Find a Qualified Fire Alarm Service Company

Find a Qualified Fire Alarm Service Company 

Maintaining your fire alarm system in good working order ready to perform in time of emergency is a matter of building safety, and even life and death.  Your fire detection and early warning system should be a top priority of building owners, and factored into regular maintenance intervals as deemed necessary by a fire systems specialist.

There are many components involved with fire safety systems, including electrical components, wiring and cables, wireless technology, smart sensors, computerized control panels, fire suppression systems, audible and visual alert devices, all of which must work in conjunction with each other and at times with auxiliary equipment such as PA System, HVAC systems etc. Remember we are discussed about Addressable panel only, conventional Fire panel is just plug & play. No need such criteria for service vendor.

Components of fire and safety systems today are technologically sophisticated, sensitive pieces of equipment that require regular inspections, testing. Maintaining a periodic inspection and testing schedule as deemed necessary by a professional fire and safety specialty firm is the best way to ensure optimum working performance of your system, and avoid costly fire system repairs. Also you need to know about your installed fire panel is easy for program or need special tools, like: software or dongle etc.

Maintenance Can Prevent Costly Fire System Repairs

Many things can go wrong with the sophisticated equipment used for fire, smoke and gas detection and early warning systems.  Electrical equipment can be sensitive to dust, dirt and debris, which can cause performance issues or left to accumulate can cause a system failure resulting in needed replacement parts. We suggest do not repair only replace. Look your Fire System either UL listed, EN listed or VDS. When you involve local repairing company they used non listed component and as a result you panel or fire component start abnormal current flow. Internal software can not recognised that electron flow and start misbehave.

The environment that your fire and safety system is installed in will have an impact on the life and performance of your system.  The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Guidelines detail recommended testing and inspection requirements in NFPA 72, which are the minimum requirements for compliance in most jurisdictions. Depending upon your environment, you may need a more comprehensive inspection and testing schedule to keep your system clean and operable.

The age of your fire detection system is an important consideration, as older equipment will begin to have part and component failure, and may eventually need to be replaced. If the proper maintenance is performed on a regular basis since installation, it could prolong the life of your system. Provide to your service provider all required drawings, Password, software database, work permit and 1^st time stay with them and observe there activity. Keep detailed records of all fire and safety system maintenance and inspections with your fire system manual, as this may be helpful to the technician performing repairs.

Only licensed technicians should perform work on your fire and safety detection and warning system, as these are highly sophisticated electrical components that correspond with other parts and auxiliary equipment, and should be tested with a rigorous and thorough checklist. Before involving a fire service provider you need to check. Do not involve person who don’t know and hire someone for execute service support.

1.   Industry involvement (Like: Member of sFSA, NFPA, ASIS, NSC, FSAI)

2.   Past similar work experience with Performance letter.

3.   Team person / Engineer product technical certification, if product brand are Edwards, Notifier, ESSER, Autronica, Mircom, Simplex, Schreck etc OEM certification is must. Past performance Letter also create value.

4.   Person from company should know or certified from NFPA on NFPA 72. Also know about local code standard.

5.   Some case OEM authorization (GST, Apollo, Morley etc) also create value.

1 Personnel Qualifications

1.1

System Designer.

1.1.1

Plans and specifications shall be developed in accordance with this Code by persons who are experienced in the design, application, installation, and testing of the systems.

1.1.2

State or local licensure regulations shall be followed to determine qualified personnel.

1.1.3

Personnel shall provide documentation of their qualification by one or more of the following:

1. Registration, licensing, or certification by a state or local authority
2. Certification by an organization acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction
3. Manufacturer's certification for the specific type and brand of system provided

1.1.4

The system designer shall be identified on the system design documents.

1.1.5

System design trainees shall be under the supervision of a qualified system designer.

1.1.6

The system designer shall provide evidence of their qualifications and/or certifications when required by the authority having jurisdiction.

