In this blog, Hiep Le, PE, Project Engineer and Jaewook Kwon, Fire Life Safety Discipline Lead, explore best practices and key considerations for implementing fire detection and suppression systems in electric vehicle charging areas.

Understanding Fire Risks in EV Charging Spaces

Before implementing fire protection measures, it is important to understand the unique fire risks associated with EV charging spaces. EV batteries contain large amounts of energy and can be prone to thermal runaway, which can lead to fire. Factors such as overcharging, faulty charging equipment, and inadequate ventilation can exacerbate fire hazards. Additionally, the presence of flammable gases, such as hydrogen, further increases the fire risk. Having a clear understanding of these risks is essential for designing and implementing effective fire detection and suppression systems.

Once these risks have been ascertained, Hiep and Jaewook recommend assessing the site’s available power and water utilities. Hiep recommends working with an electrical engineer experienced with the design & installation of EV chargers to determine existing electrical service characteristics, including voltage and amperage from the serving utility’s transformer.

Additionally, metering data for this service would need to be acquired and reviewed to determine the existing load utilized by the facility. Jaewook noted that water is proven to be the most effective fire protection measure currently available in the event of an EV fire, which tend to burn longer than other car fires, so ensuring you have an adequate, continuous water supply is crucial.

Compliance with Codes and Standards

Adhering to relevant local regulations, codes, and standards is essential for ensuring the proper design and installation of fire detection and suppression systems in EV charging areas. These codes may include requirements for equipment selection, system design, maintenance procedures, and emergency response plans.

For up-to-date information on the codes, regulations, and standards applicable for your particular facility, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) notes that “The NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code® (NEC®)… is the go-to code when looking to protect people and property from electrical hazards and so, as appropriate, it has requirements for installing EV charging stations, or “Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment,” as they call it in the code.”

The latest developments in the codes and standards with respect to motor vehicle can be summarized as follows:

• NFPA 88A Standard for Parking Structures 2023 requires electric vehicle charging stations and equipment to be UL listed (UL 2202, Standard for Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging System Equipment and UL 2594 Standard for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment).
• The committee of NFPA 30A Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages has been working on provisions for the installation of EV chargers at motor fuel dispensing facilities.
• NFPA 13 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems 2022 suggests Ordinary Hazard 2 for parking garage, which increases the required water density.
• NFPA 88A 2023 requires an automatic sprinkler system in all parking garages regardless of whether it is enclosed or open.
• International Building Code 2021 requires an automatic sprinkler system where the fire area of the open parking garage exceeds 48,000 ft2.
• National Electrical Code Article 625 Electric Vehicle Charging System

Hiep and Jaewook also noted that some transportation authorities, facilities, and even EV manufacturers have specific demands or recommendations for designated EV parking after the vehicle has caught on fire. Due to potential re-ignition, EV’s should be stored at least 50 feet from buildings and other vehicles.

Compliance with these regulations helps to guarantee that the implemented systems meet the necessary safety standards and provides a framework for effective fire protection measures.

Integrating Systems for Fire Protection

Water based fire protection systems are proven to be effective and reliable for EV related fire. The water-based fire protection system will limit the spread of fire and minimize property damage and potential disruptions. Fire protection in electric vehicle (EV) charging station areas can be enhanced with other elements or components. These include:

• Knox Remote Power Boxes: Because fire can initiate from the EV chargers themselves, most agencies demand that engineers implementing EV charging stations must install the Knox Remote Power Boxes adjacent to the EV charging stations, which allow emergency responders to immediately power down EV chargers in the event of an emergency.
• Fire Detection Systems: Fire detection systems will be able to detect/alarm/notify fire early. Earlier intervention of fire department will help control the EV involved fire and further reducing the likelihood of fire spread/property damage.
• Security Camera Systems: In open/enclosed lots, security cameras around EV charging stations can be used to identify/confirm fire incident.

Regular Maintenance and Inspection

Regular maintenance and inspection of electrical and fire protection systems are critical to ensure their proper functioning. This includes checking electrical connections, testing detection devices, verifying the integrity of suppression systems, and confirming the effectiveness of ventilation systems. Implementing a scheduled maintenance program, performing routine inspections, and addressing any identified issues promptly help ensure that the systems are reliable and ready to respond in case of a fire emergency.

Training and Education

Training and educating personnel responsible for monitoring or managing EV charging areas is a fundamental aspect of fire safety. Personnel should receive proper training on fire prevention, emergency response procedures, and the correct usage of fire protection equipment. This includes familiarizing staff with the location of fire extinguishers, emergency power shut-off procedures, and evacuation plans. Regular drills and exercises should be conducted to test the effectiveness of emergency procedures and enhance the preparedness of personnel.

