A fire alarm unit is equipped with several features to warn you about carbon monoxide, smoke, or a probable fire. Their warning signal can be an audio (a loud siren/bell) or a visual (a flashing light), or a combination of the two.
Smart fire alarm systems also send voice messages or make phone calls to the registered devices and allow you to inform emergency services with the touch of a button. Here, we give you a low-down on all you need to know about fire alarm systems, including their types and functioning.
Types of fire alarms
There are various types of fire alarm systems available in the market. Some popular ones are:
Automatic alarms
Manual fire alarms
Conventional fire alarms
Addressable fire alarms
One-stage fire alarms
Two-stage fire alarms
An automatic alarm gets activated through fire detecting sensors, whereas manual fire alarms need manual call points to get started. You can have both forms of activations in one system for heightened safety.
A conventional fire alarm cannot pinpoint the source of fire, whereas an addressable fire alarm can. It is excellent at identifying the source of danger.
The one-stage fire alarm will warn everyone in the building once the sensor is activated. Meanwhile, a two-stage fire alarm system will warn the people who have the authority to take action before the second stage. Two-stage fire alarms are suitable for healthcare facilities or crowded areas. They can effectively prevent panic and frightful response.
How does a fire alarm work?
A fire alarm system has a control panel, multiple sensors, batteries or power supply, pull stations, and an audible/flashing alarm. A contemporary fire alarm system will use automatic functions to detect fire, smoke, or higher carbon monoxide values in your building.
In wireless/smart systems, the central panel is connected with many detectors, including a heat detector with a built-in thermal system. Carbon monoxide detector is integrated with chemical, electrochemical, Opto-chemical, or biomimetic cells to trace the gas’s quantity and composition in your indoor environment. Smoke detectors use ionization or photoelectricity to detect smoke traces in a combustion particle.
If your fire alarm system detects any of the particles mentioned above, it will activate flashers’ sound. Depending on your alarm’s technology, it can switch on sprinklers or even call the authorities and emergency services. A smart fire alarm system can also detect the source of fire or smoke in the house and notify people living on other floors via loudspeaker messages or horns.
About Alarmco Smart Home Security
If you want to install a fire alarm system in your house or office, Alarmco Smart Home Security should be your one-stop destination. From smart thermostats to fire alarms, we, i.e., one of the best alarm companies in Louisiana offer everything you may need to convert your house into a smart and secure home. You can call us at 877.446.8100 for Shreveport security systems or to customize your home security package or get a quote.