Why smoke detectors

Why Smoke Detectors? 

There is no mystery that building codes allow for the elimination of smoke detectors in various construction applications, but at the same time there is hard language in the code that mandates the use of the smoke detectors. The idea was that the gas would enter the alarm system, and alter an electrical current inside, thereby setting off the alarm.

·        Any non-sprinklered building

·        Any non-sprinklered room

·        Non-sprinklered electrical or telecommunication rooms

·        Smoke detectors for fire doors that are held open

·        Smoke detectors for fire dampers that require a smoke detector signal to close

·        Air handing units that exceed 2000CFM or 15000CFM.

·        Alarm control equipment in unattended locations

·        Elevator lobbies, elevator machines, or hoistways (code permitting)

·        Day cares, specifically with kids under the age of 5 years

·        Pre-action or deluge applications, cross zoning

·        Atriums and surrounding areas for smoke purge applications

And of course, residential applications such as multi-family living, hotel, independent living, dormitory, and others will always require smoke alarms in all sleeping rooms and within 15 feet of the bedroom doors.

So, at a minimum, these locations generally will require smoke detection.

In review of the NFPA 72 document, 72 does allow for additional smoke detection if a building owner chooses to add additional smoke detectors. Remember that building codes are a minimum and a building owner or designer may request additional smoke detection if desired. NFPA 72 17.5.3.3.1. titled Nonrequired Coverage does discuss and allow for this request. However, there must be reason in the submitted design that documents the objective for additional smoke detection coverage.

Why would a building owner or designer request smoke detection when it is not required by the code?

1.  Smoke detectors offer early warning. A smoke detector is a fast responding sensor in comparison to heat detection used with sprinkler heads. Often with the use of early warning devices a possible disaster can be adverted to a minor incident with minimal damage or disruption.

2.  Smoke detectors are your eyes and noise when you are not around. We all have those areas of the building that are infrequently visited. Unattended locations can lead to fast growing fires and lead to unmanageable circumstances. A smoke detector can monitor that area that is infrequently visited.

3.  The smallest fire can contaminate and damage valuable contents such as computers, networks, vintage collectables, furniture, food, fabrics, paper goods, money, medicine, and other soft materials that spoil, absorb smoke and burn quickly.

4.  A small fire can lead to lost business opportunities, operations, future revenue, lost customers, inventory, and your personal income.

5.  A building fire can lead to possible injuries, fatalities and law suits. These events can also lead to negative publicity and a negative corporate image suggesting that public safety was disregarded.

6.  Avoiding sprinkler system activation. At times water can be damaging to the building and its contents. An owner may want to achieve early warning and eliminate the threat of fire prior to the activation of the sprinkler system.

7.  Early warning is being “GREEN”. Early warning avoids use of water, fire trucks, fuel, emergency resources, energy, service vehicles, loss of heat, cooling, productivity, time, garbage, displacement, carbon emissions, or reconstruction.

8.  Peace of mind and protecting life. Your place of business is safe and under constant supervision.

9.  Early warning and needed time for personal to help occupants who are not self-preserving such as the elderly, the hospitalized, institutionalized, the sick, infants and the incapacitated.
Safety for first responders. Attending to fire in its earliest incipient stages is less threatening than a fully involved fire with toxic gases, extreme heat and a weakened building structure.

10.              Perhaps you are a survivor of a fire and have firsthand experience of the danger from a fire. You understand the dangers and the severity a fire can bring. Fire burns and fire gases can kill. Smoke detectors do save lives. Ask for smoke detection if you want it and value their life safety capabilities.

11.              Redundant detection. A smoke detection system is not subject to inoperable conditions due to a lack of water, a broken sprinkler pipe, frozen pipe, a shut control value, or a broken water flow switch. Smoke detection is a distributed system with redundancy and can serve as a second backup to a by passed sprinkler system.

12.              Intentional arson concerns. Just like a video camera, a smoke detector can be a deterrent not to initiate a fire. Whether it is a disgruntled employee, family member, tenant, carelessness, terrorist act or vandalism, it is the real world. Society is unpredictable and designers should be applying some thought to the unforeseen. If the intent to harm is premediated and an individual has some understanding of fire protection concepts, one can cause great harm with the use of fire. However, with a fully smoke protected building an arson act may be deterred.

 

In summary, smoke detectors are fast responding fire alarm sensors that can summon first responders quickly when seconds count.

3 Reasons for Investing In Water Leak Detection System

 Top 3 Reasons for Investing In Water Leak Detection System

Water Leak Detection system consists of water leak detector, sensor cable and wld panel. Water leak detection system provides an effective environment monitoring solution for problems related to water leak in data, server & computer rooms. Further, this is an ultra-compact device along with efficient sensor cables monitor which can detect & communicate the existence of liquid via audio- visual alarms to sewer administrators.

What seems like an insignificant problem can cost millions when it comes to lost computer data, Water leakage detection system is become first in list of priorities to protect infrastructure. Other applications are where water detection is useful include areas like waste water management, archive facilities or power plant.

Benefits of Water Leakage Detection System:

·        Prevent lost revenue.

·        Lower water system operational cost.

·        Prevent contamination.

·        Lost time managing insurance claims.

·        Extend life of facility.

·        Prevent property damage.

·        Prevent or reduce outage events.

Here are 3 reasons why all data centres have to be equipped with water leak detection systems.

1. Avoid loss

As mentioned above, water damage has the potential to cause economic losses. Especially in data centres with elevated floors, water leaks can be difficult to detect by sight alone as they can be hidden. It is often the case that once water leaks have been sighted, it means that extensive damage to the equipment has already occurred. As such, it is important to catch water leaks at its source so that it can be dealt with swiftly. That’s why water leak detection systems are equipped with sensing cables that can immediately detect water leaks.

 

2. Plan for unexpected incidents

Many water leak detection systems, such as Tracetek water detection system, are often hooked up to other host systems so that they can communicate water leak information accurately. Having host systems that collect and store such data allows operators to analyse water flow information and pinpoint problem areas such as frequently leaking pipes or an AC unit that might not be functioning properly. In such situations, data centre operators can immediately make adjustments once they are made aware of the issue and prevent future catastrophes. Maintenance can be done promptly and even cost savings can be ensured.

3. Relatively simple installation

Often consisting of modular designs, a single water leak detection module can monitor up to 1500 metres of sensing cable. While some models require being directly connected to sensing cables, others can work remotely – which is perfect for large data centres. This allows for space efficiency as water leak detection modules are small and compact. With no field calibration required, water leak detection systems can be installed fast and start working almost immediately. Tracetek even has a Touch Screen Panel (TT-TS12) where information about the sensing cable networks and leak locations can be displayed on a graphic interface. While many water leak detection systems are equipped with alarms to notify instances of a water leak, in large data centres, that might not be enough. Having a touch panel can easily show the exact location of the leak so that maintenance can happen quickly.

The adage, ‘prevention is better than cure,’ applies heavily in the case of installing a water leak detection system. Especially since data centre equipment is getting more complex, water damage can be irreversible and impossible to fix. As such, it will be in the best interest of data centre operators to invest in water leak detection systems to properly safeguard their equipment. WLD panel should integrate with BMS & Fire Detection System. If you have question, feel free write us on ssaintegrate@gmail.com