Fire Alarm System Limitations

Early notice of a growing fire can be obtained using an automatic fire alarm system, which is usually comprised of heat detectors, smoke detectors, manual Call Points, audio warning devices, and a fire alarm control with remote notification capability. However, such a system does not guarantee protection against fire-related property damage or fatalities. The current edition of National Fire Protection Association Standard 72 (NFPA 72), the manufacturer’s recommendations, State and local codes, and the advice in the Guide for Proper Use of System Smoke Detectors—which is provided free of charge to all installing dealers—all support the manufacturer’s recommendation that smoke and/or heat detectors be placed throughout a protected premise.

According to a research conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a federal agency in the United States, up to 35% of all fires may not set off smoke detectors. Fire alarm systems are intended to provide early warning of impending fires, but they cannot ensure warning or fire safety. For a number of reasons, a fire alarm system might not sound in a timely or sufficient manner, or it might not work at all.

Where smoke cannot reach the detectors, such as in chimneys, behind walls, on rooftops, or on the other side of closed doors, smoke detectors may not detect a fire. Additionally, smoke detectors could miss a fire on a different floor or level of a building. For example, a first-level or basement fire may go unnoticed by a detector located on the second floor.

The following reasons could prevent combustion particles, or “smoke,” from entering smoke detector sensing chambers:

• Smoke or particle flow may be impeded by obstructions like walls, chimneys, or doors that are closed or partially closed.
• Smoke particles may stratify, get “cold,” and fail to reach the higher walls or ceiling where detectors are positioned.
• Air outlets have the potential to waft smoke particles away from detectors.
• Before entering the detector, smoke particles could be sucked into air returns.

Smoke detectors might not be set off by the small quantity of “smoke” that is there. Smoke detectors are made to sound an alert at different smoke density levels. The detectors won’t sound an alarm if a developing fire at the site of the detectors does not produce such density levels.

Crucial! Installing smoke detectors is required in rooms utilized by the system for connecting communications, signaling, power, and/or alarm transmission wiring, as well as in the same room as the control panel. If the detectors are not positioned correctly, a growing fire could harm the alarm system and render it incapable of reporting a fire. If audible warning devices, such bells, are situated on the other side of closed or partially open doors or on a different floor of a structure, they might not sound in time to warn people. Any warning system could miss someone who is disabled or has recently used drugs, alcohol, or medication.

Please note that:

• • • People with disorders like epilepsy may experience seizures when strobes are used in specific situations.
    • Research has indicated that some people do not react or understand the meaning of a fire alarm signal, even when they hear one. In order to educate people about fire alarm signals and how to respond appropriately, it is the property owner’s duty to hold fire drills and other training exercises.
    • Rarely, hearing loss, either permanent or temporary, may result from a warning device ringing.
    • A fire alarm system requires electricity to function. The system will only run on standby batteries for a predetermined amount of time and only if the batteries have been properly maintained and changed on a regular basis in the event that the AC power fails.
    • It’s possible that the control and the system’s equipment are incompatible technically. It is imperative that you utilize only the equipment that your control panel lists as serviceable. 1.0-00 RE / 3 UM / 25AR V
    • Inadequate maintenance is the most common cause of fire alarm malfunctions. As advised by the manufacturer and in accordance with NFPA and UL guidelines, regular maintenance is necessary to maintain the overall functionality of the fire alarm system.

The requirements of NFPA 72 must be adhered to at the very least. More frequent maintenance is needed in areas with high air velocity, dust, or dirt. The local manufacturer’s agent should be contacted to arrange a maintenance agreement. Only licensed, certified professional fire alarm installers should carry out maintenance, which should be planned on a monthly basis or as dictated by local and/or national fire codes. Every inspection should have sufficient written documentation retained. NFPA Guidelines The following are compliant with this control panel:

NFPA standards

• • • NFPA 12 – CO2 Extinguishing Systems (High Pressure Only)
    • NFPA 12A – Halon 1301 Extinguishing Systems
    • NFPA 72 – Local Fire Alarm Systems (Automatic, Manual, Waterflow and Sprinkler Supervisory)
    • NFPA 2001 – Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems

Underwriters Laboratories Documents

• • • UL 38 – Manually Actuated Signaling Boxes
    • UL 217 – Smoke Detectors, Single and Multiple Station
    • UL 228 – Door Closers – Holders for Fire Alarm Systems
    • UL 268 – Smoke Detectors for Fire Alarm Systems
    • UL 268A – Smoke Detectors for Duct Applications
    • UL 346 – Waterflow Indicators for Fire Protective Signaling Systems
    • UL 464 – Audible Signaling Appliances
    • UL 521 – Heat Detectors for Fire Protective Signaling Systems
    • UL 864 – Standard for Control Units for Fire Alarm Systems
    • UL 1481 – Power Supplies for Fire Protective Signaling Systems
    • UL 1638 – Visual Signaling Appliances
    • UL 1971 – Signaling Devices for the Hearing Impaie