Fire alarm systems for early fire detection
What are fire alarm systems used for?
Fire alarm systems (FAS) are part of preventive fire protection. The associated automatic fire detectors recognize signs such as smoke, high temperatures and heat radiation at a very early stage and trigger an alarm. In this way, fire alarm systems make a significant contribution to protecting people and property and limiting damage.
Depending on the design, the fire alarm systems directly inform the fire department and/or the in-house alarm (visual/acoustic). They can also promptly activate other technical equipment such as extinguishing systems, hold-open systems for fire doors and smoke extraction systems (SHEVS).
Where should a fire alarm system be installed?
BMAs are used almost everywhere where many people come together and increased property protection is important: Production areas, shopping centers, clinics, high-rise buildings, server and clean rooms, meeting places, airports and research facilities.
The experts at CWS Fire Safety distinguish between three factors that are decisive for the installation of a fire alarm system:
- required by building and fire protection authorities
- required by property insurers, employers' liability insurance associations, etc.
- installed voluntarily by the company to improve fire prevention
What requirements must be taken into account for fire alarm systems?
The design of a fire alarm system is based on various standards. BMAs required by the authorities are installed in accordance with DIN 14675 and VDE 0833, which demand safety and reliability. They must also be connected to the fire department. Systems required by the insurance company must meet the VdS standard (VdS 2095) in addition to the DIN and VDE standards. Independent fire alarm systems must meet the requirements of VDE 0833.
- DIN 14675: Fire alarm systems
- VDE 0833: Hazard detection systems for fire, burglary and robbery
- VdS 2095: Automatic fire alarm systems
How is a fire alarm system planned and implemented?
BMAs consist of centralized and decentralized components. These include the fire detectors distributed throughout the building as well as the power supply and the control and display panel. These are usually housed in the fire alarm control panel (FACP). All information comes together in this "heart and brain" of the fire alarm system. The fire department route cards are also stored in the FACP. The fire department key depot (FSD) is also connected to the fire alarm system. If required, other safety technology can be networked with the fire alarm system. CWS Fire Safety designs, plans, installs, extends, modernizes and maintains fire alarm systems.
When dimensioning the fire alarm system, the company is guided by the fire protection concept of the respective property. There are usually three categories:
Category 1: Monitoring of the entire building: Office, factory, tea kitchens through to the parking lot
Category 2: Monitoring of partial areas in accordance with VDE 0833
Category 3: Monitoring of freely defined areas
Before planning begins, CWS Fire Safety advises on how the fire alarm system must be designed in order to meet the requirements. The concept is also coordinated with the authorities, as their approval is usually mandatory. During installation, the fire protection, electrical and IT trades work together to successfully commission the fire alarm system. Prior to this, the fire alarm system is usually checked for effectiveness and operational safety by a building authority-approved test expert. The next periodic expert inspection is usually due after three years.
How are fire alarm systems tested and maintained?
Fire alarm systems must be serviced and maintained annually by a qualified specialist company. Such companies should, for example, have VdS approval for installing fire alarm systems and be certified in accordance with DIN-14675 and ISO 9001.
Maintenance includes a visual inspection, a functional test of all detectors and displays in the fire alarm system and the replacement of automatic detectors, usually after five or eight years. In addition, the fire alarm system must be inspected every three months for soiling and damage to components. This can be carried out by an instructed person. In addition, an operating log must be kept in accordance with VdS 2182. A service and maintenance contract with CWS Fire Safety offers a reliable solution for this responsible task.
If a fire alarm system is only required for a short period of time, there are also mobile fire alarm systems that are suitable for temporary projects. Mobile fire alarm systems are often used to protect building sites (new construction, renovation, conversion work) or when extensive maintenance or servicing work needs to be carried out on the fixed fire alarm system. The alarm can be sent to the fire department or internally, for example to the security service. Mobile fire alarm systems are merely a temporary solution until a project is completed.
According to documents from CWS Fire Safety / mho
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