Fire Detection &

Alarm System (FDAS)

P R ES EN T ED B Y :

DR. VICENTE Y. BUENCONSEJO JR., PECE

FACULTY, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
COLEGIO SAN AGUSTIN – BACOLOD
vicbuen76@gmail.com
 Outline
2

1. Scope and Fundamentals

2. Design Requirements
3. Installation Requirements
4. Maintenance, Testing and Inspection
 1. Scope and Fundamentals
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Scope
This Code covers the design and application, installation,
maintenance, testing, and inspection of fire
detection and alarm system. It does not cover fire suppression
system
Purpose
The purpose of this Code is to define the means of signal
initiation, transmission, notification, annunciation,
emergency two-way communication, and emergency voice
evacuation in fire detection and alarm system. The Code
establishes the minimum required levels of performance and
quality of installation
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Application
All installations of automatic fire detection and alarm
system shall comply with the general design and
installation requirements.
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Definitions
 Addressable Device -An FDAS component that can be
individually identified of its status or used to individually
control other functions.

 Addressable System -A system consisting of an

addressable fire alarm control panel and addressable
devices that primarily give the exact location of a fire,
among other features.
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Definitions
 Alarm -A notice or warning of danger
 False Alarm -An alarm caused by a non-fire incident or activity
such as smoking, cooking, etc
 Nuisance Alarm -An alarm caused by malfunction, equipment
defect, improper installation, or poor maintenance.

 Alarm Zone -Location or part of the protected building or

premises. The detection of a firewill be indicated distinctly
and independently from an indication of fire in any other
location.
 Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) -The office of
Bureau of Fire Protection and the Office of Building Official.
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Definitions
Annunciator -An FDAS
component containing one or
more indicator lamps/LED’s or
alphanumeric displays in which
each indication provides status
information about an
addressable or conventional
device, a group of devices, a zone,
a circuit, or an LCD and Graphic
condition.
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Definitions
Annunciator
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Definitions
 Central Station -An entity controlled and operated by a
person, firm, or corporation whose business is the monitoring,
recording, and maintaining of supervised alarms
automatically transmitted to it by the FDAS of a subscriber of
this service, and who upon receipt of such signals shall take
such actions as required by the AHJ and the subscriber.

 Conventional Device -An FDAS component, such as a

smoke detector, heat detector, or manual fire alarm station,
that does not have an electromechanical or software address
that gives it a discrete identity.
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Definitions
 Conventional System -A system with a conventional fire
alarm control panel and conventional devices that is wired in a
way that divides the protected building or premises
into parts or subdivisions which are called alarm zones.
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Definitions
 Detector -A device or component that is used to sense the
products of fire, such as smoke, heat, flame, or carbon
monoxide.
 Smoke Detector - A detector that detects particles of
combustion, whether visible or invisible. See Figure 1-2 and 1-3
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Definitions
 Detector -A device or component that is used to sense the
products of fire, such as smoke, heat, flame, or carbon
monoxide.
 Smoke Detector - A detector that detects particles of
combustion, whether visible or invisible. See Figure 1-2 and 1-3
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Definitions
 Heat Detector - A detector that
detects abnormally high temperature,
abnormally fast rate of temperature
rise, or both. See Figure 1-4

Figure 1-4 Fixed Temperature

and Rate of Rise Heat Detector
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Definitions
 Multi-criteria Detector - A detector that
contains two or more sensors that tracks
the corresponding products of fire, such as
smoke, heat, flame, or carbon monoxide,
and transmits signals to the fire alarm
control panel, which shall mathematically
evaluate them with pre-programmed
algorithms to determine when an alarm
signal is warranted. The evaluation may
Figure 1-6 Miiltisensor
also be performed at the detector. The
Detector Optical /
objective of using this type of detector is to Thermal/Chemical
reduce false alarms. See Figure 1-6
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Definitions
 Duct Detector - A smoke detector,
using sampling tubes, that senses
smoke in the air circulating within
air-conditioning or ventilating
ducts. See Figure 1-7 Figure 1-7
Duct Detector
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Definitions
 Beam Detector - A smoke
detector that senses smoke along
a continuous path, usually
installed in high-ceiling areas. It
is alternately called a projected
beam smoke detector. See Figure
1-8 and 1-9
Figure 1-8 Reflective
Beam Detector
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Definitions
 Beam
Detector

