In some buildings, due to their role and intended purpose, it is required to use additional solutions to ensure an optimal level of security. In the case of buildings such as theaters, cinemas, hospitals or public buildings, technical requirements regarding fire safety must be met. These are usually large buildings with a large fire zone area, intended for temporary and permanent stay of people. Therefore, one of the most important solutions to be implemented in their area is most often a signaling system. It includes: signaling and alarm devices for automatic detection and transmission of information about a fire, as well as fire alarm receiving devices and damage signal receiving devices.
Where are fire alarm systems required?
The list of facilities where the use of a fire alarm system is required can be found in the Notice of the Minister of Development and Technology of April 15, 2022 on the announcement of the uniform text of the regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure on the technical conditions to be met by buildings and their location.
Fire alarm system (SSP) and fire alarm system (SAP)
It is worth mentioning that when searching for materials on how fire alarm systems (SSP) work, you may also come across the term fire alarm system (SAP). These names are usually used interchangeably, but in standards and legal regulations the term fire alarm system (SSP) is used.
How does the fire alarm system work?
The fire alarm system is primarily intended to detect threats as quickly as possible and to provide appropriate information to building users, managers and services. In order to automate the entire process, special devices are placed in the building. Detectors are used to detect potentially dangerous phenomena preceding a fire (e.g. temperature increase, smoke or fire). Their type and type depend on the specificity of the facility and the area of the fire zone that requires supervision. When a threat is detected, the information is transmitted to the fire alarm control panel. This device, in accordance with the programmed settings, after the set time (1st stage ALARM), triggers actuators (e.g. acoustic alarms) and sends information to the Fire Department (2nd stage ALARM). Reducing the time required to transmit information about a threat within protected building structures to a minimum allows the services to take action faster. It is worth mentioning that the 1st stage ALARM may be omitted in certain cases. For example, in public buildings, manual fire alarms call points are often placed, which require human action (e.g. pressing, breaking glass). After their activation, the second stage ALARM is immediately triggered, which initiates the evacuation of the building. Manual fire call points are additionally marked in the building so that they can be easily located if necessary. Typically, manual fire alarm vall points are placed at each exit, on escape routes and at staircases on each floor.
Important elements of a Fire Alarm System: what types of detectors identify hazards?
Every fire alarm system is equipped with detectors (sensors) whose primary task is to detect the very first signs of danger as quickly as possible. The choice of detectors is extremely important and depends on the specific characteristics of the protected facility—what is located inside and what processes take place there. We can distinguish several basic types of detectors, which operate based on different physical phenomena:
- Smoke detectors (optical): these are the most commonly used detectors. They respond to both visible and invisible smoke particles that disturb the light beam inside the sensing chamber. They are ideal for areas where fires tend to smolder and produce large amounts of smoke, such as offices or corridors. Ionization detectors, which were used in the past, are now almost entirely phased out due to regulations concerning the use of radioactive materials.
- Heat detectors (thermal): these detectors respond to a rapid rise in temperature or when a specific temperature threshold is exceeded. They are used in areas where smoke or dust is naturally present, such as boiler rooms, kitchens, or production halls, because smoke detectors in these environments could trigger false alarms.
- Flame detectors: these detectors sense the electromagnetic radiation emitted by flames in the infrared (IR) or ultraviolet (UV) spectrum. They are primarily used in areas where a fire can develop very rapidly with open flames but little or no smoke, such as chemical warehouses, fuel stations, or tall industrial structures.
- Multisensor detectors: these detectors combine at least two different sensors (e.g., smoke and heat), analyzing data from both sources simultaneously. This significantly increases reliability, minimizes the risk of false alarms, and ensures a rapid system response.
Selecting the appropriate detectors is the responsibility of the system designer and must comply with applicable standards, primarily the PN-EN 54 series. Only properly chosen and correctly installed detectors can ensure effective fire protection and an optimal level of safety.
Achieving an optimal level of security
In public buildings, a fire alarm system is not the only element ensuring safety. When designing the installation, the designer must consider, among other things, the compatibility of individual components and their proper placement. Detectors, or sounders should be properly positioned so they can effectively detect or signal the occurrence of hazardous events. Additionally, the designer should plan for the integration of the fire alarm system with other safety systems. Very often, the integration of different solutions is one of the key tasks for the designer. Choosing the right devices at this stage can significantly reduce the risk of problems during later operation or maintenance of the entire system.
How to ensure reliable operation of the fire alarm system?
Fire alarm systems require periodic inspections and maintenance. Individual time intervals and the scope of activities necessary to perform are specified in current regulations. In general, it can be assumed that the functioning of the fire alarm system should be verified at least once a year. Additionally, the manufacturer's instructions for a given product often contain provisions regarding the correct operation of the device. Please note that a regularly maintained signaling system works efficiently and stably. This directly translates into reducing the number of false alarms. Ultimately, the frequency of inspections depends on the signaling system used, the required level of safety, the value of the property, legal requirements and manufacturer's guidelines. All service activities should be performed by professional service companies.