Implementing effective fire protection systems is vital for ensuring the safety of EV charging spaces. Understanding the unique fire risks associated with electric vehicles, complying with relevant codes and standards, employing suitable fire protection systems, and integrating systems enhancing fire safety are crucial considerations. Additionally, regular maintenance and staff training play integral roles in fire safety. By following these best practices and key considerations, EV charging spaces can be safeguarded against fire hazards, providing a safe environment for charging operations and contributing to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

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The US Department of Homeland Security states that “Mass notification systems simultaneously broadcast real-time alerts and information to large numbers of individuals. The primary function of mass notification systems is to quickly alert people to potential threats or emergency situations and direct them how to respond to those situations.” Typically, a fire alarm system is used to transmit the emergency voice messages for a facilities’ mass notification strategy.

If you are considering integrating your fire alarm and public address systems to create a combined system, it is important to note that the public address portions of your mass notification system are then required to meet strict safety standards set by organizations like Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

These standards ensure that public address panels and equipment meet the supervision, redundancy, back-up power and circuit survivability of a fire alarm system to ensure the system will always be ready to function throughout the duration of an emergency event. While the upgraded equipment may increase the public address system’s cost, the cost of the fire alarm system will be reduced with the elimination of redundant speakers and wiring. Additionally, facility managers can then avoid the cost of operating, and maintaining elements of two separate systems that essentially do the same thing. By having a single integrated system, you can offset the higher equipment costs and ensure both safety and functionality. It’s important to note that compliance with these standards is not optional; it’s a legal requirement to ensure the safety of building occupants.

In this guide, we’ll delve into the benefits of integrating fire alarm and public address systems, not only in new facilities but also in existing ones. We’ll also explore the pros and cons of this integration, highlighting how it transforms traditional fire alarm and public address systems into a powerful tool for public safety in a variety of emergency scenarios.

Why Integrate your Fire Alarm and Public Address Systems?

Future-Proofing Safety: New and Existing Facilities Alike

Whether you are in an existing facility or planning a new one, integrating your fire alarm and public address systems is feasible. In existing facilities, retrofitting can bring the advantages of integration to older infrastructure. In new builds, integration can be seamlessly incorporated into the initial design.

Beyond Fires: Expanding the Role of Fire Alarm Systems

Traditionally associated with fire emergencies, integrated mass notification systems broaden their scope to encompass a wider array of potential threats. Weather events, active shooter situations, and other emergencies can all be communicated swiftly and efficiently through this unified mass notification system.

High-Quality Sound and Visual Alerts

Public Address systems feature industry leading speakers capable of delivering high-quality sound that can penetrate even the busiest or noisiest environments. These systems also inherently include multiple circuiting zones and audio channels that allow for the targeted vectoring of messages to the areas impacted by the emergency.

Additionally, public address systems and fire alarm systems can be integrated with electronic video information displays throughout a facility. These displays can provide additional information, such as evacuation routes or instructions, making it easier for occupants to respond appropriately.

Simplified Maintenance and Operation

One significant advantage of integration is the elimination of the need for duplicate speaker systems. This translates to fewer devices to inspect and maintain, translating to cost savings over the lifetime of the system. Instead of managing two separate systems, facility managers can focus on a single, integrated solution that is used daily for normal facility operations.

Pros of Integrating Fire Alarm and Public Address Systems

Enhanced Public Safety

The primary goal of integration is to enhance public safety. In the event of any emergency, swift and clear communication is crucial. Integrated systems enable this, providing timely alerts and instructions to occupants.

Swift Response in Diverse Scenarios

Beyond fires, integrated systems excel at communicating a wide range of emergencies. From severe weather conditions to active shooter situations, occupants receive critical information promptly, allowing them to take appropriate action.

Cost Efficiency in the Long Run

While there may be initial costs associated with specialized UL-listed equipment, the long-term benefits outweigh the investment. Reduced duplication of systems, streamlined maintenance, and training costs contribute to overall cost efficiency.

Regulatory Compliance and Peace of Mind

Integrated systems align with many regulatory requirements for public safety. Knowing that a facility meets or exceeds these standards provides peace of mind to both facility managers and occupants.

Cons of Integrating Fire Alarm and Public Address Systems

Specialized Equipment Costs

UL-listed equipment and fire-rated amplifiers are specialized components that can drive up initial costs. However, these expenses are offset by the benefits of simplified maintenance and operation in the long run.

