Who Wore It Best? Fire Alarm System Designer

One of the most meaningful roles of a professional fire safety company is collaborating in the design and installation of a new fire alarm system for new construction or renovation. Developing and installing the right system for a particular building configuration requires extensive knowledge and experience in a variety of environments.

Collaborative Design Process

When core features of the building design materialize, partnering with a professional fire alarm designer and safety company is essential. Determining the elements of the detection and warning system, their location, and types of equipment requires careful analysis of the structure, location of all exits, and potential evacuation routes.

A High Rise Security Systems (HRSS) of Chicago fire alarm designer utilizes computer aided design technologies to reproduce the building. This design process ensures that the proper placement and types of detection devices are sufficient to accommodate the projected number of occupants and intended use of the structure.

With Notifier by Honeywell systems, the most advanced smoke and heat detectors and multi-faceted notification systems with audible and visual evacuation are connected wirelessly to a central monitoring location.

Installation and Testing

When the permits for the overall design are approved, the construction can commence. Integrating the fire detection and alarm system is a complicated process. The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) requires that only certified and documented experts with reliable credentials should manage the installation. Certification should only be granted by local authorities, NFPA, or the manufacturer of the equipment to be installed.

Once completed, the fire safety technician will implement a full test of the system, making any adjustments that may be required before the final occupancy permit is issued by the local fire authority.

Final Inspection and Ongoing Maintenance

Local fire authorities conduct thorough tests to ensure that each element will respond to smoke and fire emergencies before issuing the occupancy permit. Any delays due to operational defects can be costly, both in backtracking the system installation process or in lost revenues due to a delayed opening. Expensive delays have occurred in the past, sometimes because of installation without the proper credentials or experience. Trusting a professional fire alarm system company to make the right installation the first time is the best course.

A fire alarm designer like High Rise Security Systems will continue to maintain systems to prevent any lapse in protection.

Commercial Fire Alarm Companies

Commercial fire alarm companies provide a valuable, life protecting service in their communities. Not highly visible to the general population, these professionals provide the intricate designs, proper installation, expert maintenance, and periodic testing of fire and smoke detection and notification systems.

For high-rise and other public venues like hospitals, educational facilities, office complexes, and residential buildings, certified fire alarm companies protect occupants from potential disaster and ensure the building remains compliant with all fire safety standards.

Design and Installation

During the design or renovation of a high-rise building, a qualified fire safety company like High Rise Safety Systems of Chicago will work with the architects to develop the safest possible fire detection network for the building. Using computer assisted design capability (CAD), the fire safety expert will identify the locations and types of fire detection and notification equipment. Planning evacuation routes is another element of the design.

Equipment from high quality companies like Notifier by Honeywell, Cooper Wheelock, Cornell, Firelite, Gentex and more, can be integrated into the design to handle particular needs and requirements of the building’s configuration.

Maintenance and Testing

Once the design is approved and installed, the professional fire alarm service company should continue their involvement in a maintenance role because of their familiarity with the equipment and design. Detection devices require inspection and cleaning and, as the system ages, parts may become worn, and wires may loosen. Only professional fire safety companies should inspect and maintain these sensitive instruments.

Compliance

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets standards for fire safety that are universally recognized. NFPA-72 requires annual testing to be performed by individuals certified by local or national fire prevention authorities, or by intensive training and certification of the system manufacturers’ equipment.

Certification and Experience

With over 30 years of experience in protecting Chicagoland properties, High Rise Security Systems is certified by UL and NICET (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies). This highly regarded fire safety company provides the ongoing maintenance and testing services that will assure the safety of any building and occupants.

Today’s fire detection and notification systems are far more complex and interconnected than in previous decades. Highly sensitive smoke and heat detection devices trigger warning alarms and directional indicators to guide evacuating occupants. Simultaneously, these notify the central control personnel and the local fire authorities.

These detection and notification systems can be maintained only by knowledgeable, certified fire alarm system professionals.

Use a Fire Alarm Maintenance Company: Stay Compliant

Fire alarm maintenance companies perform a vital role in the safety of buildings and occupants. While jurisdictions may have differing requirements for testing fire alarm systems, ongoing maintenance and proof of annual testing are essential in each case.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) establishes the framework to ensure that buildings are safe from developing fire and smoke threats. Preserving the safety of each occupant is the ultimate objective, and compliance is mandatory.

NFPA Codes and Standards

The NFPA issues over 300 specific codes to protect people from death and injury resulting from avoidable fire, electrical, and other related hazards. Local government agencies use these standards as the basis for their fire safety regulations and requirements.

Approval of New or Retrofitted Fire Alarm Systems

When a new fire detection and alarm system is proposed, the best strategy is to collaborate with a professional fire safety company to design the types, number, and locations of devices sufficient to protect the occupants and assets within the building. Planned evacuation routes are also an essential part of the design.

The building cannot be occupied until the local fire agency has inspected and approved the proper installation of the fire protection systems.

Inspecting Existing Systems

Agencies having jurisdiction require building owners to prove that the facility fire alarm systems are well maintained and will operate properly in an emergency. All detection and notification systems must function as designed. Fire suppressant systems, where installed, have to respond to outbreaks as designed.

Fire alarm systems in public buildings are required to undergo a complete inspection each year. Whether these are conducted and documented by a licensed fire safety company or by the local fire authorities, all systems must be in perfect working order and fully responsive.

Partner with a Professional Fire Safety Company

During the design, installation, and commissioning of a compliant fire alarm system, building owners should work with a certified professional fire alarm maintenance company to guarantee compliance with the NFPA and local authorities. Companies like High Rise Security Systems in Chicago are fully trained to provide ongoing maintenance to keep the systems in top working condition. These experts understand all regulatory statutes that govern the safety of buildings and occupants.

Staying compliant with NFPA and local expectations is far more than avoiding citations and fines. Lives and property are at stake.