Comprehensive Overview of Fire Alarm Systems and Codes

Introduction to Fire Alarm Systems

Fire alarm systems are critical life safety devices designed to detect smoke, heat, or flames and sound an alarm to notify building occupants of a possible fire. Having an adequate fire alarm system installed can mean the difference between life and death in the event of a fire emergency.

Types of Fire Alarm Systems

There are several major types of fire alarm systems available on the market today:

• Conventional fire alarm systems - These simple systems commonly use hardwired zones to connect all initiating devices and notification appliances. They have basic detection capabilities and are relatively easy to install and maintain.
• Addressable fire alarm systems – These more advanced systems connect fire detection devices and alarms to a central control panel via an addressable loop. Each device has a unique address on the loop, allowing the control panel to identify the exact location of alarms or troubles. This makes them faster and easier to troubleshoot.
• Wireless fire alarm systems – Rather than running wires throughout a building, these systems utilize radio frequency, Wi-Fi, cellular, or other wireless means to connect system components. This provides more flexibility in system layout but wireless signals can be susceptible to interference.

Fire Alarm System Components

A fire alarm system is made up of multiple integrated components working together to detect smoke/fire and alert building occupants. Major components include:

• Initiating devices – Smoke detectors, heat detectors, flame detectors, pull stations, and other devices that activate an alarm signal if a fire condition is detected.
• Notification appliances – Horns, strobes, chimes, speakers and other devices that output audible, visual and textual alarms to alert occupants of fire or smoke.
• Fire alarm control panel (FACP) – The system’s central processor which receives signals from initiating devices, determines the appropriate response, activates notifications, and communicates with offsite locations.
• Annunciators – Displays graphical or textual information to quickly identify alarm locations and system troubles.

Fire Alarm System Installation

Properly installing a code-compliant fire alarm system requires expertise, experience, and specialized equipment. Key installation steps include:

• Conducting a risk analysis to determine required detector types and placements, notification appliance coverage, and other critical design factors based on building occupancy type, layout, and applicable codes.
• Physically placing and mounting all system components according to equipment listings and national/local fire alarm codes.
• Running and terminating all system wiring, taking voltage drop calculations and other electrical considerations into account.
• Programming the fire alarm control panel and ensuring all devices are properly addressed and communicating.
• Thoroughly testing the system with functional and acceptance testing procedures.
• Providing owner training and comprehensive documentation on the system such as an operations manual, sequence of operations, and record drawings.

Inspection, Testing & Maintenance

To help ensure fire alarm systems remain in reliable operating condition, national fire codes mandate they are inspected, tested and maintained according to strict requirements on a regular basis. Key maintenance activities include:

Weekly Inspections

A licensed service provider must conduct a weekly visual inspection of the control panel to check for trouble signals, supervisory signals, ground faults, etc. Any issues discovered should be recorded and corrected promptly.

Monthly Testing

Monthly maintenance should include testing a sample set of initiating devices and notifications to confirm they are operating correctly. No less than 10% of devices should be checked, with 100% tested annually.

Annual Testing & Inspection

An experienced technician should perform a thorough annual test and inspection of the complete fire alarm system to meet NFPA 72 requirements. This process verifies correct operation and connectivity of all devices, functions, and interfaces.

Following annual activities, detailed records and a completed inspection form must be left on premises documenting system status, inspection results, and any deficiencies identified with corrective actions taken.

Fire Alarm System Upgrades

As buildings, occupancy usages, and safety codes evolve over time, fire alarm system upgrades are often needed to maintain compliance. Major reasons for upgrade include:

Improved Fire Protection

Upgrading obsolete systems with modern, addressable detectors; early warning smoke detection; and sophisticated monitoring capabilities can profoundly enhance life safety by providing faster emergency response.

Code Compliance

Older legacy systems may fail to meet newest editions of local codes or NFPA 72 standards. System upgrades are necessary to avoid citations or fines for non-compliance and mitigate liability risks.

Parts Obsolescence

Many manufacturers have stopped producing parts for outdated proprietary systems. System upgrades allow the integration of readily available components into open architecture designs to avoid parts sourcing issues.

Emerging Fire Alarm Trends

Key trends shaping the ongoing evolution of fire alarm system technology include:

Multi-Criteria Detection

Intelligent multi-criteria detectors that incorporate multiple sensing elements (smoke, CO, heat, etc.) and advanced algorithms to improve response times and reduce false alarms.

Wireless Networks

Expanded adoption of wireless mesh networks rather than traditional wired connections between system components to reduce costs and increase flexibility.

Cloud Monitoring

Transitioning to IP-based systems that can be monitored by authorized users via any web-enabled device for real-time system control and event notification.

Mobile Device Integration

Incorporating building occupants into the emergency response process through real-time mass notification to smartphones and other devices.

FAQs

What are the different types of fire alarm systems?

The main types of fire alarm systems are conventional, addressable, and wireless. Conventional systems use zones to connect devices, addressable systems allow each device to have a unique identifier, and wireless systems use radio signals instead of wires.

What triggers a fire alarm system?

Fire alarm systems use automatic initiating devices like smoke detectors, heat detectors, and manual pull stations to trigger an alarm. When these devices sense smoke, heat, or are manually activated, they send a signal to the fire alarm panel to activate the notifications.

How often should fire alarm systems be inspected?

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 72 requires weekly inspections of fire alarm panels, monthly testing of a sample of initiating devices, and annual inspection and testing of all system components to ensure accurate emergency response.

Why upgrade old fire alarm systems?

Upgrading fire alarm systems improves life safety through faster, more reliable emergency communication. It also ensures compliance with latest codes, enables integration of newer technologies, and prevents issues from obsolete equipment.