Automatic Alarm System

Dr. Eng.
Walid Abdelghaffar
wabdelghaffar@hotmail.com
Why alarm system?

A security and safety system is an investment for
your peace of mind. In general, a system is available
for any budget. Costs do vary and largely depend on
which security features chosen and the protected
area.
Detect fire
Initiate alarms
Activate fire isolation devices and / or fire suppression
systems
Protect life and property
Detectors
Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar
Regulation &Standards
Municipal fire inspectors, building inspectors,
the fire insurance company representatives
routinely inspect industrial facilities to ensure
that the fire alarm system:
Meets applicable codes and standards (e.g., NFPA
72, EN 54)
Is compatible with the facility's current use ( e.g.,
current occupancy, type of operation and activities,
products and material stored)
Is tested and maintained according to regulations
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Detection System
Detection system selection must fulfill two

requirements:
1. It must be sensitive enough to detect combustion within
an acceptable and required time frame.
2. It must be reliable enough to not respond to non-fire
activation sources
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Detection System
A determination of the proper detection system
depends on:
A basic knowledge of the function of the different

detectors.
The hazard characteristics.
The stages of combustion.
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The Stages of Combustion

1. Incipient stage
2. Smoldering stage
3. Flame stage
4. Heat stage
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1. Incipient stage
where invisible products of combustion are

produced
At this stage, smoke is not visible, nor has the
heat of combustion developed.
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2. Smoldering stage
The smoldering stage
occurs when the combustion
has developed to the point where combustion
products are visible as smoke, but flame and heat
are not yet a factor.
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3.Flame stage
The flame stage is an intermediate stage where

considerable heat is not yet being produced by
the combustion , although this stage very quickly
moves into the next, the heat stage.
In this stage there may be a clean flame, but little
or no smoke.
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4.Heat stage
The heat stage combines all the

elements of combustion-invisible products as
well as visible smoke, flame, and heat.
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Classification of fire detectors

(EN 54 1976)
Detectors can be classified based on:
Fire phenomena
Response Mode
Resettability
Configuration
Detachability
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Fire phenomena:
Heat
Smoke
Gas
Flame
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Response Mode
Static
Differential
Rate of rise
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Resettability
Resettable
Self
Remotely
Locally
Nonresettable
With exchangeable elements
Without exchangeable elements
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Configuration
Point
Multi-point
Line
Detectors
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Detachability
Detachable
No detachable
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Fire Detectors Families
Flame
Detector
Infra-Red
Infra-Red
Visible
Visible
Radiation
Radiation
Smoke
Detector
Heat
Detector
Ultra-Violet
Ultra-Violet
Laminar
Laminar Flow
Flow
Thermal
Thermal Energy
Energy
Residual
Residual
Conservation
Of Matter
Aerosol
Aerosol
Suspension
Suspension
Visible
Visible
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Fire
Fire
Convection
Convection
Turbulent
Turbulent Flow
Flow
Invisible
Invisible
Conservation
Of Energy
Gaseous
Gaseous
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1.Smoke Detectors
1.
2.
Photoelectric Smoke Detector

Ionization Smoke Detectors
1.Photoelectric Smoke Detector

uses the light-reflection principle to detect smoke.
A) spot type detector

B) beam/line type detector
C) duct type detector
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1.Photo-electric smoke detector

A) spot type detector
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Smoke free chamber light

beam travels straight
through
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Smoke particles in
chamber deflect some
light rays
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The refractory photocell uses a light beam that passes
through a small chamber at a point away from the light
source. Normally, the light does not strike the photocell,
and no current is produced. When a current does not
flow, switch in the current remains open.
When smoke enters the chamber, it causes the light
beam to be refracted (scattered) in random directions. A
portion of the scattered light strikes the photocell causing
current to flow. This current closes the switch and
activates the alarm signal
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A photoelectric smoke detector is activated by visible smoke

particles entering the detector.
The photoelectric detector responds to the thicker, heavier,

visible smoke that develops when slow-developing and
smoldering combustion is presented.
A slow-burning or smolder fire is typical of combustion of

materials found in the office, home photoelectric, hotels, and
hospitals.
The engineer may, in order to provide reliable combustion

detection, recommend the installation of both ionization and
photoelectric detectors if the type of fire potential cannot be
readily determined
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In an effort to obtain a sensitive, early warning
detection system where ionization detectors appear to
be the best selection, it is imperative that the general
environment be considered because these detectors
will react to many non-fire invisible particles, including
exhaust fumes, welding operations, kitchen odors, and
pilot lights.
Maintenance is a prime consideration with detection
system.
Dust and contamination can affect the sensitivity of any
detector, either by making it more sensitive to non-fire
detection sources, or by reducing the sensitivity
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Signal Conditioning Circuit for