Figure 1-9 Beam

Detector details
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Definitions
 Flame Detector - A detector
that senses and detects the
radiant energy emitted by a
flame. See Figure 1-10

Figure 1-10 Ultraviolet

Flame Detector
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Definitions
 Air Sampling-type Detector -A
detector that consists of a piping
layout network that runs from the
detector to the protected area or
areas. A fan inside the detector
housing draws air from the
protected area or areas through air
sampling holes or ports on the
piping network. The air is then
evaluated and analyzed at the
detector to determine if an alarm
Figure 1-11 Air Sampling
signal is warranted. See Figure 1-11 Type Detector
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Definitions
 Carbon Monoxide Detector -
A detector that senses and
detects abnormally high
levels of carbon monoxide. See
Figure 1-12

Figure 1-12 Carbon

Monoxide Detector
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Definitions
 Emergency Communications System - A sub-system of
an FDAS that broad casts the existence of a fire or an
emergency situation, or communicates information necessary
to facilitate an appropriate action.

 Emergency Voice Alarm Communication (EVAC) - It is a

sub-system that broadcasts information during an emergency to
the occupants of a building or facility and instructs appropriate
actions to them, such as evacuating. It is conveyed by audible or
visible means, or both.
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Definitions
Two-Way Emergency Communications System - It is a sub-
system intended for use by the building fire safety personnel or by
fire fighters and first responders to both exchange information and
to communicate information, such as condition of local
environment, condition of persons, to give assurance that help is on
the way, or other instructions. See Figure 1-13, 1-14 and 1-15

Figure 1-13 Figure 1-14 Figure 1-15 Telephone

Telephone Jack Telephone Jack Mobile Handset
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Definitions
Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) - An FDAS component, provided
with primary and secondary power supplies that receives signals from
initiating devices, such as detectors and manual fire alarm stations and
processes these signals to determine the required output functions, such
as activation of notification appliances, annunciators, and the one-way
emergency communications system. See Figure 1-16
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Definitions

Figure 1-16 FDAS Process

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Definitions
Conventional Fire Alarm Control Panel - An FACP that
comes with one or more alarm zones. It can only connect
conventional devices. See Figure 1-17

Figure 1-17 Conventional

Fire Alarm Control panel
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Definitions
Addressable Fire Alarm Control
Panel - An FACP that comes with one
or more signaling line circuits, called
addressable loops, to which
addressable devices are connected.
Conventional devices may also be
connected to these loops through input
addressable modules. Also known as
Intelligent FACP. See Figure 1-18

Figure 1-18
Conventional/Intelligent
Fire Alarm Control panel
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Definitions
Fire Command Center - The room or
principal location wherein the FACP and
other life safety system are located to
display and monitor all fire alarms and
system troubles, and from which all
output functions are automatically and
manually controlled. Requirements for
Fire Command Center shall follow the
provisions stipulated in the Implementing
Rules and Regulation of Republic Act
9514, the revised fire code of the
Figure 1-19
Philippines 2008, Division 19, Chapter
Graphic Monitor Center
10.2.19.5, see Annex D. See Figure 1-19
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Definitions
Manual Fire Alarm Station -An FDAS component that is
manually operated to initiate a fire alarm signal. See Figure 1-20

Figure 1-20
Manual Call Point
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Definitions
Notification Appliance -
An FDAS component such
as a bell, horn, speaker,
strobe, or text display that
provides audible or visible
outputs, or both.
See Figure 1-21, 1-22, 1-23,
1-24, 1-25, 1-26, 1-27, 1-28,
1-29,1-30,1-31,1-32,1-33
and 1-34.
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Definitions
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Definitions
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Definitions
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Definitions
Audible Notification Appliance - A notification appliance that
warns by the sense of hearing

Exit Marking Audible Notification Appliance - An audible

notification appliance that arks building exits, floor exits, stairwells,
or paths to exits for the purpose of evacuation.
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Definitions
Visible Notification
Appliance - A
notification appliance
that warns by the sense
of sight.

