What is an integrated Alarm System?

What is an Integrated Alarm System?

Designing a fire and security detection and alarm system into a new building in a piecemeal fashion is a waste of time, money and energy. With wireless connectivity, every device for fire and physical safety can be integrated into a seamless system to be monitored from a central control point.

When fire, smoke or unauthorized entries occur in a building or complex, integrated alarm systems will be activated and control personnel notified of the location of the emergency. A Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) system can focus on the specific area of the threat to assist in directing evacuation if needed.

Collaborating with a NICET-certified fire safety and monitoring company like High Rise Security Systems in Chicago will help you to design the right integrated system for your high-rise or campus buildings.

Notifier Integrated Alarm Systems

Notifier by Honeywell Integrated Systems wirelessly connects all fire and smoke detection, alarm, access control and evacuation systems into one system connected to a single point-of-control work station. At the very moment a threat occurs, the location and severity of the problem can be instantly detected, assessed and acted upon.

In case of a fire or smoke emergency, the integrated system identifies the exact location to initiate evacuation while instantly signaling for emergency personnel response.

If an unauthorized or troublesome intruder should be present, personnel can locate the individual, while the integrated alarm systems call for emergency help and lock down specific areas if necessary.

Systems like CCTV and motion detectors help to visually identify the location of an emergency or stranded individual.

Evacuation Systems

In emergencies, an integrated system recognizes the location of the problem and provides audio and visual instructions to all occupants to vacate the building. Special directional and live or recorded voice instructions will direct the way.

What is a Photoelectric Smoke detector?

There are two methods of smoke detection on the market. These are: photoelectric and ionization, and each is effective for specific situations. Photoelectric detectors tend to respond quickest in smoldering, smoky environments, while ionization detectors respond faster to flaming, spreading fires.

Many fire safety companies and OSHA recommend a combination smoke detector that employs both methods.

What is a Photoelectric Smoke Detector?

Photoelectric smoke detectors operate with a light source and a sensor. When smoke particles pass into the light path of the detection device, the light is scattered and then detected by the light sensor. With this interruption, the device sounds an alarm that alerts occupants to the presence of smoke.

A photoelectric detector usually acts more quickly since fires often begin in a smoldering state before bursting into flames. Early on, the source emits larger particles that can be detected by the photoelectric sensors sooner than other methods. Early detection is critical in saving lives and immediate response.

Notifier Advanced Multi-Criteria Fire Detector

Notifier by Honeywell incorporates four systems for early fire detection. In addition to a photoelectric smoke detector, the Multi Criterial Fire Detector adds thermal, carbon monoxide and infrared monitoring which detects every element of a developing fire at the earliest stage.

Smoke Alarm Placement and Maintenance

OSHA recommends that all photoelectric and other smoke detection devices be kept separate from areas of contact or corrosion. These are highly sensitive and abuse can cause the system to become unreliable.

Qualified smoke alarm system maintenance specialists should perform regular preventative maintenance on sensitive photoelectric smoke detectors. Over time, ambient dust, grime and foreign material, will accumulate on the sensors and light source causing the equipment to malfunction or become inoperable. In Chicago, contact High Rise Security Systems to discuss ongoing maintenance of your smoke detection systems.

Fire and Safety Specialists

The most essential, underlying mission of any building design is to protect the lives of every occupant during an emergency.

Whether you’re designing or remodeling a building or conducting a safety review to meet local fire code or OSHA requirements, collaboration with proven professional fire and safety specialists is a critical first step.

High Rise Security Systems has maintained over 30 years of professional experience as fire and safety specialists in the Chicago region. Experts in fire detection and notification equipment, plus facility security systems, HRSS sells, installs and maintains the most effective, state-of-the-art equipment in the industry.

High-rise residential structures, college campuses, office buildings, and hospitals throughout Chicago rely on HRSS professionals to design, install, monitor and maintain integrated fire detection and security systems.

Fire and Safety Design

High Rise Security System experts will provide professional collaboration during the design phase of building construction or remodel. With computer-aided design technology (AutoCAD), HRSS technicians will replicate the building design to mirror precisely the type, number and location of fire detection systems and physical security devices for optimum safety.

In the process, safe and unencumbered evacuation routes are defined.

Integrating Fire and Security Systems

During the construction phase, High Rise Security experts can fully integrate a security system that can be monitored wirelessly from a central control point or other location. Fire emergencies and security breaches can be answered with instant response to maintain the safety of all building occupants.

Fire Alarm Monitoring, Testing and Maintenance

No system in any building is more critical to occupant safety than fire and smoke detection devices and alarms. HRSS sells, installs and maintains the most sophisticated fire detection systems available, including Notifier by Honeywell.

And, to ensure ongoing protection, HRSS will monitor, test and service all systems regularly to ensure long-term and effective reliability.