

This category is designed to give early warning to everyone. Detectors should be placed in all escape routes and all rooms that open onto escape routes. Category 3 systems provide more extensive L3 cover than category 4. The objective is to warn the occupants of the building early enough to ensure that all are able to exit the building before escape routes become impassable.

Category 4 systems cover escape routes and circulation areas only. Therefore, detectors will be placed in escape routes, although this may not be suitable depending on the risk assessment or if the L4 size and complexity of a building is increased. Detectors might be sited in other areas of the building, but the objective is to protect the escape route.

This is the "all other situations" category, e.g., computer rooms, which may be protected with an L5 extinguishing system triggered by automatic detection. Category 5 systems are the "custom" category and relate to some special requirement that cannot be covered by any other category.

Fire alarm control panel

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A Siemens MXL fire alarm control panel (top) and graphic annunciator (bottom) for Potomac Hall, at James Madison University.

A Vigilant VM-1 fire alarm control unit (FACU) / autonomous control unit (ACU) with integrated voice evacuation and fire fighter telephone system. Manufactured by Edwards, A UTC F&S Company

The examples and perspective in this article may not represent a worldwide view of the subject. Pleaseimprove this article and discuss the issue on the talk page. (December 2010)

A Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP), or Fire Alarm Control Unit (FACU), is the controlling component of a Fire Alarm System. The panel receives information from environmental sensors designed to detect changes associated with fire, monitors their operational integrity and provides for automatic control of equipment, and transmission of information necessary to prepare the facility for fire based on a predetermined sequence. The panel may also supply electrical energy to operate any associated sensor, control, transmitter, or relay. There are four basic types of panels: coded panels, conventional panels, addressable panels, and multiplex systems.

Contents
[hide]

1 Coded Fire Alarm Control Panels 2 Conventional Fire Alarm Control Panels 3 Multiplex systems 4 Releasing panels 5 Addressable Fire Alarm Control Panels
o o

5.1 Signaling Line Circuits 5.2 Mapping

5.2.1 Zones 5.2.2 Groups 5.2.3 Boolean logic

6 Networking 7 Monitoring 8 System functions

o o o o o o o

8.1 System reset 8.2 Acknowledge 8.3 Drill 8.4 Walk test 8.5 Signal silence 8.6 Lamp test 8.7 Alarm circuit supervision

9 Panel alerting
o o o o o o o o o o o

9.1 Alarm 9.2 Audible silence 9.3 Report 9.4 Drill 9.5 Prealarm 9.6 Priority 2 alarm 9.7 Trouble 9.8 Supervisory 9.9 AC power 9.10 DC power 9.11 Highrate

10 See also 11 References

[edit]Coded

Fire Alarm Control Panels

A Simplex 4247 fire alarm control panel.

Coded panels were the earliest type of central fire alarm control, and were made during the 1800s to the 1970s. A coded panel is similar in many ways to a modern conventional panel (described below), except each zone was connected to its own code wheel ( i.e. An alarm in zone 1 would sound code 1-2-4 [through the bells or horns in the building], while zone 2 would sound 1-2-5), which, depending on the way the panel was set up,

would either do sets of four rounds of code until the initiating pull station was reset (similar to a coded pull station) or run continuously until the panel itself was reset. Large panels could take up an entire wall in a mechanical room, with dozens of code wheels. Lists of codes had to be maintained, sometimes with copies posted above pull stations (this setup is commonly seen in older wings of hospitals). Smaller panels could be set up in one of two ways. Most of the time, the panel would only have one zone, and therefore, only one code. Common one-zone codes were 4-4-0 and 17-0-0 (which is similar to the 120 bpm March Time setting used on later panels, which has in turn been replaced with a interrupted four count uniform temporal code 3 pattern used since 1996). Alternatively, the panel could be made with no code wheels, using only what was called the gong relay. Normally, this would be used in a system with coded pull stations to retransmit the coding strikes from the pulls. However, it could also be used as its own zone, with the connected horns or bells sounding continuously instead of in a particular code. These panels are not common today, but can sometimes be found in older buildings such as those on college campuses or hospitals. There are two types of fire panels.

