3.

2 An Introduction to Fire
Detection, Alarm, and
Automatic Fire Sprinklers
FREE RESOURCES
Overview
Ask NEDCC
Disaster Assistance
dlan!" #$e Online Disaster%lannin& #ool
COS#E" Coordinated Statewide Emer&enc' reparedness
Di&ital reservation
reservation ()(
reservation Education Curriculum
reservation *ea+ets
Overview
(. lannin& and rioriti,in&
2. #$e Environment
3. Emer&enc' -ana&ement
3.() Footnotes
.. Stora&e and /andlin&
0. $oto&rap$s
1. 2e3ormattin&
4. Conservation rocedures
NEDCC u5lications
Fundin& Opportunities
2esources 3or #own and -unicipal Clerks
6ital 2ecords 2eplacement
reservin& rivate and Famil' Collections
Furt$er 2eadin&
ABSTRACT
Cultural propert' mana&ement is entrusted wit$ t$e responsi5ilit' o3 protectin& and
preservin& an institution7s 5uildin&s, collections, operations and occupants. Constant
attention is re8uired to minimi,e adverse impact due to climate, pollution, t$e3t,
vandalism, insects, mold and 9re. :ecause o3 t$e speed and totalit' o3 t$e
destructive 3orces o3 9re, it constitutes one o3 t$e more serious t$reats. 6andali,ed or
environmentall' dama&ed structures can 5e repaired and stolen o5;ects recovered.
Items destro'ed 5' 9re, $owever, are &one 3orever. An uncontrolled 9re can o5literate
an entire room7s contents wit$in a 3ew minutes and completel' 5urn out a 5uildin& in
a couple $ours.
#$e 9rst step toward $altin& a 9re is to properl' identi3' t$e incident, raise t$e
occupant alarm, and t$en noti3' emer&enc' response pro3essionals. #$is is o3ten t$e
3unction o3 t$e 9re detection and alarm s'stem. Several s'stem t'pes and options are
availa5le, dependin& on t$e speci9c c$aracteristics o3 t$e protected space.
Fire protection e<perts &enerall' a&ree t$at automatic sprinklers represent one o3 t$e
sin&le, most si&ni9cant aspects o3 a 9re mana&ement pro&ram. roperl' desi&ned,
installed, and maintained, t$ese s'stems can overcome de9ciencies in risk
mana&ement, 5uildin& construction, and emer&enc' response. #$e' ma' also provide
en$anced +e<i5ilit' o3 5uildin& desi&n and increase t$e overall level o3 9re sa3et'.
#$e 3ollowin& te<t presents an overview o3 9re detection, alarm and sprinkler s'stems
includin& s'stem t'pes, components, operations, and answers to common an<ieties.
FI RE GROWTH AND BEHAVI OR
:e3ore attemptin& to understand 9re detection s'stems and automatic sprinklers, it is
5ene9cial to possess a 5asic knowled&e o3 9re development and 5e$avior. =it$ t$is
in3ormation, t$e role and interaction o3 t$ese supplemental 9re sa3et' s'stems in t$e
protection process can t$en 5e 5etter reali,ed.
:asicall', a 9re is a c$emical reaction in w$ic$ a car5on 5ased material >3uel?, mi<es
wit$ o<'&en >usuall' as a component o3 air?, and is $eated to a point w$ere
+amma5le vapors are produced. #$ese vapors can t$en come in contact wit$
somet$in& t$at is $ot enou&$ to cause vapor i&nition, and a resultin& 9re. In simple
terms, somet$in& t$at can 5urn touc$es somet$in& t$at is $ot, and a 9re is produced.
*i5raries, arc$ives, museums, and $istoric structures 3re8uentl' contain numerous
3uels. #$ese include 5ooks, manuscripts, records, arti3acts, com5usti5le interior
9nis$es, ca5inets, 3urnis$in&s, and la5orator' c$emicals. It s$ould 5e reco&ni,ed t$at
an' item containin& wood, plastic, paper, 3a5ric, or com5usti5le li8uids is a potential
3uel. #$e' also contain several common, potential i&nition sources includin& an' item,
action, or process w$ic$ produces $eat. #$ese encompass electric li&$tin& and power
s'stems, $eatin& and air conditionin& e8uipment, $eat producin& conservation and
maintenance activities, and electric o@ce appliance. Flame &eneratin& construction
activities suc$ as solderin&, 5ra,in&, and cuttin& are 3re8uent sources o3 i&nition.
Arson is un3ortunatel' one o3 t$e most common cultural propert' i&nition sources,
and must alwa's 5e considered in 9re sa3et' plannin&.
=$en t$e i&nition source contacts t$e 3uel, a 9re can start. Followin& t$is contact, t$e
t'pical accidental 9re 5e&ins as a slow &rowt$, smolderin& process w$ic$ ma' last
3rom a 3ew minutes to several $ours. #$e duration o3 t$is AincipientA period is
dependent on a variet' o3 3actors includin& 3uel t'pe, its p$'sical arran&ement, and
8uantit' o3 availa5le o<'&en. Durin& t$is period $eat &eneration increases, producin&
li&$t to moderate volumes o3 smoke. #$e c$aracteristic smell o3 smoke is usuall' t$e
9rst indication t$at an incipient 9re is underwa'. It is durin& t$is sta&e t$at earl'
detection >eit$er $uman or automatic?, 3ollowed 5' a timel' response 5' 8uali9ed 9re
emer&enc' pro3essionals, can control t$e 9re 5e3ore si&ni9cant losses occur.
As t$e 9re reac$es t$e end o3 t$e incipient period, t$ere is usuall' enou&$ $eat
&eneration to permit t$e onset o3 open, visi5le +ames. Once +ames $ave appeared,
t$e 9re c$an&es 3rom a relativel' minor situation to a serious event wit$ rapid +ame
and $eat &rowt$. Ceilin& temperatures can e<ceed (,)))B C >(,C))B F? wit$in t$e 9rst
minutes. #$ese +ames can i&nite ad;acent com5usti5le contents wit$in t$e room, and
immediatel' endan&er t$e lives o3 t$e room7s occupants. =it$in 3D0 minutes, t$e
room ceilin& acts like a 5roiler, raisin& temperatures $i&$ enou&$ to A+as$A, w$ic$
simultaneousl' i&nites all com5usti5les in t$e room. At t$is point, most contents will
5e destro'ed and $uman surviva5ilit' 5ecomes impossi5le. Smoke &eneration in
e<cess o3 several t$ousand cu5ic meters >3eet? per minute will occur, o5scurin&
visi5ilit' and impactin& contents remote 3rom t$e 9re.
I3 t$e 5uildin& is structurall' sound, $eat and +ames will likel' consume all remainin&
com5usti5les and t$en sel3 e<tin&uis$ >5urn out?. /owever, i3 wall andEor ceilin& 9re
resistance is inade8uate, >i.e. open doors, wallEceilin& 5reac$es, com5usti5le 5uildin&
construction?, t$e 9re can spread into ad;acent spaces, and start t$e process over. I3
t$e 9re remains uncontrolled, complete destruction or A5urn outA o3 t$e entire
5uildin& and contents ma' ultimatel' result.
Success3ul 9re suppression is dependent on e<tin&uis$in& +ames 5e3ore, or
immediatel' upon, +amin& com5ustion. Ot$erwise, t$e resultin& dama&e ma' 5e too
severe to recover 3rom. Durin& t$e incipient period, a trained person wit$ porta5le
9re e<tin&uis$ers ma' 5e an eFective 9rst line o3 de3ense. /owever, s$ould an
immediate response 3ail or t$e 9re &row rapidl', e<tin&uis$er capa5ilities can 5e
surpassed wit$in t$e 9rst minute. -ore power3ul suppression met$ods, eit$er 9re
department $oses or automatic s'stems, t$en 5ecome essential.
A 9re can $ave 3ar reac$in& impact on t$e institution7s 5uildin&s, contents and
mission. General conse8uences ma' include"
Collections dama&e. -ost $erita&e institutions $ouse uni8ue and irreplacea5le
o5;ects. Fire &enerated $eat and smoke can severel' dama&e or totall' destro' t$ese
items 5e'ond repair.
Operations and mission dama&e. /erita&e occupancies o3ten contain
educational 3acilities, conservation la5oratories, catalo&ue services,
administrativeEsupport staF o@ces, e<$i5ition production, retail, 3ood service, and a
$ost o3 ot$er activities. A 9re can s$ut t$ese down wit$ adverse impact on t$e
or&ani,ation7s mission and its clientele.
Structure dama&e. :uildin&s provide t$e As$ellA t$at sa3e&uards collections,
operations and occupants 3rom weat$er, pollution, vandalism and numerous ot$er
environmental elements. A 9re can destro' walls, +oors, ceilin&Eroo3 assem5lies and
structural support, as well as s'stems t$at illuminate, control temperature and
$umidit', and suppl' electrical power. #$is can in turn lead to content $arm, and
e<pensive relocation activities.
Hnowled&e loss. :ooks, manuscripts, p$oto&rap$s, 9lms, recordin&s and ot$er
arc$ival collections contain a vast wealt$ o3 in3ormation t$at can 5e destro'ed 5' 9re.
In;ur' or loss o3 li3e. #$e lives o3 staF and visitors can 5e endan&ered.
u5lic relations impact. StaF and visitors e<pect sa3e conditions in $erita&e
5uildin&s. #$ose w$o donate or loan collections presume t$ese items will 5e
sa3e&uarded. A severe 9re could s$ake pu5lic con9dence and cause a pu5lic relations
impact.
:uildin& securit'. A 9re represents t$e sin&le &reatest securit' t$reatI Given
t$e same amount o3 time, an accidental or intentionall' set 9re can cause 3ar &reater
$arm to collections t$an t$e most accomplis$ed t$ieves. Immense volumes o3 smoke
and to<ic &ases can cause con3usion and panic, t$ere5' creatin& t$e ideal
opportunit' 3or unlaw3ul entr' and t$e3t. Jnrestricted 9re9&$tin& operations will 5e
necessar', addin& to t$e securit' risk. Arson 9res set to conceal a crime are common.
