Fire Alarm Design- The Retrofit

Fire Alarm Design – The Retrofit

As buildings age, so do their components. After 20 years or more, much of the electrical, heating, and plumbing equipment requires upgrades or replacement. More importantly, fire detection and alarm systems become antiquated and may not perform when needed. Grime accumulates, parts wear out, and older systems become obsolete compared to many of today’s state-of-the-art sensing devices.

The primary responsibility of a building owner is to protect the safety of the occupants. A closer review of the existing system may signal that your building is due for a fire alarm design retrofit.

Newer, more sensitive devices can detect smoke and other dangerous emissions far sooner than older ones could. Alarms and other notifications today can be transmitted wirelessly to central locations for rapid response.

Retrofitting Building Fire Alarm Designs

When retrofitting an existing building with a new fire alarm design, the first course of action is to consult with an expert who is licensed and experienced in mapping systems that will meet local requirements as well as the National Fire Alarm Code (NFA-72). Working with the consultant and local fire authorities during the design phase can prevent problems later.

Working with the blueprints or CAD-computerized replication of the building, the consultant can determine the number and placement of sensing and suppression devices, as needed.

Additional Functions of the Fire Alarm Retrofit

Besides smoke and fire detection, and alarm notification, modern devices can be wirelessly connected to a central monitoring location. Also, programmed voice and LED devices can be installed to guide evacuations. Other features of a fire alarm design retrofit could include the automatic unlocking of all stairwell and exit doors, self-illuminated lighting, emergency shut-off of hazardous gas, HVAC control to retard smoke, and evacuation route charting.

What Fire and Safety Specialists Will Say You Need

What Fire and Safety Specialists Will Say You Need

Building managers, owners and designers know that the physical safety of occupants and residents of a building or complex is the most important priority. Consulting with fire and safety experts is necessary for these individuals to understand the potential risks, OSHA requirements, and guidelines set by local ordinances.

In Chicagoland, High Rise Security System experts are trained and certified to work with every type of structure and to advise the best solutions to maintain the highest degree of safety. Below is a list of suggestions that a certified fire and safety expert might offer to ensure you are in compliance and providing the safest environment.

OSHA Requirements

In the workplace, OSHA requires automatic fire detection and notification systems in conjunction with a clear evacuation plan. In a new or renovated building, the evacuation plan should be part of the design process.

Fire Alarm Monitoring Service

Even the latest fire detection devices must be regularly inspected and tested by trained technicians to ensure proper working conditions. Over time, accumulated grime and foreign material interferes with the sensitive detection components and may not respond to a disaster in a timely fashion. Regular monitoring is critical.

Install Sprinkler or Fire Suppression Systems

To protect property and reduce the threat of human injury, fire and safety specialists recommend fire suppression equipment and strategies. In cases where flammable materials or dangerous gases are used, fire safety experts can advise the proper types of equipment to minimize risk.

Integrate Fire and Security Systems

Fire and safety experts suggest that every detection, notification and evacuation device in the building should be integrated to wirelessly transmit warnings and notifications to a central control point. This allows for instant notification of emergency agencies, evacuation of occupants and other action required.

Unique Features of the Notifier Fire Alarm

Notifier by Honeywell fire detection systems are state-of-the-art monitoring devices that detect, warn, suppress and communicate during smoke, fire and dangerous gas emergencies. Honeywell has been a worldwide leader in atmospheric condition management for decades and offers integrated systems designed for early detection and quick response.

Fire and Smoke Detection

Notifier smoke detection devices employ ultra sensitive photoelectric sensors. When smoke passes the detector, the sensor’s light beam is interrupted, thereby causing the alarm to activate. These detectors detect the presence of smoke often before the fire has had a chance to develop. The detectors immediately notify the control personnel of a problem.

Notifier Fire Alarm Monitoring Systems

In addition to the photoelectric smoke detection devices, fire alarms are strategically placed to respond to any fire emergency. These systems are armed to notify all occupants of the emergency while directing notifications to control personnel.

With audio and video instructions and carefully planned evacuation routes, occupants are directed to leave the building at the first sign of danger while emergency response agencies are directed to the location.

Creating a safe environment for all occupants in every building type is the principal objective of Notifier’s broad line of fire detection and fire alarm monitoring devices. Linked together with wireless technology in a holistic network to manage smoke and fire emergencies, the systems transmit instantaneous information to a central control location. The Notifier system instantly notifies emergency response agencies to assure quick response.

Fire System Monitoring

Having the best possible detection and notification system is important. But system effectiveness can be compromised without ongoing testing and maintenance. Sensors become neutralized with dirt and grime, and parts wear out over time. In Chicagoland, High Rise Security Systems provides professional, ongoing preventative maintenance to assure your sophisticated Notifier fire alarm systems remain in top condition.

10 Tips: Best Fire & Safety Program For your commercial property

Fire and safety are the most important considerations in any building design. Early detection and response are critical to protecting the lives of occupants and must be addressed on multiple levels. The placement of standard fire alarms throughout a building is not the only answer to providing the best protection for occupants and residents.

Here are 10 important considerations:

• Partner with a professional fire safety company to design, install and monitor the system that meets the specific needs of your building and contents.
• Use a certified professional fire and safety company, like High Rise Security Systems in Chicagoland, to design a system using the right type, number and location of fire detection devices.
• Early detection of smoke and fire are fundamental to ensuring safety. Notifier by Honeywell detection devices are state-of-the-art warning systems developed to alert and initiate evacuation at the first sign of trouble.
• Create logical evacuation plans, without bottlenecks, to allow for free and prompt evacuation of building occupants.
• Audible and visual alarm systems should be integrated and capable of being monitored and managed from a central control location.
• Fire suppression systems or sprinklers should be installed in environments where the potential for spreading quickly can be aborted.
• Fire detection system maintenance is critical to ensure continuous protection. Parts wear out and sensors collect grime and dust that can affect operations. Work with a professional fire safety company to perform preventative maintenance and regular testing to ensure effectiveness in an emergency.
• Integrate your fire alarm system with other physical security systems to allow for central control and flexibility.
• Initiate regular and routine fire evacuation drills to ensure occupants are aware of the process and responsibilities.
• Employ your fire safety company to monitor any special hazard situations and materials to ensure these are safely stored and handled.

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.