Principles of Fire Alarm Systems:

Fire alarm systems usually perform two primary functions.   Firstly, they provide a means for warning people throughout the building that there is a fire and that they should commence their evacuation. Secondly, they can detect a fire automatically before any person has found it.

Fire alarm systems do also have a third function and it is usually employed in larger buildings. This third function is to automatically control other systems in the building. These other systems can include:

• Calling the fire service

• Bringing lifts to the ground floor

• Turning off air conditioning and ventilation systems

• Opening smoke ventilators

• Starting smoke control fans

• Opening inlet ventilators

• Starting pressure differential systems

• Stopping escalators

• Charging fire mains

• Unlocking secure doors

• Shutting fire doors

• Dropping smoke curtains or fire shutters for fire separation

• Opening car park barriers