#o minimi,e 9re risk and its impact, $erita&e institutions s$ould develop and
implement compre$ensive and o5;ective 9re protection pro&rams. ro&ram elements
s$ould include 9re prevention eForts, 5uildin& construction improvements, met$ods
to detect a developin& 9re and alert emer&enc' personnel, and means to eFectivel'
e<tin&uis$ a 9re. Eac$ component is important toward overall accomplis$ment o3 t$e
institution7s 9re sa3et' &oal. It is important 3or mana&ement to outline desired
protection o5;ectives durin& a 9re and esta5lis$ a pro&ram t$at addresses t$ese
&oals. #$ere3ore, t$e 5asic 8uestion to 5e asked 5' t$e propert'7s mana&ers is, A=$at
ma<imum 9re si,e and loss can t$e institution acceptKA =it$ t$is in3ormation, &oal
oriented protection can 5e implemented.
FI RE DETECTI ON AND ALARM SYSTEMS
Introduction
A ke' aspect o3 9re protection is to identi3' a developin& 9re emer&enc' in a timel'
manner, and to alert t$e 5uildin&7s occupants and 9re emer&enc' or&ani,ations. #$is
is t$e role o3 9re detection and alarm s'stems. Dependin& on t$e anticipated 9re
scenario, 5uildin& and use t'pe, num5er and t'pe o3 occupants, and criticalit' o3
contents and mission, t$ese s'stems can provide several main 3unctions. First t$e'
provide a means to identi3' a developin& 9re t$rou&$ eit$er manual or automatic
met$ods and second, t$e' alert 5uildin& occupants to a 9re condition and t$e need to
evacuate. Anot$er common 3unction is t$e transmission o3 an alarm noti9cation
si&nal to t$e 9re department or ot$er emer&enc' response or&ani,ation. #$e' ma'
also s$ut down electrical, air $andlin& e8uipment or special process operations, and
t$e' ma' 5e used to initiate automatic suppression s'stems. #$is section will
descri5e t$e 5asic aspects o3 9re detection and alarm s'stems.
Control Panels
#$e control panel is t$e A5rainA o3 t$e 9re detection and alarm s'stem. It is
responsi5le 3or monitorin& t$e various alarm AinputA devices suc$ as manual and
automatic detection components, and t$en activatin& alarm AoutputA devices suc$ as
$orns, 5ells, warnin& li&$ts, emer&enc' telep$one dialers, and 5uildin& controls.
Control panels ma' ran&e 3rom simple units wit$ a sin&le input and output ,one, to
comple< computer driven s'stems t$at monitor several 5uildin&s over an entire
campus. #$ere are two main control panel arran&ements, conventional and
addressa5le, w$ic$ will 5e discussed 5elow.
Conventional or Apoint wiredA 9re detection and alarm s'stems were 3or man' 'ears
t$e standard met$od 3or providin& emer&enc' si&nalin&. In a conventional s'stem
one or more circuits are routed t$rou&$ t$e protected space or 5uildin&. Alon& eac$
circuit, one or more detection devices are placed. Selection and placement o3 t$ese
detectors is dependent upon a variet' o3 3actors includin& t$e need 3or automatic or
manual initiation, am5ient temperature and environmental conditions, t$e
anticipated t'pe o3 9re, and t$e desired speed o3 response. One or more device t'pes
are commonl' located alon& a circuit to address a variet' o3 needs and concerns.
Jpon 9re occurrence, one or more detectors will operate. #$is action closes t$e
circuit, w$ic$ t$e 9re control panel reco&ni,es as an emer&enc' condition. #$e panel
will t$en activate one or more si&nalin& circuits to sound 5uildin& alarms and
summon emer&enc' $elp. #$e panel ma' also send t$e si&nal to anot$er alarm panel
so t$at it can 5e monitored 3rom a remote point.
In order to $elp insure t$at t$e s'stem is 3unctionin& properl', t$ese s'stems monitor
t$e condition o3 eac$ circuit 5' sendin& a small current t$rou&$ t$e wires. S$ould a
3ault occur, suc$ as due to a wirin& 5reak, t$is current cannot proceed and is
re&istered as a Atrou5leA condition. #$e indication is a need 3or service somew$ere
alon& t$e respective circuit.
In a conventional alarm s'stem, all alarm initiatin& and si&nalin& is accomplis$ed 5'
t$e s'stem7s $ardware w$ic$ includes multiple sets o3 wire, various closin& and
openin& rela's, and assorted diodes. :ecause o3 t$is arran&ement, t$ese s'stems are
actuall' monitorin& and controllin& circuits, and not individual devices.
#o 3urt$er e<plain t$is, assume t$at a 5uildin&7s 9re alarm s'stem $as 0 circuits,
,ones A t$rou&$ E, and t$at eac$ circuit $as () smoke detectors and 2 manual
stations located in various rooms o3 eac$ ,one. A 9re i&nition in one o3 t$e rooms
monitored 5' ,one AAA causes a smoke detector to &o into alarm. #$is will 5e
reported 5' t$e 9re alarm control panel as a 9re in circuit or ,one AAA. It will not
indicate t$e speci9c detector t'pe nor location wit$in t$is ,one. Emer&enc'
respondin& personnel ma' need to searc$ t$e entire ,one to determine w$ere t$e
device is reportin& a 9re. =$ere ,ones $ave several rooms, or concealed spaces, t$is
response can 5e time consumin& and waste3ul o3 valua5le response opportunit'.
#$e advanta&e o3 conventional s'stems is t$at t$e' are relativel' simple 3or small to
intermediate si,e 5uildin&s. Servicin& does not re8uire a lar&e amount o3 speciali,ed
trainin&.
A disadvanta&e is t$at 3or lar&e 5uildin&s, t$e' can 5e e<pensive to install 5ecause o3
t$e e<tensive amounts o3 wire t$at are necessar' to accuratel' monitor initiatin&
devices.
Conventional s'stems ma' also 5e in$erentl' la5or intensive and e<pensive to
maintain. Eac$ detection device ma' re8uire some 3orm o3 operational test to veri3' it
is in workin& condition. Smoke detectors must 5e periodicall' removed, cleaned, and
recali5rated to prevent improper operation. =it$ a conventional s'stem, t$ere is no
accurate wa' o3 determinin& w$ic$ detectors are in need o3 servicin&. Conse8uentl',
eac$ detector must 5e removed and serviced, w$ic$ can 5e a time consumin&, la5or
intensive, and costl' endeavor. I3 a 3ault occurs, t$e Atrou5leA indication onl' states
t$at t$e circuit $as 3ailed, 5ut does not speci9call' state w$ere t$e pro5lem is
occurrin&. Su5se8uentl', tec$nicians must surve' t$e entire circuit to identi3' t$e
pro5lem.
Addressa5le or Aintelli&entA s'stems represent t$e current state%o3%t$e%art in 9re
detection and alarm tec$nolo&'. Jnlike conventional alarm met$ods, t$ese s'stems
monitor and control t$e capa5ilities o3 eac$ alarm initiatin& and si&nalin& device
t$rou&$ microprocessors and s'stem so3tware. In eFect, eac$ intelli&ent 9re alarm
s'stem is a small computer overseein& and operatin& a series o3 input and output
devices.
*ike a conventional s'stem, t$e address s'stem consists o3 one or more circuits t$at
radiate t$rou&$out t$e space or 5uildin&. Also, like standard s'stems, one or more
alarm initiatin& devices ma' 5e located alon& t$ese circuits. #$e ma;or diFerence
5etween s'stem t'pes involves t$e wa' in w$ic$ eac$ device is monitored. In an
addressa5le s'stem, eac$ initiatin& device >automatic detector, manual station,
sprinkler water+ow switc$, etc.? is &iven a speci9c identi9cation or AaddressA. #$is
address is correspondin&l' pro&rammed into t$e control panel7s memor' wit$
in3ormation suc$ as t$e t'pe o3 device, its location, and speci9c response details suc$
as w$ic$ alarm devices are to 5e activated.
#$e control panel7s microprocessor sends a constant interro&ation si&nal over eac$
circuit, in w$ic$ eac$ initiatin& device is contacted to in8uire its status >normal or
emer&enc'?. #$is active monitorin& process occurs in rapid succession, providin&
s'stem updates ever' 0 to () seconds.
#$e addressa5le s'stem also monitors t$e condition o3 eac$ circuit, identi3'in& an'
3aults w$ic$ ma' occur. One o3 t$e advancements oFered 5' t$ese s'stems is t$eir
a5ilit' to speci9call' identi3' w$ere a 3ault $as developed. #$ere3ore, instead o3
merel' s$owin& a 3ault alon& a wire, t$e' will indicate t$e location o3 t$e pro5lem.
#$is permits 3aster dia&nosis o3 t$e trou5le, and allows a 8uicker repair and return to
normal.
Advanta&es provided 5' addressa5le alarm s'stems include sta5ilit', en$anced
maintenance, and ease o3 modi9cation. Sta5ilit' is ac$ieved 5' t$e s'stem so3tware.
I3 a detector reco&ni,es a condition w$ic$ could 5e indicative o3 a 9re, t$e control
panel will 9rst attempt a 8uick reset. For most spurious situations suc$ as insects,
dust, or 5ree,es, t$e incident will o3ten remed' itsel3 durin& t$is reset procedure,
t$ere5' reducin& t$e pro5a5ilit' o3 3alse alarm. I3 a &enuine smoke or 9re condition
e<ists, t$e detector will reenter t$e alarm mode immediatel' a3ter t$e reset attempt.
#$e control panel will now re&ard t$is as a 9re condition, and will enter its alarm
mode.
