AHJ GUIDE ON

SPRINKLER
SYSTEM

By: Engr. Paul Roque, PME, FSP, CFPS

Resource Speakers:
Engr. Paul Ryan Roque, PME, PMSFPE, FSP, CFPS
PSME Fire Protection Technical Division Chairman
PIFPO Immediate Past President
PIFPO Codes and Standard Committee Chairman
NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist
PSME Certified Trainer
SFPE Philippine Chapter President
PSME Quezon City Central Vice President Technical (2011, 2016 & 2017)
69TH Natcon Philmach Chairman
Fire Safety Practitioner
CODE STANDARDS

Generally ‘Standards”, tells you how to do

Generally “Code”, tells you what to do.
it.
Such as;
Such as;
1. Do I need Protection or Detection?
1. What type of Sprinkler to be used? And
2. What Fire rating requirements
Density?
needed for my building, partitions and
2. What type of dampers to be used? And
means of egress? Or Do I need smoke
applicable Smoke extraction strategy
management?
Flow rate = 250 Gpm

Flow rate = 300 Gpm

Flow rate = 450 Gpm

Static Pressure = 175 psi

Residual Pressure = 160 psi

Flow rate = 500 Gpm

Flow rate = 500 Gpm

How Sprinkler Works

STAGES OF FIRE AND DURATION

Sprinkler System

Heat Detector

Smoke Detector

Aspirating Type
F R E QU E N T LY A S K QU E S T I O N –
R E S I D E N T I A L A PA RT M E N T A B O V E
4 - S TO R E Y A N D
B E L O W 4 S TO R E Y.
FCP SECTION 10.2.14.4 APARTMENT
BUILDINGS

5. Extinguishing Requirements
a. All apartments, except row houses with four
(4) storeys in height, shall be protected
throughout by approved, supervised sprinkler
system.
b. For four (4) storeys and below it shall be
installed with sprinkler system in accordance
with NFPA 13R.
c. For five (5) storeys and above, it shall be
installed with sprinkler system in accordance
with NFPA 13.
BRIEF COMPARISON
1 S T C O M PA R I S O N – P R O T E C T I O N C A PA B I L I T Y

Reduced requirements
2 N D C O M PA R I S O N – BU I L D I N G H E I G H T L I M I T

Yes
SECTION 10.2.20.4 SPRINKLER SYSTEMS Limited to less than 15
PROTECTION meters distance between
High rise buildings shall be protected with the floor of the topmost
approved, supervised sprinkler systems storey and the ground level
designed and installed in accordance with
NFPA 13.
How Sprinkler glass bulb operates
A)Melts B) Thermal Expansion C) Sprinkler high pressure
D) The ceiling ambient reach boiling point temperature

Answer:
B
Sprinkler Head Types:

Pendent Sidewall
Most common type of fire sprinkler
head. It requires an escutcheon to cover Designed to protect small rooms, hallways and
the cutout in the drywall other areas where sprinkler pipes are running up
walls but not in the ceiling

Upright Pendent
Same as pendent type
Upright fire sprinklers are suited for however they’re hidden by a
areas that are difficult to access. cover plate. The cover plate
These sprinklers are commonly found will fall off at a temp about
in buildings with exposed ceilings such 20 degrees lower than the
as mechanical rooms. fire sprinkler
Sprinkler Head Bulb Classification
HIGH-RISE BUILDING
DEFINITION

• High Rise Building. Building, structure or facility in which the

distance between the floor of the topmost storey and the ground
level is fifteen meters (15 m) or more. Building height shall be
measured from the lowest level of fire department vehicle access to
the floor of the highest occupiable storey.
Fire Pump System

Diesel Electric

The fire-pump delivers the water via the pipe-system to the fire sprinklers to
suppress the fire. Fire pumps are powered either by an electric motor or a
diesel engine or sometimes by a steam turbine.
Basic Operation Components: Diesel Engine Fire Pump

Fire Pump
A fire pump provides higher pressure
compare to jockey pump that maintains
the building’s system pressure

Diesel Engine
Operates/powers the fire pump
that depends on diesel fuel

Diesel Tank
Storage for diesel fuel that is used to
run the diesel engine
Basic Operation Components: Electric Motor Fire Pump

