#commercialfirealarms

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Safeguarding Your Business: Essential Fire Alarm Installation Tips

Installing a fire alarm system in a commercial space is a critical step in ensuring the safety of the property, employees, and visitors. Here are key factors to consider when setting up a fire alarm system:

Compliance with Legal and Safety Regulations: Ensure that your fire alarm system complies with local, state, and federal building codes and fire safety regulations. This includes the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.

System Type and Technology: Choose between conventional, addressable, or wireless fire alarm systems based on the size and complexity of your space. Addressable systems are generally more advanced, providing specific information about the location of a fire.

Coverage and Placement: The system should cover all areas of the building, including hidden and hard-to-reach places. Proper placement of smoke detectors, heat detectors, and manual pull stations is crucial.

Integration with Other Systems: Consider how the fire alarm system integrates with other security and safety systems like sprinkler systems, HVAC, and access control systems. Integration can enhance overall safety and response in an emergency.

Audible and Visible Alarms: Ensure that the system includes both audible alarms (sirens, bells) and visible indicators (flashing lights) to alert all occupants, including those with hearing or visual impairments.

Monitoring Services: Opt for a system that provides 24/7 monitoring services, which can alert the fire department automatically in case of an alarm, ensuring a rapid response.

Maintenance and Testing: Regular maintenance and testing of the fire alarm system are vital to ensure it functions correctly when needed. This should be done by qualified professionals.

User Training and Evacuation Plans: Employees should be trained on how to respond to fire alarms and familiar with evacuation routes and procedures. Conduct regular fire drills to ensure preparedness.

Backup Power Supply: Ensure there is a reliable backup power supply for the fire alarm system, like batteries or generators, so it remains operational during power outages.

Customization for Specific Risks: Tailor the fire alarm system to any specific risks associated with your commercial space, such as areas with flammable materials.

Professional Installation and Consultation: Utilize the services of a certified and experienced fire safety professional for installation and consultation. They can provide valuable insights specific to your building's needs.

Documentation and Record Keeping: Keep detailed records of the installation, maintenance, inspections, and any modifications made to the fire alarm system.

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Benefits of Aspirating Smoke Detection

Aspirating smoke detection is a very reliable method of detecting smoke by using a sophisticated detector that recognizes the existence of smoke particles suspended in the air.  An aspirating smoke detector (ASD), also called an air sampling smoke detector, will typically detect smoke before that is invisible to the naked eye by recognizing the light scattered by the smoke particles in the sampling chamber.   An ASD works by drawing air with a fan through a piping system and into the sampling chamber.    

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Code Requirements

  An ASD system is required to meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and regulations, including NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.  NFPA 72 requires the sampling holes to be spaced at equivalent configurations of spot smoke detectors, which are spaced at 30 feet with the ability to protect 900 square feet.   Requirements for a Standard Fire Detection (SFD) system require maximum transport time of the furthest sampling hole to the ASD be no more than 120 seconds.     ASD systems must also adhere to NFPA 75 and NFPA 76, which are the standards for the Protection of Information Technology Equipment and Fire Protection of Telecommunications Facilities, respectively.   NFPA 76 details the regulations of more sensitive smoke detection systems that give early warning and are divided into two categories; the Early Warning Fire Detection (EWFD) system and a Very Early Warning Fire Detection (VEWFD) system.     Regulations for the EWFD reduce the maximum transport time to 90 seconds, and the coverage area for a sampling hole is 400 square feet.   Regulations for a VEWFD system are further reduced to a transport time of 60 seconds, with 200 square feet coverage for a single sampling hole.     All ASD systems designed in the US must adhere to these codes which cover the commissioning, installation, and testing of aspirating smoke detection systems.    

Components of an Aspirating Smoke Detector

  An ASD system consists of three main components; the network of sampling pipes, the aspirating smoke detector, and the exhaust pipes.     