=it$ respect to maintenance, t$ese s'stems oFer several ke' advanta&es over
conventional ones. First o3 all, t$e' are a5le to monitor t$e status o3 eac$ detector. As
a detector 5ecomes dirt', t$e microprocessor reco&ni,es a decreased capa5ilit', and
provides a maintenance alert. #$is 3eature, known as *isted Inte&ral Sensitivit'
#estin&, allows 3acilities personnel to service onl' t$ose detectors t$at need attention,
rat$er t$an re8uirin& a la5or and time consumin& cleanin& o3 all units.
Advanced s'stems, suc$ as t$e FCI 42)) incorporate anot$er maintenance 3eature
known as dri3t compensation. #$is so3tware procedure ad;usts t$e detector7s
sensitivit' to compensate 3or minor dust conditions. #$is avoids t$e ultra sensitive or
A$otA detector condition w$ic$ o3ten results as de5ris o5scures t$e detector7s optics.
=$en t$e detector $as 5een compensated to its limit, t$e control panel alerts
maintenance personnel so t$at servicin& can 5e per3ormed.
-odi3'in& t$ese s'stems, suc$ as to add or delete a detector, involves connectin& or
removin& t$e respective device 3rom t$e addressa5le circuit, and c$an&in& t$e
appropriate memor' section. #$is memor' c$an&e is accomplis$ed eit$er at t$e
panel or on a personal computer, wit$ t$e in3ormation downloaded into t$e panel7s
microprocessor.
#$e main disadvanta&e o3 addressa5le s'stems is t$at eac$ s'stem $as its own
uni8ue operatin& c$aracteristics. #$ere3ore, service tec$nicians must 5e trained 3or
t$e respective s'stem. #$e trainin& pro&ram is usuall' a 3%. da' course at t$e
respective manu3acturer7s 3acilit'. eriodic update trainin& ma' 5e necessar' as new
service met$ods are developed.
Fire Detectors
=$en present, $umans can 5e e<cellent 9re detectors. #$e $ealt$' person is a5le to
sense multiple aspects o3 a 9re includin& t$e $eat, +ames, smoke, and odors. For t$is
reason, most 9re alarm s'stems are desi&ned wit$ one or more manual alarm
activation devices to 5e used 5' t$e person w$o discovers a 9re. Jn3ortunatel', a
person can also 5e an unrelia5le detection met$od since t$e' ma' not 5e present
w$en a 9re starts, ma' not raise an alarm in an eFective manner, or ma' not 5e in
per3ect $eat$ to reco&ni,e 9re si&natures. It is 3or t$is reason t$at a variet' o3
automatic 9re detectors $ave 5een developed. Automatic detectors are meant to
imitate one or more o3 t$e $uman senses o3 touc$, smell or si&$t. #$ermal detectors
are similar to our a5ilit' to identi3' $i&$ temperatures, smoke detectors replicate t$e
sense o3 smell, and +ame detectors are electronic e'es. #$e properl' selected and
installed automatic detector can 5e a $i&$l' relia5le 9re sensor.
-anual 9re detection is t$e oldest met$od o3 detection. In t$e simplest 3orm, a
person 'ellin& can provide 9re warnin&. In 5uildin&s, $owever, a person7s voice ma'
not alwa's transmit t$rou&$out t$e structure. For t$is reason, manual alarm stations
are installed. #$e &eneral desi&n p$ilosop$' is to place stations wit$in reac$ alon&
pat$s o3 escape. It is 3or t$is reason t$at t$e' can usuall' 5e 3ound near e<it doors in
corridors and lar&e rooms.
#$e advanta&e o3 manual alarm stations is t$at, upon discoverin& t$e 9re, t$e'
provide occupants wit$ a readil' identi9a5le means to activate t$e 5uildin& 9re alarm
s'stem. #$e alarm s'stem can t$en serve in lieu o3 t$e s$outin& person7s voice. #$e'
are simple devices, and can 5e $i&$l' relia5le w$en t$e 5uildin& is occupied. #$e ke'
disadvanta&e o3 manual stations is t$at t$e' will not work w$en t$e 5uildin& is
unoccupied. #$e' ma' also 5e used 3or malicious alarm activations. Nonet$eless,
t$e' are an important component in an' 9re alarm s'stem.
#$ermal detectors are t$e oldest t'pe o3 automatic detection device, $avin& ori&in in
t$e mid (C))7s, wit$ several st'les still in production toda'. #$e most common units
are 9<ed temperature devices t$at operate w$en t$e room reac$es a predetermined
temperature >usuall' in t$e (30BD(10BFE04BD4.BC?. #$e second most common t'pe o3
t$ermal sensor is t$e rate%o3%rise detector, w$ic$ identi9es an a5normall' 3ast
temperature clim5 over a s$ort time period. :ot$ o3 t$ese units are Aspot t'peA
detectors, w$ic$ means t$at t$e' are periodicall' spaced alon& a ceilin& or $i&$ on a
wall. #$e t$ird detector t'pe is t$e 9<ed temperature line t'pe detector, w$ic$
consists o3 two ca5les and an insulated s$eat$in& t$at is desi&ned to 5reakdown
w$en e<posed to $eat. #$e advanta&e o3 line t'pe over spot detection is t$at t$ermal
sensin& densit' can 5e increased at lower cost.
#$ermal detectors are $i&$l' relia5le and $ave &ood resistance to operation 3rom
non$ostile sources. #$e' are also ver' eas' and ine<pensive to maintain. On t$e
down side, t$e' do not 3unction until room temperatures $ave reac$ed a su5stantial
temperature, at w$ic$ point t$e 9re is well underwa' and dama&e is &rowin&
e<ponentiall'. Su5se8uentl', t$ermal detectors are usuall' not permitted in li3e sa3et'
applications. #$e' are also not recommended in locations w$ere t$ere is a desire to
identi3' a 9re 5e3ore su5stantial +ames occur, suc$ as spaces w$ere $i&$ value
t$ermal sensitive contents are $oused.
Smoke detectors are a muc$ newer tec$nolo&', $avin& &ained wide usa&e durin& t$e
(L4)7s and (LC)7s in residential and li3e sa3et' applications. As t$e name implies,
t$ese devices are desi&ned to identi3' a 9re w$ile in its smolderin& or earl' +ame
sta&es, replicatin& t$e $uman sense o3 smell. #$e most common smoke detectors are
spot t'pe units, t$at are placed alon& ceilin&s or $i&$ on walls in a manner similar to
spot t$ermal units. #$e' operate on eit$er an ioni,ation or p$otoelectric principle,
wit$ eac$ t'pe $avin& advanta&es in diFerent applications. For lar&e open spaces
suc$ as &alleries and atria, a 3re8uentl' used smoke detector is a pro;ected 5eam
unit. #$is detector consists o3 two components, a li&$t transmitter and a receiver,
t$at are mounted at some distance >up to 3)) 3tE())m? apart. As smoke mi&rates
5etween t$e two components, t$e transmitted li&$t 5eam 5ecomes o5structed and
t$e receiver is no lon&er a5le to see t$e 3ull 5eam intensit'. #$is is interpreted as a
smoke condition, and t$e alarm activation si&nal is transmitted to t$e 9re alarm
panel.
A t$ird t'pe o3 smoke detector, w$ic$ $as 5ecome widel' used in e<tremel' sensitive
applications, is t$e air aspiratin& s'stem. #$is device consists o3 two main
components" a cotrol unit t$at $ouses t$e detection c$am5er, an aspiration 3an and
operation circuitr'M and a network o3 samplin& tu5es or pipes. Alon& t$e pipes are a
series o3 ports t$at are desi&ned to permit air to enter t$e tu5es and 5e transported
to t$e detector. Jnder normal conditions, t$e detector constantl' draws an air sample
into t$e detection c$am5er, via t$e pipe network. #$e sample is anal',ed 3or t$e
e<istence o3 smoke, and t$en returned to atmosp$ere. I3 smoke 5ecomes present in
t$e sample, it is detected and an alarm si&nal is transmitted to t$e main 9re alarm
control panel. Air aspiratin& detectors are e<tremel' sensitive and are t'picall' t$e
3astest respondin& automatic detection met$od. -an' $i&$ tec$nolo&' or&ani,ations,
suc$ as telep$one companies, $ave standardi,ed on aspiration s'stems. In cultural
properties t$e' are used 3or areas suc$ as collections stora&e vaults and $i&$l'
valua5le rooms. #$ese are also 3re8uentl' used in aest$eticall' sensitive applications
since components are o3ten easier to conceal, w$en compared to ot$er detection
met$ods.
#$e ke' advanta&e o3 smoke detectors is t$eir a5ilit' to identi3' a 9re w$ile it is still
in its incipient. As suc$, t$e' provide added opportunit' 3or emer&enc' personnel to
respond and control t$e developin& 9re 5e3ore severe dama&e occurs. #$e' are
usuall' t$e pre3erred detection met$od in li3e sa3et' and $i&$ content value
applications. #$e disadvanta&e o3 smoke detectors is t$at t$e' are usuall' more
e<pensive to install, w$en compared to t$ermal sensors, and are more resistant to
inadvertent alarms. /owever, w$en properl' selected and desi&ned, t$e' can 5e
$i&$l' relia5le wit$ a ver' low pro5a5ilit' o3 3alse alarm.
Flame detectors represent t$e t$ird ma;or t'pe o3 automatic detection met$od, and
imitate t$e $uman sense o3 si&$t. #$e' are line o3 si&$t devices t$at operate on
eit$er an in3rared, ultraviolet or com5ination principle. As radiant ener&' in t$e
appro<imate .,))) to 4,4)) an&stroms ran&e occurs, as indicative o3 a +amin&
condition, t$eir sensin& e8uipment reco&ni,es t$e 9re si&nature and sends a si&nal to
t$e 9re alarm panel.
