INTRODUCTION

When we talk about security systems, we refer to a particular type of

electronic equipment that is designed and manufactured to perform specific
security operations such as access control, surveillance, intrusion control,
and alarming and is powered by a main electrical source and also a battery
power backup. All security systems comprise multiple alarms, CCTVs, and
access controls. They are workable from remote zones and may also be
utilized as fire recognition and avoidance systems, access control systems as
also to record attendance at the workplace. At their core, security systems
include sensors, control panels, alarms, and notification mechanisms that
work together to detect potential threats and respond appropriately.

Fire detection security systems, on the other hand, are primarily sensor-
based and are backed by an alerting circuit or alarm. The system’s main
function is to rapidly extinguish a fire by filling the affected zone with a fire
extinguishing chemical or foam while its sirens should warn occupants of the
affected area to evacuate the premises immediately. A fire detection and
alarm system ( FDAS ) provides audible and visual signals as a result of the
operation of manual or automatic fire alarm initiating devices, such as a
manual fire alarm station, smoke detector, or heat detector, or from other
protective equipment, such as a fire sprinkler system. FDAS can also control
and monitor the status of other life safety systems, such as elevators, smoke
controls, and automatic fire suppression systems, including fire sprinklers,
fire pumps, and clean agents. This centralized communication and control
ensures that these building safety features are well coordinated, making the
facilities safer in emergencies.

The interconnectedness of FDAS, building security systems, and

communication technology ultimately creates a resilient safety framework.
This integrated approach not only safeguards people and assets but also
promotes operational efficiency, as facilities can automate safety protocols
and streamline communication across departments. As a result, combining
fire detection, security systems, and centralized communication ensures a
proactive, holistic approach to building safety, enhancing both daily
operations and emergency preparedness.
DISCUSSION

A. FIRE DETECTION SYSTEM

The fire detection system aims to monitor for the presence of fire to
alert and allow control actions to be initiated manually or automatically to
minimize the likelihood of fire escalation and the probability of people
being exposed and to minimize the probability of a fire condition to
develop and escalate.
Parts of Fire Alarm System
Sprinkler System

A fire sprinkler system is a simple, but key, active component of a

domestic or commercial building’s fire protection system. Installed in ceilings
or side walls, the system consists of a water supply, a water distribution
piping system and sprinkler heads. Types of sprinkler systems permissible by
NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, are wet, dry, pre-
action, and deluge.

Wet Pipe Systems

Wet pipe sprinkler systems are the most common. In this system the
sprinkler piping is constantly filled with water. When the temperature at the
ceiling gets hot enough the glass bulb or fusible link in a sprinkler will break.
Since the system is already filled with water, water is free to flow out of that
sprinkler head. Contrary to what Hollywood would have you think, not all
sprinkler heads will operate at once in this type of system. The temperature
around that specific sprinkler head needs to be high enough to break the
glass bulb or fusible link that is holding water back. Once that happens,
water will immediately start flowing from
only that head.

Wet pipe sprinkler systems are the most reliable and cost effective.
Therefore, they should be the first type considered when selecting a sprinkler
system. However, there are times when a wet pipe sprinkler system may not
be appropriate. One of the major factors in determining if a wet pipe system
can be used is the temperature of the space to be protected. Will all areas of
the building where the sprinkler piping is located be conditioned to at least
40OF (4OC) or greater? If the answer is yes, then there is no risk for the
water in the piping to freeze and a wet system is the preferred method.
However, if the answer is no, an additional study may need to be done to
determine if an engineer can prove that although the temperature could drop
below 40OF (4OC) it will never drop low enough for the water to freeze. If the
temperature of the space cannot be guaranteed to eliminate the risk of
freezing water, then a different system type should be chosen.