Technical Expertise Required

Integrating these systems can be complex, requiring specialized knowledge and expertise. Facility managers may need to engage with experienced professionals and the Authority Having Jurisdiction to ensure a seamless integration process.

In conclusion, the integration of fire alarm and public address systems is a transformative step towards maximizing safety and efficiency in large facilities. The creation of a comprehensive mass notification system, with complete integration, empowers facilities to notify occupants quickly and efficiently through high-quality sound, strobes, and electronic video information displays.

Whether implemented in new constructions or retrofitted into existing buildings, this unified approach expands the role of fire alarm systems to encompass a wide range of potential emergencies.

The benefits of complete integration, from streamlined maintenance to enhanced public safety, can outweigh initial investment costs. Facility managers should carefully evaluate their specific requirements, regulatory obligations, and the capabilities of their systems to determine the best approach for enhancing safety and communication within their premises. By doing so, they can create a safer and more secure environment for all occupants, ensuring preparedness for a wide range of emergencies beyond just fires.

For more information, contact us today!

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Fire safety education isn’t limited to schoolchildren; teenagers, adults, and the elderly are all susceptible to the dangers of fires. Consequently, it is crucial for every member of the community to dedicate time during Fire Prevention Week each October to ensure they understand how to remain safe in the event of a fire.

Arora Engineers (Arora) boasts a dedicated Fire/Life Safety (FLS) practice that specializes in Fire Alarm and Fire Protection system design, as well as Fire Protection/Life Safety Consulting services. This expertise extends to a wide range of projects, from expansive, multi-million square foot facilities to intricate small-scale renovations.

Our team of fire and life safety engineers is committed to designing fire detection and suppression systems that safeguard both lives and property. With registered fire protection engineers (FPEs) and NICET Certified Designers, we offer our services across a broad geographic range, equipped with the experience to assess hazards and provide tailored solutions for all our clients.

To mark Fire Prevention Week, we sat down with some of our FLS team members to understand the significance of Fire Prevention and to dispel common myths associated with Fire/Life Safety:

Why is Fire Prevention important to you?

Daniel O’Brien EIT, Fire/Life Safety Designer: “Fire protection systems are important to me because without them, there would be a lot more casualties and property damage without them. They are the first line of defense in the outbreak of a fire. Additionally, the building fire alarm system is able to start the evacuation process of a building well before the fire event spirals out of control and plays a key factor in the safety and survival of the population in a building.”

James Pazuchanics, Sr. Fire/Life Safety Designer: “As a teenager, I was woken by a smoke alarm in my bedroom due to a fan malfunctioning at the base of my bed. I guess you can say that I owe my life to the people in this profession. How many other professions can say that their work saves people’s lives?”

Arthur Simpson, SET, Lead Fire/Life Safety Designer: “Fire protection holds paramount importance as it plays a critical role in mitigating the risk of harm to both employees and customers, minimizing potential damage to structures and facilities, safeguarding against potential regulatory fines, and preserving job security for employees, which could be compromised in the event of significant structural damage. Fire protection systems constitute a vital component of safety in any operational facility, offering a substantial level of security for valuable equipment, property, essential documents, human lives, and inventory during fire incidents.”

What is a myth about Fire Prevention that not everyone knows about?

Alex Benne, PE, Fire/Life Safety Discipline Lead: “One myth/misconception about fire sprinklers that I have heard many times is that the water damage from sprinkler discharge will be greater than the property damage from a fire in a building with no sprinklers. Fire sprinklers are designed to activate at the early stages of a fire and to control the fire to its area of origin. Without sprinklers, the fire will grow much larger before the fire department arrives, increasing the fire and smoke damage. A single fire sprinkler in a light hazard occupancy flows 15-25 gallons per minute while the flow from a fire hose can be in the range of 100-200 gpm. A fire hose uses about 8 times the amount of water than a sprinkler!”

Daniel O’Brien EIT, Fire/Life Safety Designer: “The way fire alarm systems are portrayed in most movies/scenarios is that when the fire alarm system is activated via a pull station or a detector, that the sprinkler system automatically goes activates throughout the building. This is not true and pulling a pull station just sets off the strobes and horns in most cases.”

James Pazuchanics, Sr. Fire/Life Safety Designer: “One myth is that ‘Fire protection systems come with the building and do not need to be reviewed or maintained unless there is a problem.’ While a building does require a working fire protection system to be occupied, the building code requires the system to be reviewed if the structure or occupancy type of the building changes. The code also requires the system to be maintained in working condition, inspected on an approved testing schedule, and monitored offsite if a 24/7 site monitoring center is not provided.”

