What Components Complete a Fire Alarm System?

A commercial fire alarm system is an essential part of total life safety for commercial and industrial properties.  Commercial building fire alarm systems can be quite complex such as high-rise buildings with multiple levels or sprawling campuses with many buildings and facilities that must be connected for mass notification. Commercial fire alarm system providers must keep up with the latest advancements in life safety technology and ensure that all fire alarm system components are working together.

The Five Basic Parts of a Fire Alarm System

Commercial and industrial fire alarm and life safety systems consist of five basic parts that make up a complete fire alarm system and include the following:

1. Fire alarm control panel
2. Initiating devices
3. Notification devices
4. Primary power supply
5. Backup power supply

Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP)

The fire alarm control panel is the brains of the whole operation, the system hub that monitors system integrity, inputs, outputs and relays all information. When an initiating device is triggered, it sends a signal to the fire alarm control panel, which then triggers the notification devices or the alarm. Conventional fire alarm control panels might contain standard branch circuit wiring with replaceable circuit cards, with one for each designated zone. More advanced systems might contain digital circuits to transmit data to all devices that can be programmed for zones. All FACPs will display the status of your system with troubleshooting codes that may allow you to make manual adjustments like disabling an alarm or resetting the system after an issue. Always check with your fire alarm system provider with any questions on status alerts.

Initiating Devices

Initiating devices activate the system in an emergency situation and can be either manual or automatic.

Manual – a manual pull station is an example of a manual initiating device that requires someone to actually pull the lever, push a button or break glass to manually initiate the alarm.

Automatic – automatic initiation devices include detection devices for smoke, gas, flame, and heat. Initiation devices can be either addressable or not addressable, with addressable devices signaling the exact location of the emergency. There are different types of smoke detectors like air aspirating detectors or beam detectors which is different technology to detect smoke but send a signal to the control panel to signal an alarm just the same.

Your fire alarm system provider can help you determine which type of initiation devices are best for your building and exactly where they should be located for maximum safety and code compliance.

Notification Devices

Notification devices notify all occupants of a building when a fire or emergency situation exists. They include strobe lights, horns, sirens, bells, or combination strobe and horns. They may also include audible notification such as specific instructions on how to safely evacuate a building. Mass notification systems can be programmed to deliver different messages for different events or custom audible alerts.

Primary Power Supply

The primary power supply for fire alarm system is typically either on a 120- or 240- Volt AC power source supplied by your power company.

Backup Power Supply

A backup power supply is an important part of fire alarm systems as your fire and life safety system must still operate in the event of a power outage.  Your backup power supply is powered by 6- or 12- Volt batteries to keep your system operational if a power failure occurs.

These are the five most basic parts of a commercial fire alarm system.  High-Rise Security Systems is a leading fire and life safety system provider in the Chicago, IL area offering comprehensive commercial fire alarm system services. We help contractors and building owners to determine the best type of commercial fire alarm system for your property and business activities.

HRSS offers complete system design and CAD drawings for proper placement of all initiating and notification devices. We provide UL listed equipment, fire alarm system maintenance, testing, inspection, and monitoring 24/7/365.  Contact us to learn more about commercial fire alarm system solutions and ensuring that all of your basic system components are working together for maximum safety.

This article was originally published at: https://hrsschicago.com/fire-detection-system-design/what-components-complete-a-fire-alarm-system/

Fire-Lite’s Wireless Fire Detection System

Installing fire alarm equipment and wiring in new building installations or retrofits can be costly and complex.  Building aesthetics, hazardous materials and construction all pose a challenge to fire alarm system and electrical wiring installers.  Applications where a wireless fire detection system would be ideal are locations with concrete walls, buried wires, parking garages, warehouses, historical buildings and any place where aesthetics matters.

The SWIFT wireless fire detection system by Fire-Lite, solves these problems with wireless technology incorporated into commercial fire alarm systems.  Fire-Lite’s SWIFT wireless fire alarm system stands for Smart Wireless Integrated Fire Technology and detects fires with the same reliability as wired systems with added flexibility for installation without accommodating for wires.  The SWIFT wireless system supports many devices such as fixed heat, rate-of-rise heat, photoelectric and photo/thermal detectors, AV bases, pull stations, relay, sync and monitor modules.

Flexibility with Fire-Lite’s SWIFT Wireless Fire Detection System

SWIFT provides the option to install fire alarm systems without wiring which is beneficial in many structures as well as the flexibility to have both wireless and wired devices on the same fire alarm control panel.  SWIFT differs from other wireless systems as it is based on a true mesh network which delivers multiple communication paths with each device. This provides added reliability and survivability within the overall system design.

