Fire monitoring system and how it works
What is a Fire Monitoring System?
A fire monitoring system contains fire alarm devices, a fire alarm control panel, a communicator, and a central monitoring station. When a fire alarm incident occurs in a building where the panel is being monitored, the monitoring panel/communicator will automatically transmit a signal to the central station. There, a live operator will receive the signal and the system will immediately make a call to the appropriate personnel.
How do Fire Monitoring Systems work?
A fire monitoring system’s fundamental purpose is to detect fires and quickly notify both the occupants of the building and emergency services from a centrally controlled and monitored setting. These systems also monitor themselves, specifying the location and origin of the alarms and sensing problems with connections and wiring that might prohibit the system from working properly. Essentially, fire detection systems have four major functions.
● Detection ● Alerts ● Monitoring ● Controlling
These highly advanced systems employ a network of appliances, devices, and control panels to accomplish these four functions.
1. Fire Alarm Control Panel
The fire alarm control panel is commonly described as the system’s “brain.” It receives messages from the initiating devices, which are known as inputs, and performs all the functions.
2. Initiation Devices
Initiation devices instigate alarms, and, just like alarm panels, they can be either addressable or non-addressable. Some initiation devices, like water flow switches, are traditionally non-addressable but can connect with addressable modules. The switches can have specific addresses that let them articulate with addressable systems.
3. Pull Stations
A pull station is probably the most familiar part of the fire monitoring system. The system is operated manually by an operated device that initiates an alarm signal when someone pulls its handle. While smoke may take a few minutes to reach a smoke detector, a pull station can be activated within just a few seconds of a fire or other emergency, which qualifies a quicker evacuation and faster reaction times by the fire department. Pull stations are available in various sizes and shapes and are available for protective covers upon request.
4. Smoke Detectors
A smoke detector is a device that immediately initiates an alarm signal whenever it senses smoke. Depending on the type of sensor, there are four classifications of these devices that are used to detect smoke particles.
a) Duct Detectors
Duct detectors are special smoke detectors installed in air conditioning and heating ducts. They enclose air handling units down, preventing smoke from transiting all over the building via the air ducts.
b) Heat Detectors
Heat detectors are a type of fire detection device fitted with sensors that respond to heat. Two main kinds of equipped heat detectors are available for the fire monitoring system.
c) Beam Detectors
This kind of smoke detector is named so because it projects a beam of light across the area it’s protecting. If smoke crosses the path of the beam, the detector will quickly respond.
d) Air Sampling Smoke Detectors
This type of detector employs tubes to deliver air or smoke to a central detector equipped with a sensor that can detect even minute changes to the air’s chemical composition. These detectors are usually more highly sensitive than others.
5. Water Flow Switches
Water flow switches use paddles located inside water-filled piping that will react if water starts flowing. On sprinkler systems, their design allows them to work if water is flowing from only one sprinkler.
6. Dialers or Communicators
Some fire monitoring system have internal or external dialers wielded to contact monitoring centers or alarm receiving stations. Communicators can use radio signals, phone lines, or an internet connection to conserve contact. Panels may have built-in dialers or communicators.