1. Conventional Fire Alarm Panel; 2. Addressable fire alarm panel

[edit]Conventional

Fire Alarm Control Panels

A Simplex 4002 conventional FACP

Conventional panels have been around ever since electronics became small enough to make them viable. conventional panels are used less frequently in large buildings than in the past, but are not uncommon on smaller projects such as small schools, stores, restaurants, and apartments. A conventional Fire Alarm Control Panel employs one or more circuits, connected to sensors (initiating devices) wired in parallel. These sensors are devised to dramatically decrease the circuit resistance when the environmental influence on any sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold. In a conventional fire alarm system, the information density is limited to the number of such circuits used.

To facilitate location and control of fire within a building, the structure is subdivided into definite areas or zones. Floors of a multistory building are one type of zone boundary. An Initiating Device Circuit connected to multiple devices within the same "zone" of protection, effectively provides 2 bits of information about the zone corollary to the state of the circuit; normal, or off normal and alarm or quiescent. The state of each Initiating Device Circuit within a zone displays at the Fire Alarm Control Panel using visible indications called Annunciators. These Annunciators may employ a graphical representation of the Zone boundaries on a floor plan (Zone map) using textual descriptions, illuminated icons, illuminated sections, or illuminated points on the map corresponding to Initiating Circuits connected to the Fire Alarm Control Panel. For this reason, slang often inaccurately refers to initiating circuits of a Fire Alarm Control Panel as Zones. Larger systems and increasing demand for finer diagnostic detail beyond broad area location and control functions expanded the control by Zone strategy of conventional systems by providing multiple initiating circuits within a common Zone, each exclusively connected to a particular type of initiating device, or group of devices. This arrangement forms a device type by Zone matrix whose information is particularly suited to the Tabular Annunciator In multistory buildings employing a Tabular Annunciator for Example; rows of indicators define the floors horizontally in their stacked relationship and the type of device installed on that floor displays as columns of indicators vertically aligned through each floor. The intersection of the floor and device indicators provides the combined information. The density of information however remains a function of the number of circuits employed. Even larger systems and demands for finer diagnostic and location detail led to the introduction of addressable fire alarm systems with each addressable device providing specific information about its state while sharing a common communication circuit. Annunciation and location strategies for the most part remain relatively unchanged.

A wiring diagram for a simple fire alarm system consisting of two input loops (one closed, one open)

[edit]Multiplex

systems

Simplex 2120 (left) next to a Simplex 4100 classic.

Multiplex systems, a sort of transition between conventional and modern addressable systems, were often used in large buildings and complexes from the mid to late 1970s into the late 1980s. Early on, these systems were programmed to function as large conventional systems. Gradually, later installations began to feature

components and features of modern addressable systems. These systems were often capable of controlling more than a building's fire alarm system (i.e. HVAC, security, electronic door locks...) without any type of alarm or trouble condition present. While the main panel was the brains of the system and could be used to access certain functions, fire alarm controls were usually accessed through transponders. These were smaller conventional panels programmed to 'communicate' the status of part of the system to the main panel and also could be used to access basic fire alarm control functions. The original Simplex 4100 was meant to be used this way.

[edit]Releasing

panels

Releasing panels are capable of usings solenoids to disperse fire-fighting chemical agents such as halon or water from piping located throughout a building. A releasing panel usually will have a manual abort switch to abort an accidental release which could damage property or equipment. Releasing capability can be part of both addressable or conventional panels.

[edit]Addressable

Fire Alarm Control Panels

A Simplex 4100U InfoALARM addressable fire alarm control panel: note the voice-evacuation microphone built into it.
Addressable panels are usually more advanced than their conventional counterparts, with greater information capacity and control flexibility. Addressable fire alarm panels were introduced by many manufacturers during the microcontroller boom in the mid 1980s.