SWIFT wireless detection systems are designed to work with Fire-Lite’s Endurance series of fire alarm control panels and can also work with MS series of fire alarm control panels although may require a separate annunciator for proper functionality.

High Rise Security Systems if familiar with the Fire-Lite by Honeywell fire alarm system and components, including the SWIFT wireless fire detection system.  We offer expert fire alarm system design, UL listed equipment, maintenance, service and exceptional customer support.  Contact us today to learn more about the right fire alarm system for your property and the benefits of Fire-Lite’s wireless fire alarm system.  

Fire Protection: How One University Did It

Designing a fire alarm system for colleges and sprawling university campuses poses many challenges consisting of protecting multiple buildings with effective detection and notification systems, covering new construction and renovations maintaining testing and inspections to ensure good working order.  In addition to all safety considerations, budgeting for fire and life safety systems with all stakeholders on board is another challenge facing safety and electrical technicians.

Here’s how one university, the University of North Georgia, rehauled their fire alarm system throughout the entire campus, incorporated additional properties when expanding, eliminated false alarms and got all stakeholders on board.

The Challenge of College Campus Fire Alarm Systems

The challenge facing most college campuses when designing fire alarm systems is providing a single fire alarm solution throughout multiple buildings, one that is simple to use, monitor and maintain. College campuses include dorm rooms, academic buildings, student centers, dining halls and recreational areas.  Educating administrative personnel and all stakeholders of the value an integrated fire and life safety system provides is important.

When the University of North Georgia decided to provide one fire alarm solution, they experienced all of these challenges in addition to the disarray of the current system. Different systems were installed in different buildings, inspections, maintenance and testing had not been performed, and false alarms were a regular nuisance averaging 2 to 3 per week.

In addition to this challenge, the campus merged with Gainesville State College to create the University of North Georgia and another layer of complexity in providing fire alarm monitoring and protection. The University of Georgia faced monitoring approximately 5,000 points on their original campus and over 10,000 points after a merger in 2013.

College Campus Fire Alarm Solution

Once the decision had been made to improve the fire and life safety systems, Fire-Lite by Honeywell was chosen as the optimum system to meet all safety and budgeted goals. A combination of fire alarm control panels, detectors, evacuation equipment and all other required equipment consisted of the following:

• (35) 9200UDLS, 9600UD and 9050UD Fire-Lite fire alarm control panels on the main campus
• (73) FCPS248 and FCPS246 fire alarm power supplies
• (15) ACC-25/50 and ECC-50/100 voice evacuation panels
• (575) H355 heat detectors
• (90) H355 heat detectors with B501 intelligent sounder bases
• (437) BG-12LX manual pull stations
• (1,466) SD355 smoke detectors
• (1082) SD355 smoke detectors with B501 intelligent sounder bases

All equipment had to be installed for functionality with the historic beauty of the buildings taken into consideration during installation.  This integrated fire alarm solution has significantly improved the emergency response time of the University and has all but eliminated false alarms.  In fact, after a major lightning strike hit a dorm damaging a fire alarm control panel and peripheral devices, the University’s electronic systems technician was able to install a new panel and upload everything to begin troubleshooting within an hour.

To learn more about designing fire alarm and life safety systems for college campuses, contact your fire and safety system specialist.

High Rise Security Systems is a leading fire and life safety system specialist protecting commercial properties, colleges and campuses in and around Chicago. We provide fire alarm system design, UL listed equipment, testing, maintenance, inspections and monitoring 24/7/365. Contact us to learn more about integrated and addressable fire alarm systems and learn which system meets your goals for campus safety.

Invest in Fire Protection Systems for Tax Incentives

Section 179 of the IRS tax code allows for business to expense in full the cost of machinery and equipment in the year placed in service rather than depreciate over 5, 7, 15 or 39 years depending on the capital investment.  As a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed in December of 2017, new incentives for business and property owners to expense the cost of fire detection systems, as well as other life and safety systems were provided.

Depending on the type of fire detection system purchased and installed, these expenses may now also be fully expensed in the year placed in service.  The new law allowed for business to eliminate depreciation and capitalization of these expenses and also includes an increase in the dollar amount eligible for Section 179 expense.  Previously, business owners could deduct up to $500,000 of qualifying equipment not to exceed taxable income.  The new law raises this limit to $1 million which phases out on a dollar for dollar basis after $2.5 million of qualifying purchases and zeros out at $3.5 million.

