Fire Protection vs. Fire Resistance

The terms fire protection and fire resistance are often used interchangeably but mean very different things especially to a fire inspector.  Openings such as doorways and windows must be property inspected and tested to meet the provisions referenced in NFPA 80, the Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives.  Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) are responsible for verifying the inspection, which can be completed by a facility manager or staff. 

It is important to understand the difference of fire protection and fire resistance to properly inspect openings.  Most opening protectives, which are assemblies that protect the opening, are rated for fire protection whereas most openings such as the wall, floor and ceiling assembly has a fire resistance rating.  Many tests result in fire protection ratings as noted in NFPA 252 and NFPA 257, while fire resistance ratings are tested to ASTM E119 or ANSI/UL 263. 

HRSS Offers NFPA Code Compliant Buildings

High Rise Security Systems is a leader among fire alarm and safety companies, protecting commercial properties in and around Chicago.  We are recognized for our in-depth knowledge of all local, state and federal fire safety code regulations including all National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, International Building Code (IBC), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and all local codes enforced by the city of Chicago.  We design code compliant fire alarm systems for any type of commercial property from low-rise structures to high-rise buildings and everything in between.

You can have confidence in our years of service and level of professionalism to deliver a code compliant fire alarm system to even the most unique architectural designs.  We work closely with building owners and managers, electrical engineers and safety managers to establish the fire and life safety system design which provides maximum protection and safety to your building and occupants.

HRSS is recognized as a leading fire and safety system company, providing consultation, system design, inspections, repairs, testing, maintenance and monitoring 24/7/365.  We assist clients with all required data sheets for approval from the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and go above code requirements for maximum safety and protection.  Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive services and with any questions on testing your openings for fire protection or fire resistance. 

Notifier Aspirating Smoke Detection

An aspirating smoke detection (ASD) system draws air through a network of pipes, into a sampling chamber where sophisticated equipment can detect the presence of smoke particles suspended in the air.  An ASD system is sensitive and may detect smoke even before it is visible to the naked eye.  Notifier® by Honeywell offers a full line of aspirating smoke detection equipment for intelligent and conventional fire alarm control panels.

The VESDA-E line of aspirating smoke detectors by Notifier consists of the following revolutionary fire safety system equipment. 

Intelligent VESDA-E VEA

Two models of the VESDA-E VEA are available and include the:

●       VEA-040-A00 – 40-point VEA with LED only

●       VEA-040-A10 – 40-point VEA with LED and LCD display

This product line is a multichannel addressable system seamlessly integrates on the SLC loop and provides the ability to divide an area into sampling locations to enable a faster incident response with localization and potential source identification.

Intelligent VESDA-E VEP

The VESDA-E VEP aspirating smoke detection series directly integrates on the Notifier SLC loop and provides advanced smoke detection for early warning.  Products include

●       VEP-A00-1P-NTF  - an intelligent VEP single pipe up to 10,760 sq. feet or 1,000 sq. m through one pipe

●       VEP-A00-P-NTF, VEP-A10-P-NTF – intelligent VEP four pipes up to 21,250 sq. feet or 2,000 sq. m through four pipes

The VESDA-E VEP series utilizes revolutionary technology with a Flair detection chamber to provide direct imaging of samples particles.  The VEP series provides very early warning of the presence of smoke with less nuisance alarms.

Intelligent VESDA-E VEU

The VEU series provides premium aspirating smoke detection which can be directly integrated on the SLC loop.  Two models are available and include:

●       VEU-A00 – four pipes with LED

●       VEU-A10 – four pipes with LED plus LCD

The VEU series provides unparalleled performance with field programmability, connectivity and flexibility.

Conventional VESDA-E VEA

This conventional aspirating detector line includes the VEA-040-A00 and the VEA-040-A10 for a new approach to smoke detection. VEA detectors are able to divide an area into sampling locations for quicker incident response and localization of potential sources.

Conventional VESDA-E VEP

This conventional VESDA-E VEP aspirating smoke detector series provides advanced smoke detection technology for early warning and minimized nuisance alarms.

Conventional VESDA-E VEU

The conventional VEU series of Notifier’s aspirating smoke detectors provide a wide sensitivity range with more sampling holes for increased coverage.

HRSS Offers Notifier Aspirating Smoke Detection Equipment

High Rise Security Systems offers quality fire safety system equipment such as the Notifier VESDA line of aspirating smoke detectors for early warning and a quick response time.  We provide full fire and safety system services including fire alarm system design, UL listed equipment and all maintenance and repairs.  We offer reliable monitoring 24/7/365, your safety is our number one concern.

Contact HRSS to learn more about our comprehensive fire alarm and life safety system services and to learn more about the Notifier aspirating smoke detection equipment.

Preparing for a Fire Watch

A fire watch is simply a standard of procedures that is mandatory under particular circumstances and when ordered by your local fire marshal or Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).  A fire watch is typically required under the following circumstances:

1. When the building’s fire alarm, suppression or sprinkler system is non-functional or will experience a preplanned outage of at least four hours.
2. During hot work occurring in the building which includes using a torch, welding or other flame or spark producing work.
3. During events where dense crowds populate the building and require extra precaution.
4. During building demolition and hazardous activities.

A fire watch may be conducted fairly easily when organized and prepared for in the proper manner.  Some activities and functions that must be included in a successful fire watch include:

●       Designated personnel keeping a diligent watch for fires

●       Preventing ignition sources of fires

●       Removing obstructions to egress

●       Quickly remedying hazards

●       Being prepared with a portable fire extinguisher or hose

●       Readiness to contact the local fire department

●       Warning occupants of any hazardous conditions which require evacuation

The fire watch should be organized so that the entire building is covered every hour on a recurring basis, unless the watch is stipulated due to hot work which requires a fire watch for that area of the building only and for up to 30 minutes after the completion of hot work.  A fire watch due to events of large crowds may be completed after the event and when the crowd has left the building.  Records must be kept during the fire watch with all relevant activities noted.

HRSS Provides Fire Alarm Systems and Inspections

High Rise Security Systems is a recognized leading fire alarm system and safety company offering experienced, qualified and guaranteed code compliant fire alarm and life safety systems.  We are recognized as a leader among fire and safety companies, offering comprehensive services and products.  We are proud distributors of the best names in fire safety equipment manufacturing, offering UL listed equipment and systems designed to your unique specifications.

We provide full fire protection services to commercial properties in and around Chicago which include customized fire alarm system design, inspections, testing, maintenance, repairs and monitoring 24/7/365.  Our fire alarm technicians are certified and field trained with expertise in servicing all types of fire alarm systems, ensuring your system is in ‘all systems ready’ mode for maximum protection.  Your safety is our number one concern.

HRSS leads the industry with fire alarm system design, providing total code compliance, all required data sheets and assistance with AJH approval. We go above and beyond code compliance to ensure your safety and protection.  Contact us today to learn more about our professional services, top rated equipment and how to successfully prepare for a fire watch.