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One of the most hazardous threats in a building is smoke. While fires can cause significant damage, smoke often leads to the most injuries. To protect occupants, furnishings, and equipment from smoke damage, a smoke control system is essential. These systems manage smoke flow during a fire, preventing its spread, providing clear evacuation routes, and minimizing interior damage.
Upgrading or replacing a fire alarm system is an opportune time to consider integrating a smoke control system. Fire control systems aim to contain and extinguish fires quickly, often triggered automatically by heat, and typically relying on water supplies like sprinklers. However, they do not address smoke. Smoke control systems, powered by electricity to run fans and dampers, are designed to work alongside fire control systems without interference. For instance, in buildings with sprinkler systems, smoke control systems don’t need to handle large quantities of smoke since fires remain smaller.
Smoke control systems vary by building, so updating them in conjunction with fire suppression, evacuation plans, or alarm systems is crucial. These systems protect against the spread of smoke and toxic fumes, ensuring a safer egress for occupants during a fire and minimizing property damage. Typical smoke control systems include high-powered fans, air ducts, and exhaust vents. By creating air pressure differences between smoke control zones, these systems prevent smoke from spreading throughout the building.
Basic System Types
Smoke control systems generally fall into two categories: shaft protection and floor protection. Shaft protection includes stairwell pressurization and elevator hoist way systems. The choice of system depends on building and fire code requirements as well as specific occupancy and life safety needs.
Smoke Baffles
Smoke baffles, or smoke curtains, are additions to most smoke control systems. While they have different requirements than fully deployable containment systems, they help direct smoke towards exhaust systems.
Benefits of Integrating a Smoke Control System
- Reducing fire spread risk: Smoke evacuation systems help prevent fire spread by removing smoke from the air.
- Protecting firefighters: These systems create safer conditions for firefighters by improving visibility in a burning building.
- Increasing survival rates: By removing smoke, these systems reduce the risk of respiratory distress and carbon monoxide poisoning.
- ADA compliance: Smoke control systems allow for designated safe areas where occupants can shelter in place until rescue personnel arrive.
Smoke control systems are vital for both safety and aesthetics in any facility’s life safety system. Understanding their function and benefits can help you decide if they are right for your building. Consulting a professional for design and installation ensures a reliable, effective system to control smoke when a fire is present.
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