EE8236 ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS IN BUILDINGS

Lecture 15
4. Fire Detection & Alarm System
Fire detection and alarm systems are intended for life and property protection of buildings.
This system activates or deactivates other relevant systems in the building for the execution
of protection functions. For example the fire detection system activate fire protection system
and deactivate some systems like general lifts etc.

Relevant Standards
BS5839, NFPA 72

4.1 Type of Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

Category M
Category M systems are manual systems and rely on the occupants of the building
discovering the fire and acting to warn others by operating the system. Such systems form the
basic requirement for places of employment with no sleeping risk. Manual cover should be
included in all Life Safety systems except L5 systems where it may or may not be
provided. In addition to manual means of triggering an alarm, L category systems will also
normally have an element of coverage using automatic fire detection such as smoke or heat
detectors.

Life Protection
Category L5
Category 5 systems are the ‘custom’ category and relate to some special requirement that
cannot be covered by any other category. Where such systems are specified careful reference
much be made to the objective of the cover.
Category L4
Category 4 systems cover escape routes and circulation areas only. Detectors might be sited
in other areas of the building, but the objective is to protect the escape route.
Category L3
Category 3 systems provide more extensive cover than category 4. The objective is to warn
the occupants of the building early enough to ensure that all are able to exit the building
before escape routes become impassable.

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Category L2
Category 2 systems relate to automatic fire protection in defined areas of the building as well
as satisfying the requirements of category 3. The wider cover would relate to parts of the
building considered to have a high level of risk.
Category L1
With category 1 systems, the whole of a building is covered apart from minor exceptions.

Protection of Property
Category P2
Category 2 systems provide fire detection in specified parts of the building where there is
either high risk or where business disruption must be minimized.

Category P1
The system is installed throughout the building - the objective being to call the fire brigade as
early as possible to ensure that any damage caused by fire is minimized. Small low risk areas
can be excepted, such as toilets and cupboards less than 1sqm.

4.2 Zones
4.2.1 Alarm Zones
Alarm zones are only needed in buildings where operation of the alarms needs to be
different in certain parts of the buildings. If the only requirement is to activate all the alarm
sounders to provide a single common evacuate signal once a fire is detected, then alarm
zones are not needed, the whole building is one alarm zone.
For more complex buildings where it is necessary to operate alarm devices differently in
parts of the building, then the building should be divided into alarm zones such that all of the
alarm devices in one alarm zone operate in the same way.
- The boundaries of all alarm zones should comprise fire-resisting construction
- Signal overlap between alarm zones should not cause confusion
- The same alarm and alert signals should be used throughout a building
- A detection zone must not contain multiple alarm zones, alarm and detection zone
boundaries should coincide. An alarm zone may contain multiple detection zones

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4.2.2 Detection Zone
Detection is a zone as ‘a subdivision of the protected premises such that the occurrence of a
fire within it will be indicated by a fire alarm system separately from an indication of fire
in any other subdivision’. The code notes that a detection zone will usually consist of; an
area protected by several manual call points and/or detectors, and is separately indicated to
assist in location of the fire, evacuation of the building and fire-fighting.
The main reason for sub-dividing the premises into detection zones is to indicate the location
of a fire as precisely as possible at the control and indicating equipment. This aids those
responding to the fire alarm signal, particularly the fire service.

4.3 Type of System According to the Technology

4.3.1 Conventional System

In conventional systems, each detection zone is connected to the Control and Indicating
Equipment (CIE) by a separate circuit.

4.3.2 Addressable System

In addressable systems, however, one circuit may serve a large number of manual call points
and detectors, grouped into several detection zones.
In either case, each detection zone will have a separate number and visual indicator at the
CIE. In the event of a fire condition, the visual indicator will illuminate, thus assisting people
to identify the location of the fire by means of a zone plan, which should be mounted adjacent
to the CIE.

