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.

How Fire Panel Know my Detectors are OK?

How Fire Panel Know my Detectors are OK?

Wishing you a very Happy New Year 2022.

The exact design of a commercial fire alarm system is determined by the commercial space’s occupancy classification and the local codes mandated by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for that specific occupancy classification. But regardless of the system design, all commercial fire alarm systems must have a Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP).

An FACP is the “brain” of the fire alarm system to which all other devices are connected. When an initiating device (such as a smoke detector or a manual pull station) transmits an alarm signal to the FACP, it activates the notification devices to alert the occupants via audible and visual alarm devices.

An FACP also has a digital display that provides the current status of the fire alarm system. In modern “addressable” fire alarm systems, every device connected to the FACP has a unique address (for example: “57 - smoke detector basement electrical room”) which allows the FACP to display the specific device that initiated the signal. This level of detail allows the authorized personnel to quickly locate the source of the alarm. The building’s authorized personnel also use the FACP’s functional switches to acknowledge signals, silence alarms and reset the system once the alarm condition has been cleared by fire department personnel.

It's assumed that fire alarm systems have to work all the time because fires happen anytime... but, then again, this is the real world. Problems with the fire alarm system do occur, and that's when it may not go into alarm. To know when it needs to be fixed, the whole fire alarm system needs to be supervised. 

Smoke detectors look for the presence of smoke. The most common type used today are photoelectric smoke detectors. A photoelectric smoke detector operates by projecting a small beam of light across an internal chamber. If that beam of light becomes obscured beyond a preset threshold (a percentage of light obscuration) by smoke, dirt or other small particles, the detector will transmit an alarm signal to the

If there's trouble inside the fire alarm panel, the panel does its self-diagnostics and indicates trouble. However, when there's a problem in the wiring or devices outside the panel, that's another story. 

Addressable Supervision is the Fire Alarm Control Panel polling or asking a device "Are You OK?", and the device answers "I'm OK!"

Polling is an I'm OK Check

Conventional Class A and Class B wiring directly supervises only the wires; it does not really supervise the devices. The Signaling Line Circuit (SLC), on the other hand, is different; it supervises the devices. 

Unlike the conventional methods, the SLC is a kind of two way street. To supervise, the SLC uses Polling of the Devices. Polling is similar to an I'm OK survey of the entire fire alarm system outside the panel. 

To Poll the devices, the panel uses a signal to say 'device 27 report', and device 27 reports back with a signal that says essentially, 'I'm OK.' If device 27 doesn't report back, or if it does report back but says it isn't working correctly, the message on the fire alarm panel indicates trouble on device 27. 

Failure of the device to report back could be trouble with the device, or trouble with the wiring. However, because the panel specifies the device in trouble, the troubleshooting process of the fire alarm system is sped up. 

Supervising the Wire

With conventional Class A or Class B wiring methods, in order to directly supervise the wire, a current is passed through the entire wire loop. 

The devices connected to the loop aren't supervised; the panel never checks the devices to see if they work. Unless a detector in the field opens the loop, or a horn or strobe shorts (almost never happens), the fire alarm panel won't indicate trouble. 

On the other hand, with the exception of Styles 6 and 7 (equivalent to the conventional Class A), the wires in an addressable loop aren't directly supervised. 

Instead of passing a current through the wire, the SLC wiring is indirectly supervised. If, during the polling process, the returning I'm OK signal is received at the panel, the panel assumes that the wiring is complete. That's the indirect supervision of the wire in the loop. 

Alarm Signals -- Input and Output Device

For input devices, of course, if smoke detector 27 goes into alarm, the panel gets the signal from device 27, and using words on the display, identifies smoke detector 27 as the source of the alarm.

Then again, to turn on the horns or strobes is a specific area, the panel can also send signals along the same SLC to the specific output modules it needs to turn on. 

Addressable I'm OK Supervision -- It's All About Confidence

Using the "I'm OK" signals of the polling process, the addressable fire alarm system directly supervises the devices on the SLC. With this direct supervision of the devices, the fire alarm system has confidence the building wiring is intact.

