What is Fire Alarm System?

Components of a Fire Alarm System

-Fire alarm systems play a crucial role in ensuring the -A fire alarm system comprises various
safety of individuals and properties. These systems are components that work together to detect and
designed to detect and alert occupants of potential alert the occupants of a building to the presence
fire hazards, allowing for prompt evacuation and of fire, smoke, or other fire-related emergencies.
response from emergency services. The system is composed of the following
components:
Why use a Fire Alarm System?
1. Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP)
a. Early Detection
The central hub of the system. It plays a vital role
b. alerting and evacuating occupants
as the brain of the system.
c. notifying the relevant personnel
2. Initiating Devices:
d. d. Compliance: Many building codes require
Initiating devices, also called fire alarm initiating
the installation of fire alarm systems, making
devices, are the parts of a fire alarm system that
them a necessary component of building
detect signs of a fire, like smoke or heat, and set
safety.
off the alarm.
e. e. Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have a fire
3. Notification Devices.
alarm system in place can provide a sense of
security and peace of mind. This serves as the communication between the
system and everyone present at the scope of
responsibility of the system.
Is Fire Alarm System a mandatory requirement?
4.Power supply
-Yes, fire alarm systems are generally mandatory in the
Ensures the system remains operational even
Philippines. The specific requirements may vary
during power outages.
depending on the type and size of the building, but
most commercial and residential buildings are 5. Fire Alarm Annunciator.
required to have fire alarms installed.
It helps the responders to identify the location
why some houses might not have one?
6. Relay Modules and Control Relays
a. Older homes: Older homes may not have
It helps to prevent further damage from
been built with fire alarm systems as standard
spreading.
features.
7. Communication Systems
b. Smaller Homes: Smaller homes, such as
single-family houses, might not be subject to It assists us in notifying the fire authorities
the same strict fire safety regulations as larger
commercial buildings. 8. Tamper Switches

c. Rural Areas: In rural areas, where building Protect against unauthorized access by detecting
codes might be less stringent, some houses when devices are opened or removed.
may not be required to have fire alarm 9. Fire Suppression System Interface
systems.
Connects fire alarm systems to suppression
d. Lack of Awareness: Some homeowners might systems.
not be aware of the importance of fire alarm
systems or the legal requirements.

e. Cost: Installing a fire alarm system can involve

some initial cost. Some homeowners might
prioritize other home improvements or repairs
over fire safety.
COMPONENTS OF FIRE ALARM SYSTEM 6. Communication Systems

Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) • Dialers/Communicators: Automatically notify

the fire department or a monitoring service
• It receives signals from trigger devices, such as
when an alarm is triggered.
smoke detectors, and then activates the alarm
• Mass Notification Systems: Provide
system.
information and instructions to occupants
• Some alarm systems have an automatic
during an emergency.
function to notify the fire authority.
7. Tamper switches
1.Initiating Devices
• Designed to detect when a fire alarm
Here are the different types that send signals to
component, like a pull station or control
the fire alarm control panel.
panel, is opened or removed, helping to
• Smoke Detectors: Sense smoke particles in the prevent unauthorized tampering or vandalism.
air.
• When a tamper switch is triggered, it can
• Heat Detectors: Respond to a rise in
activate an alarm or send a notification to
temperature.
monitoring personnel, prompting them to
• Manual Pull Stations: Allow occupants to
investigate the situation quickly.
manually activate the alarm.
• Flame Detectors: Detect the presence of 8. Fire Suppression System Interface
flames using infrared or ultraviolet light.
• Integrates with systems like sprinklers, halon,
2.Notification Devices or gas-based suppression systems to
automatically initiate suppression actions
Here are the different types that send signals to
when a fire is detected.
the fire alarm control • Audible Alarms: Sirens,
bells, or horns to alert occupants. Installation and Maintenance

• Visual Alarms: Strobe lights or flashing 1. Professional installation

indicators for the hearing impaired.
Ensure proper installation by a qualified
• Voice Evacuation Systems: Provide verbal
technician.
instructions during an emergency.
2. Regular testing
3.Power supply
Conduct monthly tests to verify the system's
Also known as the heart of the system.
functionality
• Provides electrical power to the system.
3. Annual inspections
• • Includes a primary power supply and a
backup power supply to ensure Have the system inspected annually by a certified
functionality during power outages. technician.
4.Fire Alarm Annunciator 4. Battery replacement
• A remote display panel that shows the Replace batteries in detectors and control panels
status of the system. as needed.
• Helps first responders quickly identify the
location and nature of the emergency. History of FIRE ALARM SYSTEM

5.Relay Modules and Control Relays 1. The Ancient Beginnings

• Interface with other building systems Early Fire Detection Methods and Firefighting
(e.g., elevators, HVAC, door controls). Techniques
• Activate or deactivate other systems to 2. The Industrial Revolution (18th - 19th
prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Century)

Rise of Urban Centers and Manual Alarm Systems

 3. The Birth of Electrical Fire Alarms (Late 19th for factory work, resulting in densely populated
Century) areas. This concentration heightened fire risks due
to the flammable materials used in factories and
Technological Innovations and Key Figures
the close proximity of buildings, making urban
4. Development of Automatic Fire Alarms (Early centers particularly susceptible to devastating
20th Century) fires.

