User Manual
26
Siemens Switzerland Ltd
Building Technologies Division
conditioning system via its control outputs. The types of control may vary greatly
depending on the construction and layout of the individual building and the air
conditioning systems. As a general guideline, however, exhaust fans should be
running and supply fans should be stopped for zones in alarm. This creates an
under pressure in the area of smoke, and an overpressure in smoke-free areas,
thereby greatly reducing the chance of smoke spreading. Escape routes, such as
staircases, are usually switched to 100% fresh air supply and kept pressurized as
long as the emergency situation persists.
3.5.3. Metropolitan hotels
Characteristics Buildings more than six stories high, typically consisting of a single building with
an underground parking areas.
Alarming and evacuation See regional hotels with 4 or 5 floors.
Other considerations
Escape routes may be complex and include separate, enclosed staircases, which
lead directly outside.
Escape routes
Because of the air conditioning and air-handling systems usually found in
metropolitan hotel buildings, the problem of smoke control must be closely
considered. This may be addressed by utilizing the existing HVAC equipment or
by the installation of additional pressurization and smoke extraction fans.
Smoke control
Fire detection may be complemented by a well-designed control concept for air
handlers via the fire detection system’s outputs. As a result, hazard to human life
and damage to property can be reduced well before a situation gets out of hand.
In full blast fires, elevator shafts can develop a chimney effect. Therefore,
elevators must not be used, mainly to reduce the risk of persons being trapped
within. They may, however be used by the fire department to transport materials
to the upper floors. The fire detection system, therefore, should send a signal to
the elevators via its control outputs, to bring them to the fire brigade access level
(usually the main lobby) where they are put out of service with the doors open.
Firefighters are able to use the elevators in “fire service mode”.
Elevators
3.5.3-1 Metropolitan hotel