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B) beam/line type detector
Light Beam
Receiver
Light Source
Clean Air
Light Beam
Receiver
Light Source
Smoke Particle
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Linear Beam Smoke Detector
The linear beam smoke detector basically operates on the same

principle as the photoelectric smoke detector with a light source
directed on a photo-sensitive receiver.
The difference is that the linear beam smoke detector consists of
two separate units. The light source is one piece of equipment,
and the light beam receiver is a separate piece of equipment.
The linear beam smoke detector light source, or transmitter,
emits an invisible infrared beam over open area distances of 35'
to 300' on to the light receiver.
When no smoke interferes with this beam, the receiver accepts
the beam at a specified voltage level, but when smoke interferes
with the beam, the infrared light reaching the receiver is
lessened, and when the beam intensity drops below the
predetermined sensitivity level of the receiver, it initiates a signal
from the detector
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Linear Beam Smoke Detector
This type of smoke detector has many applications in

areas where spot-type smoke detector could not be
installed to operate efficiently,
Such as:
Airport terminals.
With very high ceilings.
Aircraft hangars.
Churches, and large open facilities.
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C) duct type detector
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Duct detector
Duct detectors are ionization photoelectric.
They are usually installed on a return air duct close to the fan unit.
Duct detectors are installed on the exterior of the duct with long
tubes extending into the duct .these tubes have holes that pick up
products of combustion. In the air stream returning from the vents
in the facility, transmitting them into the detector unit on the
outside the Duct
When the detector is activated, one of the signals it actuates is an
automatic shut-down of the heating and air-conditioning fans to
prevent the products of combustion from being sent back through
the heating and air-conditioning system throughout the building.
Duct detectors provide an excellent function but always keep in
mind that they should not substitute for a detection system
throughout the facility
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2. Ionization smoke detector
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Ionization detector
In evaluating the hazard, the level of required detection
sensitivity, the environment in which the detector will function,
and the type of combustion anticipated, it may be determined
that the combustion should be detected in the incipient stage
before there is appreciable heat and smoke in order to
prevent heat and smoke damage to delicate electronic
equipment.
In such cases, ionization detectors should be seriously
considered because they react when invisible products of
combustion are given off by the combustion before there is
visible smoke has developed.
The analysis of the combustibles present and the type of fire
that these combustibles will produce should be the first
concern when making a detection selection.
Fire that develop rapidly into flaming stage without the
accumulation of heavy, visible smoke particles are detected
most effectively by ionization detectors.
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Photoelectric Verses Ionization

Smoke Detectors
Photoelectric
-Respond more quickly to smoldering fires
Ionization
-Respond more quickly to flaming fires with smaller combustion
particles
-Less expensive
-Less power requirements
Limitation is the radio active material

used in it.
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2.Heat Detectors
1. Fixed temperature heat detectors
Responds to changes in ambient temperature
a) Spot type
b) Bimetal
2. Rate-of-rise heat detectors
Respond to the sudden change or Rate of rise in
ambient temperature from a normal baseline
condition
a) Rate compensated detectors
b) Rate of rise detectors
3. Combination
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Thermal detection systems

The operation of thermal detectors is the least
sophisticated of all the detectors
Thermal detectors are designed to actuate at a
predetermined fixed temperature.
They should be used when the protected hazard area
has the potential to produce considerable combustion
heat, or at least sufficient combustion heat to activate
the detector before considerable damage is done
passing through the early stages of the combustion.
A sprinkler head is actually a thermal detector, when
combustion heat reaches the temperature setting of the
fusible element of the sprinkler head, the fusible element
melts, or softens sufficiently to release the head linkage,
thereby releasing the discharge. The water movement in
the piping actuates a device that transmits an alarm
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Thermal detection systems(cont,)

