Fire Alarm System

FAS (Fire Alarm System)

Early warning life safety systems that protect people and property from fire hazards

Overview

What is a Fire Alarm System?

A Fire Alarm System (FAS) is a network of devices that detect fire, smoke, or heat and alert occupants to evacuate. It includes detectors, manual call points, notification devices (sounders/strobes), and a control panel. FAS is mandatory for all commercial buildings as per NBC (National Building Code) and NFPA standards.

Addressable Conventional Smoke Detectors Heat Detectors MCP

Addressable

Exact device location

Conventional

Zone-based detection

Smoke Detection

Early fire warning

Heat Detection

Kitchen/Garage safe

5.1 Fire Detection Systems

Addressable and Conventional Fire Detection

Addressable: Each device has unique ID, panel shows exact location. Conventional: Zones, panel shows zone only.

What is it?

Addressable: Each device has unique ID, panel shows exact location. Conventional: Zones, panel shows zone only.

Where used?

Addressable: Large buildings (hotels, hospitals, malls). Conventional: Small offices, shops, apartments.

How used?

Devices on loop (addressable) or zone wiring (conventional). Panel polls devices for status.

When used?

Mandatory for all commercial buildings as per fire safety codes (NBC, NFPA).

Why used? Addressable: Faster pinpointing of fire location. Conventional: Lower cost for small sites.

Addressable Loop Conventional Zones NBC Compliant NFPA Standard
Fire Alarm Panel

Addressable: Room 204

Conventional: Zone B

Smoke and Heat Detectors
Photoelectric Ionization Fixed Temp Rate-of-Rise
5.2 Smoke and Heat Detectors

Smoke and Heat Detectors

Smoke detector: Senses smoke particles (ionization or photoelectric). Heat detector: Triggers at fixed temperature or rapid temperature rise.

What is it?

Smoke detector: Senses smoke particles (ionization or photoelectric). Heat detector: Triggers at fixed temperature or rapid temperature rise.

Where used?

Smoke: Bedrooms, corridors, offices. Heat: Kitchens, garages, boiler rooms (where smoke causes false alarms).

How used?

Mounted on ceiling. Smoke detector uses LED/light scatter. Heat detector uses thermistor.

When used?

24/7 monitoring.

Why used? Early warning saves lives. Heat detectors work where smoke detectors can't (dusty, smoky environments).

5.3 Evacuation Plan

Evacuation Plan & Emergency Response

Documented strategy showing escape routes, assembly points, and responsibilities during a fire.

What is it?

Documented strategy showing escape routes, assembly points, and responsibilities during a fire.

Where used?

Every building: offices, hotels, schools, hospitals.

How used?

Post floor plans showing exits. Conduct regular drills. Integrate with FAS for voice evacuation.

When used?

During fire alarm activation. Also during planned drills.

Why used? Legal requirement. Prevents panic. Ensures everyone knows where to go. Reduces injury/death.

Escape Routes Assembly Points Fire Drills
Evacuation Plan
🚪 Exit → 📍 Assembly Point ← Fire Extinguisher
Manual Call Point

Break Glass

Push Button

5.4 Manual Call Point (MCP)

Manual Call Point (MCP)

Red break-glass or push-button device that allows a person to manually trigger the fire alarm.

What is it?

Red break-glass or push-button device that allows a person to manually trigger the fire alarm.

Where used?

Near exits, stairwells, corridors – every 30m as per code.

How used?

User breaks glass or presses button. Signal sent to fire panel. Panel activates sounders/strobes.

When used?

When someone sees fire before automatic detectors activate.

Why used? Provides human override. Catches fires that detectors might miss initially. Legal requirement.

Technology Guide

Fire Alarm System Comparison

Choose the right fire detection system for your facility

Feature Addressable System Conventional System Best Application
Device IdentificationExact device locationZone onlyAddressable: Large buildings
WiringLoop (Class A)Zone (Class B)Conventional: Small offices
CostHigherLowerHotels, hospitals, malls
MaintenanceIndividual device statusZone-basedShops, apartments
ExpansionEasy to add devicesLimited by zonesSchools, offices
Detector Guide

Detector Selection Guide

Choose the right detector for each area of your facility

Smoke Detectors

Corridors/HallwaysRecommended
BedroomsRecommended
OfficesRecommended
KitchensNot Recommended (false alarms)
GaragesNot Recommended

Heat Detectors

KitchensBest Choice
Garages/WorkshopsBest Choice
Boiler RoomsBest Choice
Dusty AreasRecommended
Living AreasSlower response than smoke
Trusted Partners

Our Fire Safety Partners

We partner with leading fire alarm technology brands

Honeywell

Siemens

Bosch

Hochiki

Apollo

Morley

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