What is a Fire Detection System?

A fire detection system (sometimes called a fire alarm system) is an system of integrated fire detection devices controlled from a central control panel. While smoke and heat detectors are effective at alerting people in the immediate vicinity of where the smoke is detected. Only a fire detection system will alert people throughout your entire building, giving them enough time to get to safety. The system can also be setup to summon emergency services and broadcast emergency evacuation messages.

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Components of a Fire Detection System

Fire detection systems vary greatly, depending on the specific challenges faced by a business. At Guardwell, we can design and install a bespoke system made up of the following items:

• Smoke Alarm / Smoke Detectors – Can operate independently or part of a fire detection system. We offer a wide variety which include ionization, dual optical and optical (also called photoelectric) smoke detectors. We do not recommend battery operated wireless smoke detectors as are they are not compliant with NFPA 72 regulations.

• Heat Detectors – a very efficient device at detecting temperature increases caused by fires. Highly recommended for places with a lot of non-smoke gases e.g. car exhaust fumes and chemical fumes.

• Manual Pull Stations / Fire Boxes –  Used to trigger the fire alarm.

• Fire Panel  – Controls and monitors the entire fire detection system from one location.

• Fire Alarm / Sounders / Bells / Sirens – Provides an immediate audio alert to any fire out breaks.

• Fire Strobe Light – Provide an instant visual alert and highly effective at directing personnel to the nearest fire exit.

• Optical Beam Detection / Smoke Detection Beams (pictured below right) – Can detect smoke in large areas. It can differentiate smoke from exhaust fumes and other chemicals. Recommended for underground car parks, garages and chemical and petrochemical facilities.

• Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors – CO is a poisonous gas that is completely colorless, tasteless and odorless. Our detectors can save the life of your employees and customers.

• Automatic Fire Curtains – Seals off an area to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading into other areas.

• Voice Evacuation System – Broadcasts prerecorded messages over the building's PA system. It informs personnel what event has happened and directs them to safety.