The sprinkler head is a good example of a non-restorable
detector.
Once the head is activated, it must be replaced.
A thermal element melts at a predetermined temperature,
releasing a mechanical arrangement such as a spring or a
plunger which makes or breaks an electric circuit, activating
the alarm system.
Other thermal detectors are available that activate at a
predetermined fixed temperature, but are self- restoring.
After the detector has been activated and the combustion
heat removed, the detector returns to room temperature and
automatically resets it self
When designing a detection system that activates a
suppression system, and the detectors are self-restoring,
always determine what may be required to maintain the
suppression system in an operating condition should the
detector reset
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1.Fixed temperature heat

a) Spot type
Detect heat by one or more of 3 primary

principles of physics:
1. Expansion of heated material
2. Melting of heated material
3. Changes in resistance of heated material
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Spot type
Has a detecting element or elements that respond to
temperature conditions at a single point or in a small area.
Designed for one-time operation, and the whole device or the
element needs to be replaced.
Usually 57C to 62C or 85C to 92C
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Fixed-temperature devices
That melt employ soft metal alloys or thermoplastic
resins to hold together a two-piece link or latching
mechanism. A frequently used metal alloy is solder.
When the solder melts, the link separates or the latch is
released, causing an alarm signal to sound.
Another type of fixed-temperature device actuates
through the expansion of heated solvents. In this type of
device, small glass bulbs contain solvents; the bulbs are
manufactured to break at predetermined pressures.
When the solvent is heated, it vaporizes. The resulting
vapor pressure breaks the glass bulb, which has been
holding two electrical contacts apart. the contacts close,
causing an alarm signal to be send.
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1.Fixed temperature heat

a) Bimetal type
Metal A
Metal B
Wiring
Terminal
Contact
Uses 2 metals with different thermal expansion

characteristics, when heated, 1 metal expands faster than
the other causing the strip to bend or arch, Deflection of
strip makes or breaks alarm circuit, initiating an alarm
Automatically when cooled
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2.R-O-R heat Detector

a) Rate-compensated
detectors
b) Rate-of-rise detectors
-When temp rate of rise increase the pressure change rate

increase, at low rates the high pressure air allowed to escape
through an air breather and at high rates it affects a bellow
diaphragm and causes the alarm
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Rate of Rise Detector
The rate of rise detector responds to a rate of

temperature rise of 15 C per minute regardless of the
room's ambient temperature. This feature gives the
rate of rise detector an advantage over thermal
detectors because it is not affected by thermal lag.
The rate of rise detector is activated by the very rate

of temperature rise that is lost with a thermal detector.
If the temperature rises at the rate of 15 C per minute,
the rate of rise detector will activate.
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Rate of Rise Detector

There are certain disadvantages of the rate of rise
detector:
1. Slow-burning or smoldering combustion may produce
considerable heat, and the ceiling where the detector is
located may rise to a very high temperature, but unless
the rate of heat rise is rapid enough to produce a 15 C
per minute increase, the detector will not activate.
2. It is for this reason that combination fixed temperature
and rate of rise detectors are used to overcome the rate
of temperature rise disadvantage
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Rate-of-rise detectors
Respond to quick changes in temperature rather than
activating at a fixed temperature.
Most rate-of-rise detectors have a small chamber filled
with air.
A small vent from the chamber allows for slow changes
in temperatures.
If rapid heating occurs, however, the air inside the
chamber expands. The small vent cannot relieve the
pressure, which forces a diaphragm out.
The movement of the diaphragm either opens or closes
a set of electrical contacts than initiate an alarm signal
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Rate compensation detector

The rate compensation detector, sometimes referred to
as a rate anticipation detector, consists of two metallic
struts mounted inside of a steel elongated shell.
The stainless steel shell has a coefficient of expansion
greater than the two metallic struts mounted within it.
When the shell is exposed to heat, it expands, and since
the ends of the two struts are attached to either and of
the shell, the expanding shell pulls the struts and
stretches them until they make contact at the center of
the struts.
Rate compensation detectors have a predetermined
fixed temperature set point, and when the two struts
make contact and activate the detector, it has reached
this temperature set point.
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Rate compensation detector

