Fire Alarm & Notifications

ARE / Professional Practice Note

In any large or commercial project, you will work with fire alarm specialists to properly protect a building. The Architects role becomes typically more about facilitating, locating, and aesthetic preference of devices. For the ARE you must familiarize yourself with all the different types of alarms and general code required locations.

Definitions

Incipient Stage: No visible flame, or noticeable heat has yet been produced

Introduction

Various fire alarm and detection systems are used depending on when it is the best time to know about the fire and what will provide the quickest response. Normally a combination of fire detection devices are needed, depending on the space. Many municipalities offer code incentives for better fire protection systems, an example of this is sprinkling a building may allow a higher maximum occupancy.

• Example: An IONIZATION DETECTOR will not function properly if the air currents needed to set the alarm off will not enter the device.

• Note: A fire can smolder and produce smoke long before it reaches the flame stage.

• Note: Fire alarm systems are required by code in many buildings such as hotels, schools, and other places of assembly.

Code Locations

Code requires and dictates the location of many fire alarm devices. Detectors are generally required near fire doors, in exit corridors, individual rooms, and places of public assembly. They are also sometimes required in main supply and return air ducts (within the duct or shaft).