FIRE DETECTION AND

ALARM SYSTEM
Eng’g Utilities 2
 INTRODUCTION
A key aspect of fire protection is to identify a developing fire emergency in a timely manner,
and to alert the building's occupants and fire emergency organizations. This is the role of
fire detection and alarm systems. Depending on the anticipated fire scenario, building and
use type, number and type of occupants, and criticality of contents and mission.

How a Fire Alarm and Detection system works

When a fire starts, a smoke detector, heat detector, hand-activated pull switch, or manual
call point sends a signal to a fire alarm system fire panel. The fire alarm control panel
responds to any of these signals by lighting up or making noise, activating local bells or
other signals, and/or sending a signal to fire officials.
Fire sprinkler systems equipped with devices designed to detect sprinkler activation can
also transmit a signal to the fire panel when water begins to flow through an activated
sprinkler system.
Fire alarm panel in some facilities go even further, locking or unlocking doors, disabling
elevators, turning off the electricity, or shutting off or turning on ventilation.
 INTRODUCTION
➢Fire Alarm and Detection systems can provide several main functions.
• First they provide a means to identify a developing fire through either manual or
automatic methods
• They alert building occupants to a fire condition and the need to evacuate.
• Another common function is the transmission of an alarm notification signal to
the fire department or other emergency response organization.
• They may also shut down electrical, air handling equipment or special process
operations,
• They may be used to initiate automatic suppression systems.

➢The application, installation, location, performance, inspection, testing, and

maintenance of fire alarm systems, supervising station alarm systems, public
emergency alarm reporting systems, fire warning equipment and emergency
communications systems is covered by the standards set in the NFPA 72
 TYPES OF FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

The two primary types of fire alarm systems are conventional and addressable. Both
of these engage with a fire alarm’s devices and components in a similar fashion,
however they are connected in their own unique way.

CONVENTIONAL FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

In a conventional fire alarm system, the control panel connects with each device on a
separate wire, which are typically set up as zones. In this set up, when a device is activated,
the system knows which zone the device is located in, which can be displayed as such on the
fire panel and/or annunciator. For example, if your facility has four floors and each floor is set
up as a zone, the building manager and/or fire department can determine which floor the fire
is located on based on the zone that is activated.
A conventional fire alarm system is idea for small facilities. These systems are often a less
expensive option for buildings where it is not a priority to know the exact location of the
activated device.
 TYPES OF FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

CONVENTIONAL FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

In a conventional system one or more circuits
are routed through the protected space or
building. Along each circuit, one or more
detection devices are placed. Selection and
placement of these detectors is dependent
upon a variety of factors including the need for
automatic or manual initiation, ambient
temperature and environmental conditions, the
anticipated type of fire, and the desired speed
of response. One or more device types are
commonly located along a circuit to address a
variety of needs and concerns.
 TYPES OF FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

ADDRESSABLE FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

An addressable fire alarm system assigns a unique address to each device within the
system. Because of this, you can pinpoint the location of the activated device and
relay that information to the fire department. All of the system’s devices are
connected to the fire alarm panel on one single wire loop. As a result, if one end of
the loop is damaged, the system can still relay information to the control panel
through the other end of the loop.
Addressable fire alarm systems are very customizable, and are typically used in large
buildings or complexes. Facilities that are made up of many floors or sections can
benefit from an addressable system by being able to identify the location of an
activated device. This functionality can reduce response time by allowing the fire
department to quickly identify the exact location of the activated device
 TYPES OF FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