Tactile Notification
Appliance - A
notification appliance
that warns by the sense
of touch or vibration.
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Definitions
Personnel - People, who install, maintain, service, test, and/or
inspect fire detection and alarm system.

Maintenance and Service Personnel - Individuals who

perform cleaning, adjustments, replacements of equipment &
components, system programming, and other maintenance
work according to the manufacturer’s recommendations for the
system to perform as required.

Testing Personnel -Individuals who perform physical checks,

tests, and procedures to determine whether a system performs as
required for acceptance or reacceptance.
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Definitions
Personnel - People, who install, maintain, service, test, and/or
inspect fire detection and alarm system.

Inspection Personnel - Individuals representing the AHJ who

perform physical checks, tests, and procedures to determine
whether a system functions and performs as required, as
partial compliance for issuance of a Fire Safety Inspection
Certificate (FSIC).
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Definitions
Power Supply - It is the source of electricity that provides the
power needed to operate the FACP, and consequently all devices
connected to it. See Figure 1-35

Primary Power Supply - It is the 220VAC power voltage from

the electrical utility company. Within the FACP it is converted to
the system voltage of 24VDC.

Secondary Power Supply - When there is a failure of the

primary power supply, the batteries (serving as the secondary
power supply) automatically switch over to provide uninterrupted
power to the system
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Definitions
Power Supply - It is the source
of electricity that provides the
power needed to operate the
FACP, and consequently all
devices connected to it. See
Figure 1-35
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Definitions
Semi-addressable System - A system consisting of an addressable
fire alarm control panel and conventional devices connected to it
through input addressable modules.

Shall - Indicates a mandatory requirement.

Should - Indicates a recommendation, but not required.

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General Requirements
All buildings, facilities, houses, structures, and premises, except those
specified in Clause 1.6.1, shall have fire detection and alarm system
that complies with the requirements of this Code.

The fire detection and alarm system shall be for the protection of life
or property, or both, by detecting and notifying the existence of fire,
smoke, heat, or other emergencies that impact and affect the
protected premises.
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General Requirements
The fire detection and alarm system shall have one or more of the
following functions:

1. Automatic detection of smoke and/or heat, and manual fire alarm

signal initiation
2. Activation of fire alarm notification appliances
3. Emergency communications system
4. Activation of annunciators
5. Monitoring of abnormal conditions in fire suppression system
6. Activation of fire safety functions
7. Transmission of alarm signal to an off-premise Central Station
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General Requirements
The fire detection and alarm system shall, at the very least, consist of
a fire alarm control panel, the appropriate automatic detectors,
manual fire alarm station(s), and notification appliance(s)

The type or kind of equipment, location, mounting, spacing, and

other engineering considerations in the design of the fire detection
and alarm system shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 2

The installation of the fire detection and alarm system shall comply
with the requirements of Chapter 3.
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General Requirements
The properly designed, installed, and accepted fire detection and
alarm system shall undergo annual testing and inspection by the AHJ
for reacceptance, as specified in Chapter 4.

The primary power supplied to the fire alarm control panel, and
hence to the entire system, shall be from a dedicated and exclusive
branch circuit. The secondary power supply shall ave sufficient
capacity to operate the system under normal non-alarm condition for
a minimum of 24 hours, and at the end of that period, capable of
operating all alarm notification appliances and emergency
communications system for a period of 30 minutes.
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General Requirements
Detectors, manual fire alarm stations, notifications appliances,
emergency communications devices, and annunciators shall be
installed throughout all parts of the building, facility, structure, or
house as required under Chapter 2.

An alarm zone shall have a maximum floor area of 800 sq. m. A

separate alarm zone shall be provided for each 800 sq.m, of protected
floor area.