These incentives allow for business and property owners to deduct expenses for fire detection and life safety systems that were previously not available.  Newly allowed expenses include costs for fire detection and alarm systems including initiating devices and sensor equipment, sprinkler mains, heads and plumbing associated with sprinkler alarms.  Also included are audible and visual notification alarms, fire alarm control panels, smoke, heat, and gas detection devices and fire escapes including emergency exit equipment, fire doors and fire escapes. Additional components include monitors, motion detectors, security lighting, wiring and conduit.

High Rise Security Systems Helps with Fire Alarm Tax Incentives

High Rise Security Systems is a leading fire alarm specialist protecting commercial property of all shapes in sizes in and around Chicago.  We offer knowledgeable fire alarm system design, UL listed equipment, system inspection, testing, maintenance and monitoring.  We will help you determine the right system for your property and show you how to evaluate the best system for your needs.

HRSS is a leading fire alarm consulting company offering in-depth expertise and knowledge with code compliant fire and life safety systems.  We help building owners to evaluate the best system for your property and operations.  Contact us to learn more about the many tax incentives available to you with fire protection system installation.

 

Fire Alarm System Design Matters to Safety

The fire alarm system design of any commercial property makes a big difference to the safety of occupants and protection from damage due to fire.  There are many codes and regulations related to the design of commercial fire alarm systems including standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), International Building Code (IBC) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).   Meeting these codes and regulations is only part of the goal of a properly designed fire alarm system. Each system should be designed based on the unique architectural design and operations of each commercial property to go above and beyond code regulations for maximum fire safety.

NFPA Code 101 is the most widely used Life Safety Code which addresses fire and life safety in both new and existing buildings and structures.   NFPA 72 is updated every three years to reflect the changes in society’s demands and updates with advancements in technology.  Every commercial fire alarm system must be compliant to these and all codes as enforced by your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

Placement of Initiating Devices

Initiating devices are a critical component of all fire alarm and life safety systems.  Proper placement of these devices with a skilled fire alarm system design can make the difference between life and death.  Initiating devices detect smoke, gas or fire and may be placed in air ducts with automatic programming to shut down an HVAC system to prevent the spread of gas or smoke.

Initiating devices and sensors can be programmed to control fire doors to either secure areas to contain a fire, protect valuable inventory or provide the safe evacuation of occupants.  Sophisticated devices may also provide elevator recall and control to prevent elevators from opening and directing them to a designated floor.

Notification and Evacuation

Smart sensors provide early warning with addressable alarm systems even notifying the exact location of the source for smoke, fire or gas.  Initiating devices trigger notification and evacuation system alerts including voice activated evacuation procedures to direct occupants to safe exit paths.  Strobe lights are required in public areas such as restrooms, lobbies and hallways.  The ADA guidelines dictate that strobe lights are required in communal places such as employee break rooms and cafeterias.

High Rise Security Systems Provides Fire Alarm System Design

High Rise Security Systems is a recognized leader in fire alarm system design, providing code compliant life safety systems to commercial properties of all shapes and sizes.  HRSS offers skilled designers with knowledge of all fire safety code regulations who create your unique fire alarm design in CAD software.  Our high quality fire alarm system design includes the exact location of all initiating devices, notification devices including strobes and audible evacuation systems along with fire alarm control panels and auxiliary equipment.

HRSS offers experienced fire alarm system design, inspection, testing, UL listed equipment and monitoring 24/7/365.  We work with building owners and contractors to develop the fire and life safety system which meets your needs and all required code regulations for permit approval.  Contact us today to learn more about the importance of fire alarm system design for safety to occupants and protection against property damage.

Photoelectric Smoke Detectors Provide Earliest Warning

Photoelectric sensors are used in the most effective smoke detectors, as compared to ionization detectors which are sometimes used in conjunction with photoelectric sensors. Photoelectric and ionization sensors use different detection methods that may produce varying results. Photoelectric smoke detectors sense smoke at the earliest stages of a developing fire, detecting the smallest wisps of smoke to provide the earliest warning.

Ionization smoke detectors sense heat and light and are most effective after a fire as already reached full force. While this type of detectors have their place in fire alarm and detection systems, photoelectric smoke detectors provide early warning of a developing fire.

How Do Photoelectric Smoke Detectors Work?

Photoelectric smoke detectors project a focused beam of light into a mirror, providing immediate notification when the sensor perceives an obstruction. Even a small amount of smoke causes the light to slightly refract and initiates an alarm. The alarm is sensitive enough to be triggered by a small amount of smoke from a smoldering original fire source long before flames erupt into a raging fire. Photoelectric smoke detectors are proven to save lives and property.