#$e advanta&e o3 +ame detection is t$at it is e<tremel' relia5le in a $ostile
environment. #$e' are usuall' used in $i&$ value ener&' and transportation
applications w$ere ot$er detectors would 5e su5;ect to spurious activation. Common
uses include locomotive and aircra3t maintenance 3acilities, re9neries and 3uel
loadin& plat3orms, and mines. A disadvanta&e is t$at t$e' can 5e ver' e<pensive and
la5or intensive to maintain. Flame detectors must 5e lookin& directl' at t$e 9re
source, unlike t$ermal and smoke detectors w$ic$ can identi3' mi&ratin& 9re
si&natures. #$eir use in cultural properties is e<tremel' limited.
Alarm Output Devices
Jpon receivin& an alarm noti9cation, t$e 9re alarm control panel must now tell
someone t$at an emer&enc' is underwa'. #$is is t$e primar' 3unction o3 t$e alarm
output aspect o3 a s'stem. Occupant si&nalin& components include various audi5le
and visual alertin& components, and are t$e primar' alarm output devices. :ells are
t$e most common and 3amiliar alarm soundin& device, and are appropriate 3or most
5uildin& applications. /orns are anot$er option, and are especiall' well suited to
areas w$ere a loud si&nal is needed suc$ as li5rar' stacks, and arc$itecturall'
sensitive 5uildin&s w$ere devices need partial concealment. C$imes ma' 5e used
w$ere a so3t alarm tone is pre3erred, suc$ as $ealt$ care 3acilities and t$eaters.
Speakers are t$e 3ourt$ alarm soundin& option, w$ic$ sound a reproduci5le si&nal
suc$ as a recorded voice messa&e. #$e' are o3ten ideall' suited 3or lar&e, multistor'
or ot$er similar 5uildin&s w$ere p$ased evacuation is pre3erred. Speakers also oFer
t$e added +e<i5ilit' o3 emer&enc' pu5lic address announcements. =it$ respect to
visual alert, t$ere are a num5er o3 stro5e and +as$in& li&$t devices. 6isual alertin& is
re8uired in spaces w$ere am5ient noise levels are $i&$ enou&$ to preclude $earin&
soundin& e8uipment, and w$ere $earin& impaired occupants ma' 5e 3ound.
Standards suc$ as t$e Americans wit$ Disa5ilities Act >ADA? mandate visual devices
in numerous museum, li5rar', and $istoric 5uildin& applications.
Anot$er ke' 3unction o3 t$e output 3unction is emer&enc' response noti9cation. #$e
most common arran&ement is an automatic telep$one or radio si&nal t$at is
communicated to a constantl' staFed monitorin& center. Jpon receivin& t$e alert,
t$e center will t$en contact t$e appropriate 9re department, providin& in3ormation
a5out t$e location o3 alarm. In some instances, t$e monitorin& station ma' 5e t$e
police or 9re departments, or a L(( center. In ot$er instances it will 5e a private
monitorin& compan' t$at is under contract to t$e or&ani,ation. In man' cultural
properties, t$e 5uildin&7s in$ouse securit' service ma' serve as t$e monitorin&
center.
Ot$er output 3unctions include s$uttin& down electrical e8uipment suc$ as
computers, s$uttin& oF air $andlin& 3ans to prevent smoke mi&ration, and s$uttin&
down operations suc$ as c$emical movement t$rou&$ pipin& in t$e alarmed area.
#$e' ma' also activate 3ans to e<tract smoke, w$ic$ is a common 3unction in lar&e
atria spaces. #$ese s'stems can also activate disc$ar&e o3 &aseous 9re e<tin&uis$in&
s'stems, or preaction sprinkler s'stems.
Summary
In summar', t$ere are several options 3or a 5uildin&7s 9re detection and alarm
s'stem. #$e ultimate s'stem t'pe, and selected components, will 5e dependent upon
t$e 5uildin& construction and value, its use or uses, t$e t'pe o3 occupants, mandated
standards, content value, and mission sensitivit'. Contactin& a 9re en&ineer or ot$er
appropriate pro3essional w$o understands 9re pro5lems and t$e diFerent alarm and
detection options is usuall' a pre3erred 9rst step to 9nd t$e 5est s'stem.
FI RE SPRI NKLERS
Introduction
For most 9res, water represents t$e ideal e<tin&uis$in& a&ent. Fire sprinklers utili,e
water 5' direct application onto +ames and $eat, w$ic$ causes coolin& o3 t$e
com5ustion process and prevents i&nition o3 ad;acent com5usti5les. #$e' are most
eFective durin& t$e 9re7s initial +ame &rowt$ sta&e, w$ile t$e 9re is relativel' eas' to
control. A properl' selected sprinkler will detect t$e 9re7s $eat, initiate alarm, and
5e&in suppression wit$in moments a3ter +ames appear. In most instances sprinklers
will control 9re advancement wit$in a 3ew minutes o3 t$eir activation, w$ic$ will in
turn result in si&ni9cantl' less dama&e t$an ot$erwise would $appen wit$out
sprinklers.
Amon& t$e potential 5ene9ts o3 sprinklers are t$e 3ollowin&"
Immediate identi9cation and control o3 a developin& 9re. Sprinkler s'stems
respond at all times, includin& periods o3 low occupanc'. Control is &enerall'
instantaneous.
Immediate alert. In con;unction wit$ t$e 5uildin& 9re alarm s'stem, automatic
sprinkler s'stems will noti3' occupants and emer&enc' response personnel o3 t$e
developin& 9re.
2educed $eat and smoke dama&e. Si&ni9cantl' less $eat and smoke will 5e
&enerated w$en t$e 9re is e<tin&uis$ed at an earl' sta&e.
En$anced li3e sa3et'. StaF, visitors and 9re 9&$ters will 5e su5;ect to less
dan&er w$en 9re &rowt$ is c$ecked.
Desi&n +e<i5ilit'. E&ress route and 9reEsmoke 5arrier placement 5ecomes less
restrictive since earl' 9re control minimi,es demand on t$ese s'stems. -an' 9re and
5uildin& codes will permit desi&n and operations +e<i5ilit' 5ased on t$e presence o3 a
9re sprinkler s'stem.
En$anced securit'. A sprinkler controlled 9re can reduce demand on securit'
3orces 5' minimi,in& intrusion and t$e3t opportunities.
Decreased insurance e<penditure. Sprinkler controlled 9res are less dama&in&
t$an 9res in nonsprinklered 5uildin&s. Insurance underwriters ma' oFer reduced
premiums in sprinkler protected properties.
#$ese 5ene9ts s$ould 5e considered w$en decidin& on t$e selection o3 automatic 9re
sprinkler protection.
Sprinkler System Components and Operation
Sprinkler s'stems are essentiall' a series o3 water pipes t$at are supplied 5' a
relia5le water suppl'. At selected intervals alon& t$ese pipes are independent, $eat
activated valves known as sprinkler $eads. It is t$e sprinkler t$at is responsi5le 3or
water distri5ution onto t$e 9re. -ost sprinkler s'stems also include an alarm to alert
occupants and emer&enc' 3orces w$en sprinkler activation >9re? occurs.
Durin& t$e incipient 9re sta&e, t$e $eat output is relativel' low and is una5le to cause
sprinkler operation. /owever, as t$e 9re intensit' increases, t$e sprinkler7s sensin&
elements 5ecome e<posed to elevated temperatures >t'picall' in e<cess o3 04D()4BC
>(30D220BF?, and 5e&in to de3orm. Assumin& temperatures remain $i&$, as t$e'
would durin& an increasin& 9re, t$e element will 3ati&ue a3ter an appro<imate 3) to
(2) second period. #$is releases t$e sprinkler7s seals allowin& water to disc$ar&e
onto t$e 9re and 5e&in t$e suppression action. In most situations less t$an 2
sprinklers are needed to control t$e 9re. In 3ast &rowin& 9re scenarios, $owever, suc$
as a +amma5le li8uid spill, up to (2 sprinklers ma' 5e re8uired.
In addition to normal 9re control eForts, sprinkler operation ma' 5e interconnected to
initiate 5uildin& and 9re department alarms, s$utdown electrical and mec$anical
e8uipment, close 9re doors and dampers, and suspend some processes.
As 9re 9&$ters arrive t$eir eForts will 3ocus on ensurin& t$at t$e s'stem $as
contained t$e 9re, and, w$en satis9ed, s$ut oF t$e water +ow to minimi,e water
dama&e. It is at t$is point t$at staF will normall' 5e permitted to enter t$e dama&ed
space and per3orm salva&e duties.
System Components and Types
#$e 5asic components o3 a sprinkler s'stem are t$e sprinklers, s'stem pipin&, and a
dependa5le water source. -ost s'stems also re8uire an alarm, s'stem control valves,
and means to test t$e e8uipment.
#$e sprinkler itsel3 is t$e spra' no,,le, w$ic$ distri5utes water over a de9ned 9re
$a,ard area >t'picall' (.D2( m2E(0)D220 3t2? wit$ eac$ sprinkler operatin& 5'
actuation o3 its own temperature linka&e. #$e t'pical sprinkler consists o3 a 3rame,
t$ermal operated linka&e, cap, ori9ce, and de+ector. St'les o3 eac$ component ma'
var' 5ut t$e 5asic principles o3 eac$ remain t$e same.
Frame. #$e 3rame provides t$e main structural component w$ic$ $olds t$e
sprinkler to&et$er. =ater suppl' pipin& is connected to t$e sprinkler at t$e 5ase o3
t$e 3rame. #$e 3rame $olds t$e t$ermal linka&e and cap in place, and supports t$e
de+ector durin& disc$ar&e. Frame st'les include standard and low pro9le, +us$, and
concealed mount. Some are desi&ned 3or e<tended spra' covera&e, 5e'ond t$e
ran&e o3 normal sprinklers. Standard 9nis$es include 5rass, c$rome, 5lack, and w$ite,
w$ile custom 9nis$es are availa5le 3or aest$eticall' sensitive spaces. Special
coatin&s are availa5le 3or areas su5;ect to $i&$ corrosive eFect. Selection o3 a speci9c
3rame st'le is dependent on t$e si,e and t'pe o3 area to 5e covered, anticipated
$a,ard, visual impact 3eatures, and atmosp$eric conditions.