Arthur Simpson, SET, Lead Fire/Life Safety Designer: “There are five common fire sprinkler myths perpetuated by Hollywood, including the notion that all sprinklers activate simultaneously, the idea that lighters or open flames can activate fire sprinklers (often from a considerable distance and within just a few seconds), the misconception that fire sprinklers can be activated via the internet or some sort of magical button, and the false notion that smoke alone can trigger the activation of fire sprinklers.”

The post Marking 101 Years of Fire Prevention: Ensuring Safety and Dispelling Myths appeared first on Arora Engineers.

In honor of Fire Prevention Week, we interviewed some of our FLS team to learn what they enjoy most about FLS:

Why did you pursue FLS as a career?

Chase Miller, PE, Vice President, Practice Lead | Fire/Life Safety: “As a kid I loved Legos and any opportunity to learn about the way things worked. I’ve always found joy in creating something or more simply taking things apart (not always successfully putting them back together). I also come from a family of military and medical professionals which gave me an understanding of the societal need for public service. While looking at colleges I came across Fire Protection Engineering which A. sounded cool and B. blended my natural desire to ‘engineer’ and do good in the world. After a semester in the Fire Protection program at Oklahoma State I knew I had found my niche and the rest is history.”

Zachary Beyar, PE, Fire/Life Safety Engineer: “I’ve always been interested in mechanical engineering because it incorporates all aspects of physics and science in a way that can be physically interacted with (engines, turbines, compressors, any form of piping systems, etc.). Fire life safety engineering work encompasses exactly that. It is good to know that our hard work pays off in the form of an engineered system that could potentially save lives, or to a lesser degree, protect the integrity of the infrastructure of the world.”

David Klepitch, PE, Fire/Life Safety Discipline Lead: “My older brothers were firefighters. The oldest of the two was also a fire protection engineer. I never got into firefighting but liked the notion of engineering fire protection systems. I always enjoyed being involved in a discipline that directly affected life safety and property protection. I always thought it was a way of looking out for people. As I grew in fire protection engineering, I started to get more involved in the business side of it. I learned that the business side of engineering was not a negative aspect of the design process. The business side adds to the challenge of optimizing fire/life safety so that funds are stretched to do the best. The optimization can also lead to providing performance-based design to the process which really makes design exciting.”

What do you enjoy the most about FLS?

Arthur Simpson, SET, Lead Fire/Life Safety Designer: “I enjoy the work I do and the different challenges out there. Working at Arora has and will continue to be rewarding to not only keeping my work limited to a local area, but to have the opportunity to broaden my scope in working in other parts of the country (for now) and being involved in the numerous projects Arora is involved. There are challenges to not only provide what is required locally, but to also provide what is required at the locations where the project will be constructed. Fortunately, with today’s technology, this research can be done from the office with possible follow-up communications to local officials at the sites. This allows me to manage my time with the design aspect rather than to devoting additional time to traveling to the site. Please keep in mind, there are times that travel to the site(s) is necessary and required. This travel opportunity is also rewarding as part of the job. Doing this place more than just a voice at the end of the ‘call’ or ’email’ and provides a more understanding of who I am working with/for on the project. This concept, for me, places a personal touch on the work.”

James Pazuchanics, Sr. Fire/Life Safety Designer: “The Fire Alarm side of the industry intrigued me due to the code requirements of these systems. These requirements are generally intuitive, but there are plenty of nuances that apply to different situations. I was pressed by a local fire marshal to learn the local amendments to the national codes and to apply these nuances to my designs. With the help of other industry professionals, industry organizations, and a lot of ‘light’ reading, I was able to apply the codes effectively to my designs. Applying the codes correctly makes me feel like I am doing my part to keep people and buildings safe.”

Jae Kwon, PE, LEED AP, Fire/Life Safety Discipline Lead: “Work for fire life safety is not just compliance with Codes/Standards, but also involves the application of scientific/engineering principles and exercise of the engineering judgement. Good design should take the various factors into account including effects of fire, behaviors of human to fire, people with disabilities, building characteristics, and code intent. It is fascinating that I contribute to safety of public and make a positive impact on society by addressing the challenges fire/life safety engineer’s encounter. In the United States, more than 1 million fire occurs, still resulting in more than 3,000 civilian deaths, 100 firefighter deaths, 14,000 civilian injuries, $15 billion in property damage and the damage to environments. My work is to protect people’s lives, properties, and environments, and thus bringing positive impact on society. It is challenging but rewarding for sure.”

