Advantages of Addressable Fire Alarm Systems

The main goal of any fire alarm system to provide early warning to occupants so that they can evacuate safely without injury, and to provide a timely dispatch to emergency responders.  An addressable fire alarm system provides additional features such as accurately pinpointing the exact location of the origin of fire or smoke, quickly leading responders to the exact room on the correct floor of a building.   Addressable fire alarm systems are more efficient than conventional zone type fire detection systems, especially in high-rise buildings, campuses or mass complexes.

Components of an Addressable Fire Alarm System

Components of an addressable fire alarm system consist of detection sensors which alert occupants and responding personnel to the presence of fire, smoke or gas and also include notification of security breaches.   Notifications are received at a central control panel, with the identification and location of the detection sensor that was activated clearly identified.  This accurate location of each device that was activated allows personnel and responders to locate the source of the problem to generate the proper response.

This advanced notice can be the difference between life and death when seconds count, as responding personnel can immediately evacuate occupants from the dangerous areas.  Addressable alarm systems are wired with a loop design which consists of the various types of devices, each having it’s own “address”.  Addressable systems may include fire, smoke or gas detectors, alarms, visual alerts such as strobe lights, audible alerts such as evacuation speakers, suppression equipment such as sprinklers and auxiliary power supply.  Each device and piece of auxiliary equipment is connected to the control panels and central monitoring location.

With proper design and installation, and addressable fire alarm system provides the following benefits:

• Quick identification of the exact cause and location of the emergency
• Continual monitoring of the operational condition of sensors and devices
• Detection of contaminants which could affect performance
• Identification of breaks in the system wiring
• Reduction in false alarms

HRSS is a leading fire and safety systems service company, offering comprehensive services including fire system design, equipment, maintenance, repair and monitoring 24/7/365.  We are experienced with fire systems in a wide variety of commercial properties including high-rise, low-rise, campuses and complexes.  Contact us to learn more about the advantages of an addressable fire alarm system.  

Don’t Leave Your Alarm in Ground Fault Mode

Did you know that leaving your fire alarm system in ground fault mode is a violation of building code requirements?  A ground fault can leave your building and occupants unprotected from fire detection and warnings. Ground faults can affect the operating voltage, resistance or current of fire alarm equipment.  A multi-ground fault warning may even disable the notification circuit altogether, leaving your fire detection system useless.

Repair System Ground Faults for Fire Protection

Repairing fire alarm system ground fault warnings is critical to maintaining protection to building occupants and property.  Only certified fire alarm technicians should repair any fire protection system, as they have been trained in the proper diagnosis and treatment of fault warnings.  Licensed technicians are experienced with using a volt/ohm meter to properly diagnose ground faults by measuring resistance. 

Technicians should assume there is more than one ground fault warning, especially when inspecting systems that have not been serviced regularly.  Regular fire alarm inspections reap big rewards when simple fault warnings are corrected before further damage occurs.  Ground fault warnings can leave your system vulnerable to power surges of external voltage which can permanently damage equipment leading to costly repairs.  

High Rise Security Systems Inspects and Repairs Fire Alarm Systems

High Rise Security Systems is a leading fire alarm system company, providing professional inspection and repairs to commercial fire and safety systems.  Our technicians are licensed and field trained, with experience in servicing all types of fire alarm systems in a variety of building structures.  We provide protection to all commercial structures, including high-rise buildings, low-rise structures, school campuses, medical complexes and unique building structures.  

HRSS provides fire alarm system design, inspection, testing, maintenance, repairs and monitoring 24/7/365.  We are knowledgeable on all local, state and federal fire protection regulations, ensuring that your system is code compliant and meets requirements for permit approvals.

HRSS performs inspection and repair services from licensed fire alarm technicians to properly diagnose ground fault or multiple ground fault warnings. Your safety is our main concern as we ensure your control panel and all related equipment are working properly.  

Obtaining Permit Approval of Commercial Fire Alarms

Commercial fire alarm installation requires approval from the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and requires submission of shop drawings and floor plans.  These drawings must include fire alarm wiring schematics, the quantity and placement of fire detection sensors, warning systems, control panels, central monitoring, evacuation routes and any other applicable situation.

