Fire Protection Systems

Fire Protection Systems services in Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and throughout the Lower Mainland, BC. Professional mechanical engineering solutions.

OVERVIEW

From sprinklers to booster systems, we provide comprehensive fire safety system design covering fire sprinklers, booster pumps, and fire protection system design inputs for fire safety plans.

We align with NFPA, FM Global, and local AHJ requirements, with permit packages designed to streamline AHJ review.

  • Wet, dry, deluge, and preaction sprinkler layouts
  • Fire pump, standpipe, and water supply calculations
  • Sequence-of-operations and alarm integration narratives
USE CASES & APPLICATIONS

Fire protection system design is critical for commercial buildings, residential developments, industrial facilities, and institutional buildings throughout Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and the Lower Mainland. We design systems for office buildings, residential towers, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, healthcare institutions, and educational facilities. Each building type has specific fire protection requirements that must be addressed.

We support new construction projects, building renovations, and facility expansions. Our fire protection designs ensure life safety, property protection, and code compliance. We regularly coordinate with local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) throughout BC to ensure designs meet all requirements and support the approval process.

BC's fire protection requirements are among the most stringent in Canada, particularly for high-rise buildings and industrial facilities. Our team has extensive experience working with authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) throughout the Lower Mainland, understanding their specific requirements and review processes. This local knowledge helps reduce review comments and resubmissions.

For building owners, proper fire protection design protects both lives and property. Our systems are designed to minimize false alarms while ensuring rapid response to real fires. We balance code compliance with operational efficiency, designing systems that protect buildings without disrupting operations. This practical approach has helped clients across BC achieve code compliance while maintaining building functionality.

PROCESS & WORKFLOW

We begin by analyzing building occupancy, construction type, and fire hazard classifications. We design sprinkler systems appropriate for each area, selecting wet, dry, deluge, or preaction systems based on environmental conditions and fire risks. We perform hydraulic calculations to verify adequate water supply and pressure for system operation.

We design fire pump systems where municipal water supply is insufficient, standpipe systems for fire department access, and alarm systems that integrate with building automation. We develop sequence-of-operations documents that describe system behavior during fire events. All designs include detailed calculations and specifications that support AHJ review and approval.

IFEL's fire protection design process emphasizes coordination with building systems and operational needs. We design systems that integrate seamlessly with HVAC, electrical, and building automation systems. We consider maintenance requirements, ensuring systems can be tested and maintained without disrupting building operations. This integrated approach reduces conflicts and ensures systems work effectively.

Our permit packages are designed to streamline AHJ review. We include all necessary calculations, specifications, and documentation in formats that authorities having jurisdiction find easy to review. We regularly coordinate with local AHJs throughout the Lower Mainland and are familiar with their review processes and requirements. This knowledge helps reduce review comments and resubmissions.

INDUSTRY STANDARDS & COMPLIANCE

Our fire protection designs comply with NFPA 13 for sprinkler systems, NFPA 14 for standpipes, NFPA 20 for fire pumps, the BC Building Code, and local fire department requirements. We ensure all systems meet or exceed code requirements and align with FM Global standards where applicable. Our designs account for local water supply characteristics and municipal fire protection requirements throughout British Columbia.

BC's fire protection requirements continue to evolve, with updates to the BC Building Code and NFPA standards. Our team stays current with these changes, ensuring designs meet latest requirements. We understand the nuances of different AHJs' interpretations of codes, designing systems that meet both code requirements and local AHJ expectations.

Quality in fire protection design is non-negotiable—lives depend on it. Our designs undergo rigorous review by experienced engineers with fire protection expertise. We verify all calculations, review all specifications, and ensure systems will perform as designed. This thoroughness protects both building occupants and owner liability.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQs

How do you coordinate with local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) for approvals?
We regularly coordinate with local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) throughout Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and other Lower Mainland communities. We are familiar with local requirements and design systems that meet or exceed these standards. We prepare comprehensive permit packages that include all necessary calculations and specifications for AHJ review, designed to streamline the review process. Our experience with local AHJ review processes helps reduce review comments and resubmissions.
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Partner with IFEL for professional fire protection systems services in Vancouver and Lower Mainland, BC.