Print this pageCutting the cost of complying with fire regulations
Compliance to fire codes can be expensive. For example, a ceiling with beam pockets requires a smoke detector in each pocket, according to some fire codes. Rooms with high airflow are required to have twice as many smoke detectors as those with normal airflows, such as offices.
How can you save money and still meet regulatory requirements?
By using performance-based design principles when considering a fire protection system
Performance-based design
Fire codes in many countries are moving from being prescriptive to performance-based. This means that instead of specifying exactly what fire detection equipment must be installed e.g. smoke detectors must be installed on the ceiling at X intervals, the required performance or goal of the fire protection system is specified and a system is designed to suit. For example, in a theater, life safety would be a primary goal. In a warehouse it might be property protection. In a heritage building a goal of the fire protection system would be preservation of the building.
> Performance-based design determines the best fire protection system by assessing the function, risk factors, and internal configuration and conditions of a specific environment.
When designing a fire detection system for VERY EARLY WARNING the designer must consider the following:
- The airflow characteristics and the air change rate within the room.
- The coverage area per detector or sample point.
- The sensitivity required per sampling point.
- The room size and characteristics-raised floor, tall ceilings etc.
- The annunciation of emergency response systems.
- The activation of mechanical control systems such as air extraction and suppression systems.
Designing fire protection systems that work in difficult environments
In many situations, the fire protection systems prescribed in a fire building code don't work well because of environmental factors; Low temperatures, high ceilings, high airflows and dusty or dirty environments. This is when performance-based design is ideal. A fire protection system can be designed that will operate within the environment and still meet the objectives required of it.
> As an example, the NFPA 72 "National Fire Code for the USA", the British Standard - BS 6266 (1992), and the Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet (5-48) for Automatic Fire Detectors, released by US insurance company Factory Mutual all specify that more smoke detectors should be used in high airflow environments to increase the chance of seeing a fire.
> A performance-based design might replace the point detectors with a single VESDA air sampling smoke detection system that monitors the air directly above the equipment cabinets and at the return air grille. Not only will the cost of the fire protection system be reduced, but the goal of minimal service disruption in the computer room will be achieved because a fire threat will be detected much, much earlier.
Reducing construction costs
Performance-based design can save construction costs. For example, instead of building an exit tunnel to meet building code requirements for adequate exit points for personnel, a very early warning smoke detection system can be used. Because it detects a fire at the earliest possible point, evacuation can potentially be avoided as the fire will be dealt with before it reaches the flaming stage. The tunnel is no longer necessary*, saving thousands of dollars in construction costs.
> A voice evacuation system, such as Xtralis' Millbank voice alarm products, can have the same affect on your construction costs. Voice evacuation systems dramatically improve the response to an alarm. This means that you can reduce the number of exits from the building as people can be evaculated in stages and can be directed to the appropriate exits, according to the threat. Less exits, less construction costs and more room for revenue-generating space such as seats in a theatre or stadium or retail space in a mall.
> * This will depend upon local codes and standards
Reducing maintenance costs
The cost of maintaining a fire detection system can be significant. Reaching smoke detectors installed on the ceiling may require access equipment such as scissor lifts or scaffolding. Maintenance work may mean temporarily closing a venue or paying maintenance staff overtime. This can be avoided if a system is designed for ease of maintenance. Installing the detector unit of an air sampling smoke detection system at ground level makes testing and maintaining the unit easy. The sampling pipe network installed on the ceiling is virtually maintenance-free.
The outcome?
Performance-based design of fire protection systems can significantly reduce construction and maintenance costs.
Learn more
Contact us
Contact a Xtralis office to find out more about performance based design.
US society of Fire Engineers
Learn more about performance-based design on the SFPE website
US National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Performance-based design is described in detail on the NPFA website.
Smoke detection in high airflow rooms
Learn more about the challenges of designing a smoke detection system that will work in a high airflow environment.
Smoke detectors for rooms with high ceilings
Learn more about the VESDA solution for high ceilings that reduces maintenance costs.
Smoke detectors for inaccessible places
Learn about designing smoke detection systems for inaccessible places.
White paper: Using air sampling smoke detection to protect mission-critical facilities from fire
This white paper discusses smoke detection systems and their role in fire prevention and smoke contamination within a mission-critical facility, such as a data center. It gives examples of how performance-based design can detect a fire incident at the earliest possible stage.
Smoke detection in difficult environments
Dusty, dirty, hot, cold. You need a smoke detection system that can cope with any environment if you want to protect your assets and your business.
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