Sampling Pipes of an ASD

  The network of sampling pipes collect air through the sampling holes and deliver it to the detector to test for the presence of smoke particles.   The network of sampling pipes can be made of plastic, copper or brass, and may be installed with single or multiple pipe configurations.  Single pipe configurations may result in delayed transport time with one pipe extending throughout the covered space connecting to the detector.  Multiple pipe configurations allow for either horizontal or vertical placement, and versatility in placing pipes in concealed locations.    

Types of Aspirating Smoke Detectors

  The aspirating smoke detector is available with different detection technologies, although all contain similar equipment.   The three types of technologies are laser based, cloud chamber and dual sourced.     Laser based systems are available in two variations, one with a filter and one without.  In a filtered laser system, air passes through the filter system first to remove large particles, then is moved past the laser which measures the scatter of smoke particles caused by the laser light.    A non-filtered laser system is also referred to as particle counting, with air passing in front of the laser without any filtration.  The number of particles are counted by a sophisticated photo collector, and will alert if sufficient particles of smoke are present.     The cloud chamber method of an ASD utilizes a sealed chamber holding dense water vapor that causes a reaction when interacting with smoke particles.  This reaction causes the particles to ionize and become visible where the chamber will detect the mist and smoke particles.   A dual source sensor is the third method of technology used in an ASD, utilizing a blue LED light to detect very low levels of smoke with an infrared laser that helps to identify dust particles preventing false alarms.    

ASD Exhaust Piping

  The exhaust system is a key component as the air pressure inside and outside of the pipes make a difference in how the air is transported to the testing chamber, and can affect the transport time.  Sophisticated software is used to determine transport time, usually with the assumption that the air pressure is the same in the pipes as it is in the room the system is mounted.  The exhaust air must be piped into the same room that is being sampled to eliminate differences in air pressure.    

Several Benefits of an ASD

  An aspirating smoke detection system provides several benefits which include the following: Provides an early warning of smoke before it is even visible to the human eye An ASD works even when the air handling system is not working Works well even in low air damper environments Easy accessibility for service and testing remote areas such as lofty ceilings without climbing ladders to maintain smoke detectors ASD systems are compatible with addressable and conventional fire alarm systems   These are just some of the many benefits to an aspirating smoke detection system, which can provide very early warning of smoke or fire, saving lives and property.     High Rise Security Systems is an experienced fire safety consulting firm with experience in ASD and all smoke and fire prevention systems.  We provide total safety to all types of commercial properties including low-rise, high-rise, campuses and mass complexes.  HRSS is a leader in fire and safety prevention, providing total system design compliant to all codes and regulations, including local municipalities including the Chicago area.     Our experienced designers utilize AutoCAD software to provide a detailed layout of your ideal fire alarm system with the best names in the business for fire alarm systems and control panels such as Notifier® by Honeywell.  We conduct testing, maintenance and monitoring 24/7/365 for total safety of your building and all occupants.     HRSS is a leader in fire alarm safety, helping building owners and contractors to develop a total fire safety plan in any type of structure.  Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive fire and safety services, and to learn more about the early warning protection from an aspirating smoke detection system.     Read the full article

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Combat Fire can assist by providing practical advice and solutions. We can ensure that equipment such as Emergency Lighting, Voice Evacuation alarms and Fire Safety Signage is adequate and compliant with the current standards.

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Enhance Campus Safety with Integrated Fire Alarm and Emergency Communication System

A Mass Notification System (MNS) is also referred to as an Emergency Communication System (ECS) with both terms used interchangeably to identify a system which provides real-time information to notify all occupants of a facility or campus and the immediate vicinity of emergency situations.  The United States Department of Defense outlines necessary criteria for mass notification and emergency communication systems in the Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) publication.   Emergency communication systems must also comply with standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the International Building Code (IBC), OSHA and FEMA’s Outdoor Public Alerting System.   In our last post, Mass Notification Systems are Much More Than an Alarm, we outlined the main code requirements from the UFC and the NFPA, and the components of an MNS.  Every school, college and campus must understand the local, state and federal code requirements of an emergency communication system, which are necessary but can seem overwhelming. Incorporating the assistance of a fire safety system professional early in the process will save time, money, and ensure adherence to regulations.  High Rise Security Systems, HRSS, provides total code compliance including datasheets to assist with permit approval to commercial facilities and educational institutions in Illinois.