[edit]Signaling

Line Circuits

Addressable Fire Alarm Control Panels employ one or more Signaling Line Circuits, slang - usually referred to as loops or SLC loops - ranging between one and thirty. Depending on the protocol used, a Signaling Line Circuit can monitor and control several hundred devices. Some protocols permit any mix of detectors and input/output modules, while other protocols have 50% of channel capacity restricted to detectors/sensors and 50% restricted to input/output modules. Each SLC polls the devices connected, which can number from a few devices to several hundred, depending on the manufacturer. Large systems may have multiple Signaling Line Circuits. [1] [2] Each device on a SLC has its own address, and so the panel knows the state of each individual device connected to it. Common addressable input (initiating) devices include

Smoke detectors Heat Detectors (Rate of Rise and Fixed Temperature) Manual call points or manual pull stations Notification appliances (Simplex systems with TrueAlert signals only) Responders Fire sprinkler system inputs Switches

Flow control Pressure Isolate Standard switches

Addressable output devices are known as relays and include

(Warning System/Bell) Relays Door Holder Relays Auxiliary (Control Function) Relays

Relays are used to control a variety of functions such as

Switching fans on or off Closing/opening doors Activating fire suppression systems Activating notification appliances Shutting down industrial equipment

Recalling elevators to a safe exit floor Activating another fire alarm panel or communicator

[edit]Mapping
Also known as "cause and effect" or "programming", mapping is the process of activating outputs depending on which inputs have been activated. Traditionally, when an input device is activated, a certain output device (or relay) is activated. As time has progressed, more and more advanced techniques have become available, often with large variations in style between different companies.

[edit]Zones
Zones are usually made by dividing a building, or area into different sections. Then depending on the specific zone, a certain amount and type of device is added to the zone to perform its given job.

[edit]Groups
Groups contain multiple output devices such as relays. This allows a single input, such as a smoke detector or MCP, to have only one output programmed to a group, which then maps to between two to many outputs or relays. This enables an installer to simplify programming by having many inputs map to the same outputs, and be able to change them all at once, and also allows mapping to more outputs than the programming space for a single detector/input allows.

[edit]Boolean logic
This is the part of a fire panel that has the largest variation between different panels. It allows a panel to be programmed to implement fairly complex inputs. For instance, a panel could be programmed to notify the fire department only if more than one device has activated. It can also be used for staged evacuation procedures in conjunction with timers.

[edit]Networking
The principle of networking involves connecting several panels together to form a system. Inputs on one panel may activate outputs on another, for example, or the network may allow monitoring of many systems. Networking is often used in situations where one panel is not large enough, or in multiple-building situations. These are often done with manufacturers' "top of the line" control panels. Although quasi-standards exist that allow panels from different manufacturers to be networked with each other, they are not in favor with a lot of companies. One of the most common protocols used BACnet which is used for various type of industrial networks.[citation needed] More recently, some panels are being networked with standard Ethernet, but this is not yet very common. Most organizations choose to create their own proprietary protocol, which has the added benefit of allowing them to

do anything they like, allowing the technology to progress further. However, a bridging layer between the proprietary network and BACnet is usually available.[citation needed] Networking may be used to allow a number of different panels to be monitored by one graphical monitoring system.

[edit]Monitoring
In nearly every state in the USA, the International Building Code requires fire alarm and sprinkler systems to be monitored by an approved supervising station. A fire alarm system consists of a computer-based control connected to a central station. The majority of fire alarm systems installed in the USA are monitored by a UL listed or FM Global approved supervising station. These systems will generally have a top level map of the entire site, with various building levels displayed. The user (most likely a security guard) can progress through the different stages. From top level site building plan floor plan zone plan, or however else the building's security system is organised. A lot of these systems have touch screens, but most users tend to prefer a mouse (and a normal monitor), as it is quite easy for a touch screen to become misaligned and for mistakes to be made. With the advent of the optical mouse, this is now a very viable option.

[edit]System

functions

A police officer resets the fire alarm control panel for Potomac Hall at James Madison University.
There are many functions on a fire alarm panel. Some of these are:

[edit]System

reset

This resets the panel after an alarm condition. All initiating devices are reset, and the panel is cleared of any alarm conditions. If an initiating device is still in alarm after the system is reset, such as a smoke detector continuing to sense smoke, or a manual pull station still in an activated position, another alarm will be initiated. A system reset is often required to clear supervisory conditions. A system reset does not usually clear trouble conditions. Most trouble conditions will clear automatically when conditions are returned to normal. On UK and most US panels, a "Silence" or "Acknowledge" is usually required before a "System Reset" can be performed.