1.2 System Installer

1.2.1

Installation personnel shall be qualified or shall be supervised by persons who are qualified in the installation, inspection, and testing of the systems.

1.2.2

State or local licensure regulations shall be followed to determine qualified personnel.

1.2.3

Personnel shall provide documentation of their qualification by one or more of the following:

1. Registration, licensing, or certification by a state or local authority
2. Certification by an organization acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction
3. Manufacturer's certification for the specific type and brand of system provided

1.2.4

System installation trainees shall be under the supervision of a qualified system installer.

1.2.5

The system installer shall provide evidence of their qualifications and/or certifications when requested by the authority having jurisdiction.

1.3 Inspection, Testing, and Service Personnel. (SIG-TMS)

1.3.1 Inspection Personnel

Inspections shall be performed by personnel who have developed competence through training and experience that are acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction or meet the requirement of 1.3.4.

1.3.2  Testing Personnel

Testing personnel shall have knowledge and experience of the testing requirements contained in this Code, of the equipment being tested, and of the test methods. That knowledge and experience shall be acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction or meet the requirement of 1.3.4.

1.3.3 Service Personnel

Service personnel shall have knowledge and experience of the maintenance and servicing requirements contained in this Code, of the equipment being serviced or maintained, and of the servicing or maintenance methods. That knowledge and experience shall be acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction or meet the requirement of 1.3.4.

1.3.4 Means of Qualification

Qualified personnel shall include, but not be limited to, one or more of the following:

1. Personnel who are factory trained and certified for the specific type and brand of system being serviced
2. Personnel who are certified by a nationally recognized certification organization acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction
3. Personnel who are registered, licensed, or certified by a state or local authority to perform service on systems addressed within the scope of this Code, either individually or through their affiliation with an organization
4. Personnel who are employed and qualified by an organization listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory for the servicing of systems within the scope of this Code

1.3.5 Programming Personnel

1.3.5.1

Personnel programming a system shall be certified by the system manufacturer.

1.3.5.2

System installation personnel shall be permitted to configure systems in the field per manufacturers' published instructions.

1.3.5.3

System end users shall be permitted to manage system operation per manufacturers' published instructions or training.

1.3.6 Evidence of Qualification

Evidence of qualifications shall be provided to the authority having jurisdiction upon request.

1.4 Plans Examiners and Inspectors

1.4.1

Plans and specifications submitted for review and approval shall be reviewed by personnel who are qualified to review such plans and specifications.

1.4.2

System installations shall be inspected by personnel who are qualified to perform such inspections.

1.4.3

State or local licensure regulations shall be followed to determine qualified personnel.

1.4.4

Personnel shall provide documentation of their qualifications by one or more of the following:

1. Registration, licensing, or certification by a state or local authority
2. Meeting the requirements of NFPA 1031
3. Assignment by the authority having jurisdiction to personnel having equivalent competency with 1.4.4(1) or 1.4.4(2)

1.5 Supervising Station Operators. (SIG-SSs)

1.5.1

All operators in the supervising station shall demonstrate competence in all tasks required of them in Chapter 26 by one or more of the following:

1. Certified by the manufacturer of the receiving system or equipment or the alarm-monitoring automation system
2. *Certified by an organization acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction
3. Licensed or certified by a state or local authority
4. Other training or certification approved by the authority having jurisdiction

1.5.2

Evidence of qualifications and/or certification shall be provided when requested by the authority having jurisdiction. A license or qualification listing shall be current in accordance with the requirements of the issuing authority or organization.

1.5.3

Operator trainees shall be under the direct supervision of a qualified operator until qualified as required by 1.5.1.

1.6 Public Emergency Alarm Reporting System Personnel Qualification. (SIG-PRS)

1.6.1 System Designer

1.6.1.1

Public emergency alarm reporting system plans and specifications shall be developed in accordance with this Code by persons who are qualified in the proper design, application, installation, and testing of public emergency alarm reporting systems.