Dry Pipe Systems

Dry pipe systems are very similar to wet pipe systems with one major
difference. The pipe is not constantly filled with water. Instead, the water is
held behind a dry pipe valve usually some distance away from where the
sprinklers are located. Like a wet pipe system, when the temperature at the
ceiling becomes hot enough, the glass bulb or fusible link of the sprinkler
breaks. However, in this case, water isn’t immediately available because the
pipe is not water filled. Instead, air is released from the now open sprinkler
head. This creates a drop in pressure causing the dry pipe valve to open and
water to fill the system. Water will then flow from the open sprinkler head.
Since there is a delay between sprinkler operation and water flow, the size of
dry pipe systems is limited. The size limitation is intended to minimize the
amount of time water delivery is delayed.

A dry pipe system is a great

option for unconditioned spaces, or locations where the temperature of the
space cannot be guaranteed to be high enough to prevent water in the
system from freezing. It is important to note that a least the portion of the
building where the water comes in and the dry pipe valve is located will need
to have temperatures hot enough to prevent freezing.

Pre-action Systems

Pre-action sprinkler systems are specialized for use in locations where

accidental activation is especially undesirable, such as in museums with rare
art works, manuscripts, or books; and data centers, for protection of
computer equipment from accidental water discharge.
There are two main -types of pre-action systems: single interlock, and double
interlock.

The operation of single interlock systems are similar to wet systems

except that these systems require that a “preceding” fire detection event,
typically the activation of a heat or smoke detector takes place prior to the
“action” of water introduction into the system’s piping by opening the pre-
action valve which is a mechanically latched valve (i.e. similar to a deluge
valve). In this way, the system is essentially converted from a dry system
into a wet system. The intent is to reduce the undesirable time delay of
water delivery to sprinklers that is inherent in dry systems. Prior to fire
detection, if the sprinkler operates, or the piping system develops a leak,
loss of air pressure in the piping will activate a trouble alarm. In this case, the
pre-action valve will not open due to loss of supervisory pressure, and water
will not enter the piping.

Double interlock systems require that both activation of a heat or smoke

detector, and an automatic sprinkler operation take place prior to the
“action” of water introduction into the system’s piping. Activation of either
the fire detectors alone, or sprinklers alone, without the concurrent operation
of the other will not allow water to enter the piping. Because water does not
enter the piping until a sprinkler operates, double interlock systems are
considered as dry systems in terms of water delivery times, and similarly
require a larger design area.

Deluge System

Deluge systems are similar to pre-action systems in that they use another
type of detection for operation. However, the biggest difference is that
deluge systems use open sprinklers or nozzles. Instead of getting water flow
from individual heads that have operated, once water fills the system, water
will flow from every sprinkler head. Much like a pre-action system, a deluge
valve will keep water from filling the system until the operation of another
type of detection system, such as smoke detection. Once that detection
system is activated, water not only fills the system but flows from the open
sprinklers or nozzles.
 Another consideration in the selection of the type of sprinkler system is
the level of hazard being protected. If protecting an area of very high hazard,
such as aircraft hangers, a deluge system may be the most suitable.

Each system type has its own unique benefits. It is important to consider
the pros and cons of each system type when selecting which sprinkler
system is appropriate for your specific environment. An entire building may
be protected with a combination of systems. For example, one of the more
common designs in the Northeast is to protect the portions of the building
that are conditioned with a wet pipe system and to use dry pipe systems in
the attic and other unconditioned areas. Combining different types of
systems for full building protection allows the designer to consider each
unique environment and apply the most appropriate system type to that
space without sacrificing what is best for other areas of the building.

B. BUILDING SECURITY SYSTEM

Building security is the protection of property, assets, and occupants

from intruders, perpetrators of violence, and unsafe or hazardous
situations that can cause them harm or damage. Security systems are
indispensable to any type of building. They provide consistency in
business operations and keep tangible assets, intellectual property, and
people safe. Commercial properties, like airports, retail shops, industrial
enterprises, financial and governmental institutions, schools, medical
facilities, power, oil and gas companies, as well as residential complexes,
require a unique set of safety and security measures because each type
of property is vulnerable to different hazards.

Building Automation and Control Systems (BACS)

Building Automation and Control Systems (BACS) are build systems that
regulate a building’s environment or monitor it for safety or security
purpose. BACS systems use a centralized control unit and distributed
sensors or devices. Each sensor is connected to a port on the centralized
control unit with a cable. The cable may also provides power from the
central unit to the sensor.