Fire Pump
A fire pump provides higher pressure
compare to jockey pump that maintains
the building’s system pressure

Electric Motor
Operates/powers the fire pump that
depends on normal power and/or
emergency power supply

Automatic Transfer Switch

Self-acting
equipment for transferring the
connected load from one
power source to another power
source.
FACP
NFPA22:
NFPA 20:
10.4.7.1AWhere
14.1.8.3 the pump room
listed, closed-circuit, is not constantly
high-water attended,
and low-water level
audiblealarm
electric or visible
shallsignals powered
be permitted to by
be aused
source not exceeding
in place 125
of the gauge
V shallacceptable
where be provided to at
thea authority
point of constant attendance.
having jurisdiction.
NFPA 20:
1. Pump or Motor Running
2. Loss Phase
3. Phase Reversal

FCPNFPA
RIRR 72:
B. Supervision
Fire Pump Running
1. Supervisory
Jockey PumpSignals
Running (optional)
Where supervised automatic sprinkler systems are required by another Section of
this Code, supervisory attachments shall be installed and monitored for integrity in
accordance with NFPA 72. A distinctive supervisory signal shall be provided to
indicate a condition that would impair the satisfactory operation. Water Tank Level
3 R D C O M PA R I S O N – P E R M I T T E D I N M I X E D
USE /
N O N ‐ R E S I DE N T I A L O C C U PA N C I E S ?

Because the hazard varies for a mixed

use occupancy
4 T H CO M PA R I S O N – H O S E AL L O WAN CE
R E QU I R E D ?

Less water capacity demand for

13R
5 T H CO M PA R I S O N – F I R E D E PA RT ME N T
CONNECTION

1 to Multiple FDC 1 only or exempted

6.11* Fire Department Connection.
6.11.1 At least one fire department connection shall be
provided for buildings, accessible by a fire department, that
exceed 2000 ft2 (186 m2) or are more than a single story.

6.11.2 Fire department connections shall be at least 1-1⁄2 in.

(38 mm).
6 T H CO MPA R I S O N – M I N I MU M R ES I D EN TI AL
DENSITY
7 TH COMPARISON – WATER SUPPLE

- Flexibility to use non-listed fire pumps

- Usually, Fire Pumps An authority having jurisdiction (BFP) has the authority to review a
are listed combined domestic/fire protection pump arrangement and
- Elevated Tank determine whether or not the reliability and redundancy
meets the intent of NFPA 20, even if the exact arrangement of
equipment does not meet the rules of NFPA 20.
- Pressure Tank
Does water conduct electricity?
A) Yes
B) No

• Answer : B) No, Water itself doesn’t conduct electricity, it is the impurities that are suspended in
the water. Impurities such as minerals and dust that are found in most water. As a matter of fact,
scientists and engineers use a special type of water, unsurprisingly called low-conductivity water
(LCW), which has had all the impurities removed, to cool high voltage equipment.
NFPA 13: ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT ROOM

• 8.15.11 Electrical Equipment. Sprinkler

protection shall be required in electrical
equipment rooms.
• Sprinklers shall not be required in
electrical equipment rooms where all of the
following conditions are met:
• (1) The room is dedicated to electrical
equipment only.
• (2) Only dry-type electrical equipment is used
OR Class K-Type Liquid Coolant
• (3) Equipment is installed in a 2-hour fire-rated
enclosure including protection for
penetrations.
• (4) No combustible storage is permitted to be
stored in the room.
PEC AND NEC

• Section110.26 Spaces About

Electrical Equipment Access and
working space shall be provided and
maintained about all electrical
equipment to permit ready and safe
operation and maintenance of such
equipment.
• (c) Sprinkler Protection. Sprinkler
protection shall be permitted
for the dedicated space where
the piping complies with this
section.
WAT E R G E N E R A LLY D O E S N ’ T CAU S E DA M AG E
TO E L E C T R I C D E V I C E O R S H O RT C I RC U I T
Can we use sprinkler system for IT Rooms or Server Rooms?
A) Yes
B) No

• Answer : A
The room meets the 4 conditions to exempt on sprinkler protection
for an electrical room, , do I need to protect it by sprinkler system
even if the room also have auxiliary telecom wiring?

