Fire Detection and

Suppression
Chapter 2
Fire Detection and
Signaling Systems

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.

2-2

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems

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

2-3

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems

Basic System Components

System control unit (alarm panel)
Brain of system
Processes alarm signals from actuating devices
and transmits them to the local or other alerting
system

2-4

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems

Basic System Components

(cont.)

Power supply

Primary power supply

Public electric utility
Engine-driven generator

Secondary power supply

Storage battery and charger
Engine-driven generator and 4-hour storage battery
Multiple engine-driven generators

Trouble signal power supply

2-5

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems

Basic System Components

(cont.)
Initiating devices: manual pull stations, heat
detectors, smoke detectors, flame detectors,
waterflow devices, tamper switches, and
combination detectors
Notification appliances: bells, buzzers, horns,
recorded voice messages, strobe lights,
speakers, and other warning appliances
Auxiliary services
2-6

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems

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)

2-7

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems

Types of Fire Alarm Systems

(cont.)
Local system

Noncoded local alarm

Simultaneous operation of all alarm-indicating devices
Only practical in small occupancies with limited number
of rooms

Master coded local alarm

Serves the premises as a local control unit and
receives input from other fire alarm control units
Used in occupancies that use the alarm signals for
other purposes
(Continued)

2-8

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems

Types of Fire Alarm

Systems
Local system (cont.)
Zoned/annunciated alarm
Identifies fire location quickly and accurately
Alarm-initiating devices arranged in circuits or zones
Initiating device sounds alarm and lights
corresponding lamp on control unit
Annunciator panel remote from control panel
Coded signals

Presignal alarm
(Continued)
2-9

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems

Types of Fire Alarm Systems

(cont.)
Auxiliary system
Facility that receives signals where personnel are
always present to respond
Initiation devices
Local requirements and policies

Types of auxiliary systems

Local energy system
Shunt system
Parallel telephone system
(Continued)
2-10

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems

Types of Fire Alarm Systems

(cont.)
Remote station system
Connected to dispatch center by means other
than municipal fire alarm box system
Local alarm capability
Monitoring options
(Continued)

2-11

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems

Types of Fire Alarm Systems

(cont.)
Proprietary system
Used to protect large buildings or facilities
Systems for individual buildings or areas wired
into common receiving point
Wide-ranging capabilities
(Continued)

2-12

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems

Types of Fire Alarm Systems

(cont.)
Central station system
Similar to proprietary system but receiving point
is an outside, contracted central station
Alarm activation information received by central
station employees, who initiate emergency
response
(Continued)

2-13

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems

Types of Fire Alarm Systems

(cont.)
Emergency voice/alarm communications
system
Supplements other systems
Communicates detailed information to occupants
and fire fighting personnel
One-way/two-way

2-14

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems

Manual Alarm-Initiating
Devices
General requirements
Mounting and distribution
Generally not required in fully sprinklered
structures
Outmoded broken glass pull stations

Coded versus noncoded pull stations

Single-action and double-action pull stations
2-15

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems

Automatic Alarm-Initiating
Devices
Continuously monitor atmosphere
Four basic types
Heat detectors
Smoke detectors
Fire-gas detectors
Flame detectors

2-16

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems

Heat Detectors
Fixed temperature heat detectors
Fusible links/frangible bulbs
Continuous line detector
Bimetallic detector

Rate-of-rise heat detector

Pneumatic rate-of-rise spot detector (Fig. 2.34)
Pneumatic rate-of-rise line detector (Fig. 2.35)
Rate compensated detector (Fig. 2.36)
Thermoelectric detector
2-17

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems

Smoke Detectors
Photoelectric smoke detector
Projected beam (Fig. 2.37)
Refractory photocell (Fig. 2.38)

Ionization smoke detector (Fig. 2.39)

Dual chamber
Air-sampling smoke detectors
Cloud chamber (Fig. 2.40)
Second type (Fig. 2.41)
(Continued)
2-18

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems

Smoke Detectors (cont.)

