Fire Protection Systems: Dry Columns and Sprinklers Explained

Dry Columns: Firefighter Access

Dry columns are designed exclusively for firefighters. They consist of galvanized steel studs, typically 80 mm in diameter, and are empty. A water outlet is usually located on the front of the building, on the ground floor. The column ascends or descends within the stairwell of buildings, providing hydrants on each floor. In the event of a fire, dry columns facilitate water flow and pressure for firefighters.

Dry columns are required in all buildings exceeding 24 meters in height, except for hospitals, where the limit is 15 meters. They are also required in parking lots with more than 3 floors below ground or 4 floors above ground, on all floors.

Sprinkler Systems: Automatic Fire Suppression

Sprinkler systems, often called "Sprinks," use water as an extinguishing agent. They automatically discharge water based on pre-calculated conditions at the point of a fire, without human intervention. The water is released in sufficient quantity to completely extinguish the fire or prevent its spread.

Components of a Sprinkler System

• Control Valves and Alarm Set: These hydraulic fittings and valves connect to the main water supply line of the system. They control the discharge of water, transmit alarms, and provide a means to test the water and the vacuum pipe.
• Piping: These are the water pipes that run from the control valve to the sprinklers. They can be made of iron or stainless steel.
• Water Supply: This includes all water sources, equipment, and the general network, designed to ensure the necessary water flow and pressure for the required duration.

Types of Sprinkler Heads

• Conventional (upright or pendant)
• Decorative
• Wall-mounted

Risk Classification for Sprinkler System Design

Light Hazard

Locations with a low amount of combustible material, such as hotels, hospitals, commercial buildings, public buildings, offices, museums, and libraries. Design density: 2.25 l/min/m², with an operation area of 80 m².

Ordinary Hazard

Commercial and industrial premises where fires are not likely to spread intensely at first, including industrial parks. Design density: 5 l/min/m², with an operation area from 72 to 360 m².

Extra Hazard (Processing)

Commercial and industrial premises where fires are capable of spreading intensely at first, such as paint and varnish factories, model or celluloid manufacturers, and foam rubber facilities. Design density: 7.5 to 12.5 l/min/m², with an operation area of 260 to 325 m².

Extra Hazard (Storage)

Warehouses where the fuel load is high, resulting in a high heat load per square meter. Design density: 7.5 to 30 l/min/m², with an operation area from 260 to 375 m².

Special Hazards

Locations with a very severe risk of rapid fire spread. These often require total flooding systems, such as workshops, fireworks factories, and plastic foam or polyester storage facilities. (Production areas are included if the fire can spread there.)