Termal linka!e. #$e t$ermal linka&e is t$e component t$at controls water
release. Jnder normal conditions t$e linka&e $olds t$e cap in place and prevents
water +ow. As t$e link is e<posed to $eat, $owever, it weakens and releases t$e cap.
Common linka&e st'les include soldered metal levers, 3ran&i5le &lass 5ul5s, and
solder pellets. Eac$ link st'le is e8uall' dependa5le.
Jpon reac$in& t$e desired operatin& temperature, an appro<imate 3) second to .
minute time la& will 3ollow. #$is la& is t$e time re8uired 3or linka&e 3ati&ue and is
lar&el' controlled 5' t$e link materials and mass. Standard respondin& sprinklers
operate closer to t$e 3D. minute mark w$ile 8uick response >N2? sprinklers operate
in si&ni9cantl' s$orter periods. Selection o3 a sprinkler response c$aracteristic is
dependent upon t$e e<istin& risk, accepta5le loss level, and desired response action.
In $erita&e applications t$e advanta&e o3 8uick response sprinklers o3ten 5ecomes
apparent. #$e 3aster a sprinkler reacts to a 9re, t$e sooner t$e suppression activit' is
initiated, and t$e lower t$e potential dama&e level. #$is is particularl' 5ene9cial in
$i&$ value or li3e sa3et' applications w$ere t$e earliest possi5le e<tin&uis$ment is a
9re protection &oal. It is important to understand t$at response time is independent
o3 response temperature. A 8uicker respondin& sprinkler will not activate at a lower
temperature t$an a compara5le standard $ead.
Cap. #$e cap provides t$e water ti&$t seal w$ic$ is located over t$e sprinkler
ori9ce. It is $eld in place 5' t$e t$ermal linka&e, and 3alls 3rom position a3ter linka&e
$eatin& to permit water +ow. Caps are constructed solel' o3 metal or a metal wit$ a
te+on disk.
Ori"ce. #$e mac$ined openin& at t$e 5ase o3 t$e sprinkler 3rame is t$e ori9ce
3rom w$ic$ e<tin&uis$in& water +ows. -ost ori9ce openin&s are (0 mm >(E2 inc$?
diameter wit$ smaller 5ores availa5le 3or residential applications and lar&er openin&s
3or $i&$er $a,ards.
De#ector. #$e de+ector is mounted on t$e 3rame opposite t$e ori9ce. Its
purpose is to 5reak up t$e water stream disc$ar&in& 3rom t$e ori9ce into a more
e@cient e<tin&uis$in& pattern. De+ector st'les determine $ow t$e sprinkler is
mounted, wit$ common sprinkler mountin& st'les known as upri&$t >mounted a5ove
t$e pipe?, pendent >mounted 5elow t$e pipe, i.e. under ceilin&s?, and sidewall
sprinklers w$ic$ disc$ar&e water in a lateral position 3rom a wall. #$e sprinkler must
5e mounted as desi&ned to ensure proper action. Selection o3 a particular st'le is
o3ten dependent upon p$'sical 5uildin& constraints.
A sprinkler t$at $as received wide spread interest 3or museum applications is t$e
onEoF sprinkler. #$e principle 5e$ind t$ese products is t$at as a 9re occurs, water
disc$ar&e and e<tin&uis$in& action will $appen similar to standard sprinklers. As t$e
room temperature is cooled to a sa3er level, a 5imetallic snap disk on t$e sprinkler
closes and water +ow ceases. S$ould t$e 9re rei&nite, operation will once a&ain
occur. #$e advanta&e o3 onEoF sprinklers is t$eir a5ilit' to s$ut oF, w$ic$ t$eoreticall'
can reduce t$e 8uantit' o3 water distri5uted and resultant dama&e levels. #$e
pro5lem, $owever, is t$e lon& time period t$at ma' pass 5e3ore room temperatures
are su@cientl' cooled to t$e sprinkler7s s$ut oF point. In most $erita&e applications,
t$e 5uildin&7s construction will retain $eat and prevent t$e desired sprinkler s$ut
down. Fre8uentl', 9re emer&enc' response 3orces will $ave arrived and will 5e a5le to
close sprinkler ,one control valves 5e3ore t$e automatic s$ut down 3eature $as
3unctioned.
On%oF sprinklers t'picall' cost CD() times more t$an t$e avera&e sprinkler, w$ic$ is
onl' ;usti9a5le w$en assurance can 5e made t$at t$ese products will per3orm as
intended. #$ere3ore, onEoF sprinkler use in $erita&e 3acilities s$ould remain limited.
Selection o3 speci9c sprinklers is 5ased on" risk c$aracteristics, am5ient room
temperature, desired response time, $a,ard criticalit' and aest$etic 3actors. Several
sprinkler t'pes ma' 5e used in a $erita&e 3acilit'.
All sprinkler s'stems re8uire a relia5le water source. In ur5an areas, a piped pu5lic
service is t$e most common suppl', w$ile rural areas &enerall' utili,e private tanks,
reservoirs, lakes, or rivers. =$ere a $i&$ de&ree o3 relia5ilit' is desired, or a sin&le
source is undependa5le, multiple supplies ma' 5e utili,ed.
:asic water source criteria include"
#$e source must 5e availa5le at all times. Fires can $appen at an' time and
t$ere3ore, t$e water suppl' must 5e in a constant state o3 readiness. Supplies must
5e evaluated 3or resistance to pipe 3ailure, pressure loss, drou&$ts, and ot$er issues
t$at ma' impact availa5ilit'.
#$e s'stem must provide ade8uate sprinkler suppl' and pressure. A sprinkler
s'stem will create a $'draulic demand, in terms o3 +ow and pressure, on t$e water
suppl'. #$e suppl' must 5e capa5le o3 meetin& t$is demand. Ot$erwise,
supplemental components suc$ as a 9re pump or stand5' tank must 5e added to t$e
s'stem.
#$e suppl' must provide water 3or t$e anticipated 9re duration. Dependin& o3
t$e 9re $a,ard, suppression ma' take several minutes to over an $our. #$e selected
source must 5e capa5le o3 providin& sprinklers wit$ water until suppression $as 5een
ac$ieved.
#$e s'stem must provide water 3or 9re department $oses operatin& in tandem
wit$ t$e sprinkler s'stem. -ost 9re department procedures involve t$e use o3 9re
attack $oses to supplement sprinklers. #$e water suppl' must 5e capa5le o3 $andlin&
t$is additional demand wit$out adverse impact on sprinkler per3ormance.
Sprinkler water is transported to 9re via a s'stem o3 9<ed pipes and 9ttin&s. ipin&
material options include various steel allo's, copper, and 9re resistant plastics. Steel
is t$e traditional material wit$ copper and plastics utili,ed in man' sensitive
applications. rimar' considerations 3or selection o3 pipe materials include"
Ease o$ installation. #$e easier t$e material is installed, t$e less disruption
is imposed on t$e institution7s operations and mission. #$e a5ilit' to install a s'stem
wit$ t$e least amount o3 distur5ance is an important consideration, especiall' in
sprinkler retro9t applications w$ere 5uildin& use will continue durin& construction.
Cost o$ material versus cost o$ protected area. ipin& t'picall'
represents t$e &reatest sin&le cost item in a sprinkler s'stem. O3ten t$ere is a
temptation to reduce costs 5' utili,in& less e<pensive pipin& materials t$at ma' 5e
per3ectl' accepta5le in certain instances, i.e. o@ce or commercial environs. /owever,
in $erita&e applications w$ere t$e value o3 contents ma' 5e 3ar 5e'ond sprinkler
costs, appropriateness o3 t$e pipin& rat$er t$an cost s$ould 5e t$e decidin& 3actor.
Contractor $amiliarity %it materials. A mistake to 5e avoided is one in
w$ic$ t$e contractor and pipe materials $ave 5een selected, onl' to 9nd out t$at t$e
contractor is ine<perienced wit$ t$e pipe. #$is can lead to installation di@culties,
added e<pense, and increased 3ailure potential. A contractor must demonstrate
3amiliarit' wit$ t$e desired material 5e3ore selection.
Pre$a&rication re'uirements or oter installation constraints. In some
instances, suc$ as in 9ne art vaults, re8uirements ma' 5e imposed to limit t$e
amount o3 work time in t$e space. #$is will o3ten re8uire e<tensive pre3a5rication
work outside o3 t$e work area. Some materials are easil' adapted to pre3a5rication.
(aterial cleanliness. Some pipe materials are cleaner to install t$an ot$ers.
#$is will reduce t$e potential 3or soilin& collections, displa's, or 5uildin& 9nis$es
durin& installation. 6arious materials are also resistant to accumulation in t$e s'stem
water, w$ic$ could disc$ar&e onto collections. Cleanliness o3 installation and
disc$ar&e s$ould 5e a consideration.
)a&or re'uirements. Some pipe materials are $eavier or more cum5ersome
to work wit$ t$an ot$ers. Conse8uentl' additional workers are needed to install
pipes, w$ic$ can add to installation costs. I3 t$e num5er o3 construction workers
allowed into t$e 5uildin& is a 3actor, li&$ter materials ma' 5e 5ene9cial.
#$e 5ene9ts and disadvanta&es o3 eac$ material s$ould 5e evaluated prior to
selection o3 pipe materials.
