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5.1 Plant Arrangement.

5.1.1 Fire Area Determination.

5.1.1.1
The electric generating plant and the high voltage direct current converter station should be subdivided into separate fire areas as
determined by the Fire Protection Design Basis Document for the purpose of limiting the spread of fire, protecting personnel, and
limiting the resultant consequential damage to the plant. Fire areas should be separated from each other by fire barriers, spatial
separation, or other approved means.

5.1.1.2
Determination of fire area boundaries should be based on consideration of the following:

(1) Types, quantity, density, and locations of combustible material

(2) Location and configuration of plant equipment
(3) Consequence of losing plant equipment
(4) Location of fire detection and suppression systems

5.1.1.3 *
Unless consideration of the factors of 5.1.1.2 indicates otherwise or if adequate spatial separation is provided as permitted in 5.1.1.5,
it is recommended that fire area boundaries be provided to separate the following:

(1) Cable spreading room(s), and cable tunnel(s) and high voltage lead shafts from adjacent areas
(2) Control room, computer room, or combined control/computer room from adjacent areas
(3) Rooms with major concentrations of electrical equipment, such as a switchgear room or relay room, from adjacent areas
(4) Battery rooms from associated battery chargers, equipment, and adjacent areas
(5) Maintenance shop(s) from adjacent areas
(6) Main fire pump(s) from reserve fire pump(s) where these pumps provide the only source of fire protection water
(7) Fire pumps from adjacent areas
(8) Warehouses from adjacent areas
(9) Emergency generators from each other and from adjacent areas
(10) Fossil fuel–fired auxiliary boiler(s) from adjacent areas
(11) Fuel oil pumping, fuel oil heating facilities, or both, used for continuous firing of the boiler from adjacent areas
(12) Storage areas for flammable and combustible liquid tanks and containers from adjacent areas
(13) Office buildings from adjacent areas
(14) Telecommunication rooms, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) rooms, and remote terminal unit (RTU) rooms
from adjacent areas
(15) Adjacent turbine generators beneath the underside of the operating floor
(16) Between the boiler house and the areas of the coal handling system above the bin, bunker, or silo
(17) Fan rooms and plenum chambers from adjacent areas [fire dampers might not be advisable in emergency ventilation ducts
(see Section 5.4)]
(18) Switchgear area and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) switchyard area from adjacent areas

5.1.1.4
Fire barriers separating fire areas should be a minimum of 2­hour fire resistance rating.

5.1.1.5
If a fire area is defined as a detached structure, it should be separated from other structures by an appropriate distance as determined
by NFPA 80A evaluation.

5.1.2 Openings in Fire Barriers.

5.1.2.1 *

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All openings in fire barriers should be provided with fire door assemblies, fire dampers, through penetration seals (fire stops), or other
approved means having a fire protection rating consistent with the designated fire resistance rating of the barrier. Windows in fire
barriers (e.g., control rooms or computer rooms) should be provided with a fire shutter or automatic water curtain. Through
penetration fire stops for electrical and piping openings should be listed or should meet the requirements for an “F” rating when
tested in accordance with ASTM E 814, Standard Test Method for Fire Tests of Penetration Firestop Systems. Other test methods for
qualifications of penetration seals, such as IEEE 634, Testing of Fire Rated Penetration Seals, or ANSI/UL 1479, Standard for Fire
Tests of Through­Penetration Firestops, are permitted to be considered for this application.

5.1.2.2
Fire door assemblies, fire dampers, and fire shutters used in 2­hour–rated fire barriers should be listed and approved for a minimum
1 1∕2 hour fire rating. (See NFPA 80.)

5.1.3 Hydrogen Storage.

Hydrogen storage facilities should be separated from adjacent areas. (See NFPA 55.)

5.1.4 Outdoor Oil­Insulated Transformers.

5.1.4.1
Outdoor oil­insulated transformers should be separated from adjacent structures and from each other by firewalls, spatial separation,
or other approved means for the purpose of limiting the damage and potential spread of fire from a transformer failure.

