Electronic Fire Alarm System
Electronic fire alarm system (EFAS) is a set of technical devices intended for a timely detection of nascent fire. EFAS, either automatically or via human factor, speeds up notification of the fire to the persons designated for active fire fighting, or triggers fire-prevention / fire-fighting devices. Electronic fire alarm system can form part of the central monitoring system.
EFAS consists of fire detectors, loop circuits, fire alarm control panels, signaling lines and auxiliary devices (annunciators, remote data transmission device, control units etc.).
Fire detectors can be automatic or manual. The fire detector type to be used in the installation is chosen according to the probable fire type. Special fire detectors allow detection of flammable, explosive and poisonous gases.
The loop circuit is a line connecting the fire detector, or a group of fire detectors with the respective fire alarm control panel input.
Fire alarm control panels are designed to evaluate events received from fire detectors and to raise the alarm subsequently. The control panel directly or indirectly controls auxiliary devices, which suppress the spreading of fire and facilitate firefighting intervention, or directly perform it (e.g. fire doors, automatic fire extinguishers, relays disconnecting electric power supply or shutting down HVAC etc.). The fire alarm control panel provides immediate information on the fire, or transmits such information to other, pre-determined locations. The control panel is fitted with two pairs of loops having logically interconnected outputs to prevent false alarms from triggering fire-fighting equipment. Fire-fighting equipment is initiated upon simultaneous reception of signals from automatic detectors that are installed on both pre-designated loops.
Signaling lines are lines connecting auxiliary devices with the respective control panel outputs.
Auxiliary devices are designed to provide the control panel response to the occurrence of fire. They include visual and acoustic signaling devices, notification appliances, fixed fire-fighting devices, control device, and registration and control unit.
It is advisable to use the electronic fire alarm system in combination with other security systems (central monitoring system, CCTV monitoring, access control system, intrusion alarm system, fixed fire-fighting equipment and other automated systems).