Unlike the rate of rise detector that requires a minimum
15 C per minute rate of temperature rise to operate, a
smoldering fire producing a slow rise in temperature
heat both the outer and the struts equally until the set
point of the detector is reached
When the combustion heat is rapid, the rate
compensation shell expands rapidly until the struts are
stretched to the point of contact, thus eliminating the
thermal lag that may prevent a fixed temperature
detector from operating when the surrounding air has
reached the set point of the detector.
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Heat actuating Device (H.A.D)

The heat actuating devise, commonly referred to as the
H.A.D is a rate of the rise detector that has been on the
market and in service for many years
Basically, the H.A.D is a hollow cylinder connected to the
system operating devices through small copper tubing.
When there is an increase in combustion temperature,
the air in the H.A.D expands and the pressure created is
transmitted through the copper tubing to activate a
diaphragm, or equivalent device that reacts to increase
pressure.
This detection system is pneumatic, and as a result, has
been used frequently in areas where flammable vapors
may be present and an electric spark from electric
detector activation could cause an explosion.
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Heat actuating Device (H.A.D)

The H.A.D pneumatic system copper tubing is connected to a
device called a mercury check
The mercury check acts as the environmental temperature
change vent for a group of H.A.D's that connected to the
mercury check.
The mercury check prevents an increase in pressure in one
H.A.D in the group from being dissipated by pressurizing the
other H.A.D's in the group
The mercury check is a retard device to prevent false alarms.
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Thermostatic release
There is detector on the market that operates on the rate of rise
principle when the detector is subjected to a temperature rate increase
of 15 C or more per minute.
This detector can also be equipped with a sprinkler head to serve as a
fixed temperature detector.
The detector can function as a pneumatic or hydraulic system.
The thermostatic release detector operates on the principle of two
metals expanding at different rates when subjected to temperature
change. The tube expansion exerts a pulling force on the rod, which in
turn mechanic operates a valve that releases pressure on diaphragm,
which then raises a clapper and vents the system.
The valve is actually a Schrader valve, the same valve found on the
tires of a car or bicycle. When the rod is pulled by the expanding tube,
it depresses the stem of the diaphragm then opens the vent, releasing
air when the system is pneumatic, and water when the system is
hydraulic
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Combination fixed temperature And

rate of the rise detector
The combination fixed temperature and rate of the rise
detector are used to overcome the rate of temperature
rise disadvantage.
The combination fixed temperature and rate of the rise
detectors are activated when the rate of the temperature
rise is 15 c or more per minute. it also has a fusible
element with a predetermined operating temperature.
The combination electrical spot detector is hollow shell
containing a diaphragm . When the shell is subjected to
combustion heat that is increasing in temperature at a
rate of 15 C per minute or greater, the air trapped in the
detector shell expands, thereby forcing the diaphragm up
to make an electrical contact that closes a current and
activates the system.
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Combination rate-of-rise/fixed
temperature detectors
Feature the quicker reaction rate of the rate-of-rise

detector coupled with the higher dependability of the
fixed- temperature unit
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Pilot heat system

The pilot heat detection system is a thermal detection system
frequently used to activate suppression system.
The pilot heat system uses regular sprinkler heads as the thermal
detectors
These heats are installed on pipe which is filled with compressed
air.
When a heat fuses, the compressed air is released, and the release of
compressed air pressure activates the suppression system valve
The pilot head detection system is very reliable in that it is not subject
to false trips from non-fire sources, which can cause havoc with other
detector that, operate on a principle other that heat.
Pilot heat detection systems are frequently used to activate cooling
tower and outdoor transformer deluge suppression system.
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3.flame Detectors
A device which detects the infra-red, ultraviolet, or visible
radiation produced by a fire.
Ultraviolet
infra-red
UV/IR
Visible sensors
detectors work according to wavelengths to detect fires and
explosions within milliseconds
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Radiant Energy
Ultraviolet
0.1-0.35
Visible
0.36-0.75
Infrared
0.76-220
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Flame Detectors
Most sensitive to detect fires, but also easily activated by non-fire
conditions (e.g.. welding, sunlight etc.)
Must be positioned with an unobstructed view of the protected area and
will not activate if line of site is blocked.
IR detectors are designed to require the flickering motion of flame ,UV
detectors insensitive to sunlight so they can be used in areas not
suitable for IR detectors
Ultraviolet
Detectors
Infrared
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Carbon Monoxide detectors

