A fire alarm system is a network of devices, including smoke and heat detectors, manual call point, more other types of Detectors and a central fire alarm control panel (FACP), that detects a fire and activates audio-visual alarms (like bells, horns, and strobes) to warn occupants and trigger a response from emergency services. These systems are categorized by their function, with "L" systems focused on protecting life, "P" systems on protecting property, and "M" systems relying on manual activation. The system's components can operate or integrate the other building safety features, such as Fire sprinkler systems, Fire Suppression Systems etc.
*Initiating Devices : Detect fire, smoke, or heat and send a signal to the panel.
*Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) : The "brain" of the system, processing signals from detectors and activating alarms.
*Smoke detectors : Detect smoke particles, which are either ionization detectors (for burning fires) or photoelectric detectors (for smoldering fires).
*Heat detectors : Detect rapid temperature increases or a pre-set of high temperature.
*Manual Call Point : Activated by people who discover a fire and need to sound the alarm.
*Notification Alerts : Provide audio and visual alerts to building occupants.
Horns/Sounder/Strobes : Loud sounds to alert people and Flashing lights, crucial for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Conventional Systems : Connect devices to the control panel via separate wiring, with detection limited to specific "zones".
Addressable Systems : Connect multiple devices on a single loop, each with a unique address, allowing for precise location identification of activated devices. These are common in larger buildings.
*Detection : An initiating device, such as a smoke or heat detector, senses a fire-related event.
*Signal to Control Panel : The device sends a signal to the fire alarm control panel.
*Alarm Activation : The FACP processes the signal and activates notification appliances.
*Alerting & Response : Occupants hear or see the alarm. The system may also automatically alert the fire department or an internal security service.