Advancements in Detection Technologies and Manual Alarm Systems: To address these

Integration with Building Systems increased fire hazards, communities developed
more organized fire detection methods, such as
5. The Mid-20th Century Revolution bells and horns. A significant advancement
Improvement in Technology and Regulatory occurred in 1830 when Boston established the
Changes first documented public fire alarm system,
allowing citizens to alert firefighters more
6. The 1980s - 1990s: Enhanced Safety Features efficiently. This innovation underscored the
Introduction of Voice Evacuation Systems and growing need for effective fire safety measures as
Networked Systems cities continued to expand.

7. The 21st Century: Smart Fire Alarm Systems Technological Leap: The Telegraph and Electrical Fire
Alarms
Integration with Smart Technology, Advancements
in Sensor Technology, and Mobile Application. The 19th century ushered in a new era of
technological innovation, significantly impacting
8. Future Trends in Fire Alarm Technology how fire emergencies were handled. The
invention of the telegraph by Samuel Morse in
AI and Machine Learning and Enhanced
1837 revolutionized communication and set the
Connectivity
stage for the first electrical fire alarm system.
Beginnings: Ancient Watchfulness and the First
Alarms In 1852, Dr. William Channing and Moses Farmer
introduced the first municipal fire alarm system in
Historical records from as far back as Ancient
Boston. This system utilized a series of alarm
Rome reveal a society grappling with the constant
boxes located throughout the city, which, when
threat of fire. The density of wooden structures
activated, transmitted a signal to a central station.
and the use of open flames for light and heat
The central station would then alert the fire
made urban conflagrations a frequent and
department to the fire’s location.
disastrous occurrence. To combat this, the
Romans developed one of the first organized fire- The 20th Century: From Invention to Widespread
fighting units in history—the Corps of Vigiles. Implementation

This initial approach depended heavily on human The early 20th century saw a proliferation of
alertness and manual effort, with firefighters inventions that would lay the foundation for
monitoring the streets, prepared to extinguish modern fire safety. In 1902, George Andrew Darby
flames using buckets. Fire detection and patented the first automatic fire alarm system in
suppression were largely reactive during medieval the United Kingdom, which used thermostats to
and early modern times, with communities relying detect heat and trigger an alarm.
on watchmen to ring bells or shout alarms. In
The introduction of smoke detectors in the 1930s
larger cities, bell towers served as key locations for
revolutionized fire alarm systems, originally
issuing fire warnings. Although these systems
designed for industrial use and limited by size and
were basic, they established the foundation for
cost. This concept of sensing smoke as an
enhancing response times and outcomes in urban
indicator of fire laid the groundwork for modern
areas.
fire safety. By the late 20th century, advancements
The Industrial Revolution (18th - 19th Century) in electronics led to smaller, more reliable, and
affordable smoke detectors, particularly battery-
Rise of Urban Centers: The Industrial Revolution
powered models introduced in the 1960s and
led to rapid urbanization as people moved to cities
 1970s, making it feasible for homes to have early The future of fire alarm technology is closely tied
fire warning systems. These technological to trends in smart technology and the Internet of
innovations coincided with improvements in Things (IoT). Smart fire alarms with IoT capabilities
emergency management, enabling more promise to revolutionize fire safety by allowing
coordinated and effective fire responses. devices to interconnect and make real-time, data-
driven decisions. These advanced systems can
Enhancing Safety: The Role of Codes and Standards
continuously monitor environmental changes,
As technological innovations continued to detecting potential fire hazards—such as
redefine the landscape of fire safety, the overheating electrical appliances—and
development of codes and standards became automatically shutting off power to prevent
crucial in ensuring the effective implementation of incidents. Additionally, they can provide real-time
these technologies. The tragic fires that marked updates to occupants and emergency services via
the early and mid-20th century. mobile applications, improving evacuation
procedures and overall safety.

