Fire control systems form an essential part of plumbing installations in buildings, providing safety and protection against fire hazards. Plumbing professionals in Kenya must understand how to accurately quantify and cost the materials and supplies required for these systems to ensure compliance with safety regulations and budget constraints. This chapter focuses on the critical components and supplies used in fire control system installation, helping plumbers deliver effective and cost-efficient solutions for residential, commercial, and institutional projects.

2.1 Materials and supplies for fire control installation

Fire control systems rely on specific materials and supplies designed to detect, suppress, or control fires. In Kenya, plumbing technicians working on fire sprinkler systems, hydrants, and alarm installations need to select appropriate components that meet national standards such as those set by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and the National Construction Authority (NCA). Understanding the types, specifications, and applications of these materials ensures the system’s reliability and longevity.

2.1.1 Pipes and fittings used in fire control systems

Types of pipes used

• Galvanized steel pipes: Commonly used due to their durability and resistance to corrosion, especially in exposed or outdoor installations such as fire hydrant lines at county government offices.
• CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) pipes: Favoured for indoor sprinkler systems in commercial buildings because of their corrosion resistance and ease of installation.
• Copper pipes: Occasionally used in specialized applications requiring high temperature resistance, such as in hospital fire control systems.

Copper pipes installed through wall holes (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

• Ductile iron pipes: Employed in underground fire mains due to their strength and ability to withstand external loads.

• Stainless steel pipes: Used in environments prone to chemical exposure, such as pharmaceutical manufacturing plants with high fire safety standards.

Types of fittings used

• Elbows: Change the direction of flow in the piping system, essential for routing pipes around building structures.
• Tee fittings: Allow branching of pipes to supply multiple sprinkler heads or hydrants.

Metal tee fitting for plumbing pipes (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

• Couplings: Join two pipe sections securely, facilitating system expansion or repairs.
• Reducers: Connect pipes of different diameters, ensuring smooth flow transitions in complex layouts.
• Flanges: Used for connecting pipes to valves or equipment, providing easy access for maintenance.

2.1.2 Valves and control devices in fire installations

Valves regulate water flow and pressure within fire control systems, enabling isolation or activation of specific zones during emergencies. Control devices ensure timely response and safety compliance.

Common valve types

• Gate valves: Provide full flow or shut-off, commonly installed in fire mains at hotels to isolate sections during maintenance.

Large industrial gate valve outdoors (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

• Check valves: Prevent backflow of water, protecting the system and water supply from contamination.

• Butterfly valves: Used for quick shut-off in large diameter pipes, suitable for industrial fire control setups.

• Pressure relief valves: Maintain system pressure within safe limits, preventing pipe bursts in high-rise buildings.

• Alarm valves: Automatically trigger fire alarms when water flows due to sprinkler activation, critical in hospital fire systems.

Control devices

• Flow switches: Detect water movement and send signals to fire alarm panels, ensuring immediate fire detection.
• Pressure gauges: Monitor system pressure, allowing technicians at county offices to verify operational readiness.
• Test connections: Facilitate periodic testing of system components without disrupting normal operation.

2.1.3 Sprinkler heads and discharge devices

Sprinkler heads are the primary discharge points that release water or suppressant agents to extinguish fires. Their design and placement determine the effectiveness of coverage and response time.

Types of sprinkler heads

• Pendant sprinklers: Hang down from the ceiling, commonly used in retail shops and schools to cover wide areas.
• Upright sprinklers: Installed on top of pipes, suitable for areas with obstructions such as warehouses.
• Sidewall sprinklers: Mounted on walls for narrow spaces like corridors in universities or office buildings.
• Concealed sprinklers: Hidden behind decorative covers, used in hotels or upscale commercial premises to maintain aesthetics.
• Extended coverage sprinklers: Designed to cover larger areas with fewer heads, reducing installation costs in large halls or auditoriums.

Discharge characteristics

• Spray pattern: Determines how water is distributed; a wide spray is essential for open spaces, while focused sprays suit confined areas.
• Response time: Fast-responding sprinklers activate quickly upon detecting heat, minimizing fire damage in hospitals.
• Temperature rating: Sprinklers are rated for activation at specific temperatures, ensuring they function only during actual fire conditions.

2.1.4 Fire suppression agents and related supplies

Beyond water-based systems, fire control installations may include chemical suppressants or foam agents, particularly in environments where water damage could be detrimental.

Common suppression agents

• Water: The primary agent used in most sprinkler and hydrant systems due to availability and cost-effectiveness.
• Foam concentrates: Used in fuel storage facilities and garages to smother flammable liquid fires by creating a barrier.
• Dry chemical powders: Applied in electrical rooms or data centres to avoid water damage while extinguishing fires.
• Carbon dioxide (CO2): Employed in confined spaces like server rooms, CO2 displaces oxygen to suppress fire.
• Clean agents: Environmentally friendly gases that leave no residue, ideal for museums or archives.

Supplies supporting suppression agents

• Foam proportioners: Devices that mix foam concentrate with water at precise ratios, ensuring effective suppression.
• Pressure tanks: Store chemical agents at required pressures for rapid discharge during fire events.
• Nozzles and monitors: Direct suppressant agents onto fire zones with adjustable flow rates, used in industrial plants.
• Storage drums and containers: Securely store agents on-site, maintaining agent integrity and safety compliance.

Chapter Summary

This chapter focused on the various materials and supplies required for fire control system installation, emphasizing the importance of selecting appropriate components to ensure safety and functionality. It explored the preparation of a detailed material schedule, which organizes all necessary items systematically to facilitate procurement and project management. The process of materials quantification was examined, highlighting methods to accurately measure the quantities needed based on design specifications and installation requirements. Finally, the chapter addressed the estimation of costs for fire control materials and supplies, providing techniques to calculate financial requirements and support budgeting for fire safety projects. Together, these topics equip students with the skills to plan, quantify, and budget effectively for fire control system installations.