Fire Alarm System(FAS)
An automated fire detection system is specifically designed to identify the presence of fire by constantly monitoring changes in the environment linked to combustion. In broad terms, a fire detection system can fall into the categories of automatic, manually activated, or a combination of both. Automated fire detection systems serve several purposes, including alerting individuals to evacuate during a fire or other emergencies, calling for assistance from emergency services, and preparing the structure and related systems to manage the propagation of fire and smoke.
Before delving into the mechanics of how a fire detection system operates, let’s first revisit the concept of a fire detection system. This system is an instance of active fire protection, which encompasses elements or systems that can be set in motion either through mechanical or electronic means. The term “active fire protection” refers to elements or systems that can be activated through mechanical or electronic methods.
Fire alarm systems consist of alarm initiation devices such as smoke detectors and heat sensors, along with alarm notification appliances like sirens or loud noise-emitting devices. These systems also encompass fire control units including sprinkler and fire extinguisher systems, as well as power supplies and wiring components.
The primary function of fire alarm systems is to alert the inhabitants of a structure, whether it’s a building or a house, to the potential occurrence of a fire. This prompt notification empowers occupants to take action, either by evacuating the premises for safety or by attempting to extinguish the fire before it escalates and reaches an uncontrollable state.
| Series: | String Shield |
| Dispatches: | Between 10-15 Days |
| Price: | Starting from INR 25000/-* |
Automatic fire alarm systems are engineered to identify the unanticipated occurrence of fire by observing alterations in the environment connected with combustion. In broad terms, fire alarm systems are categorized as automatic, manually activated, or a combination of both. Automated fire alarm systems serve various purposes, including notifying individuals to evacuate in case of fire or emergencies, requesting aid from emergency services, and readying the structure and related components to manage the expansion of fire and smoke.
Types of Fire Alarm Systems:
- Conventional Fire Alarm System
- Addressable Fire Alarm System
- Hybrid Fire Detection Systems
INTRODUCTION
The fire alarm system can be activated either automatically through smoke detectors, heat detectors, or manually. These sensors are calibrated to detect specific levels of heat or smoke that may indicate the presence of a fire. When a potential fire is detected, a loud bell or siren is sounded, often accompanied by flashing lights to alert individuals with hearing impairments, notifying occupants within the building. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the functionality of a fire alarm system, let’s delve deeper into its components.
One integral aspect of a fire alarm system’s operation is the heat sensor, also referred to as a thermal sensor. The function of a heat sensor is quite straightforward: it constantly monitors the temperature in a room, and if there is a sudden significant increase or decrease in temperature, it triggers the fire alarm.
How does a fire alarm system operate with a smoke sensor? There are two main types of smoke detectors: optical detectors and ionization detectors. An optical smoke detector employs light sensors (infrared LED) to identify smoke particles. When smoke particles pass through the optical detector’s chamber, they scatter light, triggering the alarm. In the case of an ionization detector, when a smoke particle enters its chamber, it reduces the air ionization within, which subsequently triggers the alarm.
Two Main Types of Fire Alarm Systems:
Conventional Fire Alarm Systems Conventional Fire Alarm Systems, available in various forms, have been in use for many years with limited technological changes. While design and reliability have improved, the technology itself remains mostly unchanged. Conventional systems are a well-established choice, especially for smaller setups or when budget constraints are present. In such systems, the Fire Alarm Control Panel holds the system’s intelligence, receiving signals from Conventional Detectors or Call Points. It then communicates the status to other devices like alarm sounders and remote signaling equipment. Detectors are typically connected to the Fire Control Panel through specific circuits, each circuit safeguarding a designated zone within the building.
Addressable Fire Alarm Systems Addressable fire alarm systems offer advantages in terms of rapid detection, precise fire location identification, and simplified maintenance. These systems also tolerate faults in the wiring, allowing up to 200 devices to be connected using a single pair of wires, reducing cabling costs in larger systems. As the price gap between Addressable and conventional systems narrows, even smaller installations should consider adopting Addressable fire alarm systems due to their enhanced maintenance and reduced wiring expenses.
Features
- Detecting a fire at an early stage
- Alerting and evacuating occupants
- Notifying the relevant personnel
- activating auxiliary functions e.g. smoke controls, lift homing etc
- identifying and guiding fire fighters
- Blocking Diodes for reverse current flow protection
- Easy DC-termination
- Easy and decent Cable management
- Time effective as well as money effective for cabling
- Step by step trouble shooting methodology
- Contemporary DC combining and disconnecting
- Space saving and orientation flexibility
- Load-break rated disconnecting
- Increased granularity
- Traditional DC combining
- Reliable electric safety to avoid hazard
- Online Monitoring* (Optional for DCDB/ACDB)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| TYPE OF SYSTEM | Fire Detection & Alarm System |
| NO. OF ZONES | PROVIDED 1 to 200 zones |
| POWER SOURCE | 230V AC |
| TYPE OF DETECTORS USED IN THE INSTALLATION |
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| WIRING REQUIRED | 2 wires |
| FAULT INDICATION/ALARM PROVIDED FOR |
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| VISUAL INDICATIONS | |
| FIRE | Two flashing red LEDs in the zone under Tire |
| FAULT | Two steady glowing yellow LEDs in the corresponding zone. |
| CHARGER ON | One separate yellow LED for ‘Charger 0, indication. |
| SYSTEM ON | One separate green LED for ‘System 0, indication. |
| AC & DC FUSE BLOWN INDICATOR | Separate red color LED for AC & DC ‘Fuse Blow, indication. |
| AUDIO ALARMS | Fire:A beep sound in the panel. Fault: A continuous tone in the panel. After alarm cancellation Hooter sound changes to a low continuous tone & when another zone enunciates fire again, the main Hooter gets activated. Audio alarm can be silenced by ALARM CANCEL button. |
APPLICATIONS
- Computer suites, EDP facilities and telecommunications hardware
- Control rooms such as railway signalling centres and air traffic management centres
- Stores and archives
- Heritage sites such as art galleries and museums
- Medical and laboratory equipment
- Petrochemical plant, offshore oil and gas installations, pipeline pumping stations
- Ship machinery spaces, rail locomotives and rolling stock
FAQ's
A fire alarm system is intended to enable a fire to be detected at a sufficiently early stage so that people who are at risk can be made safe either by escaping from the fire, or by the fire being extinguished (also to prevent extensive property damage).
If the air in the chamber contains particles (smoke or dust), the light is scattered and some of it reaches the sensor, triggering the alarm. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), “photoelectric smoke detection is generally more responsive to fires that begin with a long period of smoldering”.