In the wake of these disasters, fire safety codes in At Fire Safety Alarms, we embrace these
the United States were significantly strengthened. technological advancements, focusing on
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) proactive measures rather than mere reactions to
established national standards that mandated the fires. Our commitment to integrating smart
installation and maintenance of effective fire technologies into our services reflects a dedication
alarm systems in buildings. These regulations to enhancing safety and providing peace of mind
specified both the types of equipment required for the clients. The evolution of fire alarm systems
and the performance standards necessary to —from ancient watchmen to modern digital
ensure proper functionality during a fire. solutions—demonstrates humanity's ongoing
commitment to protecting lives and property from
The 1980s – 1990s: Enhanced Safety Features fire. As we look ahead, we remain devoted to
Introduction of Voice Evacuation Systems ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest
innovations in fire safety technology.
• Use of recorded
Types DETECTORS
• messages to guide evacuation
1. Ionization smoke detectors
Networked Systems
Ionization smoke detectors rely on a constant
• Development of systems that could electrical current
communicate with each other across large
buildings. This current runs between two electrically charged
plates within the device and is only disrupted when
Modern Advances: Digital Technology and Integrated smoke enters. When this happens, it triggers an alarm
Systems signal to signal a fire. Typically, this fire alarm is touted
The late 20th and early 21st centuries have seen a for detecting fast-burning fires fast.
digital revolution in fire alarm technology. The 2. Photoelectric smoke detectors
advent of microprocessors and digital
communications has allowed for the development Photoelectric smoke detectors operate similarly to
of more sophisticated fire alarm systems that can ionization detectors, however, instead of electricity,
not only detect a fire but also analyze the threat they rely on a laser beam.
level and communicate this information to This light is scattered when it encounters smoke,
emergency services. Modern systems integrate signaling the alarm to sound. This is an incredibly
smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide detectors with reliable fire alarm that works well with small fires.
comprehensive building management systems,
providing a comprehensive approach to fire safety. 3. Heat detectors signal

Looking to the Future: Smart Alarms and IoT Heat detectors signal an alarm when they sense a
change in air temperature due to flames.
Since it's temperature-reliant, these alarms do With this structure, the call points, detectors, and
experience false alarms due to humidity or steam. For alarm devices are wired to two zone cables, going
this reason, these are most often relied upon in back to the fire alarm control panel. This two-wire
storage facilities or warehouses. system allows for increased flexibility that also has
additional benefits like detector recognition and
4. Combined Ionization and Photoelectric
isolation.
A hybrid of ionization and the photoelectric detector is
4. Wireless Fire Alarm Systems
often deemed the best option on the market.
With a wireless system, you'll have a fire alarm
A go-to in the industry, both an electrical current and
without cables connecting the detection device to the
a light beam, this device is one of the fastest you can
fire alarm panel.
get, detecting smoke rapidly to sound a warning
alarm. This system relies on multi-frequency links for
heightened functionality, maintaining signal strength
Types of Fire Alarm System
for constant protection. This system may be more
1. Manual Fire Alarm System expensive to purchase, but it's more flexible and
quicker to install. Plus, it doesn't have all the cabling of
This is a fire alarm system that is manned and a wired system, making it great for properties that
operated 24/7 by a person and the alerts will be made don't allow wiring.
manually at the pull station.
5. Conventional Fire Alarm Systems
Manual Call Points (MCPs): These are the red break-
glass boxes strategically placed throughout the It is a type of fire alarm system whose devices and
building. When a fire is discovered, someone needs to panels are hardwired individually to the fire alarm
manually break the glass and press the button inside control panel.
the MCP.
This allows for multiple detectors in each zone, and in
Activation: Breaking the glass triggers an electrical the case fire is detected, the panel shows what zone
signal sent to the fire alarm panel. the signal was triggered within. However, since it
shares a zone, the location has to be checked out in
Alarm: The fire alarm panel activates the building's person to find the specific location of the fire, which is
alarm system, sounding sirens or bells throughout the the reason why it's best for smaller spaces.
premises.
6. Analogue-Addressable Fire Alarm Systems
2. Automatic Fire Alarm System
A addressable fire alarm system is an intelligent
Its definition is a fire alarm system that gets system whose components are connected to each
automatically triggered by fire or smoke. other and the control unit.
Automatic Fire Detectors: These detectors are placed Unlike conventional systems that share a detected fire
throughout the building and come in various types, based on the zone, analog-addressable systems
such as smoke detectors, heat detectors, and carbon actually signal the specific detector that sensed
monoxide detectors. smoke. Due to the specificity of this system, it's a
Detection: When a detector senses smoke, heat, or reliable choice for large, commercial properties that
carbon monoxide exceeding predetermined need more specific identification of a fire that may not
thresholds, it sends a signal to the fire alarm panel. be readily visible or quick to locate within a zone.

Alarm: The fire alarm panel activates the building's 7. Hybrid Fire Alarms
alarm system, similar to a manual system. Hybrid fire alarm systems are the perfect combination
3. Two-Wire Fire Alarm Systems because they allow the hardwired and wireless
detection systems to work in harmony to create a
A two-wire fire alarm is founded on the standard more customized and efficient whole.
conventional system, however, it utilizes a two-wire
system. Hybrid fire alarm systems are the perfect combination
because they allow the hardwired and wireless
detection systems to work in harmony to create a
more customized and efficient whole. In other words,
if something damages the wires of the conventional
system the addressable system can come in as a
reliable backup.

8. Aspirating Smoke Detection Systems

A aspirating system can pick up on extremely small

fires much quicker than other systems

One of the more sensitive fire detection options you

can choose from, an aspirating system can pick up on
extremely small fires much quicker than other
systems. It does so with a fan that pulls in air from the
building, which then passes through a pipe system,
and a detector that checks for any signs of potential
smoke particles.