Fire protection systems come in unique forms and are strongly used in Malaysia as they are essential for keeping people and properties safe from fire risks. These systems use different technologies and methods to detect, suppress, and control fires. In this article, we will discuss common fire protection systems used in various environments, explaining their roles and advantages.

1. Portable Fire Extinguishers

Portable fire extinguishers are among the most accessible and widely recognized fire protection devices. They are designed to quickly extinguish small fires before they escalate. Portable extinguishers come in different types, such as water, foam, powder, and CO2, each suitable for different classes of fire. 

There are 5 classes of fires, each classified based on the type of fuel involved. Understanding these classes is crucial for effective fire prevention and firefighting strategies:

Class A fires: Commonly found in homes, offices, and buildings. These fires involve combustible solid materials such as paper, wood, plastic, textiles, and other similar substances. 

Class B fires: Fires that involve flammable liquids like kerosene, diesel, petrol, oils, and other similar substances and are often found in industrial settings, garages, or places where flammable liquids are stored or used.

Class C fires: Involve flammable gases, such as natural gas, propane, butane, or methane. Occur in areas with gas pipelines, gas-powered appliances, or areas where gas leaks are possible.

Class D fires: Refers to fires involving reactive metals, including sodium and potassium, but can also include other metals like magnesium, titanium, or lithium.

Class E fires: Caused by electrical equipment or wiring. When electrical equipment malfunctions, overheats, or experiences electrical faults, it can ignite surrounding materials and result in a Class E fire.

2. External Fire Hydrant System

External fire hydrant systems consist of a network of hydrants connected to a pressurised water supply. These systems are typically found in outdoor areas, such as industrial complexes, commercial buildings, and public spaces. 

There are two main types of hydrant installations commonly used for fire protection, which include wet hydrant systems and dry hydrant systems, both of which play crucial roles in ensuring the safety of buildings and facilitating effective firefighting operations.

• Water that feeds directly from JBA Water mains. The hydrant system is designed to tap into the existing water supply infrastructure, allowing for a constant and reliable source of water during firefighting operations. The water mains are typically pressurised, ensuring a steady flow of water to the hydrant outlets when needed. This method eliminates the need for additional storage tanks or pumps, as the water is supplied directly from the public water supply.

• Water that is fed directly by Pressurised Fire Pumps from Hydrant Storage Tanks. The hydrant system in this manner relies on hydrant storage tanks and pressurised fire pumps to supply water. Hydrant storage tanks are enormous containers that hold a big amount of water for fire prevention purposes. These tanks are normally filled on a regular basis and are equipped with pumps to maintain system pressure. 

3. Hose Reel System

The pipework of the hydrant systems is coated and painted red to improve visibility and ease identification. The colour red is widely recognised as a symbol of firefighting apparatus and aids individuals, particularly firemen and tenants, in recognising the existence of hydrant systems. The red coating also serves as a visual indicator, directing attention to the placement of the hydrant outputs and showing the presence of a firefighting water supply.

4. Dry Riser System

Dry riser systems are designed for tall buildings or structures that exceed the reach of fire service hoses. Dry risers are typically empty and rely on fire engines to pump water into the system. They consist of a vertical pipe called a riser, with landing valves installed on each floor. Firefighters can connect canvas hoses with nozzles to these valves to direct a powerful jet of water towards the fire.

A well-designed and typical hydrant system usually comprises the following components:

• Riser Pipes – G.I. Pipes Class C of ND 150/100mm
• Fittings – SGP Butt Weld Fittings GALV or Grooved Mechanical Fittings
• Valves – Landing Valves (ND 65mm)
• Canvas Hose Assembly (63mm x 30ML) 
•  Breeching Inlet – either 2-way or 4-way Breeching Inlets
• Air Release Valve – usually of ND 25m

5. Wet Riser System:

Wet riser systems are always filled with water and commonly installed in buildings with a constant water supply like shopping centres, hotels, and hospitals for reliable fire fighting water. This ensures a reliable source of water is readily available for firefighting operations.

These components collaborate to provide a controlled and efficient water supply for firefighting activities, thereby contributing to the safety and protection of people and property.

