Importance of Fire Detection

System

Calcutta Hospital
Jaipur Oil
Rajghat Power Plant
Fire safety plans and practices are designed to protect:

People
Information
Property
Time
Fire Safety
Overview of Fire & Life Safety
Code Background

Fire Alarm Systems

Fire Detection

Fire Suppression

Conducting a Basic Assessment


Standards and Codes
Component tests by nationally recognized
labs
Underwriters Laboratories
Factory Mutual
Codes
NFPA 70, National Electrical Code
NPFA 72, The National Fire Alarm Code
Local codes and ordinances
Fire Detection and
Signaling Systems

The early detection of a fire and the signaling
of an appropriate alarm remain the most
significant factors in preventing large losses
from occurring.
Basic Fire
Lets examine the components that
make a basic Fire Alarm Control
System.
Main Controller
The brains of the
system
Provides power to the
system, monitors inputs
and controls outputs
through various circuits
Performs other
functions as required
by the appropriate code
Secondary
(DC(12Vx2))
Requires two Power Sources
Elements of a Control Panel
Primary (AC)
Smoke Detector
Manual Pull Station
A fire alarm
system can have
a variety of
input devices.
Inputs
Elements of a Control Panel
Inputs
Initiating Device: A system component that
originates transmission of a change of state
condition, such as a smoke detector, manual fire
alarm box, supervisory switch, etc...

Initiating Device Circuit (IDC): A circuit to which
automatic or manual initiating devices are connected
where the signal received does not identify the
individual device operated
Elements of a Control Panel
Horns
Strobes
Outputs
Outputs
Notification Appliance: A fire alarm system
component such as a bell, horn, speaker, light,
or text display that provides audible, tactile, or
visible output, or any combination thereof.

Notification Appliance Circuit: A circuit or
path directly connected to a notification
appliance.
The Basic System
Secondary
DC (12Vx2)
Outputs
Inputs
Main Controller
Primary AC
Basic Fire Alarm Technology
Signal Initiation/Initiating Devices
Need to understand stages of fire and what
technology works best for each
The Stages of a Fire
Stage One
Incipient: Products of Combustion particles are
produced (<0.3 microns). No visible smoke or
detectable heat. May occur for milliseconds or
days.
Use ionization detectors
The Stages of a Fire
Stage Two
Smoldering: Visible smoke particles are produced
(>0.3 microns). Little visible flame or noticeable
heat.
Use Photoelectric Detectors
The Stages of a Fire
Stage Three
Flame: Rapid combustion produces radiant energy
in the visible, and invisible (IR, UV) spectrums.
Heat begins to buildup at this stage
Use Spark or Flame Detectors
The Stages of a Fire
Stage Four
High Heat: Uncontrolled combustion is caused by
the heating of nearby combustibles to their
ignition point.
Use Heat Detectors
Note! Major disadvantages of using thermal
energy for fire identification are
Takes a while for a fire to be recognized
The toxic gases that are produced before an alarm
point is reached
Types of Fire Alarm Systems
Selection factors
Level of life-safety hazard
Structural features of the building
Level of hazard presented by the contents of
the building
Availability of fire suppression resources
State and local code requirements
(Continued)
Conventional System.
Addressable System
Type of Cables used and why
Importance of Proper Ground
Importance of proper input source