Communication and Signal Systems Overview

Communication and Signal Systems

• All signal systems require a surveillance system to process information, including the transmission of signals, and a way to indicate the signals, such as visually, audibly, or on permanent records.

Types of Communication and Signal Systems

• Fire Detection Alarm System: Detects fire products such as smoke, heat, and light, providing early notification for occupant safety. Utilizes various methods, like heat/smoke detectors, to alert occupants to a fire.

• Building Security Systems: Include intruder detection, building access, and CCTV.

• Audio and Visual Telecommunication Systems: Comprises telephone, intercom, and public television equipment.

• Time Equipment: Incorporates clock and program equipment.

Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

• Detects: Products of combustion (smoke, heat, light).

• Methods: Utilizing various heat and smoke detection techniques.

• Alerting: Includes audible and visual alarms.

• Components:

• Detectors: Detect fire products.

• Control Unit/Panel: Manages the system.

• Alarm Devices: Provide signals (audible and visual).

• Wiring/Circuitry: Connects all components.

Detectors

• Types of Temperature (Heat) Detectors:

• Fixed Temperature: Contacts trigger when a set temperature is reached.

• Rate-of-Rise: Activates when the rate of temperature change exceeds a set value.

• Combinations: Combined units with both features.

• Types of Smoke Detectors (Photoelectric):

• Photoelectric: Reacts to the obscuring of a light beam by smoke.

• Types of Smoke Detectors (Ionization):

• Ionization: Detects ionized particles in the air.

• Flame Detectors (Types):

• Infrared (IR): Detects rapid flaming combustion and CO2 production. Used in enclosed spaces, like storage areas, and has less sensitivity

• Ultraviolet (UV): Useful for detecting UV radiation, such as from walls and ceilings

• Combined UV/IR: Combines both technologies.

Alarm Systems

• Manual Pull Station: Lever-like devices mounted in strategic locations that activate an alarm when pulled.

• Emergency Voice Communication System: Uses pre-programmed recorded messages to provide guidance in emergencies.

• Alarm System: Consists of devices that create audible signals (bells, buzzers, strobes etc.) and external bells for notifying others of a fire.

• Types of Alarm Systems

• Manual: Use a trigger to activate.

• Non-coded manual stations: stations aren't identifiable at the control panel

• Coded manual stations: stations have codes received at the control panel

• Automatic: Use detectors to trigger the alarm

• Combination of both.

• Control Unit Panel Typical Functions:

• Non-coded: Continuous ringing of alarm, zoned (identifiable) by annunciator.

• Master Coded: Rhythmic cadence ("march time") alarm.

• Zone Coded: Zoned alarm with single-stroke gong, indicating station.

• Dual Coded: Combination of non- and zone-coded systems with multiple functions.

• General/Selective Coded: Fully coded manual and automatic devices, triggering code transmitters at the control panel.

• Pre-signal: System designed to alert specific personnel and turning on the general alarm manually.

Sprinkler Alarm System

• Consists of sprinkler heads, network of pipes, dispensed water when fire detected.

Control Unit Panel

• Function: Energizes audible devices (bells, buzzers, gongs) upon alarm signal receipt, and may include other functions like shutting off utilities or lights to prevent fire spread. -Servicing: Emergency standby batteries. Interfaced with building management systems (BMS).