Ot$er ma;or sprinkler s'stem components include"
Control valves. A sprinkler s'stem must 5e capa5le o3 s$ut down a3ter t$e
9re $as 5een controlled, and 3or periodic maintenance and modi9cation. In t$e
simplest s'stem a sin&le s$utoF valve ma' 5e located at t$e point w$ere t$e water
suppl' enters t$e 5uildin&. In lar&er 5uildin&s t$e sprinkler s'stem ma' consist o3
multiple ,ones wit$ a control valve 3or eac$. Control valves s$ould 5e located in
readil' identi9ed locations to assist responded emer&enc' personnel.
Alarms. Alarms alert 5uildin& occupants and emer&enc' 3orces w$en a
sprinkler water +ow occurs. #$e simplest alarms are water driven &on&s supplied 5'
t$e sprinkler s'stem. Electrical +ow and pressure switc$es, connected to a 5uildin&
9re alarm s'stem, are more common in lar&e 5uildin&s. Alarms are also provided to
alert 5uildin& mana&ement w$en a sprinkler valve is closed.
Drain and test connections. -ost sprinkler s'stems $ave provisions to
drain pipes durin& s'stem maintenance. Drains s$ould 5e properl' installed to
remove all water 3rom t$e sprinkler s'stem, and prevent water 3rom leaka&e onto
protected spaces, w$en pipin& service is necessar'. It is advisa5le to install drains at
a remote location 3rom t$e suppl', t$ere5' permittin& eFective s'stem +us$in& to
remove de5ris. #est connections are usuall' provided to simulate t$e +ow o3 a
sprinkler, t$ere5' veri3'in& t$e workin& condition o3 alarms. #est connections s$ould
5e operated ever' 1 mont$s.
Specialty valves. Dr'pipe and preaction sprinkler s'stems re8uire comple<,
special control valves t$at are desi&ned to $old water 3rom t$e s'stem pipin& until
needed. #$ese control valves also include air pressure maintenance e8uipment and
emer&enc' operationErelease s'stems.
Fire *ose Connections. Fire 9&$ters will o3ten supplement sprinkler s'stems
wit$ $oses. Fire9&$tin& tasks are en$anced 5' installin& $ose connections to sprinkler
s'stem pipin&. #$e additional water demand imposed 5' t$ese $oses must 5e
3actored into t$e overall sprinkler desi&n in order to prevent adverse s'stem
per3ormance.
System Types
#$ere are t$ree 5asic t'pes o3 sprinkler s'stems" wet pipe, dr' pipe and preaction,
wit$ eac$ $avin& applica5ilit', dependin& on a variet' o3 conditions suc$ as potential
9re severit', anticipated 9re &rowt$ rates, content water sensitivit', am5ient
conditions, and desired response. In lar&e multi3unction 3acilities, suc$ as a ma;or
museum or li5rar', two or more s'stem t'pes ma' 5e emplo'ed.
=et pipe s'stems are t$e most common sprinkler s'stem. As t$e name implies, a wet
pipe s'stem is one in w$ic$ water is constantl' maintained wit$in t$e sprinkler
pipin&. =$en a sprinkler activates t$is water is immediatel' disc$ar&ed onto t$e 9re.
=et pipe s'stem advanta&es include"
System simplicity and relia&ility. =et pipe sprinkler s'stems $ave t$e
least num5er o3 components and t$ere3ore, t$e lowest num5er o3 items to
mal3unction. #$is produces une<celled relia5ilit', w$ic$ is important since sprinklers
ma' 5e asked to sit in waitin& 3or man' 'ears 5e3ore t$e' are needed. #$is simplicit'
aspect also 5ecomes important in 3acilities w$ere s'stem maintenance ma' not 5e
per3ormed wit$ t$e desired 3re8uenc'.
Relative lo% installation and maintenance e+pense. Due to t$eir overall
simplicit', wet pipe sprinklers re8uire t$e least amount o3 installation time and
capital. -aintenance cost savin&s are also reali,ed since less service time is
&enerall' re8uired, compared to ot$er s'stem t'pes. #$ese savin&s 5ecome
important w$en maintenance 5ud&ets are s$rinkin&.
Ease o$ modi"cation. /erita&e institutions are o3ten d'namic wit$ respect to
e<$i5ition and operation spaces. =et pipe s'stems are advanta&eous since
modi9cations involve s$uttin& down t$e water suppl', drainin& pipes, and makin&
alterations. Followin& t$e work, t$e s'stem is pressure tested and restored. Additional
work 3or detection and special control e8uipment is avoided, w$ic$ a&ain saves time
and e<pense.
Sort term do%n time $ollo%in! a "re. =et pipe sprinkler s'stems re8uire
t$e least amount o3 eFort to restore. In most instances, sprinkler protection is
reinstated 5' replacin& t$e 3used sprinklers and turnin& t$e water suppl' 5ack on.
reaction and dr'pipe s'stems ma' re8uire additional eFort to reset control
e8uipment.
#$e main disadvanta&e o3 t$ese s'stems is t$at t$e' are not suited 3or su53ree,in&
environments. #$ere also ma' 5e concern w$ere pipin& is su5;ect to severe impact
dama&e, suc$ as some ware$ouses.
#$e advanta&es o3 wet s'stems make t$em $i&$l' desira5le 3or use in most $erita&e
applications, and wit$ limited e<ception, t$e' represent t$e s'stem o3 c$oice 3or
museum, li5rar' and $istoric 5uildin& protection.
#$e ne<t s'stem t'pe, a dr' pipe sprinkler s'stem, is one in w$ic$ pipes are 9lled
wit$ pressuri,ed air or nitro&en, rat$er t$an water. #$is air $olds a remote valve,
known as a dr' pipe valve, in a closed position. #$e dr'pipe valve is located in a
$eated area and prevents water 3rom enterin& t$e pipe until a 9re causes one or
more sprinklers to operate. Once t$is $appens, t$e air escapes and t$e dr' pipe valve
releases. =ater t$en enters t$e pipe, +owin& t$rou&$ open sprinklers onto t$e 9re.
#$e main advanta&e o3 dr' pipe sprinkler s'stems is t$eir a5ilit' to provide automatic
protection in spaces w$ere 3ree,in& is possi5le. #'pical dr' pipe installations include
un$eated ware$ouses and attics, outside e<posed loadin& docks and wit$in
commercial 3ree,ers.
-an' $erita&e mana&ers view dr' pipe sprinklers as advanta&eous 3or protection o3
collections and ot$er water sensitive areas, wit$ a perceived 5ene9t t$at a p$'sicall'
dama&ed wet pipe s'stem will leak w$ile dr' pipe s'stems will not. In t$ese
situations, $owever, dr' pipe s'stems will &enerall' not oFer an' advanta&e over wet
pipe s'stems. S$ould impact dama&e $appen, t$ere will onl' 5e a mild disc$ar&e
dela', i.e. ( minute, w$ile air in t$e pipin& is released 5e3ore water +ow.
Dr' pipe s'stems $ave some disadvanta&es t$at must 5e evaluated 5e3ore selectin&
t$is e8uipment. #$ese include"
Increased comple+ity. Dr' pipe s'stems re8uire additional control
e8uipment and air pressure suppl' components, w$ic$ increases s'stem comple<it'.
=it$out proper maintenance t$is e8uipment ma' 5e less relia5le t$an a compara5le
wet pipe s'stem.
*i!er installation and maintenance costs. #$e added comple<it'
impacts t$e overall dr'pipe installation cost. #$is comple<it' also increases
maintenance e<penditure, primaril' due to added service la5or costs.
)o%er desi!n #e+i&ility. #$ere are strict re8uirements re&ardin& t$e
ma<imum permitted si,e >t'picall' 40) &allons? o3 individual dr'pipe s'stems. #$ese
limitations ma' impact t$e a5ilit' o3 an owner to make s'stem additions.
Increased "re response time. Jp to 1) seconds ma' pass 3rom t$e time a
sprinkler opens until water is disc$ar&ed onto t$e 9re. #$is will dela' 9re
e<tin&uis$in& actions, w$ic$ ma' produce increased content dama&e.
Increased corrosion potential. Followin& operation, dr'pipe sprinkler
s'stems must 5e completel' drained and dried. Ot$erwise, remainin& water ma'
cause pipe corrosion and premature 3ailure. #$is is not a pro5lem wit$ wet pipe
s'stems w$ere water is constantl' maintained in pipin&.
=it$ t$e e<ception o3 un$eated 5uildin& spaces and 3ree,er rooms, dr' pipe s'stems
do not oFer an' si&ni9cant advanta&es over wet pipe s'stems and t$eir use in
$erita&e 5uildin&s is &enerall' not recommended.
#$e t$ird sprinkler s'stem t'pe, preaction, emplo's t$e 5asic concept o3 a dr' pipe
s'stem in t$at water is not normall' contained wit$in t$e pipes. #$e diFerence,
$owever, is t$at water is $eld 3rom pipin& 5' an electricall' operated valve, known as
a preaction valve. #$e operation o3 t$is valve is controlled 5' independent +ame,
$eat, or smoke detection. #wo separate events must $appen to initiate sprinkler
disc$ar&e. First, t$e detection s'stem must identi3' a developin& 9re and t$en open
t$e preaction valve. #$is allows water to +ow into s'stem pipin&, w$ic$ eFectivel'
creates a wet pipe sprinkler s'stem. Second, individual sprinkler $eads must release
to permit water +ow onto t$e 9re.
In some instances, t$e preaction s'stem ma' 5e set up wit$ an interlock 3eature in
w$ic$ pressuri,ed air or nitro&en is added to s'stem pipin&. #$e purpose o3 t$is
3eature is two3old" 9rst to monitor pipin& 3or leaks and second to $old water 3rom
s'stem pipin& in t$e event o3 inadvertent detector operation. #$e most common
application 3or t$is s'stem t'pe is in 3ree,er ware$ouses.