A) Yes
B) No
C) Use HCFC “UFO” ceiling mount

• Answer : A
HCFC “UFO”
CEILING MOUNT
FIXED
EXTINGUISHER

4 REASONS WHY IT
IS NON -COMPLIANT
1 ST R E A S O N C E I L I N G M O U N T E X T I N G U I S H E R I S N O N - C O M P L I A N T

Non-compliant to Fire Code of the

Philippines 2019 RIRR

• 1) Fire Code of the Philippines 2019 RIRR Definition page 2:

Automatic Fire Suppression System (AFSS). An integrated

system of underground or overhead piping connected to a
source of extinguishing agent or medium, designed in
accordance with fire protection engineering
standards to include, but not limited to Automatic Fire
Sprinkler System which when actuated by its automatic
detecting device suppresses fire within the area protected
even without human intervention
2 ND R E A S O N C E I L I N G M O U N T E X T I N G U I S H E R I S N O N - C O M P L I A N T

UFO is Non-Compliant to DILG Memo 2010-017

a) Celing Type Fire Suppression system

using other extinguishing agents with
automatic heat and smoke detector.
3 RD R E A S O N C E I L I N G M O U N T E X T I N G U I S H E R I S N O N - C O M P L I A N T
UFO is to Pre-engineered Systems and Clean
NFPA 2001
Agent Standards
1.4.2* Use and Limitations.
1.4.2.1 All pre-engineered systems shall be installed to protect hazards within the limitations that have been
established by the listing. Pre-engineered systems shall be listed to one of the following types:
(1) Those consisting of system components designed to be installed according to pre-tested limitations by a
testing laboratory. These pre-engineered systems shall be permitted to incorporate special nozzles, flow
rates, methods of application, nozzle placement, and pressurization levels that could differ from those detailed
elsewhere in this standard.
4 TH R E A S O N C E I L I N G M O U N T E X T I N G U I S H E R I S N O N - C O M P L I A N T

Non-compliant to DTI PNS 15-5:1996

Portable means “that can be easily

carried.”

UFO is not a portable fire extinguisher

PNS 15-5 test portable extinguishers

only
ELEVATOR MACHINE ROOM
Do we need sprinkler in the Machine Room?

9.2.13 Elevator Hoistways and Machine Rooms. Sprinklers

shall not be required in locations complying with 9.3.6.4, 9.3.6.5, or
9.3.6.6.

9.3.6.3 Automatic fire sprinklers shall not be required in

elevator machine rooms, elevator machinery spaces, control
spaces, or hoistways of traction elevators installed in accordance with
the applicable provisions in NFPA 101, or the applicable building code,
where all of the following conditions are met:
ELEVATOR MACHINE ROOM
Generally Sprinkler is not required in the Machine Room

(1) The elevator machine room, machinery space, control room, control space, or
hoistway of traction elevator is dedicated to elevator equipment only.

(2) The elevator machine room, machine room, machinery space, control room, control
space, or hoistway of traction elevators are protected by smoke detectors, or other
automatic fire detection, installed in accordance with NFPA 72.

(3) The elevator machinery space, control room, control space, or hoistway of traction
elevators is separated from the remainder of the building by walls and floor/ceiling
or roof/ceiling assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than that specified by
the applicable building code.

(4) No materials unrelated to elevator equipment are permitted to be stored in elevator

machine rooms, machinery spaces, control rooms, control spaces, or hoistways of
traction elevators.

(5) The elevator machinery is not of the hydraulic type

Interfacing of Critical Fire and Life Safety Equipment

Note:
1stScenario No materials unrelated to elevator
NFPA 13 Sec 8.15 equipment are permitted
This shutdown can be accomplished to be stored in elevator machine
by a detection system with sufficient rooms, NFPA 13 Sec 8.15
sensitivity that operates prior to the
activation of the sprinklers (see also
NFPA 72).

