The document outlines the essentials of fire alarm systems according to NFPA 72, including their necessity for safeguarding occupants, providing early fire notifications to authorities, and mitigating property loss. It details the components of a fire alarm system such as control panels, smoke detectors, heat detectors, manual pull stations, and horn strobes, explaining how each functions to detect and alert occupants of fire emergencies. Overall, the text emphasizes the importance of fire alarm systems in enhancing safety and complying with building codes.

1. TOPICS COVERED :-
 NFPA 72?
 Why we need a fire alarm system?
 FireAlarm System components & functions
Fire Alarm
Panel
Smoke
Detector
Manual
Pull
Station
Horn
Strobes

2. 2
INTRODUCTION TO FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
NFPA 72?
This code outlines
the requirements
for the
Installation
Testing
Maintenance of Fire
Alarm Systems
Supervision Station
Alarm Systems
Public Emergency
Alarm Notification
System
Fire and Carbon
Monoxide Detection
Warning Equipment
Emergency
Equipment systems
and their
components

3. 3
WHY WE NEED FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS?
WHY?
1
To safeguard
occupants in the
buildings and to
facilitate timely
evacuation or find
a safe spot during a
fire or emergency.
2
To provide fire
department with
early notification
about a fire in a
building and to
direct them to the
precise location.
3
Mitigate property
loss by detecting
fires quickly,
meeting insurance
requirements and
safeguarding
valuable assets.
4
Prevents extensive
building damage by
alerting authorities
swiftly, especially
during unoccupied
periods or
structural
vulnerabilities.
5
To limit the
amount of
business loss /
financial losses
associated with fire
incidents
6
To keep every one
safe, especially
when they are in
unfamiliar places.
7
A fire alarm system
often a mandatory
requirement by
building codes

4. FIRE ALARM SYSTEM?
Fire Alarm
Panel
Detectors
Manual Pull
Station
Horn
Strobes
When a detector senses smoke or heat, it sends a signal to the control panel, which activates the alarms.
A Fire Alarm System typically consists of

5. 5
SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Fire Alarm Control Panel
* Brain of Fire Alarm & Detection System
* It monitors all the inputs such as manual & automatic detection devices and activates the out put devices
such as horns, strobes, bells, warning lights, telephone dialers and building controls.
*Two types of Fire Alarm Control Panels
1) ConventionalType
---Simple in design.
---Divide a building into broad zones
---When a fire is detected, the panel can only indicate the zone in which the fire alarm is triggered, not the
specific location
2) AddressableType
---More Advanced
---Each fire alarm device/component has unique address, and the panel can pinpoint the exact location of the
alarm

6. 6
SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Smoke Detectors
* Smoke detectors or alarms provide early warnings in the event of a fire which can save life and prevent
property damage
* Smoke detectors work by sensing smoke particles in the air
* MainlyTwo types of Smoke Detectors
1) Ionization Smoke Detectors
---Quicker to detect flaming, fast moving fires
2) Photo Electric Smoke Detectors
---Better at sensing smoldering, slow burning fires

7. 7
SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Heat Detectors
* Designed to activate when they detect a significant increase in temperature or when the thermal energy of
an area reaches a predetermined level, typically indicating the presence of fire
* Different method of fire detection and they do not notice smoke
* MainlyTwo types of Heat Detectors
1) Fixed temperature Heat Detectors
---Triggered when the ambient temperature reaches a preset threshold usually between 57degC to92degC
2) Rate of Rise Heat Detectors
---Detect a rapid increase in temperature typically at 6.7degC to 8.3degC per minute or more regardless of
starting temperature.
---This makes them too sensitive to sudden changes in the environment causing false alarms

8. 8
OTHER DETECTORS
* Rate Compensation Heat Detectors
* Beam Detectors
* Aspirating Smoke Detectors (VESDA)
* Flame Detectors
* Linear Heat Detectors (LHD)

9. Manual Pull Stations / Manual Fire Alarm Boxes / Manual Call Points
9
SYSTEM COMPONENTS
* Devices used to manually initiate a fire alarm signal in the event of a fire or other emergency
* Devices mounted on walls in easily accessible and visible locations throughout buildings
*When some one notices a fire or smoke, they can quickly pull down on the handle or lever of the station,
which then triggers the fire alarm system.
This action sends an immediate alert to fire alarm control panel and notify others of emergency ensuring a
rapid response situation

10. Horn Strobes
10
SYSTEM COMPONENTS
* Horn strobes are the combination of both audible and visual notification devices used to alert building
occupants in case of fire or other emergencies
* Horn – It emits a loud sound to alert people of an emergency such as a fire
*Strobe – Strobe light provides a visual warning which is specifically useful in noisy environments or for those
who are hearing impaired
*Also called Notification Devices

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