#$e primar' advanta&e o3 a preaction s'stem is t$e dual action re8uired 3or water
release" t$e preaction valve must operate and sprinkler $eads must 3use. #$is
provides an added level o3 protection a&ainst inadvertent disc$ar&e, and 3or t$is
reason, t$ese s'stems are 3re8uentl' emplo'ed in water sensitive environments suc$
as arc$ival vaults, 9ne art stora&e rooms, rare 5ook li5raries and computer centers.
#$ere are some disadvanta&es to preaction s'stems. #$ese include"
*i!er installation and maintenance costs. reaction s'stems are more
comple< wit$ several additional components, nota5l' a 9re detection s'stem. #$is
adds to t$e overall s'stem cost.
(odi"cation di,culties. As wit$ dr'pipe s'stems, preaction sprinkler
s'stems $ave speci9c si,e limitations w$ic$ ma' impact 3uture s'stem modi9cations.
In addition, s'stem modi9cations must incorporate c$an&es to t$e 9re detection and
control s'stem to ensure proper operation.
Potential decreased relia&ility. #$e $i&$er level o3 comple<it' associated
wit$ preaction s'stems creates an increased c$ance t$at somet$in& ma' not work
w$en needed. 2e&ular maintenance is essential to ensure relia5ilit'. #$ere3ore, i3 t$e
3acilit'7s mana&ement decides to install preaction sprinkler protection, t$e' must
remain committed to installin& t$e $i&$est 8ualit' e8uipment, and to maintainin&
t$ese s'stems as re8uired 5' manu3acturer7s recommendations.
rovided t$e application is appropriate, preaction s'stems $ave a place in $erita&e
5uildin&s, especiall' in water sensitive spaces.
A sli&$t variation o3 preaction sprinklers is t$e delu&e s'stem, w$ic$ is 5asicall' a
preaction s'stem usin& open sprinklers. Operation o3 t$e 9re detection s'stem
releases a delu&e valve, w$ic$ in turn produces immediate water +ow t$rou&$ all
sprinklers in a &iven area. #'pical delu&e s'stems applications are 3ound in
speciali,ed industrial situations, i.e., aircra3t $an&ers and c$emical plants, w$ere $i&$
velocit' suppression is necessar' to prevent 9re spread. Jse o3 delu&e s'stems in
$erita&e 3acilities is rare and t'picall' not recommended.
Anot$er preaction s'stem variation is t$e onEoF s'stem w$ic$ utili,es t$e 5asic
arran&ement o3 a preaction s'stem, wit$ t$e addition o3 a t$ermal detector and
nonlatc$in& alarm panel. #$e s'stem 3unctions similar to an' ot$er preaction
sprinkler s'stem, e<cept t$at as t$e 9re is e<tin&uis$ed, a t$ermal device cools to
allow t$e control panel to s$ut oF water +ow. I3 t$e 9re s$ould rei&nite, t$e s'stem
will turn 5ack on. In certain applications onEoF s'stems can 5e eFective. Care,
$owever, must 5e e<ercised w$en selectin& t$is e8uipment to ensure t$at it 3unctions
as desired. In most ur5an areas, it is likel' t$at t$e 9re department will arrive 5e3ore
t$e s'stem $as s$ut itsel3 down, t$ere5' de3eatin& an' actual 5ene9ts.
Sprinkler Concerns
Several common misconceptions a5out sprinkler s'stems e<ist. Conse8uentl',
$erita&e 5uildin& owners and operators are o3ten reluctant to provide t$is protection,
especiall' 3or collections stora&e and ot$er water sensitive spaces. #'pical
misunderstandin&s include"
When one sprinkler operates, all will activate. =it$ t$e e<ception o3 delu&e
s'stems >discussed later in t$is lea+et?, onl' t$ose sprinklers in direct contact wit$
t$e 9re7s $eat will react. Statisticall', appro<imatel' 1(O o3 all sprinkler controlled
9res are stopped 5' two or less sprinklers.
Sprinklers operate when exposed to smoke. Sprinklers 3unction 5' t$ermal
impact a&ainst t$eir sensin& elements. #$e presence o3 smoke alone will not cause
activation wit$out $i&$ $eat.
Sprinkler systems are prone to leakage or inadvertent operation. Insurance
statistics indicate a 3ailure rate o3 appro<imatel' ( $ead 3ailure per (1,))),)))
sprinklers installed per 'ear. Sprinkler components and s'stems are amon& t$e most
tested s'stems in an avera&e 5uildin&. Failure o3 a proper s'stem is ver' remote.
=$ere 3ailures do occur, t$e' are usuall' t$e result o3 improper desi&n, installation,
or maintenance. #$ere3ore, to avoid pro5lems, t$e institution s$ould care3ull' select
t$ose w$o will 5e responsi5le 3or t$e installation and 5e committed to proper s'stem
maintenance.
Sprinkler activation will cause excessive water damage to contents and
structure. =ater dama&e will occur w$en a sprinkler activates. #$is issue 5ecomes
relative, $owever, w$en compared to alternative suppression met$ods. #$e t'pical
sprinklerwill disc$ar&e appro<imatel' 20 &allons per minute >G-? w$ile t$e t'pical
9re department $ose delivers ())D20) G-. Sprinklers are si&ni9cantl' less
dama&in& t$an $oses. Since sprinklers usuall' operate 5e3ore t$e 9re 5ecomes lar&e,
t$e overall water 8uantit' re8uired 3or control is lower t$an situations w$ere t$e 9re
continues to increase until 9re9&$ters arrive.
#$e ta5le 5elow s$ows appro<imate comparative water application rates 3or various
manual and automatic suppression met$ods.
Table 31: Fire Suppression Water Application
Rates
Delivery Method Liters/m
in.
Gallons/m
in.
orta5le Fire
E<tin&uis$erEAppliance
() 2.0
Occupant Jse Fire /ose 3C) ())
Sprinkler >(? L0 20
Sprinkler >2? (C) .4
Sprinkler >3? 21) 42
Fire Department, Sin&le (.0
/ose
3C) ())
Fire Department, Dou5le (.0
/ose
41) 2))
Fire Department, Sin&le 2.0
/ose
L0) 20)
Fire Department, Dou5le 2.0
/ose
(L)) 0))

One 9nal point to consider is t$at t$e water dama&e is usuall' capa5le o3 repair
and restoration. :urned out contents, $owever, are o3ten 5e'ond mend.
Sprinkler systems look ad and will harm the uilding!s appearance. #$is
concern $as usuall' resulted 3rom someone w$o $as o5served a less t$an ideal
appearin& s'stem, and admittedl' t$ere are some poorl' desi&ned s'stems out
t$ere. Sprinkler s'stems can 5e desi&ned and installed wit$ almost no aest$etic
impact.
#o ensure proper desi&n, t$e institution and desi&n team s$ould take an active role in
t$e selection o3 visi5le components. Sprinkler pipin& s$ould 5e placed, eit$er
concealed or in a decorative arran&ement, to minimi,e visual impact. Onl' sprinklers
wit$ $i&$ 8ualit' 9nis$es s$ould 5e used. O3ten sprinkler manu3acturers will use
customer provided paints to matc$ 9nis$ colors, w$ile maintainin& t$e sprinkler7s
listin&. #$e selected sprinkler contractor must understand t$e role o3 aest$etics.
#o $elp ensure overall success, t$e sprinkler s'stem desi&ner s$ould understand t$e
institution7s protection o5;ectives, operations, and 9re risks. #$is individual s$ould 5e
knowled&ea5le a5out s'stem re8uirements and +e<i5le to implement uni8ue,
t$ou&$t%out solutions 3or t$ose areas w$ere special aest$etic or operations concerns
e<ist. #$e desi&ner s$ould 5e e<perienced in t$e desi&n o3 s'stems in arc$itecturall'
sensitive applications.
Ideall', t$e sprinkler contractor s$ould 5e e<perienced workin& in $erita&e
applications. /owever, an option is to select a contractor e<perienced in water
sensitive applications suc$ as telecommunications, p$armaceuticals, clean rooms, or
$i&$ tec$ manu3acturin&. Companies includin& A#P#, :ristol -e'ers S8ui55, and I:-
$ave ver' strin&ent sprinkler installation re8uirements. I3 a sprinkler contractor $as
demonstrated success wit$ t$ese t'pe o3 or&ani,ations, t$en t$e' will 5e capa5le o3
per3ormin& satis3actoril' in a $erita&e site.
#$e selected sprinkler components s$ould 5e provided 5' a reputa5le manu3acturer,
e<perienced in special, water sensitive $a,ards. #$e cost diFerential 5etween
avera&e and t$e $i&$est 8ualit' components is minimal. #$e lon& term 5ene9t,
$owever, is su5stantial. =$en considerin& t$e value o3 a 3acilit' and its contents, t$e
e<tra investment is wort$ w$ile.
=it$ proper attention to selection, desi&n, and maintenance, sprinkler s'stems will
serve t$e institution wit$out adverse impact. I3 t$e institution or desi&n team does
not possess t$e e<perience to ensure t$e s'stem is proper, a 9re protection en&ineer
e<perienced in $erita&e applications can 5e a &reat advanta&e.
-ater (ist
One o3 t$e most promisin& automatic e<tin&uis$in& tec$nolo&ies is t$e recentl'
availa5le 9ne water droplet, or mist s'stems. #$is tec$nolo&' represents anot$er tool
t$at can provide automatic 9re suppression in some cultural propert' applications.
otential uses include locations w$ere relia5le water supplies do not e<ist, w$ere
even sprinkler water disc$ar&es are too $i&$, or w$ere 5uildin& construction and
aest$etics impact t$e use o3 standard sprinkler pipe dimensions. -ist s'stems ma'
also 5e an appropriate solution to t$e protection void le3t 5' t$e environmental
concerns, and su5se8uent demise, o3 /alon (3)( &as.