Advantages of Carbon Monoxide
detectors over any other detector:
improved the speed of detection from slow
smoldering fires.
reduced the possibility of false alarms than
smoke detectors.
In Four types of sensors

detector carbon Monoxide
1.
2.
3.
4.
Opto-Chemical
Biomimetic
Electrochemical
Semiconductor
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Detectors Summary
Type of Detector
Advantage
Disadvantage
Effective at sensing fast flaming

fire, low cost and simple to
manufacture
Sometime too expensive

causing nuisance alarms and it
contains radioactive element.
Also, not effective at sensing
slow smouldering fire.
Effective at sensing slow

smoldering fire
High cost and not effective at

sensing fast flaming fire
Air Sampling Smoke Detector
Very sensitive and have

multiple methods of operation.
Complicate to design and have

high cost. Vulnerable to
nuisance alarms.
Very sensitive to manufacture

and the production cost is not
high.
Easier to give false alarms

comparing with other heat
detectors and it needs to be
well placed for it to operate
effectively.
More flexible and reliable than

fixed temperature detectors.
For effective operation it needs

to be well placed. Additionally,
more complicated to
manufacture hence, possibly of
high cost.
Relatively simple to
manufacture and are more
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sensitive.
Also need to be placed

efficiently. Vulnerable to
sudden environmental
changes
thus causing nuisance alarms.
Ionization Smoke Detector
Fixed Temperature Heat

Detector
Rate Compensating Heat

Detector
Rate of Rise Heat Detector

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System design
Takes into account:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Location of fire
Classes of fire
Stages of fire (incipient, smoldering, visible
flames and intense heat)
Products of fire at each stage (Flames, Heat
,Smoke, Toxic gases )
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Alarm & detection

Fire alarm systems:
installed in occupied building such as schools, hospitals,
designed to detect fires and to warn occupants for
evacuation and notify a monitoring station or a fire
department.
Fire detection system:

installed in unoccupied building to monitor processes
and equipment, Is set up to notify a control room or
monitoring station, is typically installed:
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The system may be:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
An alarm system
A suppression system
An equipment shut-down system
An equipment start-up system
A combination of any of these systems
By closing the electrical circuit, the detector signals the

control panel which transmits a signal to the various
systems.
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System components
Control panel
input
Primary (AC)
Secondary (DC)
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output
(CPU)/control
panel
System components:
Main function
Receives signals from initiation devices (contacts, motion
detectors, smoke detectors etc.) and activates appropriate
notification devices (dialer, horns, strobes etc.)
Electrically monitors system wiring and primary power
Supplementary functions
Elevator capture
Equipment shutdown
Air handling shutdown
Event printing
Door holding devices
Display monitor interface
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(CPU)/control panel
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Fire Alarm Control Panel
An electric panel that is the controlling component of a fire

alarm system.
The panel receives information from environmental sensors
designed to detect changes associated with fire, monitors
their operational integrity and provides for automatic control
of equipment, and transmission of information necessary to
prepare the facility for fire based on a predetermined
sequence.
The panel may also supply electrical energy to operate any
associated sensor, control, transmitter, or relay.
There are four basic types of panels: Coded Panels,
Conventional Panels, Addressable Panels, And Multiplex
Systems
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CONVENTIONAL SYSTEMS
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Conventional system
-A building is sectioned into zones.

