Fire alarm systems are very crucial to any type of building structure that alert people in a time of emergency so that proper action could be to safeguard lives and properties. It is mandatory to have such alarm systems in workplaces and tall non-residential structures, but they are generally neglected until the time of need. They are very important systems that need to be maintained optimally to ensure that they work well in the emergency.
The importance of fire alarm systems:
Fire alarm systems are required for the safeguard of lives and property and there is a legal necessity (Regulatory Reform Order 2005) to have them in non-residential workplaces like offices, hotels, shops, and other public places that come under 2010 building norms. It is essential for employers and building owners must have a fire safety risk assessment and must make sure that all the crucial fire safety measures must be working properly. This is done to negate or minimize the loss of lives or any injuries in an occurrence of fire.
Different types of fire alarm systems:
As there are various types of fire safety alarm systems available in the market, people would be in a dilemma for investing in a particular type of fire alarm system. Below are some of the generally used fire alarm systems and their advantages.
Conventional: Fire alarm systems are conventional if they are four-wired and are generally employed in smaller structures. This is the most affordable one than other fire alarm systems. This system works by classifying the structure into various detection regions. There will be detectors installed in every region which is hardwired to a control panel on fixed circuits. Depending on the requirement, even a single region could have multiple detectors. Every alarm will have fire insulated two-core wire cables as it is connected to other loops. When there is detection by the sensor, the activated control panel will find the circuit that is the point of trigger for fire alarm.
Two-wire: This is generally employed for small structures that have two-wire that comprises two wires that operate on the same conventional system technology. In this type, alarm devices and detectors for every region are wired on one set of 2-core zone cables that is present at the back of the control panel. It aids in employing a single circuit in all the regions for both detection and powering the alarm sounds. This system is more expensive than the four-wire system but it saves them money on installation and also reacts quickly. Such systems will offer more flexibility during operation and also provide additional features like recognition of detector and faulty settings.
Analogue-addressable: Such type of system is unique from conventional methods in its finding of individual detectors. Conventional systems will provide information about only a certain zone or circuit. This is a complex networked system that is used for large commercial structures and come in distinctive designs. Though they are very expensive and complicated when related to two or four-wired systems, they provide many other benefits like enhanced flexibility, identification time, quality of control, and smartness. They need fewer cables than the conventional systems as different types of initiating tools are connected into a single loop across the regions. Each detector or call point will have a unique address. This type of fire control system will get an indication from every point to find the exact location if there is any smoke, fire, heat, or even any faults.
Wireless: This type of system is quite expensive, but the ease of installation is an important aspect of the requirement. They will provide the same level of protection as provided by the conventional fire alarm systems but are save more space than those systems. It is very useful if a structure does not permit wired installations. No cables will be installed within the control panel and the detection devices that implies that there will be no need for long wires. A wireless fire alarm system must fulfill the EN54-25 standard. The wireless networks of the present age group are classier and more dependable compared to the old age fire alarm systems. These systems have multi-frequency links for eradicating impacts and signal blocking which allows the strong existence of signal strengths.
Smoke Detection System-This type of fire alarm system is very sensitive and can detect minor fires faster than other systems. It uses a fan for pulling air from across the structures via a series of sampling pipes and holes. This air if allowed through a sensitive precision detector that will check it and also alert if there are signs of possible fire with detection of smoke. Such systems require more capital to install and maintain but they detect even cool smokes that do not hit the ceiling. Fire is given off through overloaded electrical cables and proves to be useful when early signs are required.
Bottom line:
Fire alarm systems have a major role to play in the safety of any type of structures and hence it is important to analyze and install a quality system. When working properly, it will aid to alert the residents present in a building about the fire before it reaches a dangerous state and offers adequate time to evacuate. Fire alarm systems come in various forms as stated above so if you are not sure which one to pick, it is better to consult a reliable company for your requirements. Regardless of the selection of a fire alarm system, they will have to make the installation part with a professional company and follow all the guidelines to maintain them properly. Having the best and perfect system for your structure will help to safeguard the lives and property during times of emergency. Protek Fire is a reliable alarm company in Utah that has specialized in the fire protection system for more than 30 years. We will provide design and installation services that are exactly suited for every individual requirement.
