Across industries, fire detection system requirements have become more challenging. Making the right choice in new or retrofit applications requires an understanding of what’s important – and what’s possible – for each application’s needs.
More than simply being code compliant, fire detection systems must fully integrate into the function of a building. In the past, a fire detection system was often treated as a stand-alone component of a building – but those days are over. The most successful fire detection systems not only need to be effective at their intended task, but also fully integrated with other systems in the building. While rapid, accurate fire detection is expected, important elements like cost of ownership and potential future requirements are also key considerations in a modern fire detection system.
Here are a few important things to examine when choosing a fire detection system for new construction or as a retrofit for an existing facility. Each consideration can help you make a choice that addresses both immediate needs and long-term concerns.
Installation and cost of ownership
Even the most advanced fire detection system can be rendered impractical if installation is complicated and costly. Inflexible wiring architecture, for instance, can lead to surprise roadblocks for architects and engineers. A flexible and power-efficient wiring architecture requires fewer power supplies, batteries and dedicated AC lines – all of which need to be installed by a contractor. Testing should also be considered: how difficult is it to test and commission fire alarm circuits and devices?
Installation costs aren’t the only expenses. Maintenance, false alarms and necessary updates all add to the total cost of ownership. And if the installed system is unable to expand to meet new needs, building owners may find themselves investing more into their system to meet new requirements. Make sure that any system, whether for a new building or for a retrofit, has expandability, modularity and a simplified installation process to help lower the total, long-term ownership costs.
Reliability, serviceability and integration
Ensuring the safety of people and property requires a no-compromise approach. Fire detection systems must be effective from day one, with minimized false alarms and testing disruptions. Self-testing and intelligent serviceability design can help minimize these impacts, but all systems require some level of maintenance. Cost-effective fire detection systems are reliable and maintenance friendly.
Part of making a fire detection system operationally effective is easy integration with other building systems. By integrating seamlessly with HVAC, pumps, air handlers, smoke dampers and other building systems, a fire detection system can help provide more centralized facility control. This dramatically simplifies facility management.
Forward-focused technology
Finding a fire detection system that can offer all these important elements is difficult enough, but finding a single system that can offer it all has been virtually impossible until recently. However, the Autocall™ brand of fire detection systems address the concerns around installation and cost of ownership as well as reliability, service and integration.
Building on a legacy of advancement and invention, Autocall continually delivers technologically superior systems that meet the most challenging requirements. Using addressable technology, Autocall makes installation, testing and maintenance easier than conventional devices. Self-testing capabilities save time and reduce interruptions. And scalable compatibility means the system can be upgraded or built-up to meet future needs costs-effectively.
Autocall control panels not only provide addressable technology, but other optional features like voice alarm/evacuation, non-alarm paging and background music, smoke management and control, suppression control and high-level integration with third-party systems utilizing open protocols.
Offering a full range of products, Autocall allows for specification that meets the unique hazards and challenges in each facility. For example, Autocall offers products that work effectively in facilities with airborne particles, hazardous materials and high noise levels.
Autocall detectors and sensors include photoelectric smoke detectors, heat detectors, multi-sensor detectors, duct sampling units, CO detectors, flame detectors and beam detectors that help protect people and operations while assisting to reduce nuisance alarms.
Reliability
With Autocall, testing during installation is simplified thanks to TrueStart, a compact, battery-operated installation tool specifically designed for addressable circuit wiring. It simplifies testing and commissioning of fire alarm circuits and devices because it enables users to test all panel circuits for wiring faults, helps identify wiring problems and report device counts and errors. That results in more reliable installation alongside reduced time and labor costs.
Every device and appliance connected to an Autocall control panel has its own address – so each device can be individually supervised for malfunction or failure. The settings for each device can be tailored for each connected device from the control panel. Revolutionary self-testing and electronic supervision helps ensure appliances work when needed.
A modular design allows for easy updates, scaling and modification to the system, so upgrades and expansions are fast and cost-effective.
For more information, go to www.autocall.com
About the Author
Jason Mather is a Senior Global Product & Certifications Manager at Johnson Controls and has over 33 years of experience in Fire Detection & Alarm Systems. He is a member of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) and a professional member of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE).