School and Campus Safety Risk Analysis

Prior to the design and implementation of an Emergency Communication System, a thorough risk analysis must be completed to identify threats most relevant to the unique campus situation. It is important to gather all relevant stakeholders which typically include: Facility owners and Board of Directors Facility safety directors and emergency management officials Security officials of the campus Facilities maintenance personnel Local first responders Fire alarm design professional Fire alarm system integrator Risk analysis must include potential threats relevant to the specific campus. For example, schools and campuses located in the Midwest should include an emergency plan with instructions on how to respond during tornadoes.  Whatever your unique situation, including all relevant stakeholders and school professionals in the process will help to identify all threats so that the selected team can prioritize them and determine where to focus attention to mitigate risk. While all steps and security measures should be taken to prepare for natural disasters and to prevent the intrusion of harmful individuals, risk analysis must also include a plan for when these measures fail.  How will you let the occupants know that a situation exists and the best way to respond? How will you communicate evacuation procedures or changes in procedures for certain areas? Campuses benefit from a multifaceted approach, with life and safety systems that provide emergency communication of unique messages that can change with the situation, allowing facilities to deliver the right message, at the right time, to the right people.   Emergency communication systems can deliver notifications to occupants in various ways, which may include: Prerecorded or live voice announcements delivered inside or outside the building Digital signs where a warning could be displayed and updated Social media alerts Text messages Texting alerts are highly effective as they are quickly seen on most devices and are hard to miss. Digital signs, social media and text alerts are also beneficial in loud arenas like sporting or music events. Strobe lights can help to grab the attention of the listener and are proven to make an audible message more effective. Risk analysis must also include identifying the situations in which the ECS would be deployed, and the best methods for communication to reach the intended occupants. Once the risk analysis is complete and all participants agree on the plan, a fire alarm system design professional can provide guidance on the proper system design and integration.

Involve a Fire Alarm System Professional Early for Best Results

High-Rise Security Systems, HRSS, is a qualified fire alarm system design and integration professional, experienced in working with risk analysis teams to develop and enhance an effective Emergency Communication System and overall fire, life and safety system. Best results including lower costs, adherence to all codes and regulations and a smooth installation of a high-performing, reliable ECS and fire safety system occurs when incorporating professional fire and safety system consultants early in the risk analysis process.

Emergency Communication and Fire Alarm Systems

Emergency Communication Systems are required to contain features similar to fire alarm systems which include: Survivability Supervision Backup power Intelligibility Consistent maintenance and testing Some PA systems may offer ECS services, but many lack these mandated requirements.  Working with a licensed fire alarm system professional ensures the adherence to all code requirements with approved equipment and proper placement of all sensors and devices.  Meeting code regulations, however, is only one part of the overall safety system design. A timely and organized evacuation in time of emergency is a critical consideration of all emergency communication systems.   An experienced fire and safety system professional can ensure that safety and evacuation measures are put in place that go above and beyond code requirements to provide additional safety measures relevant to your unique building structures. Integrated ECS and fire alarm systems offer both public and private mode signaling, with web- based systems designed to prioritize hazard announcements to targeted audiences.  High Rise Security Systems provides safety system design for protection in educational institutions from fire, natural disasters and intrusion which must be the highest priority of all educational facilities. HRSS is experienced in protecting several educational institutions in Illinois including Chicago public schools, the University of Chicago, the Loyola school of medicine, the University of Illinois at Chicago and many other campuses. Including the fire system professionals at HRSS in your advanced planning phases will minimize costs while providing a thoroughly developed, code compliant and effective fire and safety system.     Read the full article

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Commercial Fire Alarm Inspection Recommendations from NFPA

Commercial properties are required to have regular inspections conducted on their fire alarm systems and components to ensure safety systems are operating as intended.  If your fire and safety alert system experiences a malfunction or is not ready in case of emergency, it is basically useless and could provide no early warning whatsoever.  For this reason, The National Fire Protection Association, NFPA, recommends that commercial properties have their fire detection systems tested at least twice per year, with testing of all functional components once annually.  

