A fire alarm system is a crucial component of a building's fire and life safety measures. It is a set of devices that detect and alert people to the presence of smoke, fire, carbon monoxide, or other fire-related emergencies. Fire alarms systems are required in most commercial buildings and are installed to protect life and property. Examples of buildings that require these systems include schools, churches, restaurants, and corporate buildings.
Components of a fire alarm system include smoke detectors, heat detectors, and manual fire alarm activation devices, all of which are connected to a Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) typically found in an electrical room. The primary purpose of a fire alarm system is to notify occupants and emergency forces about a possible fire so that they can take action to protect themselves and others. Fire alarm systems may use visual and audio signalization to warn people, and they also have the ability to shut down HVAC systems to prevent the spread of smoke and shutdown elevators.
Fire Alarm System Component
Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP)
The Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) is a crucial component of any commercial fire alarm system. It serves as the brain of the system, receiving input from initiation devices and controlling output for notification devices. When an initiating device, such as a smoke detector or manual pull station, transmits an alarm signal to the FACP, it activates the audible and visual alarm devices to alert occupants to evacuate the premises. The FACP also displays the current status of the fire alarm system, providing specific information about the device that initiated the signal.
Initiating Devices
Initiating devices are an essential component of any fire alarm system. These devices are responsible for detecting signs of a possible fire and activating an alarm that alerts the occupants of the building and emergency responders. They are connected to the alarm system control panel and constantly monitored to ensure proper functionality. Initiating devices can be categorized into two types: automatic and manual. Automatic devices are triggered automatically by the right conditions, such as smoke, heat, or water flow, and include both spot and linear types. Manual devices, on the other hand, require manual activation and typically include pull stations.
Notification Devices
Notification devices play a crucial role in fire safety systems as they alert occupants of a possible fire and prompt them to evacuate the premises or relocate to a safer area. The most common types of notification devices used today include strobes, horn strobes, speakers, and speaker strobes. All of these devices provide synchronized flashes and/or audible alarms to ensure the occupants are notified of the emergency. The higher the candela rating of a strobe device, the larger its coverage area, while horn and speaker alarm sounds must have a higher decibel than the average ambient sound and a higher decibel than the maximum ambient sound that lasts at least 60 seconds.
Pull Stations
Pull stations are active fire protection devices that are designed to initiate an alarm on a fire alarm system when activated. They are an integral part of any building's fire safety system and come in a variety of models and types. HsforMe offers a complete line of die-cast pull stations for a variety of applications focusing mainly on fire alarm systems. The pull stations are available in single or dual action models and come with a 10-amp snap action switch and a dedicated terminal block for easy wire connections. The product offers highly visible identification and simple operation for activation in an emergency. All these pull stations are designed for indoor use in dry locations and come in both regular and weatherproof versions.
Dialers or Communicators
Dialers and communicators are devices used in fire protection systems to send signals to central monitoring stations. One type of dialer is the radio DACT, which operates using a radio network and functions as an RF communicator. It requires an established radio network within the building or town to connect to the monitoring service. Another type is the cellular dialer, which communicates along the GSM or CDA network and can be used as a dual path arrangement with a POTS line. It checks the integrity of the line every five minutes if used as the sole communication path. Lastly, IP communicators work on the existing building internet network through DSL, cable modem, or Ethernet 100-base network.
Benefits of Fire Alarm System
1. Early Fire Detection: Fire alarm systems can detect fire hazards before they become out of control and cause severe damage. Early detection can buy valuable time and prevent loss of life.
2. Rapid Response: In the event of a fire, the fire alarm system can alert the local fire department immediately, reducing response time and potential damage.
3. Life Safety: A fire alarm system can have a huge effect on life safety, giving building occupants an early warning to evacuate and reduce potential risk of injury or death.
4. 24/7 Monitoring: A fire alarm system can provide round-the-clock monitoring, even when the building is unoccupied, ensuring constant protection.
5. Reduced Property Damage: The quick detection and isolation of a fire by a fire alarm system can significantly reduce property damage, particularly in commercial settings.
6. Insurance Benefits: Many insurance companies offer discounts on premiums for having a fire alarm system installed. This is because they recognize the safety benefits of these systems.
7. Compliance with Regulations: Depending on your industry, there may be regulations requiring a fire alarm system, ensuring compliance and legal protection.
8. Cost-effective: The cost of a fire alarm system is relatively low compared to the potential cost of injury, death, and property damage caused by a fire.
9. Easy to Maintain: Fire alarm systems are easy to maintain. It requires little upkeep, and regular checks on the system can ensure it is functioning correctly.
10. Peace of mind: Having a fire alarm system installed gives building occupants peace of mind, knowing that they are protected and can avoid potential disaster.
Feature of Fire Alarm System
FAQ about Fire Alarm System
1. What is a fire alarm system?
A: A fire alarm system is a set of devices that detect and alert people to the presence of smoke, fire, carbon monoxide or other fire-related emergencies. These devices are installed in commercial buildings to protect life and property and notify occupants and emergency forces.
2. What are the major components of a fire alarm system?
A: The major components of a fire alarm system include the fire alarm control unit, initiating devices such as smoke detectors and manual fire alarm activation devices, visual and audio signalization devices, and building safety interfaces.
3. What does the fire alarm control unit do?
A: The fire alarm control unit serves as the brain of the fire alarm system by monitoring all the inputs and controlling all the outputs. It reports signals to the supervising station and manages the overall system.
4. What types of initiating devices are used in a fire alarm system?
A: Initiating devices include but are not limited to heat detectors, smoke detectors, water flow switches, manually actuated devices, and pressure switches. These devices send a signal to a fire alarm to provide the status of a protected space or the existence of a fire.
5. What is the purpose of visual and audio signalization devices in a fire alarm system?
A: Visual and audio signalization devices are used to warn people about a possible fire, smoke or carbon monoxide. They provide people with timely information so that they can take appropriate action to protect themselves and others.
6. How is a fire alarm system powered?
A: Primary power to the fire alarm system can be provided by the electric utility, an engine-driven generator, an Energy Storage System, or a cogeneration system. Secondary power is often provided via properly sized batteries, batteries and a standby generator, or an Energy Storage System.
