Fire detection & fire alarm systems

Conventional fire alarm systems

Conventional fire alarm systems and their devices (such as Smoke and Heat detectors, Manual Call Points and Interfaces) are wired in radial Zoned cabling with separate Sounder Circuits. These circuits are connected to a fire alarm Control & Indicating Panel (CIP). The Control & Indicating Panel displays an illuminated signal in the nominated Zone area within the building when these devices have been activated or are in fault. These type of systems can be installed using Twin Wire or Four wire cabling. Typically inexpensive, these systems work well in small premises as there is usually no pre-programming required.

Analogue Addressable fire alarm systems

These systems are often referred to as ‘intelligent’ systems. They can pinpoint exactly which device has been triggered and where the fire is located providing a texted address whereas Conventional systems only supply information about a specific circuit or Zone. This type of system uses loops instead of radials meaning that if the loop cabling is cut in one place and the remainder of the loop is not affected. As a result this type of system provides a faster response time to the Fire & Rescue Services or investigating person once they have a view of the CIP.

Aspirating fire alarm systems

These systems are based around a central detection unit, they use powerful fans to draw samples of air from the protected area into a detection chamber, via a network of sampling pipes. They are typically installed in Data Centres and listed and heritage buildings for aesthetic reasons and the requirement for super fast detection. They offer one of the quickest and most reliable detection types on the market.

Wireless fire alarm systems

Wireless fire alarm systems are often referred to as Radio Signal systems. Please note they are wireless rather than wi-fi as they do not require field cabling except for some of the system architecture. A radio signal is transmitted from the field devices (Manual Call Points and Smoke or Heat detectors, etc.) to the fire alarm CIP and in turn it is processed to create an audible or visual alert. These systems are used when it’s not practical to install point detection on a site or if detection devices are not wanted to be seen.

Monitored Fire Alarm

These systems are as they suggest, monitored to detect a fire situation and immediately transmit a signal across a dual path to a monitoring station that is in operation 24/7. The operative at the station will follow a prewritten script that determines the response required for example, during working hours a named operative may be called to respond, whereas out of hours the Fire & Rescue Service may be called straight away. These systems are designed to be used when speed of response to your building is imperative and required as an insurance stipulation.