Photoelectric sensors are used in the most effective smoke detectors, as compared to ionization detectors which are sometimes used in conjunction with photoelectric sensors.  Photoelectric and ionization sensors use different detection methods that may produce varying results.  Photoelectric smoke detectors sense smoke at the earliest stages of a developing fire, detecting the smallest wisps of smoke to provide the earliest warning.

Ionization smoke detectors sense heat and light and are most effective after a fire as already reached full force.  While this type of detectors have their place in fire alarm and detection systems, photoelectric smoke detectors provide early warning of a developing fire.

How Do Photoelectric Smoke Detectors Work?

Photoelectric smoke detectors project a focused beam of light into a mirror, providing immediate notification when the sensor perceives an obstruction.  Even a small amount of smoke causes the light to slightly refract and initiates an alarm.  The alarm is sensitive enough to be triggered by a small amount of smoke from a smoldering original fire source long before flames erupt into a raging fire.  Photoelectric smoke detectors are proven to save lives and property.

Ionization smoke detectors typically activate only when the fire has produced raging flames to initiate the alarm.  These detectors may be used in conjunction with photoelectric detectors provided an added layer of support, they may not provide adequate warning if used individually.  Smoke inhalation alone causes fatalities in 20 to 25% of fires, making early warning of smoke and fire a matter of life or death.

HRSS Offers Photoelectric Smoke Detectors

High Rise Security Systems is a leading fire alarm system company offering design, installation drawings, UL listed fire alarm system equipment, maintenance, testing, inspections, repairs and monitoring 24/7/365.  We have decades of experience in designing fire alarm systems that save lives and property, conforming to all required local, state and federal fire code safety regulations.  We are premiere distributor for Notifier® by Honeywell fire alarm systems, recognized worldwide for reliable fire alarm notification with state-of-the-art equipment. 

HRSS is a leading fire and safety company recognized for our in-depth knowledge of fire alarm equipment and requirements for commercial properties in and around Chicago.  We provide safe and reliable fire alarm systems to low-rise buildings, high-rises, medical facilities, mass complexes, school campuses and unique commercial building structures.  Contact us today to learn more about our fire detection equipment including photoelectric smoke detectors.

Obtaining Approval of Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

Commercial fire alarm systems must be certified for accuracy and completeness to obtain approval from the local authorities.  Your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) will have established guidelines set by fire authorities, typically the local Fire Marshall.  In order to obtain approval of your fire alarm system, each element of the detection, notification and evacuation systems must conform to all relevant standards. 

Only a Registered Design Professional (RDP), which is an architect or an engineer, should prepare the fire alarm installation plans.  Plans must include each element of fire alarm systems and must meet all standards set by NFPA72, the code requirements established by the National Fire Protection Association, (NFPA).  The AHJ will verify the credentials of the RDP submitting the plans to ensure their experience with designing and installing fire detection and notification systems.  Once the AJH approves the design plans, they must still be notified prior to installation.

HRSS Offers Certified Fire Alarm System Design

High Rise Security Systems is a leading fire alarm system consultant and designer, helping building owners in and around the Chicago area to design and obtain approval of their fire alarm detection system.  We have decades of experience in designing fire alarm systems to meet all code requirements including NFPA72, in addition to designing a system around your unique architectural structure.  We prepare installation plans with AutoCAD software, detailing the location of each required element, laying out the network and location of fire alarm control panels, all detection sensors, notification and evacuation systems.

We are an independent fire alarm system company with knowledge of different systems manufactured by the most well known names in fire safety.  We are premiere distributors for Notifier® by Honeywell fire alarm systems and many other top manufacturers, providing non-proprietary fire alarm systems which meet your objectives and your budget.  Our technicians are certified and field trained, we are certified with NICET, the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies.

HRSS is recognized as a leading fire alarm system specialist, offering design and consultation to obtain approval of fire detection systems from your local AHJ.  We provide ongoing service and support including maintenance, testing, inspection, repairs and monitoring 24/7/365.  Contact us today for answers to all your questions regarding obtaining approval for commercial fire alarm installation.

Apartment buildings that were constructed prior to the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 receive different treatment regarding compliance and enforcement of fire alarm system requirements and ADA legislations.  Apartments built after ADA took effect, however, must be fully compliant in terms of accessibility to public areas.  Any apartment building identified as an ADA apartment building, however, must meet special regulations regarding the type of fire alarm system installed and notification devices utilized.

Once apartment units are identified as housing the hearing impaired or any handicapped or disabled person, code requirements call for high candela strobes to be placed in all bed rooms, bathrooms and common areas.  Strobes must be activated from the local smoke detectors serving the apartment and the main building’s fire alarm systems. 

ADA apartment strobes cannot be wired to corridor notification devices as they have different sequences in operation, thus they require a dedicated 24VDC synchronized circuit from a dedicated addressable control module or a fire alarm distribution panel.  This ensures that the strobes will function under many programmable conditions such as corridor or apartment smoke detection, manual pull stations, elevator recall, water flow alarm, apartment carbon monoxide and other devices reporting to the base building fire alarm panel.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) mandates that smoke detectors be placed in all bedrooms and within 15 feet of bedroom doors in common areas, while carbon monoxide detectors are required within 15 feet of all bedroom doors but are not required inside sleeping rooms. Hardwired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors must be equipped with dry contact relays for monitoring from the base building system.

HRSS Provides Compliant Fire Alarm Systems to ADA Apartments
High Rise Security Systems offers fire alarm system design and UL listed equipment from the most recognized names in fire safety.  We provide ongoing system maintenance, support, testing, inspections and monitoring 24/7/365.  When you have questions about requirements in your ADA apartment building or any commercial property, contact the fire and safety system specialists at High Rise Security Systems.

HRSS is a recognized leader in fire and safety system design in and around Chicago, IL.  We provide ongoing service and support to maintain reliable and code compliant fire alarm systems.  Contact us to learn more about the fire and safety requirements of your commercial property.