1540 Ch 3 PowerPoint

1. Fire Protection Systems
Third Edition
Chapter 3 — Fire Alarm System Components and Functions

2. Objectives
‣Describe the purpose of a fire alarm system.
‣List five functions fire alarm systems provide.
‣List and describe the three types of fire alarm signals.
‣Discuss the characteristics of conventional fire alarm system
technology.
‣Discuss the characteristics of addressable fire alarm system
technology.

3. Objectives
‣Discuss the functions of a fire alarm control unit/panel and
annunciator panel.
‣List and describe the different components that make up a fire
alarm system.
‣List and describe devices that interface with a fire alarm system
to supervise the condition of other fire protection systems.

4. Introduction
‣Fire alarm systems provide notification of fire emergencies.
‣Survival depends on the time from recognition to evacuation.
‣Three main alarm system components:
‣Initiating device
‣Notification device
‣Control panel

5. Introduction
‣Some systems can send signals in addition to occupant
notification.
‣To locations where trained staff receive and act
‣To other fire and life safety systems

6. Introduction
‣Many system components ensure functionality and operational
capabilities.
‣Some systems are basic; others perform complex tasks.
‣All components have a purpose and must be evaluated and
tested by a nationally recognized lab.

7. Fire Alarm Control Unit/Panel
‣History of “system brain”
‣Older systems used
conventional technology to link
manual fire alarm boxes and
bells.
‣2-wire circuits
‣A break in a wire could
spoil entire system.
© A. Maurice Jones, Jr./Jones & Bartlett Learning

8. Fire Alarm Control Unit/Panel
‣ History (cont’d)
‣ Next generation of panels
featured:
‣ Smaller electronic
components
‣ Logic or circuit relays
‣ Two- and four-wire
circuits
‣ Expanded performance
and monitoring
© A. Maurice Jones, Jr./Jones & Bartlett Learning

9. Fire Alarm Control Unit/Panel
‣History (cont’d)
‣Today’s panels use:
‣State-of-the-art electronics
‣Microprocessors
‣Intelligent software
‣Technology supports all system
sizes and makes information
available immediately to first
responders and others.
© A. Maurice Jones, Jr./Jones & Bartlett Learning

10. Fire Alarm Control Unit/Panel
‣The panel has multiple functions.
‣Monitors integrity of system circuits and devices
‣Processes input signals from initiating devices
‣Drives notification appliances
‣Provides an interface with other system
‣Ensures power supply
‣Two independent sources of power are used.
‣Power utility and backup source

11. Circuits and Wiring
‣For a fire alarm system to work, there has to be some method
tying together the initiating devices, notification appliances, fire
alarm control panel, and other internal and external components
and systems.
‣Fiber optic cable
‣Bidirectional wireless communication
‣The NFPA 70® section on fire alarm systems provides information
on:
‣Circuit types, power requirements, and limitation for the circuits
‣Type and size of wire permitted
‣Installation wiring methods to ensure integrity of wires

12. Circuits and Wiring
‣Types of circuits used with conventional and addressable
technology based systems
‣Initiating device circuits (IDC)
‣Signal line circuits (SLC)
‣Notification appliance circuits (NAC)
‣Initiating device circuits are installed with conventional
technology systems, signal line circuits are installed with
addressable technology systems, and notification appliance
circuits are installed with both.
‣For some wiring configurations, if there is a single ground fault
or open circuit on the wire, there is an alternative pathway to
reach the other devices beyond the affected device.

13. Fire Alarm Control Unit/Panel
‣Types of fire alarm signals
‣Not all information communicated by alarm system means
there is a fire.
‣Alarms alert occupants to a fire emergency.
‣Trouble signals sound when there is a problem with system
integrity.
‣Supervisory signals sound when there is a change in normal
ready status of other fire protection systems or devices
connected to the control panel.

14. Initiating Devices
‣Manual initiating devices
‣Manual fire alarm box is the only
kind (manual box, manual pull
box, manual pull station).
‣A person pulls a handle to
activate the alarm.
‣Device must be accessible and
visible.
© A. Maurice Jones, Jr./Jones & Bartlett Learning

15. Initiating Devices
‣ Manual initiating devices (cont’d)
‣ NFPA 72®, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, lists
requirements for boxes.
‣ Boxes must be within 5ʹ of exit, 42–48″ above the floor,
colored red unless environment precludes use of color.
‣ Boxes must be listed and approved for moist, damp, or wet
conditions.
‣ Protect from corrosion, rust, electrical short circuiting,
grounding

16. Initiating Devices
‣Manual initiating devices (cont’d)
‣Protective covers
‣Protect from environment
‣Protect from physical damage
‣Deter individuals from pulling to
create false and malicious
alarms
© A. Maurice Jones, Jr./Jones & Bartlett Learning.

17. Initiating Devices
‣Manual initiating devices (cont’d)
‣Operational characteristics create categories.
‣Noncoded
‣Coded
‣General alarm
‣Pre-signal
‣Break-glass
‣Non-break-glass
‣Single-action
‣Double-action
‣Once fire alarm box is pulled, it requires resetting.