According to NFPA 72, fire alarm initiating devices are defined as devices used to manually or automatically signal a fire alarm system to initiate responses from equipment and people. These devices connect to the alarm system’s control panel and are under the control panel’s surveillance. When triggered, the control panel identifies the location and then goes into the alarm stage, sounding alerts throughout the building and sending commands to emergency responders.

SSA Integrate offers NFPA inspection programs to our customers. Regular fire equipment inspections will ensure the ongoing reliability and safety of your fire protection systems. As part of the fire protection inspection process, detailed reports will be provided identifying any system deficiencies and recommended action to bring the system back up to applicable fire codes.
We provide a comprehensive selection of fire protection inspection services through our Preventive Maintenance Agreement (PMA). Your company can save valuable time and money by having your fire safety needs addressed with one PMA.

Two-Way Communication Code Requirements

 Two-Way Communication Code Requirements

What is a Two-Way Communication System?

A two-way communication system is a means of communication between a constantly attended support staff and building occupants unable to exit the building via the stairs due to injury or disability.  In short, two-way communication systems have two key components; a master station (typically installed in the fire command center or other approved location) and Call Boxes required to be provided at the landing of each elevator on each accessible floor that is one or more stories above or below the level of exit discharge.  These areas provided with two-way communication systems are known as Areas of Refuge.  An area of refuge is a location in a building designed to hold occupants during a fire or other emergency, when evacuation may not be safe or possible. Occupants can wait there until rescued or relieved by firefighters or first responders. 

Just like it sounds, a two-way communication system allows stranded occupants to talk back and forth with trained personnel at said attended location.

Note:  When you come across the term one-way voice communication system, this is reference to a PA (public address) or fire alarm emergency voice/alarm communication system.  The term one-way means exactly that, the operator of the microphone can only communicate out.  There is no means for the intended listeners to communication back.

What Codes and Standards are Two-Way Communication Systems Noted in?

Two-Way Communication Systems are covered in a few different documents as broken down below:

·                  NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) Section 7.2.12 - 7.2.12.3.6

·                  NFPA 72 2016 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code) Sections 24.10.1 - 24.10.8, 24.13.4 and it's noteworthy to mention sections 10.6.9.1, 10.6.9.1.1, and 10.6.7.2.1 for "Monitoring Integrity of Power Supplies" 24.3.13.9.1, 12.4.3, and 12.4.4 for cable and survivability requirements.  Lastly Table 14.3.1 #25 for testing requirements.  

·                                      Important Note, NFPA 72 is NOT actually a code.

·                  International Building Code 2015 Sections 1009.6.5, 1009.8, 1009.8.1, 1009.8.2, 1009.9, 1009.10, 1009.11, and 403.5.3.1

·                  IBC 2015 Section 3008 under "Occupant Evacuation Elevators"

·                  ICC A 117.1 This applies to the visual characters for Directions and Signage

The International Building Code (IBC) now requires a two-way communication system in all new construction regardless if they have a sprinkler system or not.  Also, significant remodels or change of use of a building may require Areas of Refuge.  See the code adoption map below to see if your State is up to date!

Where to Start when Designing a Two-Way Communication System for Areas of Refuge.

Remember, CODES tell you when you have to install two-way communication systems and STANDARDS tell you how to install them.  This is important as it makes it easy to navigate to the appropriate document when you need information on either.  Example, if you need to know what height the call boxes are required to be mounted at, you are going to turn to the Standard (NFPA 72).  If you want to know what levels of a building require call boxes, you are going to turn to the Code (NFPA 101 or IBC). 

Two-Way Communication and the International Building Code 2015

Areas of Refuge are required to be provided with an approved two-way communication system complying with sections 1009.8.1 and 1009.8.2.  These two sections cover "system requirements" and "Directions".

