Description of Project
Elite Fire Protection was awarded an opportunity to design, supply and install fire protection at a shopping centre 2024. The Client had an existing fire sprinkler system, which had inadequate flow and pressure as the water supplies were coming from the town’s main and was only partially protected.
In keeping with our current theme for the quarter, the NFPA Ecosystem Fire & Life Safety Framework, this month we are zooming in on the next three (3) of the eight (8) key components that make up this regulatory framework:
An investment in safety is a proactive measure with long-term benefits.
Developing skilled fire protection professionals is critical.
Effective enforcement of codes is key to ensure compliance.
In this case study, we discuss the upgrade of the existing fire sprinkler system to fully protect the centre and ensure adequate water supply.
| Project | Fire Protection Systems |
| Age of System | Approx. 6800m2 |
| Scope | Design, Supply and Install |
| Discipline | Fire Protection |
| Expected Completion | Completed |
Project Scope
- Diesel-driven Fire Pump Connection
- Water Storage Tanks
- Additional Fire Sprinkler
- Client and insurance require that the upgraded system needed to comply with SANS 10287
Process outline
Diesel-driven Fire Pump
To ensure adequate flow and pressure to the entire centre, a diesel-driven pump was required with connection to the existing ICV.
Diesel driven pump set with a duty of 5360L/min @590kPa. Diesel pumps are required when it is the one and only primary pump on the fire sprinkler system.
Fire pumps provide fire sprinklers throughout a facility with adequate water supply during a fire, and where incorrectly sized can result in not enough pressure or flow being created, which can cause several problems.
Water Storage Tanks
Although water supply can come from municipal water installations, an independent water tank is more reliable as it quickly supplies automated sprinkler systems with water to contain or suppress fire while waiting for emergency services to arrive.
A water storage tank was installed with 340 000L combined capacity and Elite Fire Protection connected the tanks to the existing ICV.
Additional Sprinklers
While adequate flow and pressure was required by installing and connecting pumps and tanks, the need for additional fire sprinklers was necessary to ensure partial protection was eliminated and SANS 10287 was enforced.
- *Ceiling voids: 169 brass conventional 68-degree, and
- **Ceiling: 51 chrome pendent 68-degree.
*A ceiling void more than 800mm must have sprinkler protection.
** 68-degree was utilised as shops and walkways are classified as an Ordinary Hazard.
Challenges
Working during the day was not optional as shops were open and trading during the day.