1.6.1.2

The system design documents shall include the name and contact information of the system designer.

1.6.2 System Installer

Installation personnel shall be qualified in the installation, inspection, and testing of public emergency alarm reporting systems.

1.6.3 Service Personnel

Service personnel shall be qualified in the service, inspection, maintenance, and testing of public emergency alarm reporting systems.

1.6.4 Qualification

1.6.4.1

Personnel shall demonstrate qualification by being trained and certified in public emergency alarm reporting system design, installation, or service (as appropriate).

1.6.4.2

Personnel who are trained and certified for the specific type of public emergency alarm reporting system and comply with one the following shall be considered qualified:

1. Personnel who are licensed or certified by a state or local authority, if applicable
2. Personnel who are certified by a nationally recognized certification organization acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction
3. Personnel who are employed and qualified by an organization listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory for the design, installation, or servicing of systems within the scope of this chapter
4. Personnel who are employed and certified by an equipment manufacturer for the specific type of system

1.6.4.3

Evidence of qualifications and/or certification shall be provided when requested by the authority having jurisdiction. A license or qualification listing shall be current in accordance with the requirements of the issuing authority or organization.

High Rise Security Systems uses only licensed and field trained technicians, adhering to all NFPA guidelines with complete system design, maintenance, inspection and testing and fire system repairs. As a customer you must collect soft copy of Fire Panel database from your fire service provider along with service report in detail. If you confuse contact us today to speak with one of our highly skilled fire and safety consultants. Write us ssaintegrate@gmail.com

Flow Switch integration with Fire alarm panel

Flow Switch integration with Fire alarm panel 

A water flow switch or water flow switch in an automatic fire sprinkler system or less often a fire hydrant system is an electro-mechanical alarm initiating device that has been designed to detect the flow of water through a pipe.

Flow refers to the velocity or physical movement of gas, steam, or liquid within a pipe that triggers the actuation of the flow switch. When there is no flow present, the velocity either drops or completely stops; in either case, the switch will revert to its original position. A complete stoppage or decrease in velocity gets indicated when there is no flow. Also, the stoppage allows the switch to return to its original position.

A water flow switch is typically installed in the water supply (above an alarm valve) or in a branch of an automatic fire sprinkler system or fire hydrant system and is used to detect the flow of water indicating an alarm condition. When water moves past the flow switch in the pipe the pressure of the water moves an integrated paddle (a component of the flow switch) in the direction of water flow. This movement activates a switch that triggers an alarm signal at a fire detection and alarm system.

More modern flow switches may also feature a retard mechanism that helps reduce the incidence of false alarms. Flow switches can serve numerous functions and also get used in a variety of applications. If one needs to monitor the flow rate or to protect the pump, then the flow switch can serve your purpose. The flow sensor will send an electrical signal to PLC or any other electronic controller.

Airflow switches are used to cleanroom filter systems, exhaust ventilation, and air treatment systems.

Flow switches are used in many other applications, such as:

·        Water treatment systems

·        Additive or blending systems

·        Air supply systems

·        Duct type heating

·        The flow switch triggers an alarm when the supply gets off.

·        When there is insufficient flow, the electric motor will shut down.

·        The flow switch also gets used in air conditioning and ventilator units.

·        In the central heating systems, the flow switch gets used.

·        In the chlorination systems fitted in swimming pools, flow switches can be used.

The primary purpose of an addressable fire indicator panel is to monitor each circuit, zone or point for any condition (alarm signal or other abnormal condition); display the status of that condition and to operate any required output or outputs according to the approved design of the system. These outputs are typically for the purpose of warning occupants on a fire alarm signal, notify the fire brigade, control the spread of heat, smoke or fire; or used for a wide variety of other purposes. There are many advantages of addressable systems including the ability to more effectively handle contamination over time that leads to nuisance (false) alarms, improved detection of fires and the ability to identify the precise location of a detector and its current condition or state. Do remember all input connection are potential free or dry contact.