As noted above in the introduction, two way communication system call boxes are required to be provided at each elevator landing on each accessible floor that is more than one stories above or below the level of exit discharge. 

Of course there are exclusions to this code.  See below:

1.                two-way communication systems are not required at the landing serving each elevator where the two-way communication system is provided within Areas of Refuge in accordance with Section 1009.6.5

2.                two-way communication systems are not required on floors provided with ramps conforming to the provisions of Section 1012.

3.                two-way communication systems are not required at the landings serving only service elevators that are not designated as part of the accessible means of egress or serve as part of the required accessible route into a facility.

4.                two-way communication systems are not required at the landing serving only freight elevators.

5.                two-way communication systems are not required at the landing serving a private residence elevator.

Two-Way Requirements

This is a big one that always come up.  Two-way communication systems are required to communicate between the required call boxes and master station installed in the fire command center or approved location.  If the master panel location is NOT constantly attended, the two-way communication system shall have a timed automatic telephone dial-out capability.  The master station shall dial out to a monitoring location or 9-1-1,  Also note the two-way communication system shall have BOTH audible and visual signals.

Directions and Signage for Two-Way Communication

It is a requirement to provide directions on how to operate the two-way communication system.   These directions shall be placed adjacent to the two-way communication system and the signage shall comply with the ICC A 117.1 requirements for visual characters.  

Signage is obviously important for Areas of Refuge locations and shall be provided as follows:

1.  Each door providing access to an Area of Refuge an adjacent floor area shall be identified by a sin stating:  AREA OF REFUGE.

2.      Each door providing access to an exterior area for assisted rescue shall be identified by a sign stating:  EXTERIOR AREA FOR ASSISTED RESCUE.

3.      Signage shall comply with the ICC A 117.1 and include the International Symbol of Accessibility.  Where exit sign illumination is required by Section 1013.3, the signs shall be illuminated.  All doors used for Areas of Refuge and Exterior Area for Assisted Rescue shall have signage with visual characters, raised characters and braille complying with ICC A 117.1.

Directional Signage

In addition to the signage noted above, directional signage indicating the location of all other means of egress and which of those are accessible means of egress shall be provided at the following:

1.                Exits serving a required accessible space but not providing an approved accessible means of egress

2.                Elevator landings

3.                at Areas of Refuge

Instructions

In Exterior Areas for Assisted Rescue and Areas of Refuge, instructions on the use of the area under emergency conditions shall be posted.  Again all signage shall comply with ICC A 117.1 and shall include the following:  

1.      "Persons able to use the exit stairway do so as soon as possible, unless they are assisting others."

2.      Information on planned availability of assistance in the use of stairs or supervised operation of elevators and how to summon such assistance.

3.      Directions for the use of the two-way communication system where provided.  This goes along with the "Directions" noted above.

International Building Code "Stairway Communication System"

If the stairway doors are locked, not less than every fifth floor shall be equipped with a telephone or two-way communication system connected to an approved constantly attended station.

What does NFPA 101 Have to Say About Two-Way Communication?

NFPA 101 (The Life Safety Code) basically covers the same requirements as found in the 2015 International Building Code and noted above.  In an effort to shorten this article, the key sections to review or note out of the NFPA 101 are as follows:

 

·                  7.2.12 

·                  7.2.12.1.1

·                  7.2.12.2.5

·                  7.2.12.2.6

·                  7.2.12.3.5

·                  7.2.12.3.5.1

·                  7.2.12.3.5.2

·                  7.2.12.3.6

Each of these sections cover the same requirements of Section 1009 in the 2015 International Building Code.

Mounting Heights for Two-Way Communication System and Area of Refuge Equipment.

Master Station = 60" to Center Above Finished Floor

Call Box = Between 48" - 60" from Floor to Tactile Characters

Instruction Signage = Between 48" - 60" from Floor to Tactile Characters

Tactile Signage = 60" to Center Above Finished Floor

Illuminated Sign = Between 60" - 80" Above Finished Floor

Let's Consult NFPA 72 to See How We Install Two-Way Communication Systems.  

