Description of Project
Elite Fire Protection was included in a tender by a construction company to submit a Bill of Quantities (BoQ) for providing fire sprinkler protection to the new roof extension and the client’s basement parking area.
After being awarded the contract, Elite Fire Protection successfully completed the project.
With the expansion of the existing premises, modifications to the fire protection system were required. Elite Fire Protection was responsible for the design, supply, fabrication, and installation of the fire sprinkler systems for both the warehouse roof extension and basement parking, ensuring the building is comprehensively protected.
| Project | Fire Protection Systems |
| Size | 1450m2 (roof) & 450m2 (basement) |
| Year of completion | 2025 |
| Scope | Design, Supply, Fabrication & Installation |
| Discipline | Fire Protection |
Project Scope
Fire Protection System:
- Alteration of wet sprinkler system
What is a Wet Fire Sprinkler System?
- Each sprinkler head stays closed with a small glass bulb.
- When a fire starts and the air around the sprinkler gets hot enough, that bulb breaks.
- Water is immediately released from the pipes and sprays over the fire to control or extinguish it.
Since the pipes are already full of water, a wet system reacts very quickly, which makes it ideal for buildings where the temperature stays above freezing, like offices, warehouses, or shopping centres.
Process Outline
Our Solution
Elite Fire Protection was responsible for the complete scope of works, including:
- Design, supply, fabrication, and installation of the alterations to the existing fire sprinkler system, including the combination of a grid and a tree system in accordance with the BoQ requirements.
- Hydraulic calculations to ensure optimal flows and pressures.
- Utilise the same sprinkler heads as the existing building, 20mm brass upright 93oC.
What are grid and tree systems?
A grid system, according to the NFPA, connects parallel cross mains with multiple branch lines, allowing each sprinkler to receive water from both ends of its branch line while also distributing flow between mains. This design provides multiple water paths to each sprinkler, which helps reduce pressure loss in the piping and improves overall system efficiency compared to other layouts.
A tree system, is the simplest form of sprinkler pipe layout. In this design, branch lines connect to the cross main at a single point, creating only one path for water to reach each sprinkler. This type of system is typically used in smaller installations or where water pressure is sufficient. While it’s the easiest and often most cost-effective system to install due to less piping, it’s also the least efficient because of higher friction losses and the need for greater flow and pressure.
Operational Considerations
- No special considerations were needed.
