Fire Detection & Alarm Systems Importance Quiz

Fire Detection and Alarm Systems (FDAS)

• A properly designed, installed, and accepted FDAS shall undergo annual testing and inspection by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for reacceptance.
• AHJ refers to the Office of the Building Official (OBO) or the Bureau of Fire Protection.

Alarm Zones

• An alarm zone shall have a maximum floor area of 800 sq.m.
• A separate alarm zone shall be provided for each 800 sq.m. of protected floor area.

Audible Notification Signal

• Shall have a sound level of at least 15 dB above the average ambient sound level, or 5 dB above the maximum sound level having a duration of at least 30 seconds or 75 dBA, whichever is greater, measured 1.40 meters above the floor in the area required to be served.

Maintenance and Monitoring Tests

• Daily, Weekly, Monthly, and Annually tests shall be conducted.

CCTV Cameras

• Can be organized into 4 major types: Bank Style, Color Day/Night, Bullet Cameras, and Miniature & Hidden Cameras.
• Bank Style cameras are rectangular and can be used indoors or outdoors with camera housing.
• Color Day/Night cameras are used for outdoor applications and switch to B/W at night using infrared illuminators.
• Bullet Cameras are general-purpose cameras with built-in weatherproof housing.
• Miniature & Hidden Cameras are mainly for indoor use and disguised in ordinary items.

Camera Specifications

• Lux rating measures available light, with examples:
  • Direct sunlight: 100,000 - 130,000 Lux
  • Overcast day: 1,000 Lux
  • Deep twilight: 1 Lux
  • Full moon: 0.1 Lux
  • Quarter moon: 0.01 Lux
• Color cameras need more light to work than B/W cameras.

CCTV Lenses

• Fixed focus, manual iris lens, vari-focal, DC auto iris, and zoom lens are available.
• C-mount and CS-mount lenses are the two categories.

Monitor Placement

• Install outside security cameras, considering the sun's rise and set, to avoid glare on the lens.

Monitors and DVRs

• CCTV monitors can provide up to 1000 lines of resolution, compared to 300 lines on a TV.
• Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) combine the reliability of time-lapse recorders with advanced features like motion detection recording and remote viewing.
• PC-based DVRs offer the most features but require an enormous amount of processing power, memory, and operating system resources.
• Standalone DVRs offer many of the same features at a lower cost.

Power Supplies

• Individual transformers or a power distribution panel can power the camera system.
• A power strip with 8 outlets is recommended for neater installations, especially for systems with more than 4 cameras.

Recording Devices

• Time-lapse VCRs are reliable but have limitations in recording resolution and motion fluidity.
• Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) are a better option for long-term recording.
• The amount of hours a standard VCR can record is dictated by the size of the tape used.

Fire Detection and Alarm Systems (FDAS) Components

• Fire alarm control panel
• Display panel
• Annunciator
• Smoke detector
• Heat detector
• Manual pull horn
• Strobe

Importance of Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

• Critical components of any building's safety infrastructure
• Legal requirements and building codes include:
  • RA9292 – Electronics Engineering Law
  • RA 9514 Fire Code
  • DPWH Department Order 231 series 2016
  • National Fire Protection Association
  • Philippine Integrated Fire Protection Organization