Stas Kaspin, Sr. Fire/Life Safety Designer: “The most enjoyable part of my work comes from the diversity of the projects and challenges I meet day-by-day. From the smaller to the bigger complicated projects, there are different codes and regulations. Seeing the result of my projects at various airports, schools, or residential high-rise buildings brings me a huge satisfaction knowing that I was involved and that my solutions, ideas, and designs helped contribute to the success.”

Kenneth S. Buoy, Fire/Life Safety Intern: “What I enjoy most about Fire and Life Safety is how the community feels like one big family! The work I do helps to improve people’s everyday safety, which is why I chose to pursue this career.”

Are there any interesting facts about fire prevention and safety that you think everyone should know?

Daniel O’Brien, Fire/Life Safety Designer: “Fire alarm and fire protection systems are essential for the safety of occupants in any type of building. Whether it be a 2000 SQ FT office, or a 1 million SQ FT airport terminal, these systems, within seconds, respond to the presence of a fire and keep it under control long enough for occupants to escape.”

Chase Miller, PE, Vice President, Practice Lead | Fire/Life Safety: “Fires start when you have the four elements of the fire tetrahedron present (fuel, heat, oxygen, and chemical chain reaction) in the proper ratio. All fire suppression and extinguishing systems are designed to eliminate one or more of these elements to control or extinguish a fire.”

Jae Kwon, PE, LEED AP, Fire/Life Safety Discipline Lead: “In the movies, we see the entire building is drenched with activation of all sprinkler heads at once by pulling the manual alarm handle down in the corridor. First, sprinklers would not be activated by the manual pull station. Second, all sprinklers would not be activated at once in the buildings we live in.”

Zachary Beyar, PE, Fire/Life Safety Engineer: “Fire/Life safety is a discipline that is always in demand because in most countries, you cannot have a building or structure insured without having code compliant fire life safety systems that have been designed and stamped by fire protection/fire alarm engineers.”

Arthur Simpson, SET, Lead Fire/Life Safety Designer: I don’t know if I can add to the continual requests for everyone to practice safety and prevention that are already out there. The drawback is that these are brought about on a seasonal basis and when something tragic happens. Prevention and safety should be practiced daily and should come from within without relying on outside agencies so much. In the design aspect, I can design to past experiences, but I cannot foresee the unexpected. By designing to what has been established is evident, the future cannot be predicted, nor can what happen after the design and project is completed and turned over to the owner(s).

The post Employee Spotlight: Meet Our Fire/Life Safety Team! appeared first on Arora Engineers.

By: Chase J. Miller, PE

A $4 billion program is currently in progress to upgrade Terminal B, formerly referred to as the Central Terminal Building (CTB), at LaGuardia Airport in Queens, NY. Arora Engineers, Inc. (Arora) was chosen to provide Fire/Life Safety engineering services for the project as a subconsultant to the Skanska Walsh Design/Build Joint Venture team with HOK as the lead architect.

Due to the size and occupancy, the new Terminal B is required to be a fully sprinklered building, which required Arora to design a variety of fire protection systems to accommodate the terminal’s diversity of hazards and physical configuration. The most challenging elements of the new terminal were the two pedestrian “fly-over” bridges that span more than 400 feet from the Headhouse, where passengers check-in and clear security, to Concourse A and B, where the departing gates are located. The enclosed bridges are 40 feet wide at their narrowest and located approximately 60 feet above the active taxiway used by aircraft.

Design Approach

While originally defining the design approach for this unique structure, the team found that there was no prescriptive standard for this particular situation and few examples to study. Denver International Airport was the only other national airport the team found that includes a pedestrian bridge that crosses over an active taxiway. After speaking with contacts in Denver, the team discovered that the bridge has no means of exterior fire protection to protect from an aircraft fire. When the airport was designed and constructed during the mid-1990s, it is assumed that the bridge was compliant with applicable codes and standards. However, based on the current edition of NFPA 415, exterior glazing (or glass) located within 100 feet of a potential fuel spill must be protected.

Based on the requirements of NFPA 415 and a group of project stakeholders dedicated to safe environments, Arora led the team in defining the aircraft hazard beneath the bridge that would be used for developing a fire model. Based on an analysis of the team’s fire model and discussions with project stakeholders, Arora designed two fire protection systems, glazing protection sprinklers and under-bridge sprinklers, which were both required by code. Both systems are designed to provide a cooling effect to protect the occupants inside and maintain the integrity of the bridge. Therefore, the design objective is to protect the structure itself from failure and is intended to work in conjunction with the Airport Rescue and Firefighting team (ARFF), which is responsible for extinguishing an aircraft fire beneath the bridge.