5.1.4.2
Determination of the type of physical separation to be used between transformers, control equipment, and building structures should
be based on a detailed analysis of the following:

(1) Type and quantity of oil in the transformer

(2) Size of a postulated oil spill (surface area and depth)
(3) Type of construction of adjacent structures
(4) Type and amount of exposed equipment, including high line structures, motor control center (MCC) equipment, breakers,
other transformers, and so forth.
(5) Power rating of the transformer
(6) Fire suppression systems provided
(7) Type of electrical protective relaying provided
(8) Availability of replacement transformers (long lead times)
(9)* The existence of fast depressurization systems

Once this analysis has been completed, any decisions made as a result should be included as part of the Fire Protection Design
Basis Document.

5.1.4.3 *
Unless consideration of the factors in 5.1.4.2 indicates otherwise, it is recommended that any oil­insulated transformer containing
500 gal (1893 L) or more of oil be separated from adjacent structures by a 2­hour–rated firewall or by spatial separation in
accordance with Table 5.1.4.3. Where a firewall is provided between structures and a transformer, it should extend vertically and
horizontally as indicated in Figure 5.1.4.3.

Table 5.1.4.3 Outdoor Oil­Insulated Transformer Separation Criteria

Transformer Oil Capacity Minimum (Line­of­Sight) Separation Without Firewall
gal L ft m
<500 <1893 See 5.1.4.2
500–5000 1893–18,925 25 7.6
>5000 >18,925 50 15

Figure 5.1.4.3 Illustration of Oil­Insulated Transformer Separation Recommendations.

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5.1.4.4
Unless consideration of the factors in 5.1.4.2 indicates otherwise, it is recommended that adjacent oil­insulated transformers
containing 500 gal (1893 L) or more of oil be separated from each other by a 2 hour–rated firewall or by spatial separation in
accordance with Table 5.1.4.3. When the oil containment, as shown in Figure 5.1.4.4, consists of a large, flat concrete containment
area that holds several transformers and other equipment in it without the typical pit containment areas, specific containment features
to keep the oil in one transformer from migrating to any other transformer or equipment should be provided. Subsection 5.5.7 can be
used for guidance. Where a firewall is provided between transformers, it should extend at least 1 ft (0.31 m) above the top of the
transformer casing and oil conservator tank and at least 2 ft (0.61 m) beyond the width of the transformer and cooling radiators, or to
the edge of the containment area, whichever is greater. (See Figure 5.1.4.4 for an illustration of the recommended dimensions for a
firewall.)

Figure 5.1.4.4 Outdoor Oil­Insulated Transformer Separation Criteria.

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5.1.4.5 *
Where a firewall is provided, it should be designed to withstand the effects of projectiles from exploding transformer bushings or
lightning arresters.

5.1.4.6
For transformers with less than 500 gal (1893 L) of oil and where a firewall is not provided, the edge of the postulated oil spill (i.e.,
containment basin, if provided) should be separated by a minimum of 5 ft (1.5 m) from the exposed structure to prevent direct flame
impingement on the structure.

5.1.4.7
Outdoor transformers insulated with a less flammable liquid should be separated from each other and from adjacent structures that
are critical to power generation by firewalls or spatial separation based on consideration of the factors in 5.1.4.2 and 5.1.4.5.

5.1.5 Indoor Transformers.

5.1.5.1
Dry­type transformers are preferred for indoor installations.

5.1.5.2 *
Oil­insulated transformers of greater than 100 gal (379 L) oil capacity installed indoors should be separated from adjacent areas by
fire barriers of 3­hour fire resistance rating.

5.1.5.3
Transformers having a rating greater than 35 kV, insulated with a less flammable liquid or nonflammable fluid, and installed indoors
should be separated from adjacent areas by fire barriers of 3­hour fire resistance rating.

5.1.5.4
Where transformers are protected by an automatic fire suppression system, the fire barrier fire resistance rating is permitted to be
reduced to 1 hour.

