Fire and Emergency Services Orientation and

Terminology5 th Edition

Chapter 7 — Fire Detection, Alarm, and Suppression

Systems

Learning Objective 1

Discuss the reasons for installing fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems.

7–2

There are a number of reasons for instal l ing f ire detection, alarm, and suppression systems.

7–3

Describe various types of alarm systems.

Learning Objective 2

7–4

There are two basic types of alarm systems.

7–5

Heat detectors init iate alarms when the temperature near the detector reaches a certain level.

7-6

REVIEW QUESTION

Compare and contrast the differences between a smoke detector and a smoke alarm.

7–7

Smoke detectors detect the presence of smoke and transmit a signal to an alarm device.

7–8

Smoke alarms are self-contained units capable of detecting smoke and sounding an alarm.

7–9

A photoelectric smoke detector uses a photoelectric cell coupled with a tiny l ight source.

7–10

An ionization smoke alarm uses radioactive material to detect products of combustion.

7–11

REVIEW QUESTION

How is a photoelectric smoke detector different from an ionization smoke alarm?

7–12

There are several other types of detectors.

7–13

REVIEW QUESTION

Describe the three basic types of flame detectors that are sometimes known as light detectors.

7–14

Automatic alarm systems transmit a signal to an off-site location to summon assistance.

7–15

REVIEW QUESTION

How are the four types of automatic alarm systems different when notifying in the event of a fire?

7–16

Recently, several other types of systems have been developed.

7–17

Describe the impact of automatic sprinkler systems on fire prevention and safety.

Learning Objective 3

7–18

Automatic sprinkler systems distribute sufficient quantit ies of water directly onto a f ire.

7–19

Sprinklers discharge water after release of plug that is activated by a heat-responsive element.

7–20

REVIEW QUESTION

What are the three most commonly used release mechanisms that activate sprinklers and what do these open in response to?

7–21

There are three basic posit ions for sprinklers.

7–22

REVIEW QUESTION

Why can sprinklers designed for one basic position not be interchanged from another?

7–23

Control valves are used to turn off the water supply to the system.

7–24

REVIEW QUESTION

What are the four types of indicating control valves used in sprinkler systems?

7–25

A water f low alarm alerts the personnel or passerby that water is f lowing in the system.

7–26

Sprinkler systems have several applications.

7–27

REVIEW QUESTION

What are the five main types of sprinkler system applications?

7–28

Identify how various standpipe systems impact fire fighting operations.

Learning Objective 4

7–29

Class I standpipes are intended for f ire fighting personnel.

7–30

Class II standpipes are intended for building occupants.

7–31

Class III standpipes combine the features of Class I and Class II.

7–32

REVIEW QUESTION

Explain the different classifications for each of the three classes of standpipe systems.

7–33

There are two basic types of standpipe systems.

7–34

Summary

• The presence of fixed detection systems not only saves lives, but damage to property can also be limited if trained help can be summoned as quickly as possible.

• Firefighters should be familiar with the types of detection, alarm, and suppression systems in their area.

7–35