Description of Project
Last month, Elite Fire Protection shared a project highlight covering the fire protection installation at a new shopping centre in Aliwal North in the Eastern Cape.
The project followed a formal tender process managed by a Quantity Surveyor. After the bid was successfully awarded, Elite Fire Protection was formally appointed by the Main Contractor, a construction company responsible for the overall build.
The client’s key requirement was to ensure full fire protection coverage for the new shopping centre, with a strict timeline in place so that fire clearance could be achieved in time for the planned launch and opening of the centre. Whilst the project is currently ongoing, we thought we’d provide you with some progress on this project.
| Project | Fire Protection Systems |
| Size | *3525m2 |
| Scope | Supply & Installation |
| Discipline | Fire Protection |
Project Scope
Supply and Installation of:
- Fire Hydrants
- Hose reels
- Fire Extinguishers
- Fire Signage & Escape Routes
- Pump
- Water Storage Tank
*According to SANS 10400 regulations, fire sprinklers were not required for this shopping centre as there are 2-hour fire rated walls throughout the line shops.
Process Outline
Hydrant & Hose Reel Reticulation, & Fire Equipment
The system includes four hydrants connected via an underground reticulation network installed with uPVC piping to minimise corrosion risk. The hose reels are supplied from the hydrant reticulation line, which in turn is fed by the dedicated pump and water storage tank.
All hydrants are positioned outside the centre to provide full site coverage and ensure easy access for fire engines during an emergency. Hose reels will be installed in each individual shop to provide immediate first-response capability, as well as two 4.5kg DCP Fire Extinguisher per fire hose reel.
Diesel Pump
The shopping centre requires a diesel fire pump rated at 1230 L/min @650 kPa. Diesel-driven fire pumps form a vital part of many fire protection systems. Because they operate on a combustion engine, they provide a reliable backup source of power during electrical outages.
Water Storage Tank
A single cylindrical water storage tank with an effective capacity of 165 m³ was installed to support the fire protection system demand. The available municipal water supply was not sufficient to reliably deliver the required flow rates and pressures needed for compliant fire protection performance.
Installing a dedicated on-site tank ensures a consistent and immediately available water source for the fire pumps, allowing the system to achieve the required operating flows and pressures during an emergency. This approach also improves overall system reliability and independence from fluctuations or interruptions in the municipal supply.
Maintenance Challenges:
Aliwal North has been experiencing intermittent rainfall, which has reduced the number of workable hours and limited the number of days where uninterrupted outdoor work can be carried out effectively. This weather pattern has created scheduling challenges for activities that must be completed outside for fire protection and construction.