18. Initiating Devices
‣Automatic initiating devices
‣Classified by fire signature component, they detect: heat,
smoke, flame, or gas
‣Also classified by class and size of hazard, they protect:
‣Spot-type detectors: specific area
‣Line-type detectors: area along an uninterrupted linear
route
‣Air sampling-type detectors: pull air from a protected
area and check for products of combustion

19. Initiating Devices
‣ Automatic initiating devices (cont’d)
‣ Heat detectors (general info)
‣ Installed when environmental conditions and
temperatures fluctuate, heat output is high, or speed of
fire detection is not of concern
‣ Very stable and not prone to false alarms
‣ Low in cost to install and maintain
‣ Slower at detection because rely on heat (not life safety
devices)

20. Initiating Devices
‣ Automatic initiating devices (cont’d)
‣ Heat detectors (types)
‣ Fixed-temperature heat detectors
‣ Rate-of-rise detectors
‣ Combination detectors
‣ Rate-compensation heat detectors
© A. Maurice Jones, Jr./Jones & Bartlett Learning. © A. Maurice Jones, Jr./Jones & Bartlett Learning.

21. Initiating Devices
‣ Automatic initiating devices (cont’d)
‣ Smoke detectors (general info)
‣ Rely on detection of smoke particles, not heat
generation
‣ Smoke is developed and detected faster than heat.
‣ Considered life safety devices
‣ Some limitations (cover small areas, must be
appropriately sensitive, only as good as upkeep)
‣ Selection of type is based on multiple factors.
‣ Correct type and location are critical to quick response.

22. Initiating Devices
‣ Automatic initiating devices (cont’d)
‣ Smoke detectors (types)
‣ Ionization smoke detectors
‣ Light-scattering photoelectric smoke detectors
‣ Light-obscuration photoelectric smoke detectors
‣ Air sampling-type smoke detectors
‣ Duct smoke detectors
‣ Video smoke and flame detectors
‣ Multiple-parameter, low-false-alarm fire detectors

23. Initiating Devices
‣ Automatic initiating devices (cont’d)
‣ Radiant energy-sensing fire detectors
‣ Also called flame or spark/ember detectors
‣ Look for specific portions of the light spectrum produced
by flames, sparks, and embers
‣ Used especially in industrial/manufacturing
‣ Installed where hazard level is high, rapid and sensitive
detection is critical, and remote detection of small fires is
critical
‣ Right type of detector based on environment and fuel
type, and sources of non-fire radiant energy

24. Initiating Devices
‣ Automatic initiating devices (cont’d)
‣ Radiant energy–sensing fire detectors (categories).
‣ Flame detectors designated by part of light spectrum they
detect:
‣ Ultraviolet (UV)
‣ Infrared (IR)
‣ Ultraviolet/infrared (UV/IR)
‣ Infrared/infrared (IR/IR)
© A. Maurice Jones, Jr./Jones & Bartlett
Learning

25. Initiating Devices
‣ Automatic initiating devices (cont’d)
‣ Gas-sensing fire detectors
‣ Utilize multiple sensing technologies (infrared,
semiconductor, electrochemical, catalytic bead)
‣ Detect gas and vapors
‣ Protect high-hazard environments (e.g., offshore oil and
gas rigs, HVAC air intakes, oil and gas wells)

26. Initiating Devices
‣ Automatic initiating devices (cont’d)
‣ Signal processing/alarm verification
‣ Most modern alarms/detectors can validate conditions
before sounding an alarm.
‣ Signal processing checks the smoke in the detector at
specified intervals, initiating an alarm when threshold is
exceeded for a certain amount of time.
‣ With alarm verification, when the panel receives a signal
it delays to see if the condition clears before sounding an
alarm.

27. Initiating Devices
‣ Automatic initiating devices (cont’d)
‣ Water flow initiating devices
‣ Also known as a water flow switch
‣ Use a flexible round paddle or vane
that inserts into the wet sprinkler
piping
‣ The paddle can activate a switch,
which sends a signal to the panel and
activates the alarm.
‣ Installed by sprinkler contractor but
wired to fire alarm system by fire
alarm or electrical contractor
‣ Switches have built-in adjustable time
delay; compensate for fluctuations in
water pressure.
© A. Maurice Jones, Jr./Jones & Bartlett Learning.

28. Initiating Devices
‣ Automatic initiating devices (cont’d)
‣ Alarm pressure switch initiating devices
‣ Installed by fire sprinkler contractor;
wired by fire alarm or electrical
contractor
‣ Screw into a fitting in the sprinkler
system’s pipe components package
‣ Operate when pressure setting rises
above/drops below a certain
threshold
‣ No time delay
‣ May require manual reset
‣ Monitor air pressure and generate a
supervisory signal
© A. Maurice Jones, Jr./Jones & Bartlett Learning.

29. Notification Appliances
‣Overview
‣Notifying occupants is the most important function of the fire
alarm system.
‣Many different notification appliances are used.
‣System type and device location depend on multiple factors.

