Fire alarm systems can be complex. Not only do they have to work 100% of the time, but they have to comply legally according to regulations too. Quite simply put, if these two criteria are not met, lives could be in danger. There is a solution, however. Today we will look at some key considerations when choosing a fire alarm system design.
1. Ensuring Legal Compliance
All fire alarm systems are not created equal. Your location and the size of your business can affect what is considered ‘acceptable’ in terms of what type of fire alarm system design you choose.
Different states have different rules relating to fire alarms. On top of this is the fact that several other ‘boxes’ must be ticked, and these can vary. You may also have to consider:
- Building codes and regulations
- Local rules
- Insurance requirements
The NFPA offers excellent guidance and the latest safety provisions. However, this isn’t something that you’ll want to get wrong. It is always worth contacting a professional fire protection company for a consultation to see whether you meet all of the above requirements.
2. Increased Safety
This should be a priority above all else. After all, that is what a fire alarm system is designed to do!
How does fire alarm system design work in increasing safety? Well, there are several things which could be beneficial:
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Remote Monitoring
If your business occupies a large area, it can be hard to keep tabs on every single place at once. A redesigned and modern fire alarm system can use the latest technology such as wireless, allows an interlinked fire protection system without the need for complex and expensive networks of wires.
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Immediate Response
Fire alarm systems can be linked to the nearest fire department. This reduces the time taken to respond to a fire breaking out. Less time equals less damage and increased chances to bring a fire under control quickly.
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Location Data
In larger buildings, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact location of a fire.
However, there is a solution.
Modern fire alarm systems can be set up with a monitoring station, allowing you to identify exactly where a fire has occurred. This can also be linked to your local fire department, allowing them to effectively pinpoint the source and deal with the fire.
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Passive Fire Protection
An alarm system isn’t just about an audible alert. Fire alarm system design actually encompasses three things:
- Detection
- Notification
- Suppression and Control
All three must work in harmony together. One often overlooked area is passive fire protection. This limits the spread of fire and makes a safer outcome much more likely.
3. Consider The Mobility Impaired
I’ve already got a fire alarm system, so I’m good, right?
Not necessarily.
Older systems may have catered to previous regulations. Still, with the advent of the Americans with Disabilities Act, you may very well find that your alarm system doesn’t protect everyone it should.
4. Ease of Maintenance
Visit any old building and check out the fire alarm system. There’s plenty of wires.
Can you be sure that when the time comes, they are all connected and in good condition?
Remember, a fire alarm system only has to fail once for there to be a significant risk. Newer fire alarm system designs are much easier to monitor and maintain. They are designed with reliability in mind and can even feature systems that alert you to a fault.
5. Future-Proofing Fire Alarm System Design
Maybe your business will grow, or further extension is planned on a residential building? Merging the old with the new to work seamlessly isn’t always the easiest (or cost-effective).
When choosing a fire alarm system, it is a good idea to ensure that you will be able to extend and upgrade it easily if the need arises.
6. Integrated Fire Systems
As we said above, an audible alarm is only a part of the story. You will also want to consider suppression and control. This can vary depending on the location of the fire alarm system.
Choosing the right design of a fire alarm system is easier when assessed by experts who can work with other designers, such as architects, contractors, and consultants. That way, you can ensure synergy and effectiveness right from the outset.
7. False Alarms? | Why It’s Important
Ever heard of the story of “The Boy Who Cried Wolf”? In short, it is a fable designed to educate people on why false alarms are a bad thing.
If an alarm is constantly ‘crying wolf,’ it won’t be long before it ceases to cause the level of alertness required when there is a fire. Furthermore, aside from safety, it can affect the productivity of any business if people are having to leave and return because somebody burnt the toast.
Modern fire alarm systems can be made more or less sensitive and have smart design that can allow accurate diagnosis.
8. Other Emergencies?
Being real, fire may not be the only risk. Here are some other things that you may want to be alerted about:
- Chemical spillages
- Fume events
- Weather Warnings
- Terrorist events
- Biological dangers
- …Even nuclear emergencies!
Modern fire alarm system design can incorporate all of the above as part of the package. The benefit is that you won’t need several separate systems.
Fire Alarm System Design | The Easy Solution
If all of the above seems like a lot to consider, that’s because it is.
While at first glance you may have thought, ‘it’s just a fire alarm, how hard can it be?’ Hopefully, by now, you have realized that choosing the correct fire alarm system design is vitally important.
So, what’s the solution?
Quite simply put, the use of a professional fire protection service is the best option. Fraker Fire is extremely well practiced in advising about and installing fire alarm systems. They can offer expert guidance and advice about fire alarm design. And give a practical and easy solution that is custom-built for your business or building.