CHAPTER(8)

Fire Alarm System

Chapter (8)

Fire Alarm System

Chapter (8)
Fire Alarm System
8.1. Introduction
8.1.1. Why we need fire alarm system?
The goal of Fire Safety plans and equipment is to detect and announce fire,
heat or smoke in real time, so that people may reach safety and buildings
and information may be protected.

8.1.2. About the fire

Generally, fires are initiated within a single fuel object. The smoke
produced from the burning objects transported by a smoke plume and
collects in the upper portion of space as layer. The smoke plume also
transports the heat produced by the fire into the smoke layer, causing the
smoke layer to increase in depth and temperature. This smoke layer
radiates energy back to unburned fuels in the space, causing increase in
temperature.
The main combustion products are:
1. Flame and heat
2. Smoke
Smoke considered the most dangerous and is responsible for death
Cases because it is mainly make oxygen insufficient in indoor fires.

8.1.3. Classes of fire

1. Class A fire
"Class Afire," means a fire involving ordinary combustible as paper,
wood, cloth, and some rubber and plastic materials.
2. Class B fire

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"Class B fire" means a fire involving flammable or combustible liquid

flammable gases, greases and similar materials, and some rubber
and plastic materials.

3. Class C fire
"Class C fire" means a fire involving energized electrical equipment
where safety to the employee requires the use of electrically
nonconductive extinguishing media.
4. Class D fire
"Class D fire" means a fire involving combustible metals such as
magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, lithium and potassium.

8.2. Classification of fire alarm system:

8.2.1 Household fire alarm system
Its tools and instruments that used in houses to give alarm signal for people
to leave the house in case of fire. In this case, we use a smoke detector, which
has alarm at the same time. This type operates by batteries and AC current
and mostly used in kitchens and children rooms.

8.2.2 Local fire alarm system (for local buildings)

The tools and instruments give alarm in manual cases in order to alarm
people in this building to make the suitable requirements or leaving the
building.

8.2.3 Auxiliary fire alarm system

It is the system that connecting buildings with fire fighting communication
center. Moreover, by control circuits we can know place of fire, its
happening time, and other information. This type widely used in America
and European countries

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8.3. Basic components of fire alarm system

1. Initiating devices
2. Control panel
3. Signaling devices
4. Power supply
These components must be compatible electrically with each other and
connected by suitable wires to complete system operation as shown in
figure (8.1);

Figure (8.1). ''Connection method of fire alarm system components''

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8.4. Types of connecting fire alarm system

components:
8.4.1. Wire connection
Class ''A'' type (loop connection); this mean that the wires loop
connecting control panel to other equipments return to control panel as
shown in figure(1).
Class ''B'' type (Zone connection); this mean that the wires loop
connecting control panel to other equipments don't
return to control
panel, but ended by resistance called ''end line resistance''. The value of
this resistance do not exceed (1-kilo ohm) and changes due to as shown in
figure (8.1).

8.4.2. Wireless connection

This type is the latest type of connecting fire alarm components without
using wires. It has some advantages and disadvantages such as other
connecting types. However, it has very low economic cost when compared
with wire connection type

In our project, we use wire connection classA type because it is

the most used and available type in wide range.

8.5. General components (parts) of fire

alarm system:
8.5.1. Initiating devices:
The initiating devices (initiators) have many types we will take about these
types.

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8.5.1.1. Automatic initiating detectors

fire alarm system generally depend on area we want to cover it with fire
alarm system grid .where each fire detector operate approximately in circle
has radius (8m) , hence we distribute detectors in required area . The
automatic detectors classified as follows:

First: Smoke detectors:

These detectors give alarm when it detects any smoke cutting its
photoelectric cell .and it has two types;
Types of Smoke Alarm Sensors:
There are two primary types of smoke alarm sensors:
Ionization sensors
Photoelectric sensors
Some alarms also include other types of safety sensors, such as heat sensors,
or carbon monoxide sensors
1. Ionization Sensors
Best at detecting fast, flaming fires like grease fires
Detect combustion particles of .01 to 3 microns (an average human
hair is about 90 microns)
Most sensitive to dark or black smoke
Sensitive to steam, so they may produce false alarms if installed near
kitchens or bathroom

Ionization Senor Illustration

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How Ionization Sensors Work?

