Fire Sprinklers

Definition

• Sometimes a Siamese Connection is also called a Fire Department Connection (FDC)
• Siamese Connection / Splitter: A Y-shaped connection. It's a double pipe fitting near the base of the building. Allows two hoses at the same time to connect to the standpipes and sprinkler system for the building to deliver pressure to a standpipe/sprinkler system.
• NFPA: National Fire Protection Agency

Introduction

Automatic sprinklers are normally required in high hazard areas , such as high rise hotels, vaults for storage of flammable materials, paint spray booths, hazardous parts of theaters, some types of garages, and certain hazardous basements.

Recently, more new construction has utilized sprinklers because property owners (and insurance companies) have discovered the benefits of life safety and reduced property damage by having a system in place. This has led to insurance companies offering reduced fire insurance premiums, and code writers to lessen restrictions if a sprinkler system is provided.

• For example, less exits may be required by code or certain evacuation distances can be increased. These are called “Trade-offs”.
• A developer who plans on selling a building soon after completion, may decide to save money by omitting sprinklers and leave the increased fire insurance premiums to a later owner.
• Buildings with sprinkler systems are sometimes referred to as ‘sprinkled buildings’

NFPA classifies buildings into 3 types of fire hazard: Light, Ordinary, and Extra. The hazard determines the sprinklers and location/quantity required.