4.4 Detection Zone Configuration Guidelines

For both conventional and addressable systems;
1. The maximum floor area of a detection zone should not exceed 2,000sqm. (However, in
large, open plan areas, such as warehouses, if the detection zone only contains manual call
points, this may be increased to 10,000 sqm.)
2. The search distance, that is the distance that has to be travelled by a searcher within a
detection zone in order to determine visually the position of the fire (not reach the fire),
should not exceed 60m. (Search distance need not be applied to addressable systems if a
suitable display of location would enable fire-fighters to go straight to the fire.)
3. If the total floor area of a building is less than 300 sqm, then the building need only be one
detection zone, regardless of the number of floors.
4. If the total floor area of a building is greater than 300 sqm, then each floor should be a
separate detection zone (or set of detection zones, if the floor area is large enough).
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5. A single, vertical detection zone should be provided for fire detectors within an enclosed
stairwell, lift shaft or similar enclosed flue-like structure. However, any manual call point
on the landing of a stairwell should be incorporated within the detection zone that serves
the adjacent accommodation on the same level as the landing.

4.4.1 Detection Zone Safe Guard

In addressable systems where a number of zones share the same ring circuit or loop, an open
circuit is not too much of a problem (just so long as the fault is reported) since the loop can be
driven in both directions.
The case of a short circuit however is far more serious since this condition could prejudice
every device (up to 250) on the circuit. Short circuit protection is therefore required in all loop
circuits.
This is achieved by placing line isolator devices at appropriate locations in the loop circuit, so
that the area protected by detectors between any two line isolators is no greater than 2,000
sqm and these detectors are on the same floor level.

Figure 4.1: Conventional System

Figure 4.2: Addressable Loop System

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 Figure 4.3: Addressable Loop System with a Spurs

4.4.2 Operation of Conventional System

A conventional or two–state detector is a detector which gives one of two states relating to
either normal or fire alarm conditions.

Conventional systems provide a number of two wire circuits onto which conventional
detectors and call points are connected. Similarly, separate two wire circuits are also provided
for the purpose of connecting sounders (or alarm bells) to the system.

The primary function of the control and indicating equipment (CIE) is to indicate the location
of a fire as precisely as possible.

To achieve this objective, detectors are grouped into detection zones, with each detector zone
being connected to the CIE by a separate circuit, which also has a separate indicator on the
control panel.

Each detector includes an integral LED (light emitting diode) indicator which illuminates
when the device is in the fire alarm condition. If an indicator on the CIE indicates a fire in a
detection zone, the detection zone must be physically searched until the detector with the
illuminated LED is found. Detectors installed out of view normally have a remote LED
indicator.

In conventional systems, all the detectors on a detection zone circuit continuously

communicate with the CIE. When one detector goes into the fire alarm state, the voltage on
the circuit drops and all other detectors on that detection zone become disabled. During this
period no further signals from other detectors in the detection zone can be received at the
CIE.

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4.4.3 Operation of Addressable System
In an addressable system, multiplex communication techniques allow each detector to
independently signal its status back to the control panel. Since each detector has its own
identity (or address) the control panel, in addition to providing the normal detection zone may
also be configured to give a customer defined character message to each detector. This is
especially useful to any observer who is not familiar with the layout of the site.

The customized messages are usually displayed on a LCD display alongside the visual
detection zone indicators. In operation, the control panel sends out the first address and then
waits a preset time for a reply. Each detector compares the address sent out by the control
panel with its own pre–set address and the one that matches the address sends back its status.
If a particular detector address is not found within the pre–set time because the device has
been either disconnected or removed, the control panel indicates a fault. Similarly, if the
detector address is found but the device fails to operate correctly (that is, reply) within the
pre–set time then the control panel also indicates a fault.

The control panel then sends out the next address, and so on until all devices have
been addressed, and then it repeats the whole cycle again.