Conventional detectors have two states, normal and alarm.
-Each zone is wired back to the fire indicator panel (FIP)
separately
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I. Conventional Panels
Have a small number of

circuits, each circuit covering
a zone within the building.
The main drawback with
conventional panels is that
one cannot tell which device
has been activated within a
circuit.
They are no longer used
frequently in large buildings,
but are still used on smaller
sites such as small schools or
apartments.
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I. Conventional Panels
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I. Addressable Panels
Much more advanced

Panels usually have a number
of signaling line circuits (slcs)
within the range of one to thirty
circuits.
Each slc can have a number of
devices connected to it. Each
device has its own address,
and so the panel knows the
state of each individual device
connected to it.
A loop may have up to 200
device
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II. Addressable Panels

Common addressable input (initiating) devices include:
Smoke detectors
Manual call points
Responders
Fire sprinkler system inputs
Switches
Flow control
Pressure
Isolate
Standard switches
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Addressable output devices are known as relays and
include
(Warning System/Bell) Relays
Door Holder Relays
Auxiliary (Control Function) Relays
Relays are used to control a variety of functions such as
Switching fans on or off
Closing/opening doors
Activating Fire Suppression System
Activating notification appliances
Shutting down industrial equipment
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Addressable system
Connected in constant two-way communication with the
control panel
Continuously monitor the protected area for changes in temp.
or air clarity.
Any abnormal change communicated to the fire panel which
- after analyzing the signals - then makes the decision to
trigger the alarm and shows which detector is indicating a fire
in a specific part of the building
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Control Module
Is a device connected to the addressable control panel

but it allowing an extension to another conventional
circuit.
Is also connected with the fire control power supply
(FCPS)
NOTE THAT:
FCPS gives up to 4 amp current and uses about 24 volt
,and can be connected to more that one control module

which will not give out more than 1 amp to notification
devices connected to it.
An isolator is put after every 20 digital components
(detectors, control modules, call points,..) to avoid failure in
case of shortcuts.
Control modules activate a conventional sound circuit
according to the signal received from the control panel
which can be programmed to activate all the sound circuits
in all floors.
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Monitoring
system
System components:
Monitoring
If an alarm being triggered the 24-hour monitoring station
immediately summons help from the police or fire
departments.
Arming Stations
Key operated arming stations use a high security key to arm
and disarm the system. A more common type of arming
station is the digital key pad.
Types of keypads:
L-E-D
L-C-D
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System components:
System input/Alarm
initiating devices
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Manually activated devices
Fire alarm pull station

Manual call point "break glass"
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Automatically activated devices:
Fire detectors
Line-Type detectors: A device in which detection is

continuous along a path.
Spot-Type detector: A device whose detecting element
is concerned at a particular location.
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System components:
System output/ Fireindicating devices

A) Audible devices
-Such as horns, bells, sounders, sirens, chimes and speakers. They
are designed to produce a very loud, hard to ignore sound when
activated.
-They are available in many shapes and sizes.
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System output/ Fire-indicating devices

An average ambient sound level greater than 105 dB shall
require the use of a visible signal appliance(s)
The total sound pressure level produced by combining the
ambient sound pressure level with all audible signaling
appliances operating shall not exceed 120 dB anywhere in the
occupied area.
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Audible devices
Strobes/flasher light can be used to visually indicate an alarm
condition. Various color lens can be used to differentiate
separate events.
Strobe lights usually flash to save power and attract more
attention. Strobe lights can help authorities locate the site of
an alarm
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Outputs
Bells
Siren
Flasher
Annuciator
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System Control Wiring and

connections
Signaling Line Circuits (SLCs Loops)
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Control panel wiring
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Control panel wiring
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Control components wiring
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Control Module
SLC Loop
24 VDC
FCM addressable control module control panels circuit to Power

control appliances (horns, strobes, speakers, act) by means
of a digital signal from FCP or to monitor telephone circuit.
Addressability allows the FCM to be activated, either manually
or through panel programming, on a selected (zone or area of
coverage) basis.
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Control Module
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Control Module
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Monitor module
It is a transducer for monitoring the status of analogue
devices like sounders and manual call points and transmit
digital signal to the control panel.
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Monitor module
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Relay module and contacts

Provides the system with dry-contact output for activating a
verity of auxiliary with device, such s fans, dampers, control
equipment, ect.
Normally Open
Norma lly Closed

Common
Detectors
Norma lly Open Common
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Normally Closed
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Fault Isolator Module

