What is a Fire Alarm System? It is a vital safety measure that detects the danger of fire and notifies people in or near a certain area or structure. Fires can spread quickly and cause serious damage and danger. Therefore, fire alarm systems are indispensable for early warning and intervention.
Nowadays, due to population density, it has become more essential to consider the occurrence of fire in homes, workplaces, social areas, etc. and to detect and prevent it in the event of occurrence.
Fire consists of three stages; the initial stage, the controllable stage and the uncontrollable stage… The fire alarm system detects and warns the situation in the first of these stages, allowing intervention before the fire gets out of control.
How Many Types of Fire Alarm Systems Are There?
There are three types of fire alarm systems used today. These are conventional fire alarm systems, addressable fire alarm systems and wireless fire alarm systems.
Conventional Fire Alarm Systems
Conventional fire alarm systems detect regionally. One or more detectors are connected as a region. If any of those detectors detect, the system is activated. You can access more detailed information on the subject under the heading “What is a conventional fire alarm and control system?”
Addressable Fire Detection and Control Systems
Addressable fire alarm systems perform point detection. Each device connected to the addressable fire detection panel on the same line has an address. The detector devices of these devices communicate with the panel and transfer fire alarm or error information to the panel. Warning or output devices give warning or contact output according to the information received from the panel. You can access more detailed information on the subject under the heading “What is an addressable fire detection and control system?”
Wireless Fire Alarm Systems
Wireless fire alarm systems, except for the panel, communicate with all other terminals wirelessly via radio signals. In this way, it eliminates the cable load and offers easier use.
Importance of Use
Let’s understand why fire alarm systems are so important:
- Early Warning: Fire alarm systems provide rapid warning when a fire starts. This allows for early detection of the fire and rapid intervention.
- Safety of Life and Property: Fires cause loss of life and property. Fire alarm systems play a vital role in increasing life safety and minimizing property losses.
- Save Time: Fire alarm systems provide people with the time they need to safely exit a building. This makes the evacuation process more orderly and safer.
- Fire Fighting Capability: Fire alarm systems provide firefighters with the information they need to reach the fire scene quickly. This allows them to fight fires more effectively.
How Do Fire Alarm Systems Work?
Fire alarm systems basically consist of the following components:
- Fire Detectors: Fire detectors are devices that detect signs of fire such as smoke, heat or flames. When these detectors detect a fire hazard, an alarm is triggered.
- Fire Alarm Panel: The fire alarm panel receives signals from detectors and activates the alarm according to these signals. The panel also provides information indicating the type and location of the alarm.
- Warning Devices: Warning devices are used to warn people in case of an alarm. These include sirens, flashing lights, public address speakers or other audible and visual warning systems.
Where is it used?
Fire alarm systems are used in many different places and structures. These include:
- Residences: Fire alarm systems in homes protect families against fire hazards.
- Workplaces: Fire alarm systems are a mandatory requirement in workplaces for the safety of employees and customers.
- Industrial Facilities: Fire alarm systems in factories, warehouses and industrial facilities ensure rapid detection of fire.
- Public Buildings: Schools, hospitals, airports and other public buildings are equipped with fire alarm systems.
Fire alarm systems play a critical role in fire safety and provide a vital measure to minimize loss of life and property. Therefore, it is important to use fire alarm systems in all types of structures.
Fire Alarm System Standards
Fire detection systems are regulated within the framework of the EN-54 standard, which is a European standard accepted by many countries including Turkey. This standard is a standard that requires quality, stable operation and certain product features.
Fire Alarm Certificates
There are certification bodies such as LPCB, Applus, VdS, UL and AFNOR that can inspect and document EN54 (European Norms) standards. These bodies inspect products and production sites to determine whether the products comply with EN-54 standards.