5.1.6 General Substation Arrangement.

5.2 Life Safety.

5.2.1
For life safety considerations for electric generating plants included in the scope of this document, see NFPA 101.

5.2.2 *
Structures should be classified as follows, as defined in NFPA 101:

(1) General areas should be considered as special purpose industrial occupancies.

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(2) Open structures and underground structures (e.g., tunnels) should be considered as occupancies in special structures.
Temporary occupancies and means of egress inside the structures and piers of large “bulb” hydroelectric units should be
evaluated based on occupancies in special structures.
(3) General office structures should be considered as business occupancies.
(4) Warehouses should be considered as storage occupancies.
(5) Coal preparation and handling facilities (e.g., enclosed crusher houses, transfer houses, and conveyors) should be
considered special­purpose industrial occupancies.
(6) Scrubber buildings should be considered as special­purpose industrial occupancies.

5.2.3
In the event of a plant fire, egress of occupants in control facilities can be delayed due to emergency shutdown procedures. (See
NFPA 101, 40.2.5.1.2, Ancillary Facilities with Delayed Evacuation.) Control facilities should have a means of egress that is
separated from other plant areas to facilitate a delayed egress.

5.2.4
In the event of a plant fire, explosion, or other incident that would require evacuation of a turbine hall or boiler house (or any other
occupied area) during an outage, evacuation plans and emergency plans in general should be developed that would take into
consideration the increased occupancy load in these areas.

5.3 Building Construction Materials.

5.3.1
Construction materials being considered for electric generating plants and high­voltage direct current converter stations should be
selected based on the Fire Protection Design Basis Document and on consideration of the following standards:

(1) NFPA 220, Standard on Types of Building Construction

(2) ASTM E 119 or ANSI/UL 263, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
(3) NFPA 253, Standard Method of Test for Critical Radiant Flux of Floor Covering Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source
(4) NFPA 259, Standard Test Method for Potential Heat of Building Materials
(5) ASTM E 84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials,
or
ANSI/UL 723, Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials

5.3.2
Construction materials used in the boiler, engine, or turbine­generator buildings or other buildings critical to power generation or
conversion should meet the definition of noncombustible or limited combustible, except for the following:

(1) Roof coverings, which should be as outlined in 5.3.4

(2) Limited use of translucent reinforced plastic panels as allowed by the Fire Protection Design Basis Document

5.3.3
The use of material that does not meet the definition of noncombustible or limited combustible, such as translucent reinforced plastic
panels, is permitted in limited applications if the Fire Protection Design Basis Document and/or fire risk evaluation demonstrate that
the material is acceptable.

5.3.4
Roof covering should be Class A in accordance with ASTM E 108, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings, or
UL 790, Tests for Fire Resistance of Roof Covering Materials. Metal roof deck construction, where used, should be “Class I” or “fire
classified.”

5.3.5 Interior Finish.

5.3.5.1
Cellular or foamed plastic materials (as defined in Annex A of NFPA 101) should not be used as interior finish.

5.3.5.2
Interior finish in buildings critical to power generation or conversion should be Class A.

5.3.5.3
Interior finish in buildings not critical to power generation or conversion should be Class A or Class B.

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5.4 Smoke and Heat Venting, Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning.

5.4.1 Smoke and Heat Venting.

5.4.1.1 General.

5.4.1.1.1
Smoke and heat vents are not substitutes for normal ventilation systems unless designed for dual usage and should not be used to
assist such systems for comfort ventilation.

5.4.1.1.2
Smoke and heat vents should not be left open where they can sustain damage from high wind conditions.

5.4.1.1.3
Smoke and heat vents should be included in preventative maintenance or surveillance programs to ensure availability in emergency
situations.

5.4.1.2 Heat Vents.

5.4.1.2.1
Heat vents should be provided for areas identified by the Fire Protection Design Basis Document. Where heat vents are provided,
heat generated under fire conditions should be vented from its place of origin directly to the outdoors.

