House fires in residential areas have become a common incident. Electrical faults and LPG leaks are the primary reasons; causing devastating loses to the families. The continuous rise in these incidents made fire safety of utmost importance. Whether it’s an apartment or a bungalow, the residential structure must adopt effective fire safety measures.
Hence, having a sound knowledge about the fire alarm systems helps in protecting your loved ones and your property. Therefore, without much ado, let’s explore everything you must know about the residential fire alarm systems, including how to choose the best fire alarm system.
Basics of Fire Alarm System
A fire alarm system is an integrated network of devices designed to detect and alert occupants about a fire emergency. It typically includes sensors, control panels, and audible/visual alarms that trigger a rapid response. These components work in unison to ensure early detection, even of small fires, allowing for swift evacuation and emergency measures. By providing timely alerts, a fire alarm system plays a crucial role in minimizing property damage and saving lives. However, having a fire alarm is just the first step – every household should also have a comprehensive house fire evacuation plan to ensure all family members know exactly what to do when the alarm sounds.
The Functioning of A Fire Alarm System
The working principle of a fire alarm system depends on detecting signs of fire, including smoke or heat using various sensors. Once a sensor detects potential threat, the system processes the signal and activates the alarm. A central control fire alarm panel further supports the process, which then processes the sensor data. It then decides whether to trigger warnings or also contact emergency services, making it a reliable method ensuring safety in critical situations.
Types of Fire Alarm Systems
Residential fire alarm systems are different from commercial fire alarm systems. From wireless systems to conventional fire alarms, there’s one that would suit every house needs. Let’s look at the key differences of each of the system.
Conventional Fire Alarm Systems
It’s a four-wire system, frequently used in smaller properties. The system divides your space into different detection zone. Each wire connects with a dedicated circuit in a control unit, allowing multiple detectors in each zone. Upon detecting a fire, the panel shows the zone the signal triggered.
Two-Wire Fire Alarm Systems
This fire alarm system works on the standard conventional system. The only difference is that it works on a two-wire system. In the structure, you will find the call points, the detectors and alarm devices connected to two zone cables, connecting the fire alarm control zone. Although these systems costs more upfront, they are excellent in smoke detection, cheaper to install and ideal for small spaces.
Wireless Fire Alarm Systems
As the name suggests, these systems do not come with any cable connecting the detection device to the fire alarm panel. The system relies on secure radio frequencies for its best functionality, maintaining signal strength for constant protection. Although expensive to purchase, it’s flexible and faster to install. Besides, since it does not have all those cable and wiring systems, it’s ideal for properties that doesn’t allow wiring.
Analogue Addressable Fire Alarm Systems
It’s an intelligent system whose components remain connected to each other and the control unit. An addressable system allows setting of manual and automatic alarms in different parts of the building. Unlike the conventional systems that share a detected fire based on the zone, analogue addressable systems use intelligent communication between devices and the panel, allowing pinpoint identification of each triggered detector. The specificity of the system makes it a reliable choice for large commercial properties requiring specific identification of a fire that might be readily visible within a zone.
Types of Detectors Ideal for Indian Homes
Most homeowners are unaware about the different types of fire alarm detectors. One can categorize them into four broad categories- ionization, heat, photoelectric and a combination of ionization and photoelectric. Each of the alarm detects fire differently. Now, let’s discuss the types of fire alarm detectors in details.
Smoke Detectors
As the name suggests, these detectors detect the presence of smoke within a structure. You can listen to the alarm when the smoke reaches a certain threshold. you can find smoke detectors in two varieties- ionisation and photoelectric. The ionosation smoke alarm uses a small amount of radioactive materials to ionise the air within the chamber. The smoke entering the chamber interrupts the process, triggering the alarm. The photoelectric smoke alarms, on the contrary, uses a beam of light for identifying smoke. As the smoke enters the chamber, it scatters light on the smoke, thereby triggering the alarm.
Heat Detectors
The devices work after detecting temperature changes, indicating a fire. Fixed temperature and rate-of-rise are the two main types of heat detectors. The fixed temperature heat detectors trigger the alarm when the temperature in a room reaches a certain threshold. On the contrary, the rate-of-rise heat detectors trigger an alarm when the temperature in the room rises, indicating the presence of a fire.
Flame Detectors
As the name suggests, these devices are excellent in detecting the presence of flames in a room. They come with built-in sensors, which can sense the infrared and ultraviolet radiations coming from the flames. The detectors, upon detecting the flames, sends a signal to the control panel. It then triggers a notification to the other devices, alerting the residents about the potential fire.
Factors to Consider while Choosing Fire Alarm Systems for Homes
Installing a fire alarm system in your home is essential, as it help protect life in case of fire and other related emergencies. While installing a system, ensure that your system is robust enough for handling fire emergencies. The following are the factors that help you understand the basic requirements of a fire alarm system for home.
Understanding the Local Fire Codes and Standards
Every Indian city has a specific fire safety code governed by the National Building Code of India. Ensure that your fire alarm installation complies with the regulations of the particular city, as proper compliance is essential for obtaining your fire safety certificate in India. Any breach of contract might attract penalties.
Conducting a Detailed Risk Assessment
Before installing a fire alarm system, ensure to assess your property’s fire risks, identify the high-risk areas, such as the kitchens, storage rooms and electrical panels for determining the ideal locations for detectors and alarms.
Choosing the Right System
Choose a fire alarm system performs multiple functions simultaneously. It includes prompting occupants to evacuate, sending information to the monitoring centre, alerting emergency teams, and activating the sprinkler system and other extinguishers.
Considering a Budget
Budget is a major factor in purchasing any commodity. Your budget depends on the size of your building. Conventional systems incurs more expenses during installation, as the devices require wire for connection and more working hours. On the contrary, addressable systems, though expensive to purchase are simpler to install, offering a range of features like panels for monitoring the airflow through smoke detectors.
Conclusion
Remember that fire alarms are just one component of a comprehensive fire safety strategy. Integrating them with other fire fighting systems in buildings creates multiple layers of protection for your home and family. The alerts it generates, along with automated emergency responses, can help save lives during a fire emergency. With various fire alarm systems available, it’s essential to choose one that suits the size, layout, and specific requirements of your building. Always ensure compliance with local fire safety regulations and work with certified professionals for installation and maintenance. A well-designed and properly functioning fire alarm system offers peace of mind and long-term protection. For maximum fire safety, consider combining your alarm system with fire-resistant building materials and other preventive measures during your home’s construction or renovation.