HRSS Provides Data Sheets and CAD Drawings for Permit Approval

High Rise Security Systems provides all required data sheets and drawings to obtain permit approval for commercial fire alarm installation or renovations.  We use CAD systems to create detailed fire alarm system designs for review by local authorities.  Floor plan schematics provided by HRSS include:

• Standard scale with compass indicator
• Floor level noted
• Location of all doors, partitions and walls
• Dimensions and use of all rooms
• Location of main power supply
• Location of all fire alarms
• Location of all devices and circuit connection
• Conduits with quantity and type noted
• Location of air supply and air diffusers
• Areas of interfaces and central control  

HRSS creates all drawings and floor plans with CAD systems for visualization of these and all required elements.  We assist with necessary data sheets and required specifications to obtain permit approval for commercial fire alarm installation from the local AHJ.  HRSS is licensed in the state of Illinois, with experience in local code requirements from the city of Chicago and surrounding areas.

We work with building owners, engineers, construction and electrical contractors to ensure your system is code compliant and provides fire protection beyond safety regulations.  We employ skilled design engineers and field trained technicians to provide exceptional customer service with your safety as our number one concern.

HRSS is recognized as a leading fire and safety system specialists, helping business and commercial property owners maintain a safe environment for all occupants with code compliant systems.  We provide comprehensive services including fire system design, inspection, testing, repairs and monitoring 24/7/365.  Contact us to learn more about our fire alarm system design services.  

Fire Alarm Safety in ADA Apartments

When constructing multi-family apartments zoned as either R1, R2, R3 or R4, contractors must be aware of the required fire and safety code requirements.  Fire alarms must meet NFPA72 regulations, in addition to NFPA101, IBC and ICC requirements for residential ADA structures.  An addressable fire alarm system is ideal in these buildings, with visual strobe alerts, smoke detectors, smoke alarms and CO detectors required in specific locations.  

Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires that new construction have smoke detectors in all bedrooms and any common area that is within 15 feet of bedroom doors.  Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are also required within 15 feet of bedrooms and should be connected to sound in tandem with other devices. Any hardwired smoke or CO detectors must be equipped with dry contact relays for monitoring at the base building system.

Smoke and CO sensors in apartment buildings must be monitored by the fire control panel.  If local ordinances require “supervised” smoke detectors, the fire alarm panel must use a 24V DC power source that communicates fully with all sensors.

Strobe Requirements in ADA Apartments

The fire alarm control panel also controls the commands to turn strobe alerts on or off.  Strobes in ADA apartments cannot be wired to the same notification devices in corridors as the sequence in operation differs.  Strobes require a dedicated 24V DC circuit from the control panel with its own source of power.  This allows the strobes to function in various conditions such as activation of a manual pull station, smoke detection in corridors, water flow alerts, smoke or carbon monoxide detection, elevator recall and other programmable situations.

In any event, when a building owner has been notified of occupants with hearing or visual disabilities, the proper notification alarms must be installed immediately.

High Rise Security Systems is a full-service fire and safety company assisting building owners and contractors with code compliant fire systems in a multitude of commercial properties.  We are experienced in high-rise, low-rise, campuses and mass complexes.  Contact us today to speak with a fire safety specialist and learn more about compliance to ADA apartments.

Commercial Fire Extinguisher Inspection Requirements

Fire extinguishers are a critical piece of an overall fire alarm and safety system as they provide the first line of defense to extinguish a fire before it becomes uncontrollable, dangerous and deadly. It is important for all commercial properties to maintain recommended extinguisher inspection requirements so that your extinguisher will be ready when needed.  

All fire extinguishers are required to be inspected internally on a monthly basis and annually by a professional and licensed fire extinguisher service company.  Monthly inspections should be recorded on the back of the tag with the initials of the person doing the internal inspection. Fire extinguisher professionals should record their inspection on the tag with their annual inspections.

Monthly internal extinguisher inspections must include:

• checking the pressure gauge to be sure it is pointed to green and ready to go
• a visual inspection to be sure there is no rust or corrosion on the extinguisher
• verification of overall readiness and easy access

Annual extinguisher inspection requirements from a licensed professional must include:

• Overall visual inspection of the unit and components for readiness
• Verifying the pressure is adequate with the pressure gauge
• Locking pins and valves are in place and undamaged
• Verification of the chemical compound and weight of the extinguisher
• Any required six-year inspections on extinguishers six years old from the manufacture date
• 12 year required inspections that include in-depth service and recharging

High-Rise Security Systems Offers Licensed Extinguisher Inspections

HRSS provides licensed fire extinguisher inspections for all types of commercial properties in and around the Chicago area. We offer professional extinguisher services for all types of extinguishers including those rated for class A, B, C, D, and class K fires.  We make sure that your fire protection system is ready to use and provides a reliable protection intended to contain any fires before they become an uncontrollable.