Ionization smoke detectors typically activate only when the fire has produced raging flames to initiate the alarm. These detectors may be used in conjunction with photoelectric detectors provided an added layer of support, they may not provide adequate warning if used individually. Smoke inhalation alone causes fatalities in 20 to 25% of fires, making early warning of smoke and fire a matter of life or death.

HRSS Offers Photoelectric Smoke Detectors

High Rise Security Systems is a leading fire alarm system company offering design, installation drawings, UL listed fire alarm system equipment, maintenance, testing, inspections, repairs and monitoring 24/7/365. We have decades of experience in designing fire alarm systems that save lives and property, conforming to all required local, state and federal fire code safety regulations. We are premiere distributor for Notifier® by Honeywell fire alarm systems, recognized worldwide for reliable fire alarm notification with state-of-the-art equipment.

HRSS is a leading fire and safety company recognized for our in-depth knowledge of fire alarm equipment and requirements for commercial properties in and around Chicago. We provide safe and reliable fire alarm systems to low-rise buildings, high-rises, medical facilities, mass complexes, school campuses and unique commercial building structures. Contact us today to learn more about our fire detection equipment including photoelectric smoke detectors.

Advantages of Addressable Fire Alarm Systems

The main goal of any fire alarm system to provide early warning to occupants so that they can evacuate safely without injury, and to provide a timely dispatch to emergency responders.  An addressable fire alarm system provides additional features such as accurately pinpointing the exact location of the origin of fire or smoke, quickly leading responders to the exact room on the correct floor of a building.   Addressable fire alarm systems are more efficient than conventional zone type fire detection systems, especially in high-rise buildings, campuses or mass complexes.

Components of an Addressable Fire Alarm System

Components of an addressable fire alarm system consist of detection sensors which alert occupants and responding personnel to the presence of fire, smoke or gas and also include notification of security breaches.   Notifications are received at a central control panel, with the identification and location of the detection sensor that was activated clearly identified. This accurate location of each device that was activated allows personnel and responders to locate the source of the problem to generate the proper response.

This advanced notice can be the difference between life and death when seconds count, as responding personnel can immediately evacuate occupants from the dangerous areas.  Addressable alarm systems are wired with a loop design which consists of the various types of devices, each having it’s own “address”. Addressable systems may include fire, smoke or gas detectors, alarms, visual alerts such as strobe lights, audible alerts such as evacuation speakers, suppression equipment such as sprinklers and auxiliary power supply.  Each device and piece of auxiliary equipment is connected to the control panels and central monitoring location.

With proper design and installation, and addressable fire alarm system provides the following benefits:

• • Quick identification of the exact cause and location of the emergency
  • Continual monitoring of the operational condition of sensors and devices
  • Detection of contaminants which could affect performance
  • Identification of breaks in the system wiring
  • Reduction in false alarms

HRSS is a leading fire and safety systems service company, offering comprehensive services including fire system design, equipment, maintenance, repair and monitoring 24/7/365.  We are experienced with fire systems in a wide variety of commercial properties including high-rise, low-rise, campuses and complexes. Contact us to learn more about the advantages of an addressable fire alarm system.  

 

Honeywell Fire Lite Systems

High Rise Security Systems, a Chicago-based fire and security systems company, represents Fire-Lite by Honeywell detection and notification devices designed for protection in multiple building configurations. Using SWIFT® wireless technology, addressable devices are designed to integrate to provide the utmost in protection for occupants in case of smoke and fire outbreaks.

Honeywell builds upon a century of experience in atmospheric and temperature sensing devices. With Honeywell Fire-Lite detection systems, the company manufactures an entirely integrated system to detect trouble, notify and direct occupants, and alert monitoring agencies and emergency services. With the many high-rise buildings and expansive campuses in Chicagoland, early detection and rapid response are necessary to protect individuals and properties.

What is an Addressable Fire Detection System?

Honeywell Fire Lite is an addressable fire alarm system which means every smoke or fire detection device has an address or location. Moreover, each detection device connects to and communicates with each other and a central control site. In large buildings, this interconnectivity allows the control personnel to identify the place or “address” where the discovery first occurred. The information allows emergency response to direct their efforts to the precise location of the developing problem and eliminate the problem quickly.

How Does Fire-Lite Systems Work?

The system starts with Fire-Lite’s Addressable Fire Alarm Control Panel. Fire-Lite offers four models of differing size and capability. Each is easily programmable and come equipped with:

• addressable point identification
• digital communication
• NAC (Notification Appliance Circuit) synchronization

SWIFT Smart Wireless Integrated Fire Technology provides reliable connectivity among the devices using mesh technology that allow interaction among the devices.

