1. Fire Alarm Systems: Installation requires fire department approval, including a No Objection Certificate (NOC), license, and renewal. Fire authorities may rely on third-party fire safety auditors for approval. The National Building Code is the primary reference document for all stakeholders.
2. Foreign Approvals: Be cautious of influencers promoting foreign product approvals like UL, FM, LPCB, etc., as these may serve their personal interests rather than yours.
3. Product Standards: Fire alarm products operate on low voltage (less than 24 volts), so ISI does not provide ISI marking for these products. International quality organizations, such as ISO, do not mandate these approvals either.
4. Technology: Modern fire alarm technology now includes AI systems. These advanced systems use less material, manpower, and are more cost-effective. They operate on software platforms and are typically addressable. Each fire alarm system uses its own protocol, so selecting the right OEM is essential.
5. System Reliability: Ensure the system can perform its functions effectively. Service and spare parts should be available for the system’s entire lifespan.
6. Selection Criteria:

   – Compliance: Ensure the system adheres to National Building Codes and standards.

   – User-Friendliness: Choose a system that is easy to operate.

   – Support: Opt for an OEM that provides reliable support for spares, services, and upgrades.

   – Affordability: Select an OEM with reasonable pricing for parts and services.

Automatic fire detection primarily relies on smoke detectors.

Failure or Delay in Smoke Detection:

Over time, smoke detectors can lose sensitivity, typically within two to three years, though cheaper models may lose sensitivity in under one year. This degradation impairs their ability to detect smoke effectively, leading to delayed or missed alarms and undermining the purpose of their installation.

Solution:

National and international codes and standards mandate periodic calibration of smoke detectors. To ensure reliable performance:

1. Select a reputable OEM that guarantees calibration services for at least five years.
2. Ensure availability of spare parts and service support for at least five years.

Managing False Alarms:

Contamination of Smoke Detectors:

Contamination can cause false alarms. Modern control panels and smoke detectors can indicate contamination levels and alert users, helping identify and clean affected detectors to maintain optimal performance. Some control panels can differentiate between dust and smoke, which helps reduce false alarm rates.

Preliminary Stage Alarm to Avoid False Alarms:

Since 95% of smoke incidents are not due to fire, advanced fire alarm panels and smoke detectors provide an initial alert to the control panel. This preliminary alarm allows a 30 to 45-second analysis period to determine if the smoke is from a fire. If not, the system will reset automatically to prevent false alarms, while giving emergency monitoring staff time to verify the situation. If the monitoring staff and fire alarm panel cannot confirm a fire, an external alarm will be triggered.

1. Positioning the Speakers:

Function: Deliver voice announcements and alarm messages.
Considerations:Ensure audio level and clarity are sufficient for occupants to understand the messages.

2. Positioning the Talkback Speaker:

Function:Allow occupants to communicate with the control room, especially during emergencies.
Considerations: Position to minimize the distance occupants need to travel to use the Talkback speaker.

3. Positioning the Manual Call Point:

Function: Enable individuals to trigger the fire alarm and activate associated electro-mechanical devices.
Considerations:Place in locations where occupants can easily access them in the event of a fire.

4. Positioning Automatic Fire Sensors:

Function:Detect fire and activate the alarm system.
Considerations:Place sensors according to the building’s layout and fire detection needs.

5. Positioning Emergency Lights:

Function: Provide lighting for safe evacuation during a fire.
Considerations: Ensure lights are positioned to guide occupants to exits effectively.

6. Positioning the Control Relay Module:

Function: Interface with access-controlled doors, ventilation systems, lifts, etc., for automatic and remote activation.
Considerations: Place where it can effectively manage these systems.

7. Positioning the Monitor Module:

Function: Interface with fire sprinkler flow switches, ventilation systems, and fire pump house pressure and level switches.
Considerations: Ensure the module can effectively monitor these systems.

8. Positioning Short Circuit/Overcurrent Detector and Isolator:

Function: Protect devices by detecting overcurrent and isolating affected circuits.
Considerations: Place to ensure protection of the system and maintain balanced circuit functionality.

9. Positioning the Fire Alarm Control Panel:

Function: Control, monitor, interact with, and announce announcements .
Considerations: Place near a location with 24/7 security or safety staff for constant accessibility.

10. Wiring:

Plan wiring routes according to the manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations to connect all devices.