Use a weak radiation source (Americium 241) to ionize the air in a
detector chamber
The ionized air conducts an electrical current
The detector circuit senses this current; if it is present, the alarm does
not sound
Smoke particles interfere with the current flow; when the current is
reduced, the alarm sounds
2- Photoelectric Sensors
Best at detecting slow, smoldering fires like furniture ignited by a
cigarette
Detect combustion particles of .3 to 10 microns
Most sensitive to light gray smoke
Not very sensitive to steam, so they are better for use near kitchens or
bathrooms
Higher power requirements than ionization
How Photoelectric Sensors Work?
An LED creates a beam of infrared light in the detector chamber
The detector circuit senses this light; if it is present, the alarm does
not sound

Figure (8.2). ''different shapes of smoke detectors

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Smoke particles scatter the light, and reduce the amount that reaches
the detector; when the amount of light is reduced, the alarm sounds
There is some types of smoke detectors according to kind of building
,some of this detectors are:
I. addressable smoke detector
This detector is the most type used in buildings, small and large
rooms, and passes. This type should not use near air soaker or fan
II. smoke addressable ducts detector
This type placed on return duct of central air conditioning in order to
detect a smoke communing from fire area. If it placed on supply duct,
it does not detect any smoke because all air communing from air
conditioner is fresh air .and it is shown in figure (8.3);
III.receive and transmitter laser beam detector
This type contains two detectors opposite to each other and third
apparatus analogy the alarm signal and transmitted it to control panel.
It used in long paths closed with glass (sky light way).

Smoke addressable air duct detector

multi use detector

Figure (8.3) ''other shapes of smoke detectors''

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Second: Heat detectors

The detectors give alarm with increase of temperature rise above certain
limit. This happened by expansion of a material inside the detector
therefore, close the fire circuit and giving alarm. it has two types;
I.addressable fixed heat detector:
This type depends on fixed temperature. it do not operate unless
temperature exceed its setting value, so if there is a gradually rise in
temperature, it do not give alarm. This type is not secure 100%.
II.Addressable rate of rise heat:
This type depends on rate of heat change. Moreover, it is the best type
because it gives alarm with any up normal change in temperature.
We use the two types of heat detectors in our hotel project when we
designed fire alarm system

Third: multi use detectors

These detectors operate as heat and smoke detectors in the same time. This
type used in active places that need the two types of detectors (heat and
smoke). One detector of this type showed in figure (8.3)

Fourth: gas detector

These types of detectors operate in case of gas pipes. It used on pipes in
order to detect any Infiltration in gas
8.5.1.2. Manual initiating detectors;
These devices operate manually to make fire alarm when any person see
afire or feel it, or when automatic detectors have any fault or not operate.
From these devices, manual pull station (break glass) and they have many
types and shapes as shown in figure (8.4);

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Figure (8.4)''two types of break glass manual detectors ''

This type operates by giving alarm signal the glass on it is broken by any
one. It has many types such as firefighter telephone.

8.6. Control panels of fire alarm system:

It is the device that analysis the signals coming from initiating detectors and
give instructions of (alarms not alarm)to signaling devices. Some of control
panels have displays from it we can know all information about date and
time of fire and incorrect alarms. Some shapes of control panels shown in
figure (8.5)
There are many methods of connecting control panel with other devices.
The following figures (6, 7, and 8) show how to connect fire alarm system
components;

Figure (8.5)some shapes of control panels

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8.7. Fire Alarm system Power Sources:

AC power (hard wired) linked to normal AC wiring system
Most have a battery backup in case AC power fails
Batteries
9-volt carbon zinc (general purpose)
9-volt alkaline
9-volt lithium (ten year battery)
Large rechargeable lead-acid or gel cells

AC Power
Most dependable (at least if backup batteries are maintained
properly)
Cost-competitive with battery power for new construction but
expensive to retrofit in older buildings
Normally used as the primary power source for centrally controlled
alarm systems
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Battery (DC) Power