[edit]Acknowledge
This function, also abbreviated to "ACK", is used to acknowledge an abnormal situation such as an alarm, trouble or supervisory. The acknowledge function tells the panel that building personnel or emergency responders are aware of the alarm, trouble, or supervisory condition. Acknowledging the alarm or trouble condition also normally silences the panel's own sounder, but does not silence any Notification Appliances.

Fire alarm panel, showing drill switch (at top)

[edit]Drill
Also known as "manual evacuation" or "evacuate". On panels that have this function, the drill function activates the system's notification appliances, often for purposes of conducting a fire drill. Using the drill function, an alarm is normally not transmitted to the fire department or monitoring center. However, building personnel often notify these agencies in advance in case an alarm is inadvertently transmitted.

[edit]Walk

test

Walk test allows the functional testing of the system's devices without the assistance of additional people at the control panel itself. It is also designed to allow initiating devices to be tested without setting off the building's alarms. Most panels offer the option for a silent walk test (no alarms activate) or an audible walk test (alarms activate for a brief period when a device is initiated). A system trouble is typically generated while the panel is in walk test mode. On European panels, this is usually an engineer-only function and cannot be activated by a user.

[edit]Signal

silence

Also known as "alarm silence" or "audible silence". Depending on the configuration of the alarm system, this function will either silence the system's notification appliances completely, or will silence only the audible alarm, with strobe lights continuing to flash. Audible silence allows for easier communication amongst emergency responders while responding to an alarm. This can also be used during construction as a means of a preliminary test, before the final full test.

[edit]Lamp

test

Also known as "flash test". This button is known to have become obsolete, but is still used on many panels. This function is used to check the condition of the LEDs themselves. A "Lamp Test" button is required by code on multi-zone panels installed in Canada. Many panels do a lamp test when the system is reset.

[edit]Alarm

circuit supervision

Various forms of alarm circuit supervision have been used to indicate trouble with an alarm circuit. Possible alarm circuit faults on a two wire circuit include one of the conductors being shorted to ground, open circuit (conductor continuity break), or a short circuit between the conductors. Also the circuits could be tampered with by having an external AC or DC voltage applied with various duty cycles or waveforms. There are a number of US patents that address this issue and some have been implemented in available system products. One of the first to address this issue was Patent No. 3,588,890 "Resistance Sensing Supervisory System" issued on June 28, 1971 and assigned to General Motors Corporation. General Motors used this supervision on all circuits installed in GM plants starting in 1970.[3] An improvement to this basic "Resistance Sensing Supervisory System" can be obtained by providing a pulsed or time dependent variable voltage applied to the alarm circuit and is addressed in US patent numbers 4,030,095 [1] and 4,716,401 [2].

[edit]Panel

alerting

Many panels today have the capability of alerting building personnel of a situation which can arise into a potentially serious problem. Fire alarm panels indicate an abnormal condition via a solid or flashing LED. Some

panels also contain a small sounder, used in conjunction with the visual alert. A number of indicators are shown below. Note that not all fire alarm panels have all of these indicators.

[edit]Alarm
Also known as "Fire" or "General Alarm". This indicator is lit when an alarm condition exists in the system, initiated by smoke detectors, heat detectors, sprinkler flow switches, manual pull stations, manual call points, or otherwise. Along with the indicator on the panel, notification appliances, such as horns and strobes, are also activated, signaling a need to evacuate to building occupants. In an alarm condition, the fire alarm panel indicates where the alarm originated. The alarm panel can be reset once the device which initiated the alarm is reset, such as returning the handle of a manual pull station to its normal position.

[edit]Audible

silence

The Audible Silence indicator is used in conjunction with the "Alarm" indicator. It indicates that the fire alarm panel is still in an alarm condition, but that notification appliances have been silenced. While the alarm is silenced, other functions in an alarm condition continue to operate, such as emergency service for elevators, stairway pressurization, and ventilation functions. A new alarm initiation while the alarm is silenced will take the panel out of Audible Silence and reactivate the notification appliances.

