Fire alarm systems are composed of alarm initiating devices (smoke detectors and heat sensors), alarm notification appliances (sirens or devices that produce loud noises), fire control units (sprinkler systems or fire extinguisher systems), power supplies and wirings.

Fire alarm systems notify the occupants of a building or a house of a possible fire so that the occupants can either evacuate for safety or extinguish the fire before it could spread out and become uncontrollable.

The modern fire alarm system is capable of detecting smoke and heat from a small flame, water flow in a sprinkler system or an activated pull station, and reporting this information to on-site personnel via dedicated phone line to any location in the world. Although a seemingly straightforward device from an installation standpoint, fire alarm work can be quite complex, especially when you consider the enormous moral and legal responsibilities involved.

So how does a fire alarm system work? The fire alarm system can be set off automatically by smoke detectors, heat detectors or manually. These sensors are set to detect certain levels of heat or smoke that could be an indication of fire. A loud bell or a siren, sometimes accompanied by blinking or flashing lights for individuals who have hearing problems, blasts to alert occupants in the building. To truly understand how a fire alarm system works, let us go further into the components of the fire alarm system. In a fire alarm system there is always a smoke detector to detect smoke or fire.

How does a fire alarm system work by way of smoke sensor? There are two types of smoke detectors. These are the optical detector and the ionization detector. The optical smoke detector detects smoke by using light sensors (infrared LED). When smoke particles pass thru the chamber of the optical detector, it scatters light that triggers the alarm. In the ionization detector, if the smoke particle enters the chamber of the ionization detector it will reduce air ionization inside the chamber of the ionization detector and triggers the alarm.

Another aspect of how a fire alarm system works is the heat sensor or also called thermal sensor. A fire alarm system works by way of heat sensor in quite simple way. The heat sensor monitors the temperature in a room and any abrupt rise or sudden extreme change in temperature triggers the fire alarm.

Some fire alarm systems have automatic dialers that could dial an emergency number to contact the local fire department.

Also all the companies and buildings must be aware and be according to the Irish Standards I.S. 3218:2013 for Fire Detection & Alarm Systems.

Cannon Fire Safety Group provides a full range of Fire Alarm Systems that you might need, highlighting the deaf fire alarm interface that links with any existing fire alarm system, catering for the deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing.

Call us 01 295 7540 or email us info@cfsg.ie

Source: Alarm Systems

Here, you find some useful tips to ensure that staff, customers and stock are protected from the many fire hazards faced as Christmas approaches.

1. Fire risk assessment - which determines what action you need to take to prevent a fire from occurring. Stockroom safety, fire precautions, escape routes, slip and trip hazards, ladder and kick stools, waste storage are among the items that need to come under your scrutiny, try to reduce the risks having everything planned and under control.
2. Better storage practices - Many fires occur from poor storage practice, particularly when close to sources of heat.
   • Do not store combustible materials close to gas or electric heaters or boilers, light fittings or other heat generating equipment.
   • Avoid using portable heaters with naked flames or hot radiant surfaces, fan heaters and fluid-filled radiators.
3. Emergency plan and Employee training – make sure all your staff are trained to handle an emergency, make sure that the emergency lighting and the escape routes are not obstructed by Christmas stock.
4. Insurance – make sure you are fully protected, having your fire alarm and emergency lighting maintenance up to date. Cannon Fire Safety Group offers the best maintenance service, nationwide, with all the fire detection and alarm systems that you need, we work under Irish standards.