HRSS is recognized as a leading fire and safety systems provider, offering professional and licensed inspection and testing services of your fire alarm system including portable extinguishers. Contact us today to learn more and to speak with a fire protection specialist for all your extinguisher inspection requirements.

Help with Fire Extinguisher Installation Requirements

Portable fire extinguishers are an important part of your fire and safety system, providing the first line of defense when a fire erupts often preventing escalation to a dangerous and uncontrollable blaze. Installing fire extinguishers, however, requires some knowledge of the regulations regarding insulation and placement of portable extinguishers.

That National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) details the recommended guidelines for installation and use of fire extinguishers in NFPA10.  The NFPA is nationally recognized as the leading source of fire and safety plan requirements, with most local and state jurisdictions requiring adherence to the standards for code compliance.

Fire Extinguisher Service Companies in Chicago

High-Rise Security Systems is an experienced and licensed fire and safety consulting firm, offering comprehensive fire alarm services including proper placement and installation of fire extinguishers. We begin with a thorough design to ensure your extinguishers are installed in the right location for code compliance and fire protection safety.  

We can help to answer any questions you may have regarding proper placement and use of your fire extinguishers and offer ongoing fire extinguisher inspections, testing and maintenance.

Our licensed and experienced technicians follow a comprehensive checklist during your annual inspections of portable fire extinguishers. Our annual inspections include checking the following:

• Visual inspections to check for rust, dust or corrosion    
• Proper placement as all portable fire extinguishers must be mounted properly and easily accessible
• Visually check to be sure the safety pin is not damaged and still in the proper place
• Inspect the pressure gauge to be sure the unit is charged with full pressure
• Verify the manufacture date of all extinguishers which require additional service at six and 12 years
• Inspect the lever and handle for smooth operation
• Be sure the discharge hose and nozzle is in good working order and free of cracks
• Review the testing history to determine whether additional maintenance or hydrostatic testing is required
• Update all inspection tag requirements

High-Rise Security Systems is and experienced and licensed fire safety consulting firm offering comprehensive services to commercial properties in and around Chicago. We provide complete fire alarm system design, code compliance and data sheets for permit approval. Contact us today to learn more about our fire extinguisher installation and inspection services.

What are My Fire Extinguisher Signage Requirements?

Fire extinguisher signage requirements are detailed in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards along with requirements listed by Occupational Safety and Hazard Association (OSHA).  OSHA standard 1910.57 states that portable fire extinguishers are required to have visual inspections performed every month, along with a required annual inspection by a certified fire extinguisher professional.  

NFPA10 is the standard that outlines fire extinguisher signage and inspection requirements, including four inspection categories consisting of monthly, annually, hydrostatic and six-year testing inspection requirements.

Fire Extinguisher Monthly Visual Inspections

Monthly visual inspections may be performed on portable fire extinguishers by the business owner or homeowner, it must be recorded on the extinguisher tags. Every fire extinguisher has tags to record the annual maintenance along with a backside that has spaces to record all 12 monthly visual inspections. Maintaining these visual inspections is important for the safety of your building occupants as well as to maintain OSHA compliance.  

Monthly visual inspections should include checking the following:

• Ensure the safety seal is not broken
• Be sure the hose is not blocked
• Make sure instructions are still legible
• Check the pressure gauge to be sure the extinguisher is fully charged

Fire Extinguisher Annual Inspection Requirements

Only certified, licensed and trained professional fire extinguisher personnel can perform annual inspections, this in-depth inspection requires checking the delivery system of the fire suppressing agent and the mechanical parts of the portable extinguisher itself.  Evidence of these annual inspections is required to be shown on the tag itself to verify compliance.

Licensed Fire Extinguisher Companies in Chicago

High Rise Security Systems is a licensed and professional fire extinguisher service Company, offering professional fire and safety services for all types of commercial buildings.  We ensure that your building is compliant to all fire extinguisher signage requirements and protected beyond code regulations.

HRSS offers decades of experience in protecting commercial properties with code compliant fire and safety systems and inspections. Contact us today to learn more and to speak with a professional fire alarm system specialist.