How To Install A Fire Alarm: A Fire Prevention Guide
UPDATED July 6, 2021
bySteve Aniston
Home - Disaster Preparedness
How To Install A Fire Alarm A Fire Prevention Guide
Installing a fire alarm in your home is one of the most practical measures you can take to manage fire risk. Fire alarms save lives, reduce property damages, shorten your recovery time, qualify you for insurance discounts, and keep you code-compliant. In this article, we will learn how to install fire alarms.
Difference Between a Fire Alarm and a Smoke Detector
You may be confused between a fire alarm and a smoke detector. They are not the same thing and have a significant difference. A smoke detector is designed to sense smoke and sound beeps in the area where there is smoke. It is a device that is used to detect smoke, a sensor able to identify when there��s a notable amount of smoke being produced in your house. Hence, it��s a sensor and recognizes the fact that there is a variable high amount of smoke in your home.
A fire alarm is triggered by the smoke detector that will cause alarm in the form of sound in the entire house or building. The fire alarm system involves the detection of smoke and acts on it. The fire alarm system detects the amount of smoke and acts on it. The sensor, connected to an alarm, resounds with the help of a detection system. Some fire alarm systems have an attached sprinkler system that is going to spray water down to put out the fire automatically.
Main Types of Fire Alarm System
Non-Addressable Fire Alarm System. In this type of system, the input devices work like a switch. When they are activated, they ��Turn On�� the panel, which in turn will ��Turn On�� the bells or sounders. The input devices in an area are connected to one circuit, called a zone so that an indicator on the control panel will light to show which area has been activated. They are useful in smaller premises such as offices and shops.
Analogue Addressable Fire Alarm System. They are also known as Intelligent Fire Alarm Systems. Different types of Analogue Systems are available, which are determined by the kind of procedure which they use. The control unit decides whether there is a fire, fault, pre-alarm, among others. This type is far more complex and incorporates far more facilities than Conventional or Addressable Systems. Its primary purpose is to help prevent the occurrence of false alarms.
Conventional Fire Alarm System. In a Conventional Fire Alarm System, many call points and indicators are connected to the fire alarm control panel in sectors or zone, which is a circuit. The conventional system is more likely to suit smaller installations and usually does not contain processing and is generally used in the smaller, less complicated installations.
How To Install A Fire Alarm
First, you must understand how fire detectors react to ensure that the systems you install will provide the protection you planned. You also must know whether you will have to hire specialist technicians who are knowledgeable of fire alarm systems or not.
Taking the first step to becoming a credible fire-alarm installer, means obtaining the knowledge necessary to understand everything about fire alarms.
Additionally, you must get the most recent copy of the relevant codes and standards. You should buy a copy of the National Fire Alarm Code from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Maintenance, installation requirements, testing, and use of fire detection initiating devices, notification appliances, fire alarm system control units, and how these components work together to form a protection system, are all provided on it.
After becoming familiar with the applicable codes, you must try to attend an introductory fire alarm systems seminar for you to understand the policies as offered by the NFPA. In contrast, the Automatic Fire Alarm Association (AFAA), offers code-related courses, application courses.
For first-time installers, the Training Manual on Fire Alarm Systems serves as an excellent training resource for you to know what makes up a fire alarm system as well as the instructions on installation and start-up procedure.
Understanding fire alarm systems and code requirements are essential factors to your success in code-compliant installations. Fire alarm installation is the first step, but you have to be aware of the importance of fire alarm inspections and testing. Fire alarms provide information to emergency responders as to where the fire is located.
Conclusion
Fire alarm systems don��t put out fires. They warn people and increase their chance of survival. Fire alarms also help minimize the damage to properties caused by fires. That is why it is best to have a fire alarm in your home. Now that you know how to install fire alarms and their advantages, you are likely to survive during fire emergencies.