• Pipes (Riser) 
• Fittings 
• Valves – Landing Valves and Brass Air Release Valve (Vent)
• Canvas Hose Assembly 
• Breeching Inlet 
• Accessories – Water Tank – Pressed Steel, FRP or concrete
•  Pumps – Fire Pumps & Jockey Pump
• Control Panels 

6. Downcomer System:

Downcomer systems are primarily used in industrial settings where there is a higher risk of flammable liquids or hazardous materials. These systems consist of vertical pipes or ducts that allow firefighters to deliver firefighting agents, such as foam or water, directly to the source of the fire. 

The Downcomer system, which is a vital component of fire protection infrastructure, typically consists of the following specific elements:

• Downcomer Pipes: Downcomer pipes are vertical pipes used in fire protection systems to transport water from higher levels of a building to lower levels. These pipes are normally composed of galvanised iron (GI) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and are adequately proportioned to ensure adequate water flow and pressure.

• Fittings: Fittings are critical components that link and protect the system’s downcomer pipes, valves, and other components. Fittings such as elbows, tees, reducers, and couplings are built of materials compatible with the pipes, such as brass or PVC, and ensure a secure and leak-free connection.

• Valves: Various valves are used in the Downcomer system to control the water flow and pressure. Check valves, gate valves, and control valves are examples of these valves. They enable water supply separation, modulation, and directional control, assuring efficient operation and effective fire suppression.

• Accessories: Downcomer accessories enhance the functionality and safety of the system. Pressure gauges are used to measure water pressure, strainers are used to filter material, drainage outlets are used to remove excess water, and pipe supports are used to keep the pipes in place. These accessories improve the system’s performance and dependability.

• Canvas Hose Assembly: The Downcomer system includes a canvas hose assembly, which consists of a flexible hose and couplings. It is specifically intended for firefighting and provides a way to distribute water to lower floors or isolated regions of a building during a fire. The canvas hose assembly is heat, abrasion, and kinking resistant.

• Breeching inlet: A connecting point for external water sources, such as fire engines or water tenders, to supplement the water supply of the Downcomer system. It enables the rapid and effective movement of water into the system, which improves firefighting capabilities, particularly in cases where the internal water supply is limited.

• Valves: Brass Air Release Valve (Vent): To release trapped air and ensure optimal water flow, a brass air release valve, also known as a vent valve, is frequently incorporated in the Downcomer system. These valves are normally made of brass for durability and can be operated manually or automatically using air release mechanisms.

7. Automatic Sprinkler System:

These fire protection systems available in Malaysia comprise a network of pipes with sprinkler heads installed throughout a building. When a specific temperature is reached, individual sprinkler heads are activated, releasing water to suppress or control the fire. 

Each system is catered to specific settings and there are different types of sprinkler systems with its unique and distinct purpose:

• Wet Pipe Installation: The pipeline in this system is always filled with water, ready to be discharged when the sprinkler head’s bulb breaks.

• Dry Pipe Installation: In this system, the pipeline is filled with air under pressure. When the sprinkler head’s bulb breaks, the air is released, allowing water to fill the system and be discharged through the sprinkler head.

• Pre-action Installation: When fire is detected by smoke or heat detectors, a valve is opened to fill the system with water. Water is discharged from the sprinkler head only when the sprinkler bulb breaks.

• Deluge Installation: Doesn’t have individual sprinkler bulbs. Water is simultaneously discharged from all the sprinkler heads in the system when fire is detected.

8. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishing System:

This system monitors the area and activates visual and audio alarms before releasing the CO2 gas. When a fire is detected, the CO2 gas is discharged after a delay to provide a warning for occupants to evacuate the room. It should not be installed in rooms that are regularly occupied by people.

The components of a CO2 system include:

• Pipes: These are seamless carbon steel schedule pipes.
• Fittings: The system uses black malleable iron fittings, similar to those used for steam.
• Accessories: Smoke and heat detectors are included as additional components.
• Accessories: CO2 cylinders are also part of the system.

Fire Protection Systems in Malaysia and Why Its Important

In the nutshell, fire protection systems are available in Malaysia as it is crucial for keeping people and properties safe from the damaging effects of fires. It is important to regularly inspect, maintain, and test these systems to ensure they work reliably and effectively.

By implementing and integrating these common fire protection systems, individuals and organisations can significantly reduce the risk of fire incidents and enhance the safety of occupants and valuable assets. 

Prioritising fire safety is essential, and investing in appropriate fire protection systems is a crucial step towards comprehensive fire prevention and response strategies. Shop at Unitrade Hub to find the best components and parts for your fire safety needs!