4.4.4 Components in a Conventional System

1. Control and indicating equipment (CIE)
2. Repeater panels
3. Conventional 2 stage detectors
4. Manual call points (Break glasses)
5. Sounders and visual devices
6. End of line resister
7. Fire rated cables

4.4.5 Components in an Addressable System

1. Control and indicating equipment (CIE)
2. Repeater panels
3. Addressable detectors
4. Addressable call points (Break glasses)
5. Addressable sounders and visual devises
6. Line Isolator Devices
7. Contact monitoring module
8. Output devices
9. Interface module to connect conventional spur lines, sounder circuits (Maximum of 20
Conventional Detectors)
10. Fire rated wiring

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Figure 4.4: Addressable Loop System Circuit with Conventional Spur and Addressable
Output Modules

Figure 4.5: Planning Flow Chart

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4.5 Fire Detector Types and Their Usability
The different detector types available are as follows:
• Multi-sensor
• High Performance Optical Smoke Detector
• Ion Chamber Smoke Detector
• Optical Smoke Detector
• Infra–Red Flame Detector
• Optical Beam Detector
• Aspirating Detector
• Linear Heat Detector
• Duct Probe Unit

4.5.1 Multi-Sensor Fire Detector

The features and functions available with a particular multisensor will vary depending on both
detector and control panel. The following are typical features:
1. The ability to measure multiple fire phenomena and/or different aspects of the same
fire phenomena, and to combine them to discriminate between a genuine fire and a
nuisance signal, and then make the appropriate decision.

2. Adjustment of the way in which sensor inputs are combined in order to improve the
response to genuine fire, and/or to reduce the susceptibility to false alarms. This may
be achieved by means of the following:

a) Switching individual sensors on or off

b) Adjusting the sensitivity of individual sensors
c) Varying the delay from individual sensors

These adjustments may be made on a fixed or temporary basis to suit different applications.
3. Local warning, i.e. the response from one sensor could be used to trigger a local alarm
while the response from another, or from a combination of sensors, could generate a
general alarm.

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Table 4.1: Application of Multi- sensor Fire Detectors

Figure 4.6: Multi-Sensor Fire Detector Figure 4.7: Smoke Detector

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4.5.2 Smoke Detector
A smoke detector is a device that detects smoke, typically as an indicator of fire.
Commercial, industrial, and mass residential devices issue a signal to a fire alarm system,
while household detectors, known as smoke alarms, generally issue a local audible or visual
alarm from the detector itself.

4.5.2.1 Optical Smoke Detector

An optical detector is a light sensor. When used as a smoke detector, it includes a light source
(incandescent bulb or infrared LED), a lens to collimate the light into a beam, and a
photodiode or other photoelectric sensor at an angle to the beam as a light detector. In the
absence of smoke, the light passes in front of the detector in a straight line. When smoke
enters the optical chamber across the path of the light beam, some light is scattered by the
smoke particles, directing it at the sensor and thus triggering the alarm.

4.5.2.2 Ionization Smoke Detector

An ionization smoke detector uses a radioisotope such as americium-241 to produce
ionization in air; a difference due to smoke is detected and an alarm is generated.
Ionization detectors are more sensitive to the flaming stage of fires than optical detectors,
while optical detectors are more sensitive to fires in the early smouldering stage.

4.5.2.3 Air Sampling Type Smoke Detector

An air-sampling smoke detector is capable of detecting microscopic particles of smoke. Most
air- sampling detectors are aspirating smoke detectors, which work by actively drawing air
through a network of small-bore pipes laid out above or below a ceiling in parallel runs
covering a protected area. Small holes drilled into each pipe form a matrix of holes (sampling
points), providing an even distribution across the pipe network. Air samples are drawn
past a sensitive optical device, often a solid-state laser, tuned to detect the extremely small
particles of combustion. Air-sampling detectors may be used to trigger an automatic fire
response, such as a gaseous fire suppression system, in high-value or mission-critical areas,
such as archives or computer server rooms.

4.5.2.4 Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide detection

Some smoke detector uses a carbon dioxide sensor or carbon monoxide sensor to
detect extremely dangerous products of combustion. However, gas sensors able to warn of
poisonous levels of those gases in the absence of a fire have sensitivities based on the uptake
of carbon monoxide by haemoglobin, and are not generally sensitive or fast enough to be
used as fire detectors.

