BC Ch. 6 Features of Fire Protection

Fire Terminology

• Fire-rated: Refers to a material's tested ability to resist fire for a specified period.
• Fireproof: Implies that a material is resistant to fire but not completely immune.
• Flameproof: Indicates a material's resistance to catching fire and spreading flames.
• Self-extinguishing: Describes a material that extinguishes itself once external flames are removed.
• Slow burning: Refers to materials that burn at a slower rate than typical combustible materials.
• Flammable vs. Inflammable: Both terms mean easy to ignite; there is no difference.
• Nonflammable: Indicates a material that does not easily ignite or burn under normal fire conditions.
• Fire retardants: Materials or chemicals used to slow down or prevent the spread of fire.
• Nonburning: Describes materials that do not burn under typical fire conditions.
• Fire resistance: The capacity of a material to withstand fire and maintain structural integrity for a specified period.

Standards for Fire Resistance

• Parker Building Fire (1908): Led to the development of standardized fire resistance tests.
• NFPA 251: Establishes standards for fire resistance testing and standardizes the time-temperature curve.
• Time-temperature curve: Simulates typical fire conditions for standardizing fire resistance tests.
• Fire resistance rating: Indicates the duration a building component can withstand fire exposure.
• Flame spread evaluation: The Steiner Tunnel Test measures the flame spread of building materials.

Testing and Rating Materials

• Steiner Tunnel Test: Measures the flame spread rate of building materials.
• Critical Radiant Flux (CRF) Test: Assesses the flame spread of carpets under radiant heat.
• Class A roofing materials: Rated to withstand severe fire exposure.
• Radiant Panel Test: Evaluates flame spread and smoke production from smaller material samples.
• FM Approval Standard 4880: Tests the flame spread of foamed plastics.

Containment of Fire and Smoke

• Fire walls: Designed to block the spread of smoke and flames between building sections.
• Fire partitions: Typically rated at one hour for fire protection.
• Fire dampers: Automatically close to prevent fire spread through HVAC systems.
• Fire doors: Resist fire spread to provide safe exit routes during a fire.
• Smoke barriers: Contain smoke within specific areas of a building.
• Horizontal exits: Allow occupants safe passage from one fire area to another on the same level.
• Firestop systems: Seal penetrations in fire-resistant assemblies to maintain fire integrity.
• Stairwell protection: Prevents the spread of fire and smoke through stairwells.

Fire Protection Systems

• Wet Pipe System: The most common type of sprinkler system used in buildings.
• Dry Pipe Systems: Used in unheated buildings where pipes are at risk of freezing.
• Smoke management systems: Control smoke movement to ensure safe evacuation routes.
• Standpipe systems: Provide water access for firefighters through hose connections.
• Class I Standpipe System: Designed for fire department use with 2½-inch hose connections.
• Preaction sprinkler system: Requires a separate detection system to activate before water enters.
• CO₂ suppression systems: SCBAs are required due to CO₂’s nature as a deadly asphyxiant.
• Foam systems: Extinguish fires in flammable liquids.
• Halon systems: Protect sensitive equipment in areas like record storage.
• Water mist systems: Deliver fine water fog to absorb heat with minimal water usage.
• Standpipe systems: Difference is that semiautomatic-dry systems require activation of a control device for water.
• Industry concerns about sprinklers: Resistance in some sectors prioritizes aesthetics, potentially compromising safety.

Test your knowledge on fire terminology and features of fire protection in this quiz focused on Chapter 6. Each multiple-choice question will challenge your understanding of fire-rated materials and other important concepts related to fire safety.