Fire Detection and Alarm System Functions and Types
Fire protection systems are integral parts of different buildings, especially where there are many people, machinery, equipment or valuable property. The purpose of a fire protection system (FPS) is to protect a structure, building or their parts from an unwanted fire and reduce the losses that can include both property and, more importantly, human health and life.
Fire detection and fire alarm signaling are primary functions of an active fire protection system. A fire detection system is designed to detect fire as early as possible, and to give signals and indications so that appropriate actions, such as emergency evacuation, call for fire brigade, disconnection or blocking/unlocking of engineering systems and equipment, can be taken. A fire alarm system is intended to give audible and/or visible signals to personnel or residents of the building whose health may be endangered by the fire. Fire detection and fire alarm functions may be combined in a single fire detection and fire alarm system (FDAS).
In addition, a FDAS can perform the functions of automation and scheduling of other engineering systems that are included in or connected with fire protection systems.
Fire detectors are used to discover fires early in their development. Input-output modules provide interfacing of FPS equipment with the fire alarm control panel.
Fire Alarm & Detection System Technical Functions
- to detect a fire early in its development;
- to transmit alarm signals to fire alarm notification devices;
- to generate control signals for fire protection systems and other engineering equipment involved in fire and rescue operations;
- signal the detected malfunction, which may adversely affect the normal operation of the system.
Types of Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
Fire alarm systems fall under two main categories: manual and automatic. A manual system requires a person to physically activate it, whereas an automatic system includes devices (sensors) that trigger it as soon as they detect a fire.
Fire alarm systems are also categorized by the method of building zone division.
A conventional fire alarm system divides the building into sections, and each section gets its own fire alarm (circuit) which is connected to the main control panel. In such a system, in case of a fire incident, alarms will sound throughout an entire section without giving its exact location.
Conventional systems are considered optimal for small and uncomplicated facilities, where complex FDASs are not necessary and cost-effective.
In an addressable fire alarm system, each detector has its own "address" (number) that enables determining the exact location of the fire. This, in turn, allows firefighters to respond more quickly. Knowing the address of a fault alarm allows to determine which detector is having a problem. Most addressable FADSs have a pre-alarm warning function, which allows investigating potential alarms and reduce the occurrence of unwanted activation of evacuation signals.
Analogue-addressable fire alarm systems, known as "intelligent" systems, receive the most complete information about the monitored building. Built-in controllers evaluate the changes in environmental parameters. The fire alarm control panel interrogates each loop device about its status in a programmed sequence. The system can alter the detectors' alarm threshold in order to adapt to different environments. On the basis of this information, the control panel makes an “intelligent” decision of going or not going into alarm mode.
Modern analogue-addressable fire alarm systems are flexible, have high speed of fire detection and precise identification of its location, add scope of control and ease of modification.
Although addressable fire alarm systems are more complicated and therefore, more expensive than their conventional counterparts, they have more advantages important for large facilities.
Determining the Appropriate Fire Alarm System
Selection of a fire detection and alarm system for a specific building is influenced by legal fire safety requirements, the size of the building, the amount of monitored fire protection equipment, the company's budget and some other factors.
Our enterprise can offer the best choices for selecting or designing a FADS. We develop and manufacture loop devices for addressable fire alarm systems and can customize your fire protection options.
A series of fire alarm loop devices includes:
- addressable fire detectors (smoke, heat detectors including models with short-circuit isolator);
- standard and moisture-proof detector mounting bases;
- standalone short circuit isolators;
- addressable input-output modules with different number of inputs and outputs.
All our products are certified under EN 54 standard. Fire detection and alarm systems with our addressable loop devices have been installed in many industrial, commercial, educational and residential buildings.