Fire detection and alarm systems are designed to:

• Protect life by giving the occupants of buildings sufficient warning of an outbreak of fire, so they can evacuate safely.

• Protect buildings and contents by summoning the Fire Brigade at the earliest opportunity.

Operating systems

Fire detection systems of various types can be used for activating alarm systems:

• Smoke detectors are designed around optical, ionisation or aspirating technologies with each one having different sensitivities to the various smoke compositions and densities that relate to different sources of combustion.

• The 'Manual Call Point' where a glass fronted box is broken manually to activate an alarm.

• Heat sensors that react to increases in temperatures.

Alarm systems use audible and sometimes flashing light signals in response to a an activated fire detector. Alarm systems must take account of the Disability Discrimination Act to ensure that people with impaired vision and hearing are given the same level as people with unimpaired sight or hearing.

Fire detection and alarm systems are usually integrated into a control panel to enable Fire Detectors to be continuously monitored. In this scenario, the location of an activated fire detector can be identified from the control panel allowing fire fighting measures to be implemented as quickly as possible.

Alarm Receiving Centres can be linked via a telephone line to the control panel to provide remote monitoring. Fire detection and Alarm Systems designed and installed to meet the British Approval for Fire Equipment, BAFE SP 203 scheme will enable the ARC to summon an automatic response from the Fire Brigade.

Strict criteria are applied to the location and use of the various fire detection systems and it is vitally important to seek the advice of a competent installer such as Alert Fire and Security to ensure an effective system response in the event of a fire.