Introduction to Fire Alarm Systems

Protecting your building from a fire is of utmost importance for many property owners and managers.  When deciding on the type of fire alarm system for your building, it’s important to understand how the system operates.

This introduction to fire alarm systems helps to define what a fire alarm system is, the elements that make up the system, outlines the two different types of fire alarm systems, and touches on a few of the benefits of having these systems within your building.

What Is a Fire Alarm System?

Different devices like heat and/or smoke detectors, and pull stations comprise your fire alarm system. They signal a control panel, which alerts occupants to evacuate through audible and/or visual devices when a fire is detected.

Components of a Fire Alarm System

A fire alarm system consists of many different input and output devices, including:

• Control Panel – the control panel is the brains of a fire alarm system, which monitors all the system’s inputs. The control panel is also responsible for controlling the actions of the system’s output actions, and relays information to the notification devices.
• Power Supply – the power supply of your fire alarm system requires both a primary and back up power supply.
• Initiating Devices – these devices are responsible for transmitting a signal to the control panel signaling that there is a possible fire. There are two types:
  • Automatic – automatic devices consist of detectors that measure or identify the presence of smoke, heat, CO2, and flames.
  • Manual – these devices need a person to activate them, such as a pull station.
• Notification Appliances – notification appliances are made up of visual and audible devices that are used to alert building occupants of a fire.
• Building Safety Components – these components manage certain aspects of the building safety infrastructure and are meant to assist people in exiting the building.
• Other – there are often other aspects of a fire alarm system including fire doors, sprinklers, elevator recalls, among others. Increasingly, buildings have begun to integrate fire alarm systems with security or other smart technologies.

 Types of Fire Alarm Systems

The two main types of fire alarm systems are conventional and addressable. Both systems communicate with devices similarly, but they differ in their connection methods.

• Conventional – In a conventional fire alarm system, connect the control panel to each device using a separate wire, usually set up on zones. Utilizing zones helps to narrow down the location of a potential fire.
• Addressable – An addressable fire alarm system gives a unique address to each device that is on the system. This allows you to identify the precise location of the activated device and relay that information to the fire department. All devices connect on one wire, looped into the control panel. If one section is damaged, the system can still relay information using the other end of the loop. Addressable fire alarm systems offer flexibility and are common in large facilities.

Benefits of Fire Alarm Systems

There are many advantages to installing a fire alarm system in your building, here are just a few:

• Warning – fire alarm systems provide audible and visual alerts to give building occupants notice of a potential danger, prompting evacuation.
• Fire Alarm Monitoring – ensures that the fire department is notified of a fire at your facility.
• Early Detection – a properly functioning fire alarm system makes it possible to quickly detect a fire. This allows the fire department to respond quickly, which assists in mitigating building damage or loss of life.
• Insurance Discounts – A fire alarm system in your building can be helpful in secure pricing discounts on building insurance.

Learn More

• How Does My Fire Alarm Monitoring Panel Work?
• Why Do I Need Fire Alarm Monitoring?

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