Isolator Module should be spaced between groups of
sensor in loop to protect the rest of the loop. Use to
isolate short circuit problems within a section of a loop so
that other sections can continue to operate normally.
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The Isolator Module supports a maximum
number of devices in between isolators, expect
when using relay bases.
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Detectors wiring
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Power Sources
NFPA Code number 74 requires that AC powered units
meet the following conditions:
Power supply must be sufficient to operate the alarm

signals of 85 decibels for at least 4 consecutive minutes.
A visible Power On indicator must be provided.
All electrical systems designed to be installed by
someone other than a qualified electrician must be
powered from a source not in excess of 30 volts.
These systems should meet the requirements for powerlimited fire-protective signaling circuits as defined in
Article 760 of the National Electric Code number 70.
The power source for the unit must not be subject to loss
of power by a wall switch.
Detectors
100
Power Sources
A restraining means should be used at the plug-in
of any cord-connected installation.
Single-station and multiple-station smoke
detectors, powered from 120 VAC sources, should
not be installed on circuits protected by a ground
fault circuit interrupter.
Neither loss nor restoration of the primary power
should cause an alarm signal.
Detectors
101
Battery-Operated Units
NFPA Code number 74 requires that
battery-operated units meet the
following requirements
The alarm must be capable of

producing an alarm signal of 85
decibels for 4 consecutive minutes.
The batteries must meet all power
requirements for at least one year,
including routine testing.
A distinctive, audible trouble signal
must be given at least once per minute
for seven consecutive days before the
batteries are incapable of operating
(from aging, terminal corrosion, etc.).
The unit must also be capable of
producing the alarm signal for 4
consecutive minutes during the seven
days of trouble signal.
Detectors
102
Photoelectric smoke
detector equipped with
strobe light for the hearing
impaired
System design requirements
System design
requirement
Power supply
Detectors
Smoke and heat

detector
installation
103
maintenance
Installation of detectors
Consideration should be followed in installation of
detectors:
When installing the smoke alarm ensure that:
on the ceiling, ensure it is a minimum of 10cm from
any wall.
If wall mounting it is a minimum of 10cm below the
ceiling, but no lower than 30.5cm below the ceiling.
if it is more than 9 meters long install smoke detectors
at both ends of the room.
Ideal location is on the ceiling in the centre of the
room.
Detectors
104
In stairways install smoke alarms anywhere in the path of
smoke moving up the stairs.
For sloped type ceilings, install the smoke alarm 10cm
below the peak.
Detectors
105
Locations to Avoid:
avoid dead air pockets.
Detectors
106
Do not install a smoke alarm within 1 meter from kitchen,
bathroom, forced air ducts used for heating or cooling,
ventilation fans, air conditioner units.
To avoid nuisance alarms:
Install smoke alarms at least 30 cm away from
fluorescent lighting.
Avoid Dust particles, insects and dirties.
Do not install in areas where the temperature is

colder than 4.4C or hotter than 37.8C (100F)
Detectors
107
Smoke Fire Detectors location and

spacing
Location
conditions that shall be included according to
NFPA:
Ceiling shape
Ceiling height
Configuration of contents
Burning characteristics
Ambient environment
Detectors
108
Smoke Fire Detectors

Detectors according to installation:
Spot Type Smoke Detectors
Beam Type Smoke Detectors
Smooth Ceiling Spacing
Spot type detectors. On smooth ceilings, spacing of
9.1 m shall be permitted to be used as a guide.
Detectors
109

Projected beam type detectors
On smooth ceilings, a spacing of not more than 18.3 m between
projected beams
Detectors
110

High Air-Movement Areas
Detectors
111
Heat-Sensing Fire Detectors location

and spacing
Location
Spot-type heat-sensing
Line-type heat detectors
on the ceiling or on the sidewalls not more than
(500 mm) from the ceiling.
Detectors
112
Heat-Sensing Fire Detectors

Smooth Ceiling Spacing
The distance between detectors shall not exceed their
listed spacing
detector shall be installed within a distance equal to
0.7 times the listed spacing (0.7S).
Detectors
113
Detectors
114

High Ceilings
Detectors
115
Alarm detectors Maintenance
Cleaning Alarm detectors

Alarm detectors testing
Replacing Outdated Alarms
Maintenance of Power Supply
Detectors
116
Visible System Characteristics and

location
Visible Characteristics
Light Pulse Characteristics
The flash rate shall not exceed two flashes
per second (2 Hz) nor be less than one flash
every second (1 Hz).
light source color shall be clear or nominal
white and shall not exceed 1000 cd.
Detectors
117
Visible System location
Detectors
118
Visible System location

