A fire alarm system is an emergency home security feature. It is a system that warns you early enough of a potential smoke, fire, or carbon monoxide danger. These are real dangers, and you should not ignore them upon activating the fire alarm.
Because a system is a set of parts working together as part of a mechanism, what exactly consists of a fire alarm system?
What Consists of a Fire Alarm System?
Fire alarm systems differ, especially with technology improvement. However, they have similar main components that cut across. These components include;
- Initiating devices – They detect the presence of smoke, fire, or carbon monoxide. They are usually the first point of contact with the danger, e.g., smoke detectors.
- Fire alarm panel – This is the brain of the fire alarm system. It is the user interface when interacting with the fire alarm system. A user can know the system’s status, whether the system is in a normal, alarm, or trouble state. This component also shows the fire’s location.
- Indicating appliances – These are the appliances that will often indicate the presence of fire. They are loud and visible so that you can’t miss them. E.g., chimes and strobe lights.
- Power supply – As with any other electrical system, fire alarm systems need a power supply. They mainly draw their power from the breaker. However, they also draw their power from backup batteries and a generator. This is because this system runs full-time and thus requires a source of power.
Advantages of a Fire Alarm System
- The most obvious benefit is that it allows early detection. It provides a window to evacuate the building safely.
- In case of a fire, you can avoid smoke inhalation. Many people succumb to smoke inhalation while trying to escape; hence a fire alarm system can help with this.
- A fire alarm system provides full-time monitoring for your home even when you are not there.
- They also give you insurance discounts as a homeowner. Insurance companies prefer insuring houses with these fire alarm systems as it is possible to save a home rather than lose all of it.
Maintaining a Fire Alarm System
To continue reaping the benefits of an efficient fire alarm system, you must ensure its maintenance. In addition, this is a requirement by most local fire codes. You can maintain a fire alarm system in the following ways;
- You can do frequent tests of smoke detectors.
- You can also test all indicating appliances to see if they work well.
- You can also note all defects and alert the appropriate technician to fix them as soon as possible.
- Examine the fire alarm system’s power supply and batteries to see if they are in good condition.
- Arrange for an annual inspection by your local fire department to comply with changing technologies in the fire alarm system.
Bottom Line
The obvious thing about fire alarm systems is that it is your front line of defense when facing a fire. This is because it will identify the fire, notify relevant parties of the fire and even try to fight the fire.
This is useful, especially if a fire accident incapacitates a person and they can’t notify emergency services.
Because of its benefits, always ensure that you maintain and repair faulty fire alarm systems.