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4.5.3 Flame Detector
There are several types of flame detector. The optical flame detector is a detector that uses
optical sensors to detect flames. There are also ionization flame detectors, which use current
flow in the flame to detect flame presence, and thermocouple flame detectors.

4.5.3.1 Ultraviolet
Ultraviolet (UV) detectors work with wavelengths shorter than 300 nm. These detectors
detect fires and explosions within 3–4 milliseconds due to the UV radiation emitted at the
instant of their ignition. False alarms can be triggered by UV sources such as lightning, arc
welding, radiation, and sunlight. In order to reduce false alarm a time delay of 2-3
seconds is often included in the UV Flame detector design.

4.5.3.2 Infrared
Infrared (IR) flame detectors work within the infrared spectral band. Hot gases emit a specific
spectral pattern in the infrared region, which can be sensed with a thermal imaging camera
(TIC) a type of thermo graphic camera. False alarms can be caused by other hot surfaces and
background thermal radiation in the area as well as blinding from water and solar energy. A
typical frequency where single frequency IR flame detector is sensitive is in the 4.4
micrometre range. Typical response time is 3-5 seconds.

4.5.3.3 UV/IR
UV and IR flame detectors compare the threshold signal in two ranges in "AND"
configuration and their ratio to each other to confirm the fire signal and minimize false
alarms.

4.5.3.4 IR/IR Flame Detector

Dual IR (IR/IR) flame detectors compare the threshold signal in two infrared ranges. In this
case one sensor looks at the 4.4 micrometre range the other sensor at a reference frequency.

4.5.3.5 IR3 Flame Detector

Triple IR flame detectors compare three specific wavelength bands within the IR spectral
region and their ratio to each other. In this case one sensor looks at the 4.4 micrometre range
and the other sensors at reference bands above and below. This allows the detector to
distinguish between non flame IR sources, and flames that emit hot CO2 in the combustion

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process (which have a spectral characteristic peak at 4.4 micrometre). As a result, both
detection range and immunity to false alarms can be significantly increased. IR3 detectors
can detect a 0.1m2 (1ft2) gasoline pan fire at up to 65m (215ft) in less than 5 seconds.

Most IR detectors are designed to ignore constant background IR radiation, which is

present in all environments. Instead they measure the modulated part of the radiation. When
exposed to modulate non flame IR radiation, IR and UV/IR detectors become more prone to
false alarms, while IR3 detectors become somewhat less sensitive, and more immune to
false alarms. Triple IR, like other IR detector types, is susceptible to blinding by a layer of
water on the detector's window.

4.5.3 Optical Beam Detector

An optical beam smoke detector is a device that uses a projected beam of light to detect
smoke across large areas, typically as an indicator of fire. They are used to detect fires in
buildings where standard point smoke detectors would either be uneconomical or restricted
for use by the height of the building. Optical beam smoke detectors are often installed in
warehouses as a cost effective means of protecting large open spaces.

4.5.4 Heat Detector

A heat detector is a fire alarm device designed to respond when the convected thermal
energy of a fire increases the temperature of a heat sensitive element. The thermal mass and
conductivity of the element regulate the rate flow of heat into the element. All heat
detectors have this thermal lag. Heat detectors have two main classifications of operation,
"rate-of-rise" and "fixed temperature."
Heat detectors commonly have a label on them that says "Not a life safety device". That is
because heat detectors are not meant to replace smoke detectors in the bedrooms or in
the hallway outside of the bedrooms. A heat detector will nonetheless notify of a fire in a
kitchen or utility area (i.e., laundry room, garage, or attic), where smoke detectors should not
be installed. This will allow extra time to evacuate the building or to put out the fire if
possible.

