In modern building projects, fire protection systems are often designed and installed by separate disciplines, leading to costly misalignments and inefficiencies. This course bridges that gap by providing a unified understanding of fire alarm and sprinkler systems, including their interaction, code compliance, and commissioning. Engineers will gain practical insights into system coordination, recent code updates, and special applications like gas suppression and early detection in high-risk environments.

• Fire protection, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical engineers involved in system design
• Construction managers, contractors, and code officials overseeing fire/life safety compliance
• Architects, facility managers, and owner’s representatives responsible for integrated building systems

• Design and coordinate compliant fire alarm and sprinkler systems using NFPA 13, NFPA 72, and IBC references.
• Understand system interactions, including supervisory signals, elevator recall, and emergency communication.
• Apply best practices for special occupancies and suppression technologies, including pre-action, mist, and clean agent systems.

Day One

Welcome and Student Introductions

Basic Fire Safety Concepts

• Fire safety goals
• NFPA 550

Major Codes and Standards

• Fire protection system design
• Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
• Model codes
• Referenced publications
• Building code tradeoffs

Fire Sprinkler Systems

• Introduction and overview
• System types
• Components
• General requirements
• Commodities and occupancies
• Design approach
• Pipe support and hangers

Day Two

Alternate Suppression Systems

• High Pressure Mist
  • Droplet size and surface area
  • Cooling and oxygen displacement
  • Pump and piping distribution
• Automatic Gas Suppression
  • Principle of operation
  • Clean agen options
  • Tank storage

HVAC System Requirements

• Applicable codes and standards
• Duct smoke detection
• Smoke management systems
• Smoke containment systems
• Smoke and fire dampers

Standpipe System

• Introduction and overview
• System types
• Components
• Design

Overview of Fire Pumps and Hydraulics

• Introduction
• Pressure loss formulas
• Design process
• Hydraulic calculations
• Fire pump selection
• Hydraulics worksheet

Day Three

Fire Alarm System Features

• Smoke and heat detection planning
• Common spacing rules
• Heat detector types
• Heat detector layout
• Smoke detectors
• Ionization
• Photoelectric
• Projected beam
• Air sampling
• Duct smoke detectors
• Zoned initiating devices
• Addressable initiating devices

Coordinated System Operation

• Sprinkler water flow alarms
• Other extinguishing systems
• Supervisory signals and devices
• Elevator recall and controls
• Emergency communication
• Commissioning and integrated testing

Special Facility Considerations

• Assembly occupancies
• Industrial / Storage
• Hospitals - NFPA 99
• Labs - NFPA 45
• Data centers - NFPA 75
• Cultural resources - NFPA 909

Future ESS Requirements

• Regulations and standards
• Changes in the ICC codes

“I liked that this course gave a whole overview of Fire Protection Systems. I thought the pace of this course was great - there was time to explain concepts, equipment, and processes. It was great that there was adequate time to ask questions and be answered thoroughly and clearly. Instructors were great and clearly knew how to teach the material.”
- Nicholas, Mechanical Engineer, Eastern Research Group, Indian Head, MD

"For anyone that is involved in plan review, designs, and inspections, this course was well worth the time... Overall one of the classes I've taken." – Michael, Lieutenant – Fire Prevention, West Allis Fire Department, West Allis, WI

"Wonderful course – very happy I was able to attend. I plan on budgeting for these courses in the future. Very knowledgeable speakers – incredibly intelligent!”
– Pete, Marshfield Fire and Rescue Department, Marshfield, WI

“I enjoyed a lot of the conversations that grew organically from the presentational material. I appreciated that audience participation was encouraged. I think it created well rounded discussions with multiple perspectives from each of the different professional backgrounds. I enjoyed the course - it was very informative and I liked the presentation handout!”
- Christabelle, Ring & DuChateau, Brookfield, WI

William Koffel

William Koffel, P.E., FSFPE is President of Koffel Associates, a fire protection and life safety engineering design and consulting firm, and is recognized as an expert in the fire protection and life safety aspects of codes and standards. Headquartered in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area and with New England and Southeast regional offices, the firm provides consulting; engineering design and construction administration; codes and standards development; seminar development and training; product testing and evaluation / representation; and litigation support to public and private clients worldwide. He remains active in the development process of the industry’s governing codes, standards and design guidelines including International Code Council (ICC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) and Underwriters Laboratory (UL). He is a member of many NFPA Technical Committees including the NFPA Correlating Committee on Signaling Systems, and is the Chair of the NFPA Technical Committee on Emergency Communication Systems and the Committee responsible for NFPA 25. He is the immediate past Chair of the NFPA Life Safety Correlating Committee. A former code official with the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, he is a Past President of the SFPE.

William (Bill) Sullivan

Bill Sullivan is the Fire Marshal for the City of Madison Fire Department (MFD). Bill oversees the Fire Prevention Division which applies state and local codes as well as multiple national standards covering everything from fire protection systems, hazardous material storage, emergency responder features, elevators, public education, emergency management and everything in between.  Sullivan has worked for a fire sprinkler contractor, was the first fire suppression/fire alarm system plan reviewer for the State of WI, and worked for a world renowned fire protection engineering firm. Sullivan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire & Safety Engineering from Eastern Kentucky University, is a licensed WI Commercial Building and Fire Protection Systems Inspector, chairs the Wisconsin Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, and a chief fire officer with his local combination fire department.