Fire-Lite’s Emergency Command Center (ECC) brings all of the devices together for state-of-the-art monitoring and coordination. The ECC provides multi-zone observation, mass notification, and evacuation management from a single location.

Communicators automatically connect the central control point to external emergency agencies and monitoring services to initiate firefighting and other emergency efforts.

Annunciators are essential elements of the entire system. The annunciators advise arriving firefighters of the location of all detection and alarm systems. The system will graphically show firefighting personnel where the fire may have started and its current status. Annunciators monitor and report the status of AC power, alarms, and the extent of damage to other devices.

High-Rise Security Systems Design and Installation

Honeywell Fire Lite Systems is a major partner of High-Rise Security. For more information, contact the experts at High-Rise Security.

 

Who Wore It Best? Fire Alarm System Designer

One of the most meaningful roles of a professional fire safety company is collaborating in the design and installation of a new fire alarm system for new construction or renovation. Developing and installing the right system for a particular building configuration requires extensive knowledge and experience in a variety of environments.

Collaborative Design Process

When core features of the building design materialize, partnering with a professional fire alarm designer and safety company is essential. Determining the elements of the detection and warning system, their location, and types of equipment requires careful analysis of the structure, location of all exits, and potential evacuation routes.

A High Rise Security Systems (HRSS) of Chicago fire alarm designer utilizes computer aided design technologies to reproduce the building. This design process ensures that the proper placement and types of detection devices are sufficient to accommodate the projected number of occupants and intended use of the structure.

With Notifier by Honeywell systems, the most advanced smoke and heat detectors and multi-faceted notification systems with audible and visual evacuation are connected wirelessly to a central monitoring location.

Installation and Testing

When the permits for the overall design are approved, the construction can commence. Integrating the fire detection and alarm system is a complicated process. The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) requires that only certified and documented experts with reliable credentials should manage the installation. Certification should only be granted by local authorities, NFPA, or the manufacturer of the equipment to be installed.

Once completed, the fire safety technician will implement a full test of the system, making any adjustments that may be required before the final occupancy permit is issued by the local fire authority.

Final Inspection and Ongoing Maintenance

Local fire authorities conduct thorough tests to ensure that each element will respond to smoke and fire emergencies before issuing the occupancy permit. Any delays due to operational defects can be costly, both in backtracking the system installation process or in lost revenues due to a delayed opening. Expensive delays have occurred in the past, sometimes because of installation without the proper credentials or experience. Trusting a professional fire alarm system company to make the right installation the first time is the best course.

A fire alarm designer like High Rise Security Systems will continue to maintain systems to prevent any lapse in protection.

Fire Detection Systems are More than just detection systems

Fire Detection Systems are More than Just Detection Systems

Fire detection systems have evolved considerably in recent decades. Sophisticated smoke and gas detection sensors, wireless connectivity, and a range of notification accessories create a unified network that detects trouble at the earliest instance while notifying building occupants instantly.

These systems also direct evacuations while contacting the local fire emergency agencies for immediate response.

Fire detection systems are not simply the old “break glass and run” mechanisms of the past.

Notifier Fire Detection Devices

One company, Notifier by Honeywell, draws upon Honeywell’s long history of technological innovations in atmospheric monitoring. With integrated technology, systems include the most sophisticated smoke and gas detection devices, notification equipment that includes alarms, strobe lights and horns, and more designed to protect building occupants.

Central Fire Monitoring Systems

As soon as one sensor identifies a problem, the fire detection system transmits the information to a monitoring station. Security personnel can quickly determine the location of the emergency and direct people away from the danger. The system simultaneously notifies the local fire department. Loudspeakers and LED messages direct occupants to the appropriate areas for evacuation.

Connected annunciators placed near the entrances to large buildings provide information to arriving firefighters about the location and status of the emergency.

Versatility

Fire alert systems may combine with the building’s access control network to alert building occupants to the possibility of entry by an unauthorized individual. If entry security is breached, the notification systems can alert central control personnel who may then initiate evacuation or direct occupants to a secure area. Closed circuit TVs that are used to monitor fire emergencies can also work to monitor intruders.

High Rise Security Systems in Chicagoland

HRSS has teamed up with Notifier by Honeywell and others to provide the most comprehensive and technologically advanced fire detection systems available. For new design or retrofits, collaborate with the HRSS experts for support in building occupants and monitoring.

HRSS can provide ongoing preventative maintenance and testing to make sure your systems are in top working condition at all times.

Contact HRSS for your building’s fire and personal security requirements.