To get Flow switch state through addressable fire alam control panel (FACP), you need input module or monitor module. Input module is one of the input devices of a fire alarm signal line. Input modules are used to get signal from 3rd party devices or other electrical or mechanical systems, like: Flow switch, probe type heat detector, LHS Cable, earthquake sensors, temperature sensors, push-buttons, magnetic contact etc. to fire alarm systems in the building. Based on programming FACP instruct Output module to create alam or notification for the same.

If you are a system integrator or Safety item installer or even a distributor, it is important to know how to integrate or application for Fire Detection Systems on behalf of the customer. Majority of the datasheets and catalogues are not really useful unless you already know what you are getting into. If need any further information contact us on ssaintegrate@gmail.com.

T-Tapping in Fire Loop Line

 T-Tapping in Fire Loop Line

A fire alarm “T-Tap” is merely a parallel tap into the loop. The reason T-Tap wiring is allowed is because communications are being supervised to the device level. T-Tapping the different legs of the SLC provide multiple communications paths of the field devices and control equipment.
The answer to the question of how many T-Taps is allowed --- is "It Depends". It depends on the manufacturer and it depends on how easy the installer wants to make the system for the technician when servicing the system for the coming years. On a conventional system “T-Tap” not working.

Style 4 wiring (somewhat similar to Class B wiring), which is the data-loop or signaling line circuit (SLC), allows an unlimited number of T-Taps, at least for most manufacturers. Signaling Line Circuit (SLC), carries signals in the form of data between the panel and the input and output devices. Canada calls "Class B Level 1" "Data Communications Link (DCL) Style B". Someone called Initiating Device Circuit (IDC), its carries signals from the input devices to the panel.

Field Devices Connected to an SLC/DCL/IDC.

Input

·        Smoke Detectors

·        Heat Detectors

·        Combination Smoke/Heat Detectors

·        Pull Stations

·        Alarm and Supervisory Input Modules

Output

·        Control Relays

·        NAC Riser Modules

o   24 VDC Audible

o   24 VDC Visible

o   24 VDC Combination Audible/Visible

o   Audio for Speakers (Direct Current (DC) blocking capacitor allows 70.7 VAC 200-20KHz through) independent of other audio.

o   Firefighter’s Phone

Every device on a Signaling Line Circuit is a T-Tap for the Panel.

 
Long Star-Taps

Most fire alarm systems that use Style 4 wiring for the SLC are electronically connecting every device directly to the terminals of the fire alarm panel. Being wire nutted at all junctions, electrically the wire loop is a single pair of copper conductors. 

For all practical purposes, all devices on the loop are connected directly to the panel, and the panel can't tell the difference between home runs to each device and a single daisy chain. 

Yes, the installed wiring may daisy chain to 75 devices in a straight line, but electrically, every last one of them is connected directly to the terminals of the fire alarm panel. 

For these types of systems, the wires can be thought of as having a long star-tap. 

Later Servicing the System

The real concern with the T-Taps is with the later servicing of the system. When trying to find a ground fault or bad device. A limited number of T-Taps makes it easy to divide up the system. 
Not enough T-Taps and the technician has to guess where the wires run through the building. Too many T-Taps and the technician has to pull a lot of T-Taps apart to get an idea of where to find the faulty device or wiring. 

Manufacturer's T-Tap Limit

The manufacturers that limit the number of T-Taps have an input side and an output side to each device on the SLC. Here the panel itself is creating a map of the SLC wiring system. If there are too many t-taps, or if the ins and outs of the devices are not wired according to the installation sheets, the panel's created maps become useless for later servicing. 

How Many T-Taps

When trying to determine how many T-Taps are allowed, consult the manufacturer' installation sheets, and then decide on how easy the servicing of the system should be in the coming years.