[edit]Report
Also known as "Brigade Called". This indicator is activated when emergency responders have been automatically notified by the fire alarm system. A variant of this LED known as "kissoff" activates when the monitoring center replies back to the panel, indicating a successful communication. Requirements vary depending on jurisdiction regarding whether a direct connection to the fire department is required, optional, or prohibited. If a connection to the fire department is optional, or is prohibited, a fire alarm system is often connected to a monitoring center at the building owner's discretion.

[edit]Drill
Also known as "Manual Evacuation" or "Evacuate". On panels containing this function, the "Drill" indicator shows that the alarm condition was activated from the fire alarm panel, often in order to conduct a fire drill. When an alarm is initiated for a drill, the fire department or monitoring company is usually not notified automatically. However, building personnel preparing to conduct a fire drill often will provide advance notice of a drill to the fire department and monitoring center in case an alarm is unintentionally transmitted.

[edit]Prealarm
This LED is often used in conjunction with a two-stage system, in which the panel requires two devices to be activated (and/or a predetermined time limit to run out after one device is activated) in order to go into full alarm.[4] This is mostly used in areas where false alarms are a common problem, or in large applications (such

as hospitals) where evacuating the entire building would not be efficient. The prealarm LED is lit when one device has tripped. The prealarm LED may also be used if an analog smoke detector registers low levels of smoke in the detection chamber, but not enough to trigger a full alarm.[5] Depending on the system's layout, the NAC's may or may not activate for prealarm conditions. In a two-stage system, the NAC's are typically coded to a special first-stage coding, or in some situations where a loud alarm signal could be disruptive, chimes will activate. If there is a voice evacuation system, it will usually instruct building occupants to await further instructions while the alarm is being investigated.

[edit]Priority

2 alarm

Also known as "Security". This LED is common on top-of-the-line intelligent panels. This LED can only activate if there is a secondary device hooked into the "Priority 2 Alarm" terminals. This secondary device could be a security system, building management system, or another fire alarm control panel. Depending on how the panel is programmed, the panel's alarms may or may not activate when a condition like this is present.

[edit]Trouble
Also known as "Fault" or "Defect". When held steady or flashing, it means that a trouble condition exists on the panel. Trouble conditions are often activated by a contaminated smoke detector or an electrical problem within the system. Trouble conditions are also activated by a zone being disabled (disconnected from the system), a circuit being disabled, low power on the backup battery, the disabling of a notification appliance, the ground faults, or short or open circuits. Usually the alarm panel's sounder will activate if a trouble condition exists, though older systems would sometimes activate a bell or other audible signal connected to the panel. In a trouble condition, the panel displays the zone or devices causing the condition. Usually, the "Trouble" indicator goes out automatically when the situation causing the trouble condition is rectified, however in some systems (EST) the panel must be reset to clear the trouble alarm. Some panels have more specific indicators such as 'Trouble-PSU' which shows when the panel itself is compromised and 'Trouble-Bell' ('Sounder fault' on UK panels) which shows that the sounders are not functioning correctly. On most panels, an acknowledge button is pressed to turn off the panel's buzzer.

[edit]Supervisory
This signal indicates that a portion of the building's fire protection system has been disabled (such as a fire sprinkler control valve being closed and, consequently, a sprinkler tamper switch being activated), or, less frequently, that a lower priority initiating device has been triggered (such as a duct smoke detector). Depending on the system's design, the supervisory point may be latching, meaning the panel must be reset to clear the supervisory condition, or non-latching, meaning the indicator automatically goes out when the condition has cleared. However, some panels require a reset regardless of whether the supervisory point is latching or nonlatching.

[edit]AC

power

Also known as "Normal". When this indicator is lit, power is being provided to the system from the building's electrical system, and not from the backup battery. When an AC power condition changes, the Trouble indicator comes on and the AC power indicator goes off and the screen alerts building personnel of a power failure. If the AC power indicator is lit without any other indicators also lit, then the system is in a normal condition. If no LEDs are lit, there is no power source feeding the panel.

[edit]DC

power

This is used to tell the operator that DC power (batteries) are being charged or used. While using DC power, the system remains in a trouble condition.

[edit]Highrate
This LED is on when there are unusual power-line conditions.