Innovative Solutions

Due to the massive size of the bridge glazing, the team needed to pursue innovative solutions. Because no sprinkler is listed to protect a 28-foot-high glass wall, Arora obtained and analyzed sprinkler manufacturer’s test results and determined an appropriate sprinkler for this application. In addition, the activation of all the glazing sprinklers simultaneously would exceed the facility’s water supply. To address the water supply issue, the glazing protection system for each bridge was sub-divided into multiple, zoned deluge sprinkler systems located and activated by a corresponding group of flame detectors. Now, in the event of a fire, the bridge has the ability to limit the activation to systems that are within 100 feet of the fire, keeping the water volume under the 5,000 gpm (gallons per minute) limit and complying with the intent of NFPA 415’s requirement for glazing protection.

Upon analysis of the fire model, it was determined by the design team that the bridge structure, without the intervention of the glazing deluge systems, an under-bridge sprinkler system, or ARFF response, would maintain structural integrity for more than twice the required safe egress time. Although not required, the project stakeholders decided that the installation of sprinklers below the bridge was an efficient method to minimize risk and increase safety. In response, Arora designed dry sprinkler systems to protect beneath the entire underside of each bridge. The systems are designed to discharge water over approximately 6,500 square feet of the fire area when the temperature on the underside of the bridge exceeds 165°F. The objective of this system, like the glazing deluge system, is to protect the bridge structure, not extinguish the actual fire.

Throughout this project, Arora consistently invested in developing innovative strategies to accomplish the goals of the stakeholders, as well as fulfill the applicable code requirements and safety objectives. These creative and functional design features can now be implemented in future projects that may pose similar challenges and enhance the protocol for handling comparable requirements.

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Arora Engineers, Inc. (Arora) recently served on the team to relocate the passenger security screening checkpoints at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport’s (DCA) B/C Terminal. In providing plumbing and fire protection design services, the team produced creative solutions to accommodate the complex roof forms of the new security checkpoint buildings.

Typical fire protection systems are designed for a flat or sloped roof; therefore, it will usually only vary in two directions. However, the roof of DCA’s new security checkpoint buildings has a tilted-wave-like design, meaning the roof varied in three different directions (an XYZ system).

The Design Approach

In the design approach, Arora was tasked with getting the sprinklers placed up high, but still being able to manage the wet system. Therefore, they had to consider regulating pressure losses and not exceeding the current pressure system supply. Maintaining cost and adequate safety measures were also critical to the design.

In a sprinkler system, you are always draining back to a common source for testing purposes, so the system can be inspected. In this space, the team had to look closely at the elevation in the design (foot-by-foot increments along a 400-foot span, per building), be mindful of the routing, and they had to avoid pitfalls of low points and artificial high points. Through their creative efforts, the team was able to match the profile of the roof, while maintaining a positive slope back to a common drain.

The team also focused on the routing below the structure, again considering the wet system they were working with. A key concern with these types of systems is that they must be protected from freezing while crossing through an unconditioned space. In this design, the source water was on the opposite end of the building from the point of use, therefore the piping had to loop back around to get to the ceiling. There was no right way of direct piping in this design. Keeping pressure loss in mind, as well as water demand, the team had to decrease the size of each individual system, while increasing the number of zones.

These constraints generated multiple iterations of the Fire Protection design. The system was routed half a dozen times, and the team had to collaborate with other disciplines in organizing the building systems (e.g. lighting, electrical, public address, etc.) in limited ceiling plenum. There was also an aesthetic quality to consider by maintaining the spacing from sprinkler to sprinkler.

Lessons Learned

Ronak Patel, PE, a Senior Mechanical Engineer, believed this project was a great learning experience because it taught him the process that is involved in developing a building of this nature. Ronak explains, “There are so many considerations when working with other teams and making the necessary changes to the design. You must be able to communicate effectively with team members and process updates, comments, and feedback from other disciplines, especially with a project that is this unique.” Ronak also learned that there is a lot of up front work, a lot of coordination, and many discussions that need to take place before you ever put a pen to paper, noting “The biggest takeaways from such a complex job are: work with other disciplines and make sure your designs are coordinated, always maintain requirements, but also be flexible enough to accommodate requests from the clients.”

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