-ist tec$nolo&' was ori&inall' developed 3or oFs$ore uses suc$ as on 5oard s$ips
and oil drillin& plat3orms. For 5ot$ o3 t$ese applications, t$ere is a need to control
severe 9res w$ile limitin& t$e amount o3 e<tin&uis$in& water, w$ic$ could impact
vessel sta5ilit'. #$ese s'stems $ave 5een e<tensivel' approved 5' a num5er o3
domestic and international marine or&ani,ations, and $ave 5een a protection
standard 3or t$e past CD() 'ears. #$e' $ave a solid track record dealin& wit$
maritime 9res. #$ese s'stems $ave also 5een used in several land 5ased
applications, and $ave a num5er o3 listin&s, primaril' in Europe, w$ere t$eir
eFectiveness $as 5een reco&ni,ed. Some s'stems $ave recentl' received approvals
3or Nort$ American land 5ased uses.
-ist s'stems disc$ar&e limited water 8uantities at $i&$er pressures t$an sprinkler
s'stems. #$ese pressures ran&e 3rom appro<imatel' ()) to (,))) psi, wit$ t$e $i&$er
pressure s'stems &enerall' producin& lar&er volumes o3 9ne spra's. #$e produced
droplets are usuall' in t$e 0) to 2)) micron diameter ran&e >compared to 1))D(,)))
microns 3or standard sprinklers?, resultin& in e<ceptionall' $i&$ e@cienc' coolin& and
9re control, wit$ si&ni9cantl' little water. In most situations, 9res are controlled wit$
appro<imatel' ()%20O o3 t$e water normall' associated wit$ sprinklers. =ater
saturation t$at is o3ten associated wit$ standard 9re9&$tin& procedures is decreased.
Ot$er 5ene9ts include lower aest$etic impact and known environmental sa3et'.
#'pical water mist s'stems consist o3 t$e 3ollowin& components"
-ater supply. =ater 3or a s'stem ma' 5e provided 5' eit$er t$e piped
5uildin& s'stem or a dedicated tank arran&ement. In some instances, lower pressure
s'stems ma' use e<istin& sprinkler pipin&. For most, $owever, supplemental pumps
will 5e re8uired. Ot$er options include dedicated waterEnitro&en stora&e c'linders,
w$ic$ can deliver a limited duration suppl'.
Pipin! and no//les. ipin& can 5e &reatl' reduced w$en compared to
sprinklers. For low pressure s'stems, pipes are &enerall' 20%0)O smaller t$an
compara5le sprinkler pipin&. For $i&$ pressure s'stems, pipin& is even smaller wit$
t$e ).0)%).40 inc$ diameters as t$e norm. *ike sprinklers, no,,les are individuall'
activated 5' t$e 9re7s $eat, and are selected to cover a certain si,e $a,ard. #$eir
si,es are compara5le to a low pro9le sprinkler.
Detection and control e'uipment. In some instances, mist disc$ar&e can
5e controlled 5' selected, $i&$ relia5ilit' intelli&ent detectors or 5' an advanced
tec$nolo&' 6ESDA smoke detection s'stem. #$ese s'stems represent t$e premier,
stateo3t$eart, 9re detection tec$nolo&' t$at can provide ver' earl' warnin& o3 a
developin& 9re, as well as reduce t$e pro5a5ilit' o3 inadvertent disc$ar&e.
At t$is point, one o3 t$e main draw5acks to mist s'stems is t$eir $i&$er cost, w$ic$
can 5e 0)D())O &reater t$an standard sprinklers. #$is cost, $owever, ma' 5e
reduced due to possi5le installation la5or savin&s. In rural applications, w$ere relia5le
sprinkler water supplies can 5e e<pensive, mist s'stems ma' 5e compara5le or less
t$an standard sprinklers. Anot$er pro5lem is t$at t$ese s'stems do not $ave t$e
variet' o3 approvals and listin&s commonl' associated wit$ sprinklers. As suc$, t$e'
ma' not 5e as reco&ni,ed 5' 9re and 5uildin& aut$orities. In addition, t$e num5er o3
contractors w$o are 3amiliar wit$ t$e tec$nolo&' is limited. #$ese concerns are
diminis$in&, $owever, as use o3 t$ese s'stems 5ecomes more widespread.
Summary
In summar', automatic sprinklers o3ten represent one o3 t$e most important 9re
protection options 3or most $erita&e applications. #$e success3ul application o3
sprinklers is dependent upon care3ul desi&n and installation o3 $i&$ 8ualit'
components 5' capa5le en&ineers and contractors. A properl' selected, desi&ned
and installed s'stem will oFer une<celled relia5ilit'. Sprinkler s'stem components
s$ould 5e selected 3or compliance wit$ t$e institution7s o5;ectives. =et pipe s'stems
oFer t$e &reatest de&ree o3 relia5ilit' and are t$e most appropriate s'stem t'pe 3or
most $erita&e 9re risks. =it$ t$e e<ception o3 spaces su5;ect to 3ree,in& conditions,
dr' pipe s'stems do not oFer advanta&es over wet pipe s'stems in $erita&e
5uildin&s. reaction sprinkler s'stems are 5ene9cial in areas o3 $i&$est water
sensitivit'. #$eir success is dependent upon selection o3 proper suppression and
detection components and mana&ement7s commitment to properl' maintain
s'stems. =ater mist represents a ver' promisin& alternative to &aseous a&ent
s'stems.
ADDI TI ONAL I NFORMATI ON
#$e 3ollowin& in3ormation sources are availa5le to assist wit$ selection o3 9re
sprinkler s'stems"
Fire Sa3et' NetworkM ost O@ce :o< CL0M -iddle5ur', 6ermont )0403M JSA.
#elep$one" >C)2? 3CC%()1.. E%mail" 9resa3eQ&mavt.net.
National Fire rotection AssociationM :atter'marc$ arkM Nuinc',
-assac$usetts )221LM JSA. #elep$one" >1(4? 44)%3))). $ttp"EEwww.n3pa.or&.
2elia5le Automatic Sprinkler, Inc.M 020 Nort$ -acNuesten arkwa', -ount
6ernon, New Rork ()002 JSA. #elep$one" >C))? 11C%3.4). Attention" -s Hat$' Slack,
-arketin& -ana&er.$ttp"EEwww.relia5lesprinkler.com.
Fire Control InstrumentsM 3)( Second Street, =alt$am, -assac$usetts )2(0..
#elep$one" >4C(? .C4%))CC. Attention" -r. 2and' Edwards.

Written y "ick #rtim

Attri&ution01onCommercial01oDerivs
CC 2301C01D
4 2ack to )ea#et )ist
5. Emer!ency (ana!ement
3.( rotection 3rom *oss" =ater and Fire Dama&e, :iolo&ical A&ents, #$e3t, and 6andalism
3.2 An Introduction to Fire Detection, Alarm, and Automatic Fire Sprinklers
3.3 Disaster lannin&
3.. =orks$eet 3or Outlinin& a Disaster lan
3.0 Emer&enc' -ana&ement :i5lio&rap$'
3.1 Emer&enc' Salva&e o3 =et :ooks and 2ecords
3.4 Emer&enc' Salva&e o3 =et $oto&rap$s
3.C Emer&enc' Salva&e o3 -old' :ooks and aper
3.L rotectin& Collections Durin& 2enovation
3.() Inte&rated est -ana&ement
3.(( Collections Securit'" lannin& and revention 3or *i5raries and Arc$ives
3.(2 Free,in& and Dr'in& =et :ooks and 2ecords
Site Search


Northeast Doc!e"t Co"ser#atio" Ce"ter
$%% Bric&sto"e S'are
A"(o#er) MA %$*$%
Pho"e+ ,-*./-%.$%$%
Fa0+ ,-*./-1.2%3$
E!ai4+ in3oQnedcc.or&

NEDCC Sta55 Porta4
*ome
A&out
Overview
-ission
/istor'
NEDCC Stories
News 2oom
StaF
:oard
Advisor' Committee
#estimonials
Contact
Poto )i&rary
Common Conservation ro5lems
Conservation #ools
Conservators at =ork
:e3ore and A3ter
Supporters
Donate
Contri5ute to NEDCC7s reservation Fund
Donate Now
6erisi&n rivac' Statement
-orkin! %it 1EDCC
Overview
Disaster Assistance
Conservation Services 3or Cultural Institutions
Conservation Services 3or rivate and Famil' Collections
Di&ital Ima&in& 3or Institutions and rivate and Famil' Collections
Collection Assessments
reservation Needs Assessments
ackin& and S$ippin& aper Arti3acts
2ook Conservation
A5out
=orkin& wit$ Conservation 3or Cultural Institutions
=orkin& wit$ Conservation 3or rivate and Famil' Collections
Paper Conservation
A5out
Asian Art Conservation
=orkin& wit$ Conservation 3or Cultural Institutions
=orkin& wit$ Conservation 3or rivate and Famil' Collections
Poto!rap Conservation
A5out
=orkin& wit$ Conservation 3or Cultural Institutions
=orkin& wit$ Conservation 3or rivate and Famil' Collections
Ima!in! Services
A5out
=$at -akes NEDCCSS Ima&in& Services DiFerentK
=orkin& wit$ Di&ital Ima&in&
Audio Preservation
A5out
I2ENE Seein& Sound :lo&
Assessments and Consultations
A5out
=orkin& wit$ Collection Assessments and Consultations
=orkin& wit$ reservation Needs Assessments
Preservation Trainin!
A5out
#rainin& Calendar
Current ro&rams *ist
Di&ital Directions
reservation ()(
Free Resources
Overview
Ask NEDCC
Disaster Assistance
dlan!" #$e Online Disaster%lannin& #ool
COS#E" Coordinated Statewide Emer&enc' reparedness
Di&ital reservation
reservation ()(
reservation Education Curriculum
reservation *ea+ets
NEDCC u5lications
Fundin& Opportunities
2esources 3or #own and -unicipal Clerks
6ital 2ecords 2eplacement
reservin& rivate and Famil' Collections
Furt$er 2eadin&