Experiments were conducted in a full-scale model office equipped with movable and fixed fire loads to
explore the influence of ignition source (movable fire load(s)) conditions on smoke detector and
sprinkler actuation. The interior plan dimension is 5.7 m 4.7 m and the net ceiling height is 3.3 m. Both
northeast and southeast wings have a 2.1 m 0.9 m single door to be opened. Seven fire scenarios (seven
different ignited fire load configurations) under natural ventilation were investigated experimentally.
The results show that the amount of fire load at the initial stage in a room fire does not markedly affect
smoke generation and does not significantly impact the actuation time of the smoke detectors. When the
fire source is located near a corner, the plume corner effect greatly increases; smoke detectors and
sprinklers can activate quickly and effectively actuate the fire suppression. When the fire source is
located in the room’s center, given the uncertainty regarding smoke detector and sprinkler actuation, it
may not be possible to control the fire spread.