How a Fire Alarm System Works

 

 

fire alarm systems use automatic functions to detect the occurrence of an event that may result in a fire. They receive a signal from a fire sensor (smoke, heat or carbon monoxide detector) and automatically transmit it to the fire alarm panel.

 

In wireless systems, the signal from the detectors to the control panel is transmitted with radio frequency. Heat detectors usually have built-in thermistors to sense the heat. Carbon monoxide detectors use integrated chemical, electrochemical, opto-chemical or biomimetic cells to trace the gas. Smoke detectors use photoelectricity or ionization to detect smoke or combustion particles. Combined detectors use a number of detection mechanisms.

 

The fire alarm panel activates the flashers or the sounders, turns on sprinklers (or they can be activated along with the detector), or makes a call to the authorities or to the occupants. If the fire alarm system is addressable, the source of the occurrence will be pointed on the control panel. Users on separate floors or in connected buildings can be notified in several ways: by horns, gongs and loudspeaker messages advising appropriate action for each department.

 

Fire Alarms Work with Access Control

 

Most building and office operators would agree that fire alarms are necessary, and, in fact, it would be extremely reckless to install an access control system that doesn’t meet all fire safety measures. It's recommended to implement an access control system that fully integrates with fire alarms and any other safety sensors on the property.

For example, the Kisi Pro Controller does not have a built-in fire alarm relay for a couple of reasons:

 

1) It keeps down the cost of manufacturing the board and therefore, lowers the hardware cost for their clients.

2) In order to be compliant with building codes, the installer generally installs a backup power controller like this. Both the building’s fire alarm system and the Kisi Pro Controller are connected to the backup power controller. And the electric locks are also wired into the backup power controller.

So to paint a better picture, imagine this: A fire breaks out in the building, which triggers the fire alarm. The fire alarm will then trigger the backup power controller to unlock the doors for people to safely exit. And that’s it!