ADDRESSABLE FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

Advantages provided by addressable alarm systems
include stability, enhanced maintenance, and ease of
modification.
With respect to maintenance, these systems offer
several key advantages over conventional ones. First of
all, they are able to monitor the status of each detector.
As a detector becomes dirty, the microprocessor
recognizes a decreased capability, and provides a
maintenance alert.
The main disadvantage of addressable systems is that
each system has its own unique operating
characteristics. Therefore, service technicians must be
trained for the respective system. Periodic update
training may be necessary as new service methods are
developed.
TYPES OF FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
 FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS COMPONENTS
Fire Alarm Control Units
The fire alarm control unit (FACU), formerly called the fire alarm
control panel (FACP), contains the electronics that supervise and
monitor the integrity of the wiring and components of the fire alarm
system. The FACU basically serves as the brain for the alarm
system. It receives signals from alarm-initiating devices, processes
the signals, and produces output signals that activate audible and
visual appliances.
The FACU also transmits signals to an off-site monitoring station
when provided. Power and fire alarm circuits are connected directly
into this panel.
The FACU can also perform other functions, such as:
• Providing two-way firefighter communication
• Providing remote annunciator integration
• Controlling elevators, HVAC, fire doors, dampers, locks, or other
fire protection features
 FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS COMPONENTS
Primary Power Supply
The primary electrical power supply usually comes from the building’s main power
connection to the local utility provider. In rare instances where electrical service is
unavailable or unreliable, an engine-driven generator can provide the primary power
supply. If such a generator is used, either a trained operator must be on duty 24 hours a
day or the system must contain multiple engine driven generators. One of these
generators must always be set for automatic starting. The FACU must supervise the
primary power supply and signal an alarm if the power supply is interrupted.
Secondary Power Supply
All fire alarm systems must have a secondary power supply. This requirement is designed
so that the system will be operational even if the main power supply fails. The secondary
power supply must be capable of providing normal, (nonalarm) standby conditions
capacity and power to fully operate an alarm condition. Secondary power sources can
consist of batteries with chargers, engine-driven generators with a storage battery, or
multiple engine-driven generators, of which one must be set for automatic starting
 FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS COMPONENTS
Initiating Devices
Initiating Devices A fire detection system consists of manual and automatic devices that
are activated by the presence of fire, smoke, flame, or heat.
Initiating devices include but are not limited to the following devices:
• Manual pull stations
• Smoke detectors
• Flame detectors
• Heat detectors
• Combination detectors
• Waterflow devices
 FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS COMPONENTS
Initiating Devices
A. Manual pull stations/ Manual call points
Manual pull stations, allow occupants to manually initiate the
fire alarm signaling system. Manual pull stations may be
connected to systems that sound local alarms, off-premise
alarm signals, or both. According to NFPA® 72:
• the pull station should be mounted on walls or columns so
that the operable part is not less than 42 inches and not more
than 48 inches above the floor
• the manual pull station should be positioned so that it is in
plain sight and unobstructed
• multistory facilities should have at least one pull station on
each floor
• travel distances to the manual pull station should not exceed
200 feet (60 m)
 FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS COMPONENTS
Initiating Devices
B. Smoke Detector
Alarm initiating device designed to actuate when visible or
invisible products of combustion (other than fire gases) are
present in the room or space where the unit is installed.
Following the spacing rules of NFPA 72, Chapter 17:
• The distance between smoke detectors for smooth ceilings
shall not exceed a nominal spacing of 30 feet
• there shall be detectors within a distance of one-half the
nominal spacing, measured at right angles from all walls or
partitions extending upward
• All points on the ceiling shall have a detector within a distance
equal to or less than 0.7 times the nominal 30 foot spacing.
• Not applicable for open areas, kitchens and areas w/ strong
chemical odors
 FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS COMPONENTS
Initiating Devices
C. Heat Detector
Heat detector can either work on a fixed temperature
basis, where it will trigger an alarm if the temperature
exceeds a pre-set value or they can work on the rate
of change in temperature.
• Heat spacing are based on the listed requirements
indicated on the device or manual.
• The listed spacing for heat detectors are reduced
according to ceiling heights
• Heat detectors are typically used in open areas or
areas with dust and or fumes
 FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS COMPONENTS
Initiating Devices
C. Carbon Monoxide Detector
Carbon monoxide detectors are known also as CO fire
detectors are electronic detectors used to indicate the
outbreak of fire by sensing the level of carbon monoxide
in the air.
Carbon monoxide detectors have an electrochemical
cell, which senses carbon monoxide, but not smoke or
any other combustion products
• NFPA 720 requires CO detectors to be located outside
of each separate sleeping area in the immediate
vicinity of the bedrooms and each detector shall be
located on the wall, ceiling or other location as
specified in the installation instructions that
accompany the unit.
 FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS COMPONENTS
Notification Devices
Audible notification signaling appliances are the most common
types of alarm-signaling systems used for signaling a fire
alarm in a structure. These devices can take the form of:
A. Fire Alarm Bell
Chapter 18 of NFPA 72 provides specific guidelines for
notification appliances, including wall-mounted bells. While
these rules provide important information about the mounting
and use of bells and other notification devices, building-
specific conditions, manufacturing specifications, and the
preferences of local authorities ultimately dictate the type,
number, and placement of notification appliances.
Most fire alarm bells should be mounted at heights that
place their tops above the floor at a height of at least 90
inches, or 7 1/2 feet, leaving at least 6 inches between the
ceiling and the bell.
 FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS COMPONENTS
Notification Devices
B. Horn Strobe
The term horns and strobes is a descriptive name for
the fire and safety alarms that incorporate the sound
awareness of a blaring horn, together with the visual
alarm of a pulsating strobe light.

C. Sirens
Fire sirens are fire safety products that are specifically
designed to sound the alert in the event of a fire-related
emergency. Standard fire safety systems are likely to
incorporate a smoke detector that’s linked up to an
audible alarm function.
 FIRE DETECTION & ALARM SYSTEM DESIGN
DESIGN PROCESS
A fire alarm system should be designed to provide early detection and warning of a fire.
While the design of fire alarm systems is normally regulated by building codes, the level
of protection specified is usually a minimum and the designer should consider providing
higher levels of protection where circumstances indicate the need. Before looking at the
details of the alarm system, it is necessary to understand some of the concepts that are
used to assist the system designer.
1. Review the physical properties of the building such as: Building height , Number of
floors, Area of each floor ,sprinkler system, if any
2. What fire alarm equipment is required in this occupancy
3. What locations are fire alarm devices required
4. Determine if there is a special use or occupancy
 FIRE DETECTION & ALARM SYSTEM DESIGN
TYPICAL FDAS PLANS INCLUDE:
• LAYOUT
• RISER DIAGRAM
• SPECIFICATIONS
FIRE DETECTION & ALARM SYSTEM DESIGN
FDAS RISER
THANK YOU!