Fire Alarm Systems Installations and Setup in Kenya
Fire Alarm Systems.
Dataworld is a leading FIRE ALARM and SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS INSTALLERS in Kenya. We supply and install a wide range of quality brands of firefighting and fire protection equipment including Fire Detection and Alarm Devices such as Fire Alarm Control Panels, Detectors and Alarm Devices; Fire Extinguishers: such as Dry Chemical Powder, Carbon Dioxide, Aqueous Film-Forming Foam, Water and Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers for residential, commercial, and industrial facilities across multiple industries in Kenya.
Table of Contents
Components of a Fire Alarm System
· Fire Alarm Control Panel
The fire alarm control panel, commonly abbreviated as FACU, is the system’s “brain.” It receives messages from the initiating devices, also known as inputs, and performs functions such as turning on notifications, elevator recall, HVAC system shutdown and notifying alarm monitoring center.
· Initiation Devices
Initiation devices initiate alarms, and, just like alarm panels, they can be either addressable or non-addressable. Some initiation devices, like water flow switches, are traditionally non-addressable, but connect with addressable modules. The switches can have specific addresses that let them communicate with addressable systems.
· Pull Stations
A pull station is probably the fire alarm systems’ component you’re most familiar with. It’s a manually operated device that initiates an alarm signal when someone pulls its handle. While smoke may take a few minutes to reach a smoke detector, you can activate a pull station within just a few seconds of a fire or other emergency, which allows for a quicker evacuation and faster reaction times by the fire department. Pull stations are available in diverse sizes and shapes and can come with protective covers upon request.
· Smoke Detectors
A smoke detector is a device that initiates an alarm signal when it senses smoke. There are two classifications of these devices, depending on the type of sensor they use to detect smoke particles.
· Duct Detectors
Duct detectors are smoke detectors installed in air conditioning and heating ducts. They shut air handling units down, preventing smoke from traveling all over the building via the air ducts.
· Heat Detectors
Heat detectors are fire detection devices equipped with sensors that respond to heat. Two main kinds of heat detectors are available. Rate-of-rise heat detectors: This type of heat detector will respond if the temperature increases at a rate that exceeds a specified value. Fixed temperature heat detectors: Fixed temperature heat detectors will respond when their operating elements reach or exceed a predetermined temperature. There are two types of fixed temperature detectors: linear detectors, which monitor the temperature throughout an area, and spot detectors, which monitor the temperature in one specific location.
· Beam Detectors
This kind of smoke detector projects a beam of light across the area it’s protecting. If smoke crosses the path of the beam, the detector will respond.
· Air Aspirating or Air Sampling Smoke Detectors
This type of detector uses tubes to deliver air or smoke to a central detector equipped with a sensor that can detect minute changes to the air’s chemical composition. These detectors are usually extremely sensitive.
· Water Flow Switches
Water flow switches use paddles located inside water-filled piping that will respond if water flows. On sprinkler systems, their design allows them to work if water is flowing from only one sprinkler.
· Tamper Switches
A tamper switch is a supervisory initiating device that operates if someone moves its valve from its regular position.
· Notification Devices
These devices send a visual or audible notification to alert a building’s occupants to evacuate.
· Audible Devices
Audible devices include sirens, bells, and horns.
· Strobes
Strobes send notifications by flashing a light.
· Strobes/Horns
These devices send notifications by flashing a light and blaring a siren to alert people to respond.
· Dialers or Communicators
Some fire alarm systems have internal or external dialers used to contact monitoring centers or alarm receiving stations. Communicators can use radio signals, phone lines or an internet connection to maintain contact. Panels may have built-in dialers or communicators.
· NAC Power Supplies
Today’s systems require many notification devices, which need extra power supplies, known as notification power supplies, or NAC power supplies. You can find these by the main panel or distributed around the building as needed.
Benefits of Fire Alarm Systems
- Rapid response to alarm activations
The monitoring team can action an emergency response in a matter of minutes, much faster than an individual can in the stressful event of a fire. This, therefore, increases the chances of the fire brigade controlling the fire and reducing the damage to your site.
- Reduce false alarms
False alarms are not only frustrating and annoying, but they can also waste your and the emergency services’ time. When monitored, false alarms can be prevented as only confirmed alarms are acted upon.
- Reduce business disruption
If a fire is detected and acted upon quickly, which it will when being monitored, then this can help reduce any potential business disruption in the form of any damage to the site, equipment, or stock, as well as panic from employees. With a monitored fire alarm, you will all be able to leave the site calmly and promptly knowing that the fire brigade is already on its way.
- Reduced risk to employees
With a third-party monitoring your alarm system, this responsibility no longer sites with you or your employees. You will all be able to exit the site safely if a fire does break out, with no need for employees to attend to the alarm activation and potentially putting their lives at risk.
- 24/7 Increased protection from fire
Fire alarm monitoring operates 24/7, 365 days of the year, meaning your site is constantly being monitored. You will therefore have increased potential from fire and better overall safety than if your system was unmonitored.
- Peace of mind
Having a monitored fire alarm system gives you complete peace of mind that someone is keeping a watch on your site for potential fires breaking out. You therefore don’t need to worry if no one is on-site, if it’s during a weekend or bank holiday, or about putting such responsibility on your staff.
You can count on Dataworld Systems Ltd for your fire alarm systems installation and maintenance.