4.5.4.1 Fixed Temperature Heat Detector

This is the most common type of heat detector. Fixed temperature detectors operate when
the heat sensitive eutectic alloy reaches the eutectic point changing state from a solid to a
liquid. Thermal lag delays the accumulation of heat at the sensitive element so that a fixed-
temperature device will reach its operating temperature sometime after the surrounding air
temperature exceeds that temperature.
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4.5.4.2 Rate of Rise Heat Detector
Rate-of-Rise (ROR) heat detectors operate on a rapid rise in element temperature of 120°
to 150°F (67° to 83°C) increase per minute, irrespective of the starting temperature. This
type of heat detector can operate at a lower temperature fire condition than would be possible
if the threshold were fixed. It has two heat-sensitive thermocouples/ thermistor. One
thermocouple monitors heat transferred by convection or radiation. The other responds to
ambient temperature. Detector responds when first’s temperature increases relative to the
other.
Rate of rise detectors may not respond to low energy release rates of slowly developing fires.
To detect slowly developing fires combination detectors add a fixed temperature element that
will ultimately respond when the fixed temperature element reaches the design threshold.

4.5.5 Duct Probe Unit

The presence of smoke in a ventilation duct is detected by sampling the airflow through the
duct via two sampling tubes. A detector and base are mounted within the sampling chamber,
which is located on the external skin of the duct, with sample and exhaust probes passing into
the duct in an area of low turbulence.

Figure 4.8: Duct Probe Detector

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4.6 Locating and Spacing Detectors

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Figure 4.9: Smoke and Heat Detector Spacing

Figure 4.10: Spaced under Pitched Ceiling

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Figure 4.11: Smoke Detector coverage in corridors less than 2m.

Figure 4.12: Detector placing near air vent

Figure 4.13: Detector placing with partition or beam

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 Figure 4.14: Detector placing near obstruction

Figure 4.15: Detector Coverage in Ceiling Voids

Figure 4.16: Detector Placing near Vertical Shaft

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Figure 4.17: Smoke Detector Placing in Ceiling

Figure 4.18: Heat Detector Placing in Ceiling

Figure 4.19: Detector Zoning Criteria

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 Figure 4.20: Detection Zones

Figure 4.21: Detector Placing in Stair Ways

Figure 4.22: Detector Placing

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Figure 4.23: Heat Detector Coverage.

Figure 4.24: Smoke Detector Coverage

Figure 4.25: Sounder Placing

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 Figure 4.26: Visual Alarm Placing

Figure 4.27: Manual Call point Placing

Figure 4.28: Reach of Manual Call Point

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 Figure 4.29: Reach of Fire

Figure 4.30: Sound level of Sounders

Table 4.2: Ceiling Heights & Detector Types

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 Figure 4.31: Beam Detector Placing

Figure 4.32: Supplementary Beam Detector

Figure 4.33: Duct Probe Detector

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4.7 Repeater Panels
Repeater panels are available for most systems and are required where the fire brigade may
enter a building from more than one entrance, where security staff are located away from the
main panel or where operational staff need the system information in more than one location,
for example in hospital wards.

4.8 Alarm Sounders

Instead of using fire alarm sounders, audible alarms may comprise voice messages generated
by a voice alarm system. A voice alarm system is a specially designed sound distribution
system (i.e. public address system), which, in the event of fire, broadcasts an alarm
warning tone followed by a voice message. Voice alarm systems are commonly used instead
of conventional fire alarm sounders in premises occupied by a large number of members of
the public (e.g. shopping centre, transport terminal, large places of public entertainment, etc)
and in buildings with phased evacuation.

In buildings in which it is not considered that a full voice alarm system is necessary, voice
sounders can be used as an enhancement over conventional fire alarm sounders. Voice
sounders are fire alarm sounders, connected to conventional fire alarm circuits, that generate
and broadcast digitally recorded speech messages. Whereas, in a voice alarm system,
there is normally a facility to override pre-recorded messages and transmit ‘live’ speech,
this is not possible in a system that uses voice sounders.

4.10 Fire Telephone System

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