Fire alarm system:

A fire alarm system has a number of devices working together to

detect and warn people through visual and audio appliances when smoke, fire,
carbon monoxide or other emergencies are present.

Fire Alarm System Overview

A fire alarm is a unit made of several devices, which uses visual and audio
signalization to warn people about a possible fire, smoke, or carbon monoxide
occurrence in the area of coverage. Fire alarms are usually set in fire alarm
systems to provide zonal coverage for residences and commercial buildings. The
warning signal is either a loud siren/bell or a flashing light, or it can include both.
Some fire alarm systems use additional warnings, such as sending a voice
message or making a phone call.

Classifications of fire alarm systems

Depending on the functionality and the integrated components, there
are several classifications of fire alarm systems.
1. Automatic fire alarm systems are activated through fire detectors,
such as smoke or heat sensors. Manual fire alarms are activated with
manual call points or pull stations. There is no reason for a fire alarm
system to exclude one or the other. Both can be included in the same
system.  

2. Conventional fire alarms work as one unit and cannot pinpoint the

exact area of activation unless inspected. Addressable fire
alarms have a specially dedicated address for each fire alarm
detector that is connected to the control panel, for easier
identification of the source of the danger.  
 3. One-stage fire alarm systems warn everyone in the building that a
sensor has been activated. Two-stage fire alarm systems warn only
certain people who are authorized to take appropriate action before
the second stage. This system is designed to serve large public
areas (for example, healthcare facilities) to prevent panic and
inadequate frightful response.

Key Components of a Fire Alarm System

A conventional fire alarm system consists of the following devices:
 Fire alarm panel

 Detectors and bases

 Call points

 Sounders and flashers

 Power supply accessories (fire alarm batteries)

Wireless fire alarm systems do not use any wiring between the fire control
panel and the other devices. Most fire alarms used today are wireless. The
most advanced use smart technology, and can be integrated into a smart
home with various software applications.

The fire alarm panel (or the fire alarm control panel - FACP) is the base or
the control hub of the system. It controls the settings of the other
components and communicates the information through the system.

Fire detectors can be heat, smoke or carbon monoxide sensors. They are
placed around the building to trace the presence of such emergencies.
Some advanced sensors can even detect radiation. Call points or pulls
belong to manually-controlled fire alarm systems. Most residential
properties don’t use them, but many business facilities still do. Sounders
emit a loud siren signal. Flashers are for visual warnings and emit
intermittent or rotating flashes (typically red or white).

‍ A call point from a conventional fire alarm system

A fire alarm system can use the main electricity power supply as a primary
source. In case of power failure, the system switches to the secondary
power supply, consisting of a fire alarm battery. Conventional fire alarms
need frequent battery replacements. Some of them require basic technical
skills, such as using a screwdriver to mount their parts on a wall or ceiling.
How a Fire Alarm System Works
Contemporary fire alarm systems use automatic functions to detect the
occurrence of an event that may result in a fire. They receive a signal from
a fire sensor (smoke, heat or carbon monoxide detector) and automatically
transmit it to the fire alarm panel.

(In wireless systems, the signal from the detectors to the control panel is
transmitted with radio frequency. Heat detectors usually have built-in
thermistors to sense the heat. Carbon monoxide detectors use integrated
chemical, electrochemical, opto-chemical or biomimetic cells to trace the
gas. Smoke detectors use photoelectricity or ionization to detect smoke or
combustion particles. Combined detectors use a number of detection
mechanisms.)

The fire alarm panel activates the flashers or the sounders, turns on
sprinklers (or they can be activated along with the detector), or makes a
call to the authorities or to the occupants. If the fire alarm system is
addressable, the source of the occurrence will be pointed on the control
panel. Users on separate floors or in connected buildings can be notified in
several ways: by horns, gongs and loudspeaker messages advising
appropriate action for each department.

Features of the Most Advanced Fire

Alarms in the Market
Most advanced fire alarm systems use wireless technology and smart
devices to protect and manage automated buildings from a remote control
panel, typically a mobile app that can be downloaded, installed and
managed from a smartphone.
Modern fire alarm systems use a control panel from a mobile app  

The computerized logic of the control panel analyzes multiple detectors at

the same time to decide on the most appropriate course of action. These
modern smart fire alarm systems are more sensitive than classic models
and are better at avoiding false alarms. With better design and stronger
resistance, they can be placed in areas difficult to reach and give
instructions about the best escape route to the people in the building.
Smart fire alarm systems can perform integrated automatic actions, for
example, discharge fire-suppression systems in closed designated areas;
and vary the notifications to support people on their way out, while
protecting expensive electronic equipment inside.    

Smart wireless detectors use long-life batteries that can last up to 7 years.
That is the shelf life of the smart unit itself. The smart sensor is activated
by connecting it to a mobile account via a sim card. Users can activate,
deactivate and assign fire alarm functions to each sensor from anywhere.
Two big bonuses of most advanced fire alarms systems are the sleek
design and the more pleasant audio warnings that don’t build upon the
panic that’s already there.

How Fire Alarms Work with Access

Control
Most building and office operators would agree that fire alarms are
necessary, and, in fact, it would be extremely reckless to install an access
control system that doesn’t meet all fire safety measures. It's
recommended to implement an access control system that fully integrates
with fire alarms and any other safety sensors on the property.

For example, the Kisi Pro Controller does not have a built-in fire alarm
relay for a couple of reasons:

1) It keeps down the cost of manufacturing the board and therefore,

lowers the hardware cost for their clients.

2) In order to be compliant with building codes, the installer generally

installs a backup power controller like this. Both the building’s fire alarm
system and the Kisi Pro Controller are connected to the backup power
controller. And the electric locks are also wired into the backup power
controller.

So to paint a better picture, imagine this: A fire breaks out in the building,
which triggers the fire alarm. The fire alarm will then trigger the backup
power controller to unlock the doors for people to safely exit. And that’s it!