If you still aren't sure how you manage your building / establishment loop line, feel free to get in touch with one of our experts via ssaintegrate@gmail.com. Before selecting vendor / installer check and verify they are authorized or not to execute your Fire Detection & Alarm system work. Its mandatory Fire Detection & Alarm System (Edwards, ESSER, Notifier, Autronica, Cooper, BOSCH & GST etc) commissioned by certified professional.

Prevent Fire Alarm Trouble Signals

Prevent Fire Alarm Trouble Signals 

An alarm meant a warning of fire danger. A trouble signal was an indication that some part of the fire alarm system was broken or off-normal. There are three basic categories for fire alarm panel signals: trouble, supervisory, and alarm.

A trouble signal is typically designated by a yellow light and means that there is an operational issue. For some more advanced systems, the panel may indicate the kind of problem and where it is located. Your fire protection company should be notified of these alerts.

• Power – Does the alarm system have power or did the power recently black out? Make sure that the breaker did not accidently shut off, as it is a commonly overlooked issue.
• Batteries – If the fire alarm batteries have not been changed in the last 3 to 5 years, they may be below capacity and should be replaced. Their connections should be checked as well.
• Voice Over IP Switch – Recently, facilities have been upgrading from copper lines to voice over IP. It is sometimes forgotten that the fire alarm is connected, which then does not allow the system to complete its daily test. This also means that no one would be able to dial out in the event of an emergency.
• Ground Fault – There are a few different reasons why a ground fault would occur. A bare wire could be touching something in the junction box, a wire could have been cut or loosened, or a lightning strike could cause circuit issues.

Fire alarms are a system of multiple devices working together to detect and warn people through visual and audio appliances when smoke, fire, carbon monoxide(CO) or other emergencies are present. The fire alarm panel is the electrical panel that monitors all components of the system. It also sends trouble signals for problems found within the fire alarm system, problems which may cause the system to not work properly and put your people and assets at risk. Regular maintenance can also limit the number of trouble signals you receive each year as your Fire Safety Service provider will inspect and service the devices to keep them running properly.

A trouble condition or trouble light on a fire alarm or security system indicates a condition that might adversely affect the proper operation (or actually compromises part) of the system. The loss of primary power, back-up power, or a wiring problem (such as a cut or an abrasion which might ground a circuit in a back box) are all common trouble indications. Trouble conditions usually self-restore (that is the system returns to a "normal" state once the trouble has been cleared). A trouble on an input zone may prevent detectors in the circuit from functioning. It is extremely important that system TROUBLES be corrected as soon as possible.

Fire alarms need to be able to work during an emergency, and since emergencies can cause power outages a battery back-up to your system is an important component. When your battery power runs low, your fire alarm system will send a trouble signal to the central monitoring station, who will then call the system owner. The fire alarm panel will also beep locally at the panel and annunciator if one is present.

Trouble signals from your Fire Alarm system won’t wait for a convenient time; whether you are in a meeting, out of town, or sleeping at 2 a.m. you will be receiving the alert and need to address it immediately. By pro-actively replacing your system batteries every two years, you can limit both the number of trouble signals you receive and the increased costs of emergency service from your Fire Safety Service Provider.

Parts of the Fire Alarm System:
Fire alarm control panel (FACP) – also known as the Fire Alarm Control Panel, is the brain of a system. It monitors inputs and system integrity, controls outputs and relays information.

Smoke Detectors – smoke detectors have built in sensors, and when smoke is found in the atmosphere, they send information to the fire alarm panel. The two most common types of smoke detectors are ionization and photoelectric. The sensing chambers of these detectors operate differently to sense visible or invisible combustion particles from developing fires. Currently ionization Smoke detector is Ban due to use of radioactive substance.

Primary power supply – commonly the non-switched 120 or 240 volt alternating current course supplied from a commercial power utility. In non-residential applications, a branch circuit is dedicated to the fire alarm system and its constituents. “Dedicated branch circuits” should not be confused with “Individual branch circuits” which supply energy to a single appliance.