Fairly dependable if batteries are checked and replaced consistently
Inexpensive and easy to install, even in older buildings
Often used as the primary power source for self-contained
independent alarms
Limited power for horns and auxiliary function

8.8. Fire alarm system Maintenance:

Fire alarm system requires regular maintenance, which includes:

Maintenance of Power Supply
Cleaning of Sensor and Air Passages
Regular Testing
Replacement of outdated Sensors or Alarms

8.8.1. Power Supply Maintenance:

For AC powered alarms:
Check AC power supply monthly (or more often)
Replace backup batteries as recommended by the alarm
manufacturer
For battery powered alarms:
Test alarm weekly (or as directed by manufacturer)
Replace batteries:
Every six months for general purpose or alkaline batteries
When alarm signals low battery or fails test for lithium batteries
8.8.2. Fire Alarm system Testing:
AC powered alarms should be tested monthly, or more often if the
manufacturer or codes require
Battery powered alarms should be tested weekly, unless the
manufacturer recommends otherwise
One of the most common reasons for failed smoke alarms is a lack of
regular testing
8.8.3. Replacing Outdated Alarms:

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The recommended service life for most smoke alarms is ten years
After that point, electronic failure becomes likely
If an alarm system has separate sensors, the sensors and other
manufacturer-recommended components should be replaced
If the alarm is self-contained, the entire alarm should be replaced
8.8.8. Nuisance Alarms:
Nuisance alarms occur when the alarm sounds without a fire being
present
Often called false alarms, but in most cases theyre not the alarm
does detect something
Usually caused by exposing the alarm to smoke, combustion products
or steam
From tobacco smokers
From wood-burning stoves or fireplaces
From kitchens and bathrooms
8.8.6. Reducing Nuisance Alarms:
Locate alarms and sensors away from areas where they will be
exposed to smoke, other combustion products or steam
Clean the alarm regularly
Maintain the alarm power supply (low power can sometimes trigger
a true false alarm)
Avoid activities that trigger the alarm
8.8.7. Other Problems with fire alarm system:
Lack of Power
Usually due to failure to test alarm and replace battery as needed
Electronic failure
Rare, but it happens testing is important!
Deliberately disabled alarms
Usually due to nuisance alarms, but may also be done to get alarm
battery

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Type of Alarm Selection:

If you want to use an alarm with a long life lithium battery, you will
have to use an alarm with an ionization sensor. because Photoelectric
alarms require more power and are not currently offered with lithium
batteries
If the power source is not a limitation, use the type of alarm most
suitable for the site
Photoelectric alarms work best in or near kitchens, bathrooms,
laundry rooms and other areas where steam may be present
Both sensor types work well in other areas
Use hardwired (AC powered) linked alarms in new construction

8.9. How to select the suitable alarm system?

If you want to use an alarm with a long life lithium battery, you will
have to use an alarm with an ionization sensor
Photoelectric alarms require more power and are not currently
offered with lithium batteries

If the power source is not a limitation, use the type of alarm most
suitable for the site
Photoelectric alarms work best in or near kitchens, bathrooms,
laundry rooms and other areas where steam may be present
Both sensor types work well in other areas
Use hardwired (AC powered) linked alarms in new construction

8.10. Alarm Location:

Installing smoke alarms in proper locations is important

Alarms that are installed in the wrong location may:
Not provide adequate warning of fire or smoke
Fail prematurely due to heat, cold, etc.
Produce nuisance alarms
You may need to install alarms inside a bedroom in special
circumstances, such as where a resident smokes in bed
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Install at least one alarm on each occupied level of the house

including the basement, if it is regularly occupied
Do not install smoke alarms
In or near kitchens, bathrooms or laundry rooms, if the alarm has an
ionization sensor
In attics, cellars or other areas that become very hot, cold or dusty
On un-insulated exterior walls or ceilings that are not insulated from
the roof (the alarm will get too hot and/or cold)
Do not install smoke alarms
In the dead air zones that occur within two feet of any corner of a
room or hallway

8.11. An Example showing distribution of

fire detectors on basement floor;

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