5.4.1.2.2
Heat vents in the boiler and turbine building are permitted to be provided through the use of automatic heat vents or windows at the
roof eave line. Heat venting in areas of high combustible loading can reduce damage to structural components. (See NFPA 204.)

5.4.1.3 Smoke Vents.

5.4.1.3.1
Smoke venting should be provided for areas identified by the Fire Protection Design Basis Document. Where smoke venting is
provided, smoke should be vented from its place of origin in a manner that does not interfere with the operation of the plant.

5.4.1.3.2 *
Separate smoke management or ventilation systems are preferred; however, smoke venting can be integrated into normal ventilation
systems using automatic or manually positioned dampers and motor speed control. (See NFPA 90A,NFPA 92, and NFPA 204.)
Smoke venting also is permitted to be accomplished through the use of portable smoke ejectors. A smoke management system
should be utilized to mitigate the effects of smoke and heat during the early stages of a fire.

5.4.1.3.3
Consideration should be given to smoke venting for the following areas: control room, cable spreading room(s), switchgear room,
and sensitive electronic equipment rooms.

5.4.1.3.4
In the areas with gaseous fire extinguishing systems, the smoke ventilation system should be properly interlocked to ensure the
effective operation of the gaseous fire extinguishing system.

5.4.1.3.5
Smoke removal system dampers, where installed, normally are operable only from an area immediately outside of, or immediately
within, the fire area served since it is desired to have entry into, and inspection of, the fire area by fire­fighting personnel prior to
restoring mechanical ventilation to the fire area. Smoke removal system dampers are permitted to be operable from the control room
if provisions are made to prevent premature operation, which can be accomplished using thermal interlocks or administrative
controls.

5.4.1.3.6
The fan power supply wiring and controls for smoke exhaust should be located external to the fire area served by the fan or be
installed in accordance with the Fire Protection Design Basis Document.

5.4.2 Normal Heating, Ventilating, and Air­Conditioning Systems.

5.4.2.1
For normal heating, ventilating, and air­conditioning systems, see NFPA 90A or NFPA 90B as appropriate.

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5.4.2.2
Air conditioning for the control room should provide a pressurized environment to preclude the entry of smoke in the event of a fire
outside the control room.

5.4.2.3
Plastic ducts, including listed fire­retardant types, should not be used for ventilating systems. Listed plastic fire­retardant ducts with
appropriate fire protection are permitted to be used in areas with corrosive atmospheres.

5.4.2.4
Fire dampers (doors) compatible with the rating of the barrier should be provided at the duct penetrations in accordance with
NFPA 90A to the fire area unless the duct is protected throughout its length by a fire barrier equal to the rating required of fire
barrier(s) penetrated (see Section 5.1).

5.4.2.5
Smoke dampers, where installed, should be installed in accordance with NFPA 90A.

5.4.2.6
The fresh air supply intakes to all areas should either be located so as to minimize the possibility of drawing products of combustion
into the plant, or be provided with automatic closure on detection of smoke. Separation from exhaust air outlets, smoke vents from
other areas, and outdoor fire hazards should all be considered.

5.5 Containment and Drainage.

5.5.1 *
Provisions should be made in all fire areas of the plant for removal of liquids directly to safe areas or for containment in the fire area
without flooding of equipment and without endangering other areas. (See Annex A of NFPA 15.) Drainage and prevention of
equipment flooding should be accomplished by one or more of the following:

(1) Floor drains

(2) Floor trenches
(3) Open doorways or other wall openings
(4) Curbs for containing or directing drainage
(5) Equipment pedestals
(6) Pits, sumps, and sump pumps

5.5.2 *
The provisions for drainage and any associated drainage facilities should be sized to accommodate all of the following:

(1) The spill of the largest single container of any flammable or combustible liquids in the area
(2) The maximum expected number of fire hose operating for a minimum of 10 minutes
(3) The maximum design discharge of fixed fire suppression systems operating for a minimum of 10 minutes

Independent of the above, the drainage systems should consider the maximum water introduced by the wash­down systems. If this
amount exceeds the drainage required for fire protection, it should govern the sizing of the drainage system. Additional precautions
should be taken for belowgrade areas to prevent damage of equipment due to water buildup.

