Fire Detection and Alarm Systems Components Quiz

Fire Command Center Requirements

• Follows the provisions stipulated in the Implementing Rules and Regulation of Republic Act 9514, the revised fire code of the Philippines 2008, Division 19, Chapter 10.2.19.5

Fire Detection and Alarm System (FDAS) Components

• Manual Fire Alarm Station: Manually operated to initiate a fire alarm signal
• Notification Appliance: Provides audible or visible outputs, or both, such as a bell, horn, speaker, strobe, or text display
• Audible Notification Appliance: Warns by the sense of hearing
• Exit Marking Audible Notification Appliance: Marks building exits, floor exits, stairwells, or paths to exits for evacuation
• Visible Notification Appliance: Warns by the sense of sight
• Tactile Notification Appliance: Warns by the sense of touch or vibration

FDAS Personnel

• Personnel: People who install, maintain, service, test, and/or inspect fire detection and alarm systems
• Maintenance and Service Personnel: Perform cleaning, adjustments, replacements of equipment & components, system programming, and other maintenance work
• Testing Personnel: Perform physical checks, tests, and procedures to determine whether a system performs as required

Central Station

• An entity controlled and operated by a person, firm, or corporation that receives and responds to fire alarm signals

FDAS Devices

• Conventional Device: Does not have an electromechanical or software address that gives it a discrete identity
• Detector: Senses the products of fire, such as smoke, heat, flame, or carbon monoxide
• Smoke Detector: Detects particles of combustion, whether visible or invisible
• Heat Detector: Detects abnormally high temperature, abnormally fast rate of temperature rise, or both
• Multi-criteria Detector: Contains two or more sensors that track the corresponding products of fire and transmits signals to the fire alarm control panel
• Addressable Device: Can be individually identified of its status or used to individually control other functions
• Addressable System: Gives the exact location of a fire, among other features

Alarm Types

• Alarm: A notice or warning of danger
• False Alarm: Caused by a non-fire incident or activity
• Nuisance Alarm: Caused by malfunction, equipment defect, improper installation, or poor maintenance
• Alarm Zone: A location or part of the protected building or premises that indicates a fire distinctly and independently

Other FDAS Components

• Annunciator: Contains one or more indicator lamps/LED's or alphanumeric displays that provide status information about an addressable or conventional device
• Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ): The office of Bureau of Fire Protection and the Office of Building Official
• Duct Detector: Senses smoke in the air circulating within air-conditioning or ventilating ducts
• Beam Detector: Senses smoke along a continuous path, usually installed in high-ceiling areas
• Flame Detector: Senses and detects the radiant energy emitted by a flame
• Air Sampling-type Detector: Consists of a piping layout that runs from the detector to the protected area or areas
• Carbon Monoxide Detector: Senses and detects abnormally high levels of carbon monoxide

Emergency Communications System

• Emergency Communications System: Broadcasts the existence of a fire or an emergency situation, or communicates information necessary to facilitate an appropriate action
• Emergency Voice Alarm Communication (EVAC): Broadcasts information during an emergency to the occupants of a building or facility and instructs appropriate actions

Power Supply

• Power Supply: The source of electricity that provides the power needed to operate the FACP
• Primary Power Supply: 220VAC power voltage from the electrical utility company
• Secondary Power Supply: Batteries that automatically switch over to provide uninterrupted power to the system in case of primary power supply failure

Test your knowledge on components of fire detection and alarm systems, including addressable devices and systems, alarms, and false alarms. Learn about addressable devices that can be individually identified and controlled, as well as the role of addressable systems in pinpointing the exact location of a fire.