Secondary (backup) power supplies – This component, commonly consisting of sealed lead-acid storage batteries or other emergency sources including generators, is used to supply energy in the event of a primary power failure.

Initiating devices: This component acts as an input to the fire alarm control unit and are either manually or automatically activated, such as pull stations, heat detectors or smoke detectors or multicriteria detector. Heat and smoke detectors have different categories of both kinds. Some categories are beam, photoelectrical, aspiration, and duct.

Notification appliances: This component uses energy supplied from the fire alarm system or other stored energy source, to inform people of the need to take action, usually to evacuate. This is done by means of a flashing light, strobe light, electromechanical horn, “beeper horn”, chime, bell, speaker, or a combination of these devices. GSM or IP dialer also used in current notification system.

Building safety interfaces: This interface allows the fire alarm system to control aspects of the building environment and to prepare the building for fire, and to control the spread of smoke fumes and fire by influencing air movement, lighting, process control, human transport and exit. Building safety interfaces include magnetic door holders, duct mounted smoke detection, emergency elevator service, and public address rack.

Do remember “Trouble” word you can find only on UL listed FACP. A Trouble signal will also have a yellow light or LED on the UL fire panel and there will be a slower beeping tone sounding from the panel. With Trouble signals, you will want to call your service provider, but it can wait until normal business hours. There is no need to spend extra money for an emergency after hours service call. In case of EN54 listed FACP, then you will find “Faults” indicator. Working principal is same.

Can you ensure each device in your fire alarm is being inspected and tested? Your inspection report should list the results for each device, as well as the date/time stamp for when it was last inspected. These details will provide you with piece of mind and your AHJ inspector with full system information. If not select authentic fire Safety service provider to service your system. Basic criteria like, Should Member of FSAI, NFPA, National Safety Council of India, Should certified from Fire Panel OEM (Fire Panel Make). Expert company who can show past few years appreciation letter. Do not repair your Fire Detection System, highly recommended to change parts with consulting Certified Engineer/ Factory certified person. Just remember no one 3^rd party agency is Authorized / certified for Fire Alarm repairing from any OEM (Edwards, Autronica, GST, Kidde, ESSER, Notifier, Morley, Apollo, Cooper etc).

SSA Integrate by Arindam Bhadra

SSA Integrate by Arindam Bhadra

Security Safety Automation Integration is indicate SSA Integrate. Main key person of SSA Integrate is Mr. Arindam Bhadra. Mr. Arindam has 14 years of experience in Electronic Security Safety & Automation. Managing different type of Customers when he work in G4S, Siemens, Gunnebo, Diebold. As you know my article publish by “safe secure magazine” every month.

We offer technology that best suits your needs. Our open architecture facilitates integration with multi-vendor subsystems. You have the freedom to choose working arrangements and get maximum value from your investment. This reduces life cycle and operating costs. We observe customer suffer to get after sales service from installer due to once payment has cleared integrator neither looking back nor provide warranty service. We dedicated for Services like, Rectification, Commissioning, AMCs, Security Consultancy, Training, Audit....etc. SSA Integrate is Partnership Company. MSME Registered.

Below we share details about Mr. Arindam Bhadra or SSA Integrate.

I have very good experience in Project Design, Commissioning & rectification of

•     CCTV Surveillance,
•     Fire Detection & Alarm System - FDA,
•     Access Control System / Attendance System,
•     Public Address System - PAS,
•     Intrusion Alarm System,
•     Entrance Control ( Boom barrier, Flap barrier, Tripod turnstile, Bollard, Tyre Killer..etc),
•     Building Management System - BMS / BAS
•     System Integration

Our Head Office based on Kolkata, We deliver service support from Kolkata to other place.

We now look forward for receiving your valued enquiries and your kind support towards me or my organization and hope to establish a healthy business relationship with you.