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When choosing a fire alarm system, ease of use is essential. Some systems feature remote diagnostics for real-time visibility into the system’s operations, reducing downtime. Ease of use is also measured by mobile access, which keeps users connected via mobile devices. This is particularly beneficial when managing a system in a large building.
Addressable fire alarm systems
Many businesses use conventional or addressable fire alarm systems. These are reliable, cost-effective, and ideal for small spaces. They can cover the entire area with one or two zones. Fortunately, addressable fire alarm systems are becoming more popular in small businesses. Addressable fire alarm systems can distinguish between smoke and dust. Using this technology can reduce false alarms by half.
Conventional fire alarm systems use separate radial circuits to detect a fire. They are more expensive than addressable systems but are cheaper to purchase and install. Conventional systems have fewer features and more wiring than addressable systems. But, they are easier to install and are more cost-effective for smaller businesses. While they can be installed quickly and easily, they require more manpower and can cost more than addressable systems. It is best to seek professional help from fire alarm systems companies to do the installation.
Pre-signal feature
A pre-signal feature is an important part of a fire alarm system design. A conventional panel can communicate the status of the sub-system with the main board. This is useful in emergency procedures where a fire alarm system would not send an alarm signal to the fire department. A pre-signal feature is essential for a building to have a safe evacuation procedure.
A pre-signal feature is a feature that enables the initial fire alarm signal to be sent only to central locations that are constantly manned. The fire alarm signal is then transmitted to the supervising station. Without this feature, an occupant would have to activate the general alarm before the control equipment would receive the fire alarm signal. Requiring this person to actuate the pre-signal feature helps prevent multiple types of programmed delays.
Positive alarm sequence
The positive-alarm sequence is used to delay notification of fire emergencies to the responding fire department until a trained professional can respond to the resulting signal. This trained professional can include security personnel or private fire brigades. The trained professional would have up to 180 seconds to investigate the situation and reset the system if no fire is found. This design is permitted in Colorado Springs but requires prior approval from the fire department.
The Positive-alarm sequence is a design concept that relates to the polarity of signals and the signaling device. The fire alarm control switches from a normal supervisory mode to an alarm state by reversing the NAC current. The strobe or sounder will activate if it senses a fire. A voltmeter can help determine which terminal is positive in an alarm configuration. The “B” cable wires should be connected to the corresponding zone if the voltmeter shows a positive output. The corresponding “B” zone should be connected to the second spare zone. The black wires connect to the “normally open” terminals of the free alarm relay.
Installation
The Installation of a fire alarm system is essential to protecting a building. There are two types of fire alarm systems available. Manual and electrical. Manual systems rely on occupants to discover a fire and alert emergency services. They are usually installed throughout a building. Manual systems can also include sounders and call points. The goal of a manual system is to notify emergency services as quickly as possible. Some low-risk building areas, such as toilets, may be excluded from the system.
Hard-wire smoke alarms come with a wire harness for 120 volts. The first wire, called the “consumer unit,” is connected to the smoke alarm. A second wire links the smoke alarms together. The electrician will then check that all wires are securely connected. Once the wiring is complete, the smoke alarm will be fitted with a cover. It may be boxed or run above the ceiling if it’s hard-wired.
