Understanding the Different Types of Fire Sprinkler Symbols for Drawings

Some organizations might be interested in new fire extinguisher technology. Something as simple as an auto sprinkler valve can make a system more efficient. The fire extinguishers that are operated manually can still be used effectively. However, people need to react quickly and respond to the fires immediately under those circumstances. Automatic sprinkler systems work instantly when they’ve been maintained. An automatic water sprayer is a useful piece of modern fire safety equipment.

It’s particularly important for a large commercial or residential space to have a building fire sprinkler system. These devices can eliminate many fires and prevent others from expanding and spreading. When these systems are in place, any fires that do occur will also not produce as much smoke. Problems with toxic fumes won’t be as severe. The building itself won’t sustain as much damage from the fire itself or the smoke. Restoring the structure after the fire has occurred will be easier.
An automatic fire sprinkler company can get these important systems installed. They’ll have experienced technicians who have spent years installing new reliable fire sprinkler systems. These sprinkler systems get tested carefully. Professionals will then have to maintain the systems and get them inspected over the years.

When it comes to designing a fire sprinkler system, understanding fire sprinkler symbols for drawings can help your sprinkler plans go through the review and approval process per the building and fire protection code policy.

Fire sprinkler drawing symbols are essential safety features when developing layout detail and calculation of fire sprinkler systems. These symbols help detail key safety components for various types of fire suppression systems such as fire alarms, compartmentation, fire extinguishers, fire exits, and doors. Fire detail drawings serve as an important guide during fire evacuation and they also help conduct fire emergency drills and training for employees in a building.

Having a good fire plan drawing is also a requirement when obtaining a building construction permit for both residential and commercial construction.

Here are key fire sprinkler symbols for drawings and what each means in relation to building and fire protection code policy.

1. Doors – Fire Resisting

Fire doors are considered part of the passive fire suppression system and they are effective in reducing the spread of fire, heat, and fumes to different rooms or compartments in a premise. Many door-fire resisting doors are designed with metal frames for fixed shut and glass lights or transom for maximum illumination. The doors can offer 30 minutes of fire resistance.

2. Doors – Self Closing Devices (SC)

Denoted by the letters SC, safety doors so indicated are designed with excellent rising door or butt hinges that improves the doors self-closing mechanism. This device helps allows the door to slightly lift from the ground as it is opened, but it leaves no gap behind when closed making it an ideal solution for fire-resisting glazing and fixed shut.

3. Doors – Automatic Releases (SCA)
Automatic release doors are indicated by the letters SCA and they feature a locking mechanism that ensure the door always remains open and only close upon activation by the fire alarm system; the doors are integrated to the fire system.

4. Doors- Security (SD)
Fire exit doors indicated with initials SD come fitted with special fastenings which are readily operated from the inside without the need of keys. Emergency doors, especially needs to have panic fastenings to allow quick evacuation in the even of fire breakout.

5. Free From Fastenings (FFF)
Emergency doors on escape routes that don’t feature any form of fastenings are indicated by the initial FFF. Instead, these fire doors have catches, latches and ball which allows the door to naturally open without the struggle of having to use a key or removing fasteners.

6. Fire Resisting Glazing (FRG)
A fire protection glazed system is made of two main components; a glazed glass and a frame. Depending on the type of fire resistive glass used, the protection period could vary but most are built to offer 30 minutes fire resistance. Such systems are indicated FRG and they form a key part of the passive fire protection systems in buulding safety and building.

These are just some of the fire sprinkler symbols for drawings and understanding what they mean and how they work can help a fire sprinkler system designer develop an effective system. Other commonly used symbols categories include fire alarm, emergency lighting, fire exit, fire notice handrail, staricase and roof ventilator drawing symbols.