If ceiling heights exceed 30 ft (9.14 m), visible
notification appliances shall be suspended.
Room spacing for wall-mounted appliances shall be

based on locating the visible notification appliance at the
halfway distance of the longest wall.
Detectors
119
Spacing in Rooms
Detectors
120
Spacing in Corridors
The table shall apply to corridors not exceeding 20 ft (6.1
m) in width.
Detectors
121
Audible System Characteristics

and location
Audible Characteristics
Mechanical Equipment Rooms
the average ambient sound level used for design
guidance shall be at least 85 dBA
Public Mode Audible Requirements
sound level of not less than 75 dBA at 10 ft (3 m) or
more than 120 dBA at the minimum hearing distance
from the audible appliance
Detectors
122
Audible System location

Location of Audible Notification Appliances
If ceiling heights allow, wall-mounted appliances shall
have above the finished floors not less than 90 in. (2.30
m) and below the finished ceilings not less than 6 in.
(152 mm).
Detectors
123
Heat Detectors Installation
Heat Alarms are ideal for kitchens, garages, boiler rooms,

attics and other areas where there are normally high levels
of fumes, smoke or dust which preclude the use of Smoke
Alarms due to the risk of false alarms.
On sloped, peaked or gabled ceilings, install Heat Alarm
30cm from highest point.
If only wall placement is possible, install no further than
30cm from ceiling.
Do not install Heat Alarms directly over the cooker, stove
or oven or In areas with high humidity, like bathrooms or
shower rooms, or areas near dishwashers or washing
machines Install heat alarms at least 3m away from these
areas if possible.
Detectors
124

According to NFPA Code number 72
Location: Spot-type heat-sensing fire detectors shall be
located on the ceiling not less than 4 in. (100 mm) from
the sidewall or on the sidewalls between 4 in. and 12 in.
(100 mm and 300 mm) from the ceiling.
Exception: In the case of solid joist construction,
detectors shall be mounted at the bottom of the joists.
In the case of beam construction where beams are
less than 12 in. (300 mm) in depth and less than 8 ft
(2.4 m) on center, detectors shall be permitted to be
installed on the bottom of beams.
Detectors
125

Line-type heat detectors shall be located on the ceiling
or on the sidewalls not more than 20 in. (500 mm) from
the ceiling.
Exception No. 1: In the case of solid joist
construction, detectors shall be mounted at the
bottom of the joists.
Exception No. 2: In the case of beam construction
where beams are less than 12 in. (300 mm) in depth
and less than 8 ft (2.4 m) on center, detectors shall be
permitted to be installed on the bottom of beams.
Detectors
126
Dr. Eng. Walid Abdelghaffar

wabdelghaffar@hotmail.com

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Dr. Eng.

Why alarm system?

Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar

Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar

Detection system selection must fulfill two

Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar

A basic knowledge of the function of the different

The hazard characteristics.

The stages of combustion.

Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar

The Stages of Combustion

Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar

where invisible products of combustion are

Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar

Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar

The flame stage is an intermediate stage where

Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar

The heat stage combines all the

Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar

Classification of fire detectors

Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar

Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar

Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar

Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar

Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar

Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar

Fire Detectors Families

Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar

Photoelectric Smoke Detector

1.Photoelectric Smoke Detector

A) spot type detector

Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar

Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar

1.Photo-electric smoke detector

Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar

Photoelectric Smoke Detector

Smoke free chamber light

Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar

Photoelectric Smoke Detector

Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar

Photoelectric Smoke Detector

A photoelectric smoke detector is activated by visible smoke

The photoelectric detector responds to the thicker, heavier,

A slow-burning or smolder fire is typical of combustion of

The engineer may, in order to provide reliable combustion

Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar

Photoelectric Smoke Detector

Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar

Signal Conditioning Circuit for

Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar

B) beam/line type detector

Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar

Linear Beam Smoke Detector

The linear beam smoke detector basically operates on the same

Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar

Linear Beam Smoke Detector

This type of smoke detector has many applications in

Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar

C) duct type detector

Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar

Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar

2. Ionization smoke detector

Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar

Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar