When it comes to Fire Alarm Accessories, the options are many. The options are wide-ranging, from addressable initiating devices to Audible alarms. Learn more about each type of alarm in this article. In addition, find out about Carbon monoxide detectors. These can be a lifesaver if there is a fire. Listed below are some of the top accessories for fire alarm systems. In addition to these, make sure to purchase a fire alarm manual or addressable initiating device as well.
Automatic Initiating Devices
Fire alarm initiation devices serve as inputs for the fire alarm control
unit and can be manually operated or automatically activated. These devices
come in various types, including pull stations, smoke detectors, duct
detectors, and heat detectors. Some initiation devices are photoelectric while
others use ionization technology. Aspiration detectors, for example, emit a
high-pressure gas, which triggers an alarm.
Manual pull-down stations are the most common type of initiating devices. They require a hand to trigger a fire alarm and are common in many commercial buildings. They are required by state law but are not sufficient in many cases. Fire alarm standards like NFPA 72 outline where these devices must be installed. In addition, they should be compatible with UL cross-listing compatibility cards. Some automatic initiating devices also include smoke detectors and fire sprinklers.
Fixed-rate heat detectors are triggered by a preset temperature level. A
fire may have begun before this temperature is reached. A rate-of-rise
detector, on the other hand, activates when the temperature in the room rises
15 degrees or more in one minute. The rapid rise in temperature forces air in
the detector chamber to expand. A sensor in the chamber then responds by
activating. The device then alerts occupants of the affected area by releasing
a high-pitched signal.
Addressable Initiating Devices
The fire alarm system consists of several parts, such as fire detectors
and initiating devices. Each of these parts sends an electrical signal to the
main control panel, which springs into action and activates the fire alarm
system. Most of these fire alarm systems use a two-wire circuit with an
end-of-line resistor to provide power to smoke detectors. Once an alarm is
triggered, the panel sends a signal to the fire department, requesting
assistance. Addressable initiating devices for fire alarm accessories can be
either manual or automatic.
Addressable initiating devices are not as common as conventional ones, but they have many benefits. They have many functions and allow the user to control different devices separately. In addition to generating an alarm signal, these devices also have an annunciator, which contains information about the fire alarm system's circuits. These devices are often more expensive than their non-addressed counterparts, but they require less installation and repair labor.
Audible Alarms
When selecting an Audible Fire Alarm, look for the following
specifications. The maximum sound level should be five decibels above the
ambient noise. NFPA 72 lists typical noise levels for standard occupancies in
Table A 18.4.3 of Annex A. Using these levels, you can determine the
appropriate sound level for your building. Audible Fire Alarms Should Meet BS
EN54 Standards
The most common sound source in modern buildings are audible fire
alarms. These devices are preinstalled on sidewalls and ceilings and emit a
standard sound that can cover the entire building's corners. These devices also
support acoustic-based fire monitoring, which requires low-cost microphones and
can be integrated with the Internet of Things. The following are some common
characteristics of Audible Fire Alarms.
Audible fire alarms have a few advantages. First, they provide direct instructions to occupants. They can be either intelligible voice messages or non-intelligible signals, depending on the system installed. Both have to meet fire department standards, but voice messages are preferred when there is a high volume of noise. They also provide clear directions for occupants. For example, many occupants have been trained to leave immediately upon hearing a fire alarm. Secondly, it is safer for people to leave by zone or level, ensuring a timely response.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
You can use a CO detector in your home to detect dangerous levels of
carbon monoxide. CO detectors are often available as plug-in devices. They make
a chirping noise when the batteries need changing. The device should be
installed at least 5 feet above the floor, and far enough away from flame-producing
appliances to be effective. If you suspect that you may be in danger, you
should consult a professional.
CO is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, so it is difficult to detect it in a home without a warning device. In fact, even a stove that produces less than 50 ppm can cause serious health effects and death. CO attaches itself to hemoglobin in the bloodstream 200 times stronger than oxygen, preventing it from traveling through the body properly. If you or a loved one becomes ill or die from CO poisoning, you should use a CO detector to protect yourself and your family.
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