Sections 24.10.1 through 24.10.8 briefly mention the same requirements found in the 2015 IFC and NFPA 101.

Supervision Requirements for Two-Way Communication Systems

As with anything related to life safety, all pathways between the remote Area of Refuge call boxes and master station shall be monitored for integrity.

Power Supply - Monitoring for Integrity

Unless otherwise permitted by or required by Section 10.6.9.1.3 and 10.6.9.1.6 all primary and secondary power supplies shall be monitored for the presence of voltage.  Loss of primary or secondary power shall initiate a trouble signal in accordance with Section 10.14.

Battery Backup for Two-Way Communication Systems

The secondary power supply (a.k.a. battery backup) shall have the capacity to operate the two-way communication system in a non-active condition for a minimum of 24 hours.  At the end of this period, the system shall be capable of operating in active status for 5 minutes.

 

Cable Requirements for Two-Way Communication Systems

NFPA 72 2016 Section 24.3.13.9.1 stated "Area of Refuge emergency communication systems shall have a pathway survivability of level 2 or level 3."  Level 1 is permitted when the building is less than 2-hour fire rated construction. 

Below are the Requirements for Survivability Level 2 and Level 3

Survivability Level 2 shall consist of one or more of the following:

1.                2-hour fire rated circuit integrity (CI) or fire-resistive cable

2.                2-hour fire-rated cable system (electrical circuit protective systems)

3.                2-hour fire-rated enclosure or protected area

4.                Performance alternatives approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction

Survivability Level 3 shall consist of pathways in the building that are fully protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13 and one or more of the following:

1.                2-hour fire rated circuit integrity (CI) or fire-resistive cable

2.                2-hour fire-rated cable system (electrical circuit protective systems)

3.                2-hour fire-rated enclosure or protected area

4.                Performance alternatives approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction

Testing Frequency for Two-Way Communication for Areas of Refuge

NFPA 72 2016 Table 14.3.1 #25

Shall be tested at Initial Acceptance and annually thereafter.  Method of testing:  "Verify location and condition"

In closing we now know that two-way communication systems are required for areas of refuge and elevator landings on floors that are accessible.  These two-way communication systems are required to be installed with a pathway survivability level 2 or level 3 and the master station shall be installed in an area that is constantly attended.  Areas of refuge with two-way communication systems have been hot for some time now so make sure to read up and become familiar with the codes and standards for them. To know more on this contact SSA Integrate. SSA Integrate is Authorized service solution partner of Edwards Life Safety Product.

Visible Notification – One Strobe or Four?

Visible Notification – One Strobe or Four? 

NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, covers notification requirements in Chapter 18.     Audible notification (horns, speakers, chimes) are performance based. NFPA 72 requires 15dBA above average ambient for public mode notification but does not state specific device spacing or sound level requirements. As long as the minimum sound level requirements are met, the code is not concerned with how many devices are used or how they are spaced to meet the requirements.

Visible notification requirements in Chapter 18 are prescriptive. Using the tables in Chapter 18, the design determines strobe candela intensity requirements based the location of the strobe (wall or ceiling) and size of the room. If wall mount strobes are used, candela requirements are based on whether one or four strobes are used. If ceiling mount strobes are used, candela requirements are based on ceiling height.

Examples of the tables are below:

Since the Code permits multiple methods of achieving the visible notification requirements, it becomes the designer’s decision of what method to use.  

Let’s take a sample room – 50’ x 50’.  According to the tables, our options are using 1 or 4 wall mount strobes, or one ceiling mount strobe. If we use wall mount, we can use 4 – 30cd strobes, or 1-94cd strobe. If we use ceiling mount, we 1-95cd strobe for a ceiling up to 30 feet.

If the designer considers labor costs, it basically costs four times the labor to install 4 wall mount strobes, versus 1 wall or ceiling mount. The counter-argument may be that 30cd strobes have a lower current draw than a 94/95cd strobe.