The following systems are all part of a BACS system.

 HVAC (Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning)

  Fire Alarm
 Security, access control, and CCTV (closed-circuit television)

 HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning)

The HVAC system provides building temperature, humidity, and

environmental control. It has a centralized control unit, and thermostats
placed throughout the building.

Thermostats are connected to the control unit with cable and preset
thresholds will trigger the centralized control unit to turn on a mechanical
system to adjust the air pressure, rate of air flow, and fan speeds.

 Fire Alarm

A fire alarm system consists of the follow components.

 Sensors
 Sprinklers
 Lights and horns

The centralized fire alarm control panel is responsible for the detection,
suppression and notification of fire. Fire alarm sensors are wired to a port
on the control unit. If the centralized control panel receives a signal from
a sensor indicating a fire condition, it may activate the suppression and
notification devices.

The following figure shows a typical fire alarm communication system

configuration.
The fire alarm system can also integrate with security and access control
system to unlock security doors and to enable automatic doors to be
manually opened to provide escape routes. It can also integrate with the
electrical system to operate emergency lighting and perform elevator
capture to prevent their use during a fire.

 Security, Access Control, and Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)

Security systems include the following types:

 Alarm systems to provide intruder detection

 Control system to provide restricted access to specific areas of a
building
 Closed circuit television systems to provide 24-hour surveillance of
building grounds and building spaces.

Security systems are often integrated with access controls systems

together.

1.Security System

The security system is made up of the following components:

 A centralized control unit

 Sensors
 Magnetic contact points

The sensors and magnetic contacts are distributed throughout the

building and connected back to the control unit with communication
cable. The security system monitors glass breaking, motion, or separation
of the magnetic contact points on doors and windows.
2. Access Control System

Access control system is made up of the following components:

 A centralized control unit

 Access points

Access points are connected to the control unit with communication

cables and they are magnetic card readers, key pads, or a type of
biometric sensing device. The access point sends user’s information to
the control unit, and the control unit send the signal to open the door if
user is verified.

3. CCTV System
 Closed Circuit Television system is a video network for security
purpose. It is made up of video cameras placed throughout a building and
campus. The video cameras are wired to a headend with coaxial cable. In
turn, the headend sends the video signal to television monitoring sets in a
security office. A typical CCTV system is shown below.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, building security systems, FDAS, and communication are

some of the elements that help in safe, secure, and proper management
of buildings. FDAS is one of the most important fire detection systems
that detect early signs of fire hazards, hence responding immediately and
reducing damage caused to people and property. The building security
system further provides safety by regulating access and detecting
intrusions and protection against other security threats.

With communication fully integrated with both the FDAS and the
building security system, it provides immediate updates and coordination
while making clear information during emergencies. Thus, an integrated
approach provides a comprehensive response to fires and security threats
by informing occupants and security personnel timely and ensuring
effective coordination in actions. All these combined systems result in a
more secure and resilient environment-a comprehensive defense against
all forms of risk.

Moreover, linking the communication channels to FDAS and security

building systems offers remote monitoring and central control that is very
critical for large or complex facilities. This would enable security and
safety teams to view and evaluate alerts immediately from a distance
thus making response times much faster. Additionally, this integration
allows for automated protocols including unlocking emergency exits,
sprinkler activation, or calling emergency services thus making it safer.

REFERENCES

https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2007/12/Fire-Detection-and-Alarm-Systems-
A-Brief-Guide.aspx

https://flameguardph.com/blogs/fdas-fire-detection-and-alarm-system

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_sprinkler_system

https://cescomplete.com/2018/08/29/an-introduction-to-security-systems/

https://allsecure.com.mx/introduction-to-security-systems/

https://www.nfpa.org/news-blogs-and-articles/blogs/2021/03/26/sprinkler-
system-basics-types-of-sprinkler-systems
https://www.ghd.com/en-ph/expertise/built-environment/security-and-
communication-systems

https://www.fiberoptics4sale.com/blogs/archive-posts/95047110-
communication-systems-voice-data-video-lan-hvac-fire-alarm-security-
and-cctv