This article was published on January 4, 2017 and updated on October 4, 2023
When it comes to fire and life safety, it only takes a few minutes of unpreparedness to have devastating and lasting effects.
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Custom Fire Alarm System Design
Commercial fire alarm systems should be custom designed to fit the needs of each structure. It is important to collaborate with a fire safety expert to ensure you have all the required system components, but also that you are following federal, state, and local regulations which can vary depending on jurisdiction.
The best practice when designing a fire detection system is to employ computer-aided design (CAD) technology where you can create a three-dimensional image of the structure that is proportionately scaled. This ensures every zone is accounted for and the placement of each notification and detection device can be viewed before installation, making sure the correct number of detection devices are accounted for. If any areas are not covered in the rendering, it is easy to modify the design to make sure all building occupants are safe in a fire emergency.
Another important piece of the fire detection system design is planning evacuation routes; there must be an easy evacuation route for all occupants of a building.
Different Types of Smoke Detection Systems
Fire detection systems have come a long way and combine highly complex equipment with sensory devices that can detect the smallest presence of smoke, even before the presence of flames. Fire detection systems are categorized as photoelectric or ionization, or you can design a system with a combination of both.
- Ionization smoke alarms – respond more to a flaming fire. These alarms have two plates that are electrically charged and hold a tiny amount of radioactive material, causing a current to run between them. When smoke is detected and moves into the chamber, it reduces the movement of the current by shifting the ions around in the chamber and triggering the alarm.
- Photoelectric smoke alarms – work best against fires that smolder and put smoke into the air. This kind of alarm aims an angled light beam into the sensing chamber that is directed away from the device’s sensor. Smoke in the chamber causes the light to reflect against the light sensor which triggers the alarm system.
It is impossible to predict what type of fire may happen in your home or commercial building, so integrating both types of detection devices into your fire alarm system for added protection may be the best option for your property.
Inspection and Maintenance
A healthy fire alarm system is vital to alerting emergency personnel and building occupants to prevent loss of life. Regular inspections of your commercial fire alarm system are mandated and should be conducted annually by a certified professional.
Another measure to ensure your fire alarm system is working properly is to have regular maintenance and testing conducted. Over time, dust and dirt can build up on certain components that may affect their ability to activate when needed. Maintenance and repairs should only be performed by a qualified person to ensure your system adheres to compliance regulations and maintains good health.
24/7/365 Monitoring Services
Monitoring services are a key component of your fire alarm system. This allows an external control station the ability to detect and be alerted to an emergency or issue with the system that causes it to stop working properly. Additional benefits of a reliable monitoring service for your fire alarm system include:
- Reduction in false alarms – Monitoring services serve to reduce the amount of false alarms, which can cost property owners municipal fees.
- Prevent loss of life – Monitoring services can quickly alert emergency personnel which can save lives and reduce injury.
- Reduction in property damage – Emergency personnel can arrive on the scene faster which can lessen the amount of damage that occurs to the building or structure.
- Lower insurance premiums – Many insurance companies provide a discount for commercial properties that use a monitoring service with their fire alarm system.
High Rise Security Systems (HRSS) is an industry leader in fire and life safety systems and has a team of knowledgeable and highly skilled technicians and engineers who are passionate about the work they do. We do it all, from designing your integrated commercial fire alarm system to installation, inspections, testing, maintenance, repairs, and 24/7/365 monitoring services.
High Rise Security Systems is a premiere fire and life safety system provider that has been proudly serving the Chicagoland area for over 30 years. We offer top-quality UL-listed equipment and comprehensive services to ensure your commercial property receives the best protection for your occupants. Contact us for more information about the complete services we offer and how we can protect your commercial building with integrated fire safety solutions.