How is the overall fire demand established for a system?

The overall fire demand for a system is established primarily through hydraulic calculations and adherence to code requirements. Hydraulic calculations are essential because they determine the required flow and pressure to adequately supply a fire protection system, ensuring that it can deliver the necessary amount of water in the event of a fire. These calculations take into account various factors including the size and type of the system, the layout of the piping, and the flow characteristics of the water supply.

Additionally, building codes and fire protection standards set specific requirements for fire protection systems, detailing minimum flow rates and pressure stipulations based on the occupancy type, hazard level, and building height. Compliance with these codes is critical to ensure safety and effectiveness in fire suppression efforts.

This methodical approach ensures that the fire demand is accurately calculated to guarantee that the system will function as intended in an emergency, unlike trial and error or reliance solely on manufacturer specifications or customer requests, which may not provide the same level of reliability or compliance with safety standards.