A fire protection design is often seen as a formality for inspections. In reality, it is the instruction manual by which the system is installed, commissioned and maintained for years. Design errors carry over into installation and then show up at the worst possible moment.
Which systems count as fire protection
- fire alarm system;
- voice alarm and evacuation system;
- smoke control systems (smoke extraction, pressurization);
- automatic fire suppression installations;
- internal fire water supply (standpipes and hose reels);
- other systems required by the codes for the specific building.
Design stages
1. Input data
Architectural plans, room uses, technical specifications, client requirements, data on existing systems. For refurbishment projects, a site survey.
2. Defining requirements
Analysis of the codes (primarily DBN V.1.1-7 and DBN V.2.5-56, Ukraine's fire safety and fire protection systems codes) to determine which systems are needed, of what type and to what extent.
3. Technical solutions
Selecting equipment and system architecture, coordinating with the client and with related design disciplines (ventilation, electrical, architecture).
4. Calculations
- detector layout and loop calculations;
- power supply and battery capacity calculations;
- sound level calculations for alerting;
- aerodynamic calculations for smoke control;
- hydraulic calculations for water-based suppression, agent mass for gas suppression.
5. Working drawings
Plans showing equipment and cable route layout, block and schematic diagrams, wiring diagrams.
6. Interaction logic
The cause-and-effect matrix: how each system responds to a fire in each zone.
7. Specification and cost estimate
List of equipment, cables and materials, and the cost of the work.
Contents of the working design
The contents and format of the documentation are set by the state building codes and standards for design documentation (DBN A.2.2-3, DSTU B A.2.4-4). Typically this includes an explanatory note, drawings, diagrams, calculations, specifications and cost estimate documentation.
Common design problems
- a "template" design that ignores the actual building;
- missing or incomplete interaction logic between systems;
- no smoke control or fire suppression calculations;
- incompatible equipment in the specification;
- the design does not reflect layout changes after renovation.
Why the designer must know installation
The best designs come from engineers who have seen how systems are installed and commissioned. They account for maintenance access, real cable routes and how equipment behaves during commissioning. Our designers work alongside our installers, and Siemens and Esser systems are designed by certified engineers using the manufacturers' methods.
More details on the "Design Engineering" page.