The color of the manual fire alarm station must be red.

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General Requirements
Audible notification signal shall have a sound level of at least 15 dB
above the average ambient sound level, or 5 dB above the maximum
sound level having a duration of at least 30 seconds or 75 dBA,
whichever is greater, measured 1.40 meters above the floor in the
area required to be served.

Emergency communications system shall be installed in buildings,

facilities, or structures are required to have such sub-system under
Chapter 2.
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USE OF BATTERY-OPERATED SMOKE/HEAT DETECTORS

Buildings, structures, facilities, houses, or premises that are not record
and refer of protection code, more than 400 sq.m, in total floor area,
not more than two floors or less and with a height of not more than 10
meters may choose not to install a fire detection alarm system.

However, in its place, battery-operated, stand-alone detectors shall be

installed. Each battery-operated, stand-alone detector shall cover a
floor area of not more than 50 sq m Each room shall be separately
protected.

In buildings, structures, facilities, houses, or premises that are over

and above the specified in Clause 1.6.1, battery-operated detectors
shall not substitute or take the place wired detectors in the fire
detection and alarm system
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AREAS WHERE DETECTION IS REQUIRED

Further to Clause 1.5.9, the following are areas or spaces where
detection is required. Refer to Division 8 to 19 of the Fire Code of the
Philippines in Annex E.

1. The spaces under raised floor more than 600 mm in height. If

conventional detectors are used they should be wired as a separate
alarm zone.
2. The spaces above drop ceiling more than 1 meter in height. If
conventional detectors are used they should be wired as a separate
alarm zone.
3. Concealed spaces under the roof more than 1 meter in height. If
conventional detectors used, they should be wired as a separate
alarm zone
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AREAS WHERE DETECTION IS REQUIRED

Further to Clause 1.5.9, the following are areas or spaces where
detection is required. Refer to Division 8 to 19 of the Fire Code of the
Philippines in Annex E.

4. Stairwells, with detection at each floor level

5. Return air ducts of air conditioning system using sampling tubes
6. Tunnels linking two or more buildings
7. Vaults or the like
8. Vertical shafts
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AREAS WHERE DETECTION IS NOT REQUIRED

Detectors are not required in the following locations:

1. Toilet and/or bathroom with a floor area of less than 4 sq.m

2. Exhaust ducts exhausting from toilets and/or bathrooms
3. Any walk-in type enclosure with a floor area not more than 1 sq. m.
provided its content is minimal fire risk, or one with floor area not
more than 0.5 sq.m, if it contains electrical communication
equipment.
4. The spaces under raised floor with a height of 250 mm or less.
5. The spaces above drop ceiling with a height of 1 meter or less without
combustible materials.
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AREAS WHERE DETECTION IS NOT REQUIRED

Detectors are not required in the following locations:

6. Concealed spaces under the roof with a height of 1 meter or less

without combustible materials.
7. Covered paths: balconies, open-sided covered walkways & staircases,
overhanging roof art verandas, provided they are not used for storage
of goods.
8. The area under structures such as platforms, ducts, and the like,
within a protected room areas, which are less than 3 meters in width,
provided the free flow of air reaching the detection mounted above is
not obstructed.
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CENTRAL STATION ALARM MONITORING

All installed FDAS should subscribe to the alarm monitoring s services

of a central station. All alarm signals received by the monitoring central
station shall be forwarded or redirected to fire fighting authorities

The competence of the operators of the central station shall be certified

by the manufacturer of the receiving system or equipment, or by an
organization acceptable to the AHJ.
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CENTRAL STATION ALARM MONITORING

 REFERENCES
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1. The Philippine Electronics Code (2016). Fire

Detection and Alarm System. Institute of the
Electronics Engineers of the Philippines, Inc.
Manila
2. RA 9154 (2008). Fire Code of the Philippines.
3. RA 9292 (2004). Electronics Engineering Law of
2004.
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vicbuen@csab.mail.ph