However, a single strobe (wall or ceiling mount) may be the most economical option. Here’s why:
A typical 30cd strobe draws around 75ma, and since four are required, the total draw to cover the room is 300ma (4 x 75ma). However, a single 95cd strobe draws around 150ma. Single wall mount strobe at 95cd draws half the current of 4 – 30cd strobes and requires one-quarter the labor (1 device vs. 4) to install.
The above example also works for a single ceiling mount strobe as well. A 50’ x 50’ room requires a 95cd ceiling mount strobe for a ceiling up to 30’. The typical current draw of a 95cd ceiling strobe is around 175ma. More than a wall mount, but still significantly less than 4-30cd wall mount strobes.

Edwards Genesis LED G4 Series horns and LED strobes feature a sleek low profile design and energy-efficient technology that makes them less expensive to install and operate by reducing overhead. Field-configurable sound output levels provide the flexibility modern life safety projects demand, while the Genesis LED control protocol keeps multiple strobes on compatible NAC circuits synchronized to well within NFPA 72 requirements. Operating current for Horns is 18-20mA. SSA Integrate is authorized to provide service support of Edwards’s series panel with field devices.

Cybersecurity for Fire Alarm Systems

 Cybersecurity for Fire Alarm Systems

Active fire protection typically requires some sort of input, such as a person triggering a fire alarm. Where it is automatic, such as with sprinklers or alarms which detect smoke and fire, these systems are usually localised, operating only within a certain vicinity. To turn them off, you usually have to access a valve or control panel and make the change manually.

From cell phones to refrigerators, we live in an interconnected world. The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of physical objects — such as cars, thermostats and watches — that have the ability to exchange data and interoperate with existing network infrastructure. They transmit data to manufacturers, owners or other devices, and can be sensed and controlled remotely. It provides us with real-time control and information from IoT-enabled products and systems.

Networked fire Alarm systems have a number of advantages over these traditional ones. If an alarm goes off, for instance, a networked system can tell you exactly where it is and when it was activated, giving you more information that you can use to take action. It can also allow you to link different parts of a building or site without running cables between them, and can allow you to operate it remotely, either to turn it off or for testing.  Today’s IoT smart buildings include two types of connected technologies: information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT).

Fire alarm control units, intrusion detection systems, mass notification systems and access control systems reside on the OT side usually managed by facilities operations. Both systems have vulnerabilities that commonly include equipment tampering as well as inside and outside threats. Firewalls and other cyber protection processes and devices can help mitigate the potential for a widespread attack and protect the individual components of the IT or OT systems. 

Cyber vulnerabilities can have a dramatic consequence if these products and systems are not properly protected. Building sensors can provide early detection of unwanted events such as intrusion or fire. Cameras are used for monitoring and remote surveillance that may communicate with alarm control units that can in turn provide information to end users and monitoring stations. Historically these products were hardwired, but technology has enabled us to communicate either wirelessly or wired through an IT infrastructure that is also linked to the internet. Electronic life safety and physical security infrastructures include emergency communications systems, fire alarm systems, alarm receiving systems, automated teller machine systems, access control systems, surveillance cameras, DVRs, NVRs and the like.

