Types of Fire Alarm Systems
How Does a Fire Alarm Work?
Fire alarm systems have two main functions:
- Alert the occupants of a building to a fire emergency enabling a safe evacuation
- Notify firefighters of the fire emergency.
Options for Fire Alarms
Manual Fire Alarms
Manual fire alarms, also known as manual pull stations, are a way for people to alert occupants of a building and the local authorities to a fire emergency.
These fire alarms exist in either single-action or dual-action varieties. Triggering dual-action pull stations typically involves breaking a glass covering to reach the pull lever while single-action stations lack a glass covering.
Downsides to Manual Fire Alarms
Manual fire alarms have a few downfalls. First, manual fire alarms are only useful if someone is present, awake, and alert in the building in which the fire starts. Then, they rely on the judgment of the person to raise the alarm effectively and recognize fire signatures. Lastly, manual fire alarms can be misused—who hasn’t missed a class or two because someone pulled the fire alarm?
Automatic Fire Alarms
- Thermal detectors- these detect fire through a heat-sensitive element
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors – detect fire in its early stages, while it is smoldering and producing smoke or senses a build-up of certain chemicals in the air
- Flame detectors – line-of-sight devices that use infrared or ultraviolet light to detect radiant energy that is indicative of a fire signature
When these detectors are activated, they also will emit a warning sound to any occupants who might be in the building as well as send a phone or radio signal to notify emergency personnel that an event is underway.
Do I Need a Fire Alarm?
Fire alarm systems are critical for commercial building owners. Local building codes as well as the authority having jurisdiction will determine the type of fire alarm equipment you are required to have in the building, as well as how often it must be inspected and tested. The authority having jurisdiction over your building is typically the building or fire official of the city or county. Contact your local city/county government for specific details.
For assistance in designing and installing a fire alarm system as part of your business security system, contact FSS Technologies today for a free consultation.
Explore Our Other Blogs
Smoke Detectors for the Hearing Impaired
What are Visual Fire Alarms? If a fire breaks out, occupants of a building may have as little as two minutes to get out before the fire becomes life-threatening. Fire alarms provide an early warning notification and alert people to evacuate, but what if you are deaf or hearing impaired? How do you know there…
Why Emergency and Exit Lighting Matter
Emergency lighting and exit lighting are vital components of life safety systems. They’re a standard part of any commercial structure and not as noticeable on a normal day. When power fails or a disaster happens, these lights guide people to safety, helping prevent panic and ensuring clear evacuation routes for everyone in a building. Whether…
How Burglars Break In and Where to Secure Your Home
When a burglar considers your home as a potential target, here are some of the things he or she is looking for. Easy Access An intruder doesn’t want to get caught and needs to have an easy escape. There’s not a more easily accessible entry point at your home than an unlocked door, and most…
How to Make Your Business’s Fire and Security Systems ADA Compliant
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was created to stop discrimination against and to ensure the rights of people with disabilities. It serves as an equal opportunity law for people with disabilities, defined as “physical or mental impairment that substantively limits one or more major life activities.” For businesses, the ADA means that the services…
What are the Different Types of Smoke Detectors?
Smoke detectors are vital to fire safety for homes and businesses. Because they protect lives from fires or gas leaks, it’s essential to choose the best detector for your environment. There are various options to choose from, meaning you need to understand the benefits each one offers before making a selection. Learn more about the…
Reasons to Choose a Local Security Company
Whether you’re considering investing in a home or commercial security system or switching providers, you may be weighing local and national companies. Which companies can you trust? Is there a difference in service between your options? Does a larger company necessarily mean better service? There are pros and cons to both sizes of company, but…
3 Types of Security Lights
Your security system is only useful if you can see what is going on when you can’t be there. This also means that when it gets dark, your cameras need to be able to capture the image clearly. To do this past dusk will require that you set up security lighting. Additionally, check out the…
Alarm Monitoring Services: How They Work
An ear-piercing siren and flashing strobe lights create an immediate sense of emergency and indicate an alarm of some sort has been triggered. Now that the alarm has been triggered and the warning sirens have sounded, what happens next? If you have a monitored security system, it won’t just be the neighbors or passerby alerted to…
Cons of DIY Home Security Systems
When considering getting a home security system, some people might assume they can set up a fully functioning system themselves. The reality is that DIY systems come with some significant drawbacks. Here are some of the things to consider before you decide to take on this project yourself. Not Professionally Installed The importance of having…
How to Choose a Security Monitoring Company
A security monitoring company is one that specializes in monitoring your alarm system. If the system detects an issue, such as a fire, break-in, or another emergency, it notifies a response team at the central monitoring agency, and sometimes, it will even inform emergency responders such as police or firefighters. Most reputable monitoring companies can…