Fire alarm system: Function
A fire alarm system is made up of several central components that are closely interlinked. The heart of the system is the fire alarm control panel (FACP). It acts as the central nervous system of the system, where all the information comes together, is analyzed and, if necessary, automatically triggers protective measures. Its four core competencies include
- the collection of information by various sensors in the building,
- internal alerting for the targeted evacuation of affected areas,
- the automatic activation of preconfigured protective measures according to a fire matrix and
- the external alerting of the fire department with precise initial information on the source of the fire and possible sources of danger.
This comprehensive functionality enables the emergency services to gain effective and safe access to the building in order to save lives and protect property.
The fire detectors themselves – whether smoke detectors, heat detectors or manual call points – are the sensory organs of the system and are used to detect fire characteristics. As soon as a detector detects an abnormality, this information is transmitted to the FACP.
Tasks of a fire alarm control panel
A fire alarm control panel detects a fire (via various fire detectors in the building) and automatically alerts persons present. Depending on the system’s configuration, it also independently alerts the fire brigade and controls other fire protection equipment – e.g. fire doors, smoke extraction systems or extinguishing systems.
In detail, a FACP ensures the following measures in the building:
- Closing of fire protection closures
- Opening smoke extraction systems
- Activation of sirens and voice announcements
- Activation of escape route lighting
- Activation of extinguishing systems
- Decommissioning lifts (exception: fire brigade lifts)
- Decommissioning of machines
Furthermore, a fire alarm control panel (FACP) provides important information so that firefighting operations can be carried out quickly and effectively. For this purpose, the first and last detector to be triggered can be identified at a glance on the display of a fire alarm control panel. Based on this, the rescue forces can determine the direction of fire spread and determine a suitable attack route.
Good to know: The fire alarm control panel (FACP) can be accessed by the fire brigade at any time, as the keys for the FACP are stored in a fire brigade key depot.
