Fire Alarm Systems Should Have These 5 Features

Fire alarm systems are critical to protecting both people and property. There are plenty of features available with any fire alarm system. However, you'll want to focus on these 5 features.

Backup Power

Whenever there's a fire, there's a risk that the event will knock out the power. This can end up disabling the fire alarm systems or the supporting infrastructure. Consequently, there's also a risk that the alarm will fail to activate or send messages to you and the fire department.

Backup power makes a major difference. A redundant fire alarm device installation will improve the odds that the alarm will serve its purpose rather than malfunction.

Manual Initiation

Automatic triggers are important to the basic operation of an alarm. However, there should also be a way for an individual who sees a fire to trigger the alarm manually. Generally, these will be small boxes that require the operator to open a little door so they can press a button or pull down a lever. Manual initiation ensures that alarms will go off sooner if people are present.

Make sure the alarm triggers are highly visible. Likewise, provide training so people in the building know how and when to use the fire alarm systems.

Control Panel

A wired fire alarm system installation should connect with a control panel that serves as a central processing area. In a building with a security desk, for example, a guard should be able to check the control panel and quickly identify where the alarm originated. Ideally, the control panel should break the building into zones. Wires from each section of the alarm will transmit signals that confirm where the problem originates. This information can help first responders by narrowing down the list of possible locations.

Redundant Connections

Relying on a single line to the outside world is inviting disaster. If a fire occurs in the vicinity of the line, it could cut the alarm off before it warns anybody. A wired fire alarm system installation should connect to at least two outside lines to notify first responders. Some folks go an extra step and use fire alarm systems that have cellular connections so they can maximize redundancy.

Lights and Sounds

A fire alarm should be loud and flashy enough to overcome any sense of complacency. Lights should be visible in all areas, and the speaker system should permit the alarm to interrupt it to announce a problem. 

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