2nd Scenario
NFPA 92 sec. 6.4.6.2.1
Stair Pressurization Detection and
Shutdown

The fdas autodialer will contact the

Local Fire Station
If sprinkler is installed in a mixed occupancy building, can it reduce the
required fire rating separation between different occupancies?
A) Yes B) No C) Maybe

Answer:
A) Yes – NFPA 1 6.1.14
†Minimum Fire Resistance Rating. The fire resistance rating is permitted to be reduced by
1 hour, but in no case to less than 1 hour, where the building is protected throughout by an
approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13
Does Large openings shall be protected same as Vertical Openings
A) Yes B) No C) Both does not require protection

Vertical Large
Openings Openings

Answer:
B)
8.15.4.4 Large Openings.
Closely spaced sprinklers and draft stops are not required around large openings such as
those found in shopping malls, atrium buildings, and similar structures where all adjoining
levels and spaces are protected by automatic sprinklers
Vertical Openings
8.15.4 * Vertical Openings.
8.15.4.1 * General.
Unless the requirements of large openings are met, where moving
stairways, staircases, or similar floor openings are unenclosed and
where sprinkler protection is serving as the alternative to enclosure of
the vertical opening, the floor openings involved shall be protected by
closely spaced sprinklers in combination with draft stops
• Fire Safety Maintenance Report (FSMR). A written report
prepared by the building owner, his/her fire safety practitioner
WHAT IS or authorized representative. This is a compilation of the
FSMR? maintenance and testing records kept by the building’s
engineering and maintenance department, as a prerequisite for
the issuance of FSIC for Business or Mayor’s Permit renewal
and alike
FLOW SWITCH ALARM TEST

1. Inspector’s test connection should have at least 1 inch pipe connected to a

corrosion resistant orifice equal to the size of the smallest orifice on the
system, located at the Floor Control Valve Assembly
2. Open ITC all the way, alarm should sound in less than 90 secs. Check if the
designated floor will show to the FACP with corresponding alarm
TESTING TAMPER
SWITCH OR VALVE
SUPERVISORY
SWITCH

(1) Valves locked in the correct position

(2) When the Valve Handle is rotated 2-4
rotations, a local signal shall received by
FACP
(3) Local signaling service that will cause the
sounding of an audible signal at a
constantly attended point
WEEKLY INSPECTION - AFSS

Weekly AFSS
Weekly Fire Pump
- Visual Inspection of Valves, Sprinkler heads, Gauges, - A test of fire pump assemblies shall be conducted
Pipes and other appurtenances such as Water Tank without flowing
level - Test cut-in pressure of Jockey Pump and Fire Pump
- Check for leakage and pressure drops - The test shall be conducted by starting the pump
- Check for corrosion and misalignments such as automatically
detached supports - The electric pump shall run a minimum of 10 minutes.
- Record all findings and if none marked “Ok” For diesel engine minimum of 30 mins.
- Check if there are tenant change of occupancy - Record all flow and pressure results and compare to
Pump performance curve which performing pump
performance curve
MONTHLY – AFSS (FIRE PUMP)

• 1) Exercise isolating switch and circuit breaker

• 2) The proper amount of lubricant should be used. Too much lubricant results in churning, causing excessive
power loss and overheating..
• 3) Ensures that the charger is operating correctly, the water level in the battery is adequate, and the battery is
holding its proper charge. Only distilled water should be used in battery cells.
• Check stuffing box and packing glands condition if worn out
FIRE PUMP PERFORMANCE TEST – THROTTLING
TEST
Compare the curves to ensure the
Throttling Valve pump meets it’s factory specs.
Open By-Pass Valve

Close Isolation Valve

FIRE PUMP
VALUABLE POINT S

Fire Pump – 100 psi @ 1000 GPM

1st Pump shall be run at minimum, rated and peak
loads
• Minimum is 0 GPM or churn, check max pressure,
it shall not exceed 140% of max pump pressure
2nd Rated is the rating of the pump
• i.e.. 1000 GPM pump needs to be tested at 1000
GPM
• Pump capacity to be tested at 100 psi @ 1000
GPM
3rd Maximum is 150 % flow of pump rating- a 1000
GPM rated pump is capable of 1500 GPM flow
• 65 % pressure of pump at 1500 GPM
• 65 psi @ 1500 GPM
PIFPO 1ST National
Convention
September 16-18, 2022

“Promoting the Role of

Fire and Life Safety
Practitioners in Nation
Building”