In fire safety, early detection of a fire is one of the most important ways to save lives and property. When a fire is detected early, people can evacuate to a safe location faster and the fire department can arrive sooner. For this reason, it is important to have a working fire detection and alarm system in every building. These systems have different parts that work together. These parts include the fire detection system, the fire alarm control panel, and the fire alarms.
Initiation Devices
A fire alarm or fire detection system must have initiation devices that are activated during a fire. These devices may be manually activated such as a pull station or they can be automatically activated by a detector that senses a fire. A fire can be detected in multiple ways. There are smoke detectors that sense smoke. The types of smoke detectors include ionization smoke detectors, photoelectric smoke detectors, or a combination of the two. There are also flame detectors that can sense the presence of a flame. Heat detectors are another detection device that respond when an area’s temperature rises too high due to a fire.
Fire Alarm Control Panel
A fire alarm control panel (FACP) acts as the “brains” of the fire alarm system. It receives signals sent by the detection devices and then controls when an alarm is sent out to alert people of a fire. It monitors the system to make sure all of the devices are working properly. A fire alarm control panel can also alert the fire department of a fire or tell people the exact location of a fire within the building.
Notification Appliances
Notification devices respond to a command from the FACP to alert occupants of a building that there is a fire. Alarm, bell, or horn sounds and flashing strobe lights may go off which signals to people to evacuate the building. Voice evacuation can also be used which plays voice messages that instruct people to leave the building.
Install a Fire Alarm & Detection System Today
If your home or facility needs a fire alarm and detection system, Davis-Ulmer can help you by designing and installing the system that is right for you. Davis-Ulmer is a full-service fire protection company that serves the states of NY, CT, PA, NH, MA, RI, FL and NJ. With high quality fire alarm manufacturers such as Siemens, Edwards and Fike, and a team of experienced technicians, you can count on Davis-Ulmer for all of your fire alarm needs. To learn more about the fire alarm and detection services offered by Davis-Ulmer, visit their website at https://www.davisulmer.com/capabilities/fire-alarm-detection.php.