30. Notification Appliances
‣ Public operating mode/private operating mode notification
‣ Public operating mode notification alerts occupants visually
or audibly.
‣ Most common
‣ Appropriate for locations where people can make
decisions and take action
‣ Grocery stores
‣ Schools
‣ Office buildings

31. Notification Appliances
‣ Public mode/private mode notification (cont’d)
‣ Private operating mode is used when sounding a general
alarm is impractical.
‣ When occupants are not physically or mentally capable
or when their movement is restricted
‣ Nursing homes
‣ Hospitals
‣ Jails
‣ Trained individuals receive signal and implement
emergency procedures.

32. Notification Appliances
‣Coded, noncoded, and textual signals
‣Coded signals: Generate a predetermined number of visual
or audible patterns for a specific duration to identify the
location of the initiating device.
‣Noncoded signals: Provide a constant visual or audible signal
until reset.
‣Textual signals: Voice message over speakers, text message
on an annunciator panel, or symbol flashing on a screen.

33. Notification Appliances
‣ Audible appliances (general info)
‣ Must be loud enough to be heard over regular noise level of
the area
‣ NFPA 72® requirements
‣ Must make a distinctive sound
‣ ANSI S3.41, three-pulse temporal pattern
‣ Must relay information intelligibly
‣ Clear and understandable

34. Notification Appliances
‣Audible appliances (types)
‣Horns
‣Speakers
‣Bells
‣Chimes, buzzers, sirens,
piezos
‣Exit-marking audible
notification appliances
© A. Maurice Jones, Jr./Jones & Bartlett Learning

35. Notification Appliances
‣Visible appliances (general info)
‣Produce flashing lights when the fire alarm system activates
‣Necessary in case audible alarms are not heard
‣Required by adopted building, fire, accessibility, and life
safety codes
‣Installed in public/common areas, employee work areas,
high-ambient-noise-level areas, sleeping rooms in
institutional/residential occupancies

36. Notification Appliances
‣Visible appliances (types)
‣Strobe lights are the most
common.
‣Other options include:
‣Quartz lamps
‣Solid-state lamps
‣Fluorescent lamps
‣Incandescent lamps
© A. Maurice Jones, Jr./Jones & Bartlett Learning

37. Notification Appliances
‣Tactile Notification Appliance
‣Type of notification device that produces a vibration or
provides touch sensory notification to the person very near
or in contact with the device.
‣It is utilized when conventional audible or visual notification
appliances cannot adequately notify the occupant due to
their condition.
‣Could interface with a stand-alone device such as a smoke
alarm or a building fire alarm system.

38. Notification Appliances
‣Combination appliances
‣Audible and visible devices
combined to originate from a
single appliance
‣Combinations:
‣Horn/strobe
‣Speaker/stroke
‣Bell/flashing incandescent lamp
© A. Maurice Jones, Jr./Jones & Bartlett Learning

39. Notification Appliances
‣Addressable notification appliances
‣New appliance that can interact with software via
microprocessor-based fire alarm control panel to:
‣Program candela rating
‣Determine and adjust power levels
‣Perform tests
‣Print status reports

40. Annunciator Panels
‣Overview
‣Fire fighters respond to the main entrance and initiate
operational activities; then they look for the annunciator
panel.
‣The panel provides valuable information on initiating device,
involved system(s), and location of fire.

41. Annunciator Panels
‣Overview (cont’d)
‣Some panels are simple (handwritten); others incorporate
LCD textual messaging or touch screens.
© A. Maurice Jones, Jr./Jones & Bartlett Learning © A. Maurice Jones, Jr./Jones & Bartlett Learning © A. Maurice Jones, Jr./Jones & Bartlett Learning

42. Annunciator Panels
‣Components
‣Some panels provide a graphic representation of a building
footprint.
‣Different colored lights, lenses, or light-emitting diodes
identify the type of signal being generated by the initiating
device.
‣Panels serve multiple functions, from system reset to control
features that assist first responders.

43. Annunciator Panels
‣Graphic panels
‣Provide info about building
layout, fire protection
systems, and related systems
‣Immediate visual info
‣Display locations (“You are
here”)
‣Info must be kept up to date
and be accurate.
© A. Maurice Jones, Jr./Jones & Bartlett Learning

44. Annunciator Panels
‣Computer touch screen
‣Most advanced type of
annunciator panel
‣Provides information about
the status of the building’s
fire protection systems and
integrates with other
systems
© A. Maurice Jones, Jr./Jones & Bartlett Learning

45. Power Expander Panels
‣When buildings are renovated, it is
common to find that existing control
panels cannot support additional
notification devices.
‣Power expander panels provide
supplemental power.
© A. Maurice Jones, Jr./Jones & Bartlett Learning

46. Other Components and Systems
‣ Other components associated with fire alarm systems include:
‣ Electronic valve supervisory devices
‣ Tamper switches can send supervisory signals.
‣ Pressure switches
‣ Switches can initiate alarm/generate supervisory signal.
‣ Air and water temperature sensors/water level sensors
‣ Sensors can send supervisory signals.