There are a variety of codes, standards and best practice guidelines that can help guide creation of a cybersecurity program. Fire alarm control units may include two types of software: executive software and site-specific software. These applications are covered by UL 864, the Standard for Safety of Control Units and Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems, and NFPA 72. Under part of UL 864, third-party certifiers execute and test the equipment’s software for integrity of normal operation. UL 5500, the & Standard for Safety for Remote Software Updates, covers best practices for software patches and updates. UL 5500 offers guidance on technical attributes necessary for the remote connection to smart devices and safe functionalities and securely executing remote software downloads. Most smart systems rely on the ability to update software remotely or onsite. UL 5500 applies to these applications in conjunction with the product’s end standard. To evaluate through tests, the cybersecurity of critically connected life safety and electronic physical security systems, Underwriters Laboratories has published UL 2900-2-3, the Standard for Software Cybersecurity for Network-Connectable Products, Part 2-3: Particular Requirements for Security and Life Safety Signaling Systems. This newest addition to the UL 2900 series of cybersecurity Standards was developed as a bi-national (U.S. and Canada) consensus Standard and with industry input. It provides a foundational set of cybersecurity performance and evaluation requirements that manufacturers of network connectable products can use to establish a baseline of cyber protection against known vulnerabilities, weaknesses and malware. UL 2900-2-3 was developed specifically for security and life safety equipment and systems. It is a testable standard (not limited to audit-based investigations) applicable to IoT connected equipment such as fire alarm control units, mass notification systems, access control equipment and smoke alarms. For UL 2900-2-3, a three-tiered security approach was developed with an increasing level of security requirements for each tier.

The National Fire Protection Association (NPFA) Code 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code) describes reacceptance testing of equipment and systems when site-specific or executive software changes have been made and the equipment is commissioned and already in use. Site specific software update requires a 100% test of all functions known to be affected by the change. Currently, 10% of initiating devices that are not directly affected by the change (up to 50 devices) must be tested to verify correct system operation and a record of completion must be kept. These commonsense requirements help ensure full integrity of software changes. However, it would be challenging for any end user or code authority to directly verify that the software changes did not affect the integrity or operation of the system or equipment without additional testing or investigation. Third-party validation, reconfirmation and field testing is crucial. The work on the 2022 edition of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code is at the halfway point. The work on the first draft has been completed. In NFPA 72 2022 edition cybersecurity has been added. This is in addition to requirements to be added to 72 addressing cybersecurity that will be included in a new Chapter 11 and references the associated Annex J to address cybersecurity guidance. The Technical Committee on Fundamentals has been tasked with the development of the new chapter on cybersecurity. This chapter is still in development and will not be finalized until the second draft meeting to be held later this year. There is a task group made up of members from a number of the technical committees that are working on the requirements for cybersecurity.

At the time of the first draft this was still located in Chapter 10. At the close of the first draft, the following text was added:

Systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with one or more of the following cybersecurity standards:

(1) ANSI/ISA-62443 Series

(2) NIST Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Version 1.1

(3) UL 2900 Series

(4) or other standards accepted by the authority having jurisdiction.

This is not the final version.

I recommend the use of the EST4, which is an industrial or commercial life safety system with a firewall solution from EDWARDS. The EST4 Life Safety System is a state-of-the-art system with a firewall built to add several layers of protection to your systems. The EST4 comes with a 4-FWAL firewall, which blocks all traffic not needed for EST4 operation. It also features impenetrable 256 bit AES encryption securing the traffic through the EST4, including emails and communication with fire operation centres.  At SSA Integrate are ready for migration from EST3 to EST4 without changes of field component, with minimising financial impact.

 

Conclusion 

In today’s connected world, the variety of available devices offers numerous points of entry for cyberattacks. Now is the time for software developers and manufacturers to understand a system's vulnerabilities and to harden their product against cyberattacks. Verifying that alarm systems meet appropriate standards can help ensure the performance and reliability of a product’s software to decrease downtime and mitigate cyber risks. A safety system with a firewall is the most viable solution for this problem. A firewall is a comprehensive cybersecurity solution able to protect a fire alarm system and its IT infrastructure from unauthorized access.

If your Fire Alarm connect with IoT devices / Internet, then only your FACP is get entry for cyberattacks. If your FACP use as standalone basis or not connected with Internet any more than your FACP is completely safe for cyberattacks. In India most of FACP not connect with Internet so it’s safe from cyberattacks. Lots of customer having Control remotely Like: Two EST3 panel are in Kolkata, One EST3x in Bangalore & one EST3 in Delhi, Customer control via FireWorks all panel from Kolkata, in this case you must consider cyber security part for your estimate organization. Responsible System Integrator or OEM can’t offer you cyber vulnerable product.