Limitations
May not provide early warning of a fire
developing on another level of a building
May not detect fire developing on the other side
of a closed door
May not be effective when fire is caused by
explosions resulting from careless housekeeping

2-19

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems

Flame Detectors
Types
Ultraviolet (UV) Fig. (2.42a)
Infrared (IR) Fig. (2.42b)

Fast to respond
Frequent false alarms

2-20

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems

Fire Gas Detectors

Monitors levels of gases released by
combustion
Carbon dioxide
Carbon monoxide

Faster than heat detectors but slower than

smoke detectors

2-21

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems

Combination Detectors
Various possible combinations
Fixed rate/rate-of-rise detectors
Heat/smoke detectors
Smoke/fire gas detectors

Offer benefits of both systems and increase

responsiveness to fire conditions

2-22

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems

Acceptance Testing
Should be observe by representatives of
building owner, fire department, system
installer, and system manufacturer.
All functions of the fire detection and
signaling system should be operated:
All alarm-indicating and alarm-initiating devices
Restorable heat detectors
Response of outside entities responsible for
monitoring the system
2-23

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems

General Inspections
Fire department participation
Checkpoints
Condition of wiring and batteries
All equipment free of foreign materials
Adequate clearance around system control units,
recording instruments, and other devices

2-24

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems

Inspecting and Service

Testing Initiating Devices
(cont.)
Manual alarm-initiating devices
Automatic alarm-initiating devices
Detectors must not be damaged or painted.
Replace or send the following detectors to a
recognized testing laboratory for testing:
Detectors on systems that are being restored to
service after a period of disuse
Detectors that are obviously corroded
(Continued)
2-25

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems

Inspecting and Service

Testing Initiating Devices
(cont.)
Automatic alarm-initiating devices
Replace or send the following detectors to a
recognized testing laboratory for testing (cont.):
Detectors that have been painted over, even if
attempts were made to clean them
Detectors that have been mechanically damaged or
abused
Detectors on circuits that were subjected to current
surges, overvoltages, or lightning strikes
(Continued)
2-26

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems

Inspecting and Service

Testing Initiating Devices
(cont.)
Automatic alarm-initiating devices
Replace or send the following detectors to a
recognized testing laboratory for testing (cont.):
Detectors subjected to foreign substances that might
affect their operation
Detectors subjected to either direct flame, excessive
heat, or smoke damage

Testing
Nonrestorable
Restorable
2-27

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems

Inspecting System Control

Units
Control panel switches and functions
Auxiliary devices
Receiving signals

2-28

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems

System Testing Timetables

Local systems: local guidelines
Central station systems: monthly
Auxiliary systems: monthly (noncoded fire alarm
boxes: monthly)
Remote station and proprietary systems: authority
having jurisdiction
Emergency voice/alarm systems: quarterly
NOTE: In all cases, check the most current edition of
NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code.

2-29

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems

Record Keeping
Maintaining Files and Records
Documents:
Inspection reports, forms, and letters
Violation notices
Summonses
Plans review comments, approvals, and drawings
Fire reports
Investigations
Permits and certificates issued
(Continued)
2-30

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems

Record Keeping
Maintaining Files and Records (cont.)
Occupancies:

Those that have been issued a permit, certificate, or license

Those that contain automatic fire suppression or detection

systems

Those that conduct hazardous operations or routinely house

hazardous materials

Duration: life of structure

Public record
(Continued)

2-31

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems

Record Keeping (cont.)

Written records
File for each inspected property
Cataloging and storage

Electronic records
Two primary methods of entering data:
Inspectors use laptop computers or handheld electronic
data recording equipment during the inspection.
Inspectors use written forms during the inspection and then
enter the information upon returning to the office.
(Continued)
2-32

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems

Record Keeping (cont.)

Electronic records (cont.)
Considerations in computer system management
How will the information be filed?
How can the information be retrieved?
What portion of the information will be stored in a read-only
format?
What personnel will be given access to retrieve information
from the system?
What information can be released to the public?

2-33

Fire Detection and

Signaling Systems