Fire Alarm Inspections Provide Valuable Service

  Fire alarm inspections save property owners money in the long run as insurance companies must see evidence of sufficient fire and safety systems when underwriting a policy.  Some insurance companies offer discounts for safety systems that are proven to be maintained and fully operational.   The local Authority having Jurisdiction (AHJ) which could be the local Fire Marshall, also requires inspections recommended by the NFPA for building permit approvals.  It can be quite costly to reinstate permits that have been revoked or denied.   Working with an experienced and licensed fire safety consulting firm will reap big rewards for building and property owners.    

High Rise Security Systems Offers Total Compliance to Fire Safety Codes

High Rise Security Systems offers experienced and licensed fire safety consulting services to commercial property owners all over the Chicagoland area.  We ensure that your system is operating in “All Systems Normal” condition to provide early warning in case of emergency, with proper alarm notifications aiding evacuation procedures to saves lives and prevent property damage.   Our field trained technicians are licensed in the State of Illinois and certified to NICET, the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies.  We service your fire detection system with only UL listed quality components providing ongoing inspections and maintenance with qualified and experienced technicians.   HRSS also provides fire system design services, identifying applicable networking zones, placement of detection sensors and evacuation alert systems including audible and visual alerts where required.   High Rise Security Systems, HRSS, provides experienced and licensed fire and life safety system services for all commercial building structures, including high-rise buildings, low-rise structures, mass complexes such medical facilities and hospitals and college campuses.     HRSS is an experienced and licensed fire and life safety system consulting firm providing comprehensive services including fire alarm system design, UL listed equipment, professional testing, inspection, maintenance and reliable monitoring 24/7/365.  Contact us today to learn more about how we ensure your building is compliant to all regulations and operating at maximum performance to protect your occupants and property.   Read the full article

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High Tech Fire Alarm Systems Offer Advanced Features

Fire alarm systems today are sophisticated and smart, offering advanced features to prevent disasters and prepare for emergencies with early detection and warning.  Fire detection and notification systems utilize advanced technologies to detect fire, noxious gases and smoke. Intelligent initiating devices and sensors measure the amount of gas in the atmosphere, with sensitive measuring chambers to detect even minute amounts of gas or smoke.  

Addressable Fire Alarm Systems Provide Networked Coverage

Integrating fully addressable fire alarm control panels gives specific, detailed data on the source of a fire pinpointing the location down to the particular room on a floor of high rise buildings.  Fully integrated and networked systems can be controlled by a central control unit for automatic functions such as opening all doors during an evacuation or even monitoring elevators with video. Notifier® fire alarm panels provide Digital Voice Command for clearly communicated evacuation procedures.  The advanced technology available today in high tech fire alarm systems provides early warning to prevent disasters and save lives.  

High Rise Security Systems Offers High Tech Fire Alarm Systems

HRSS is a leading fire and safety systems consultant, designer and provider of code compliant systems designed to protect your property and most importantly, save lives.  Fire safety systems must be a top priority for building owners, with code compliance only one part of a well-designed safety plan. We go above and beyond mandated requirements to provide a custom designed fire alarm system based on your unique building structure or structures to protect people and property.  We offer decades of experience with all fire code regulations in the city of Chicago, the State of Illinois, and all National Fire Protection Association, NFPA, codes and standards.    

Fire Alarm System Design Services

HRSS is a fire and safety consulting firm, offering comprehensive services aimed to provide total protection from fire, natural disasters and threats.  We develop a detailed, custom design of your building or buildings with CAD software, identifying locations for sensors, exits, audible and visual alerts, all equipment and components.  We provide ongoing maintenance, testing and inspections to keep your system in optimum condition and ready to respond to emergencies.   High Rise Security Systems offers high tech fire alarm systems which provide sophisticated monitoring and reliable protection, proven to save lives and property.  We offer comprehensive fire alarm system designs utilizing UL listed equipment, total code compliance and ongoing services including monitoring 24/7/365. Contact us today to learn more about our fire and safety systems proven to save lives.   Read the full article