5.5.3
The drainage system for continuous fuel oil­fired boilers should consist of curbs and gutters arranged to confine the area of potential
fuel oil discharge. Consideration also should be given to providing the same measures for coal­fired boilers using oil for ignition.
Walking surfaces in the vicinity of burners should be made impervious to oil leakage by the use of checkered steel plate, sheet metal
drip pans, or other means. Curbs in passageways should have ramps or steps or be otherwise constructed to present no obstacle to
foot traffic. Gutter outlet pipes and all other drains should be trapped to prevent the passage of flames and permit the flow of oil. A
clearance between the boiler front and the walk structure is required for the differential movement where the heated boiler elongates.
This clearance space in the vicinity of the burners should be flashed and counter­flashed with sheet metal or otherwise arranged to
allow movement and to redirect dripping oil, which can impinge on the boiler face.

5.5.4
Floor drainage from areas containing flammable or combustible liquids should be trapped to prevent the spread of burning liquids
beyond the fire area.

5.5.5
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Where gaseous fire suppression systems are installed, floor drains should be provided with adequate seals, or the fire suppression
system should be sized to compensate for the loss of fire suppression agent through the drains.

5.5.6
Drainage facilities should be provided for outdoor oil­insulated transformers, or the ground should be sloped such that oil spills will
flow away from buildings, structures, and adjacent transformers. Unless drainage from oil spills is accommodated by sloping the
ground around transformers away from structures or adjacent equipment, consideration should be given to providing curbed areas or
pits around transformers. The pit or drain system or both should be sized in accordance with 5.5.2. If a layer of uniformly graded stone
is provided in the bottom of the curbed area or pit as a means of minimizing ground fires, the following should be addressed:

(1) Sizing of the pit should allow for the volume of the stone, keeping the highest level of oil below the top of the stone.
(2) The design should address the possible accumulation of sediment or fines in the stone.
(3) Overflow of the containment pit and/or curbing should be considered in reviewing drainage pathways away from critical
structures. Common containment pits for multiple transformers should be avoided.

5.5.6.1 Rock­Filled Pits.

Where rock­filled pits are used, the rock should periodically be loosened and turned as necessary to prevent filling of void spaces by
dirt, dust, or silt. The frequency is dependent on area of the country and location near manufacturing facilities that generate dust or fly
ash.

5.5.6.2 Open Pits.

Where an open pit is used, one of the following forms of protection should be provided:

(1) Automatic sprinkler or water spray protection should be provided for the pit area designed to a discharge density of
0.15 gal/minꞏft2 (6 mm/min) over the area of the pit.
(2) A 12 in. (30 cm) thick layer of rock located between steel grating should be provided at the top of the pit. The rock used should
be 1.5 in. (3.8 cm) or larger washed and uniformly sized rock (size No. 2, ASTM D 448, Standard Classification for Sizes of
Aggregate for Road and Bridge Construction).

5.5.7
For facilities consisting of more than one generating unit that are not separated by a fire barrier [see 5.1.1.3(15)], provisions such as a
sloped floor, curb, or trench drain should be provided on solid floors where the potential exists for an oil spill, such that oil released
from an incident in one unit will not expose an adjacent unit.

5.5.8
For environmental reasons, liquid discharges resulting from oil spills or operation of a fire suppression system might have to be
treated (e.g., oil separation).

5.6 Emergency Lighting.

5.6.1
Emergency lighting should be provided for means of egress. (See NFPA 101.)

5.6.2
Emergency lighting should be provided for critical plant operations areas.

5.7 Lightning Protection.

Lightning protection should be provided for those structures having a risk index (R) of 4 or greater when evaluated in accordance
with NFPA 780.

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