The fire alarm system design of
any commercial property makes a big difference to the safety of occupants and
protection from damage due to fire.
There are many codes and regulations related to the design of commercial
fire alarm systems including standards set by the National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA), International Building Code (IBC) and the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA). Meeting these
codes and regulations is only part of the goal of a properly designed fire
alarm system. Each system should be designed based on the unique architectural
design and operations of each commercial property to go above and beyond code
regulations for maximum fire safety.
NFPA Code 101 is the most
widely used Life Safety Code which addresses fire and life safety in both new
and existing buildings and structures.
NFPA 72 is updated every three years to reflect the changes in society’s
demands and updates with advancements in technology. Every commercial fire alarm system must be
compliant to these and all codes as enforced by your local Authority Having
Jurisdiction (AHJ).
Placement of Initiating Devices
Initiating devices are a
critical component of all fire alarm and life safety systems. Proper placement of these devices with a
skilled fire alarm system design can make the difference between life and
death. Initiating devices detect smoke,
gas or fire and may be placed in air ducts with automatic programming to shut
down an HVAC system to prevent the spread of gas or smoke.
Initiating devices and
sensors can be programmed to control fire doors to either secure areas to
contain a fire, protect valuable inventory or provide the safe evacuation of
occupants. Sophisticated devices may
also provide elevator recall and control to prevent elevators from opening and
directing them to a designated floor.
Notification and Evacuation
Smart sensors provide early
warning with addressable alarm systems even notifying the exact location of the
source for smoke, fire or gas.
Initiating devices trigger notification and evacuation system alerts
including voice activated evacuation procedures to direct occupants to safe
exit paths. Strobe lights are required
in public areas such as restrooms, lobbies and hallways. The ADA guidelines dictate that strobe lights
are required in communal places such as employee break rooms and cafeterias.
High Rise Security Systems Provides Fire Alarm
System Design
High Rise Security Systems is
a recognized leader in fire alarm system design, providing code compliant life
safety systems to commercial properties of all shapes and sizes. HRSS offers skilled designers with knowledge
of all fire safety code regulations who create your unique fire alarm design in
CAD software. Our high quality fire
alarm system design includes the exact location of all initiating devices,
notification devices including strobes and audible evacuation systems along
with fire alarm control panels and auxiliary equipment.
HRSS offers experienced fire alarm system design,
inspection, testing, UL listed equipment and monitoring 24/7/365. We work with building owners and contractors
to develop the fire and life safety system which meets your needs and all
required code regulations for permit approval.
Contact us today to learn more about the importance of fire alarm system
design for safety to occupants and protection against property damage.
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