A fire alarm system (FAS) is a preventive fire protection measure. Fire alarm systems are classified as hazard detection systems. They receive signals from fire detectors installed in a building, analyse these signals and react accordingly.
Depending on the system, various reactions can be programmed. The most common is the forwarding of information to the fire brigade control centre or an internal alarm. The internal alarm is often used to ensure that there is no false alarm before the fire brigade is alerted. Various fire prevention processes (extinguishing systems, fire protection closures, smoke extraction systems, etc.) can also be controlled via a fire alarm system.
The smoke detectors now installed in many private houses and flats are in principle also small fire alarm systems; they integrate a detecting unit for smoke development and an alarming unit.
Fire alarm systems (FAS) are planned in accordance with the DIN 14675 standard, whereby they must also fulfil the requirements of VdS 2095. VdS 2095 regulates specifics for fire alarm systems that are required for insurance reasons. The components of the fire alarm system are regulated in DIN EN 54, DIN VDE 0833-2 clarifies the requirements for the design.
Larger fire alarm systems are often installed in public buildings, hospitals, hotels and company buildings. They usually include full protection (see below) and therefore have a high number of smoke alarms and fire detectors and may also be networked with an alarm system. In many cases, a large fire alarm system with the latest safety technology is also required by law, for example in hotels and hospitals. In private flats and houses, smoke detectors (smoke alarms) are installed instead of a comprehensive fire alarm system.
Fire alarm systems have two major advantages. If they trigger an alarm directly on site, people in the building are warned and can get to safety in good time. A fire alarm system that is directly connected to the fire brigade can ensure that a fire is detected and extinguished as early as possible, thus helping to minimise damage to property and personal injury.
There are basically four different categories of fire protection and four different types of protection for fire alarm systems. In general, a distinction is made between (a) full protection for the entire building and (b) partial protection for one or more fire compartments. Furthermore, there are special forms of (c) protection of escape and rescue routes only and, last but not least, (d) protection of installations (for material assets).
There are essentially three technical types of alarm systems, which are based on three The structural functioning of the fire alarm system has already been explained: If a smoke detector picks up a signal, this signal is analysed and appropriate measures - such as an alarm or the forwarding of information to the fire brigade - are then triggered.
Technically, the fire alarm system consists of various components. Firstly, there is the fire alarm control panel (FACP) and the fire detectors. In addition to the automatically triggered fire detectors, there are often also manual call points. Manual call points can also be used to report a fire manually in order to trigger a fire alarm in the building.
There is also a fire brigade key depot. It contains a key to the building, which the fire brigade can use to gain access to the building quickly and easily if necessary.
All the information from the individual sensors in the system comes together in the fire alarm control panel (FACP). It is usually the central point of contact for the fire brigade in the event of a fire and, in addition to the central control unit, also consists of a so-called fire brigade control panel (FBF) and a fire brigade display panel (FAT), which is also part of the FACP. The fire brigade control panel enables the fire brigade to operate all the central functions of the system. The fire brigade display panel shows which detector has been triggered.
At the fire alarm control centre, the so-called fire brigade route maps (floor plans of the building that show the quickest route to the individual detectors) are also located in a route map box. The firefighters collect these in the event of a fire after they have gained access to the building.
Another important part of a fire alarm system are sirens, strobes and other acoustic and/or visual signalling devices for smoke development or fire.
The data flow in a fire alarm system, i.e. the networking of the components, takes place via a ring-shaped data bus. A data bus transports data between participants via a common transmission path.
Fire alarm systems from Paffen Sicherheit
Are you looking for a suitable fire alarm system? We will be happy to provide you with comprehensive advice and install a model that suits your property. If required, we can also advise you on other sensible security measures and create a comprehensive security concept for you.
Fire alarm systems may be installed by all companies that can present a corresponding certificate.
The most important certifications by which you can recognise an appropriately specialised company are the VdS approval for installers of fire alarm systems, the DIN-14675 certification for planners and installers of fire alarm systems and finally the BHE certification for planners and installers of fire alarm systems.
Certification serves to ensure a certain quality standard in the implementation. Only a certified company can install fire alarm systems that fulfil the legal requirements.
Maintenance - i.e. ensuring and, in the event of a fault, restoring functional readiness - is already specified in the general standard DIN 31051:2003-06 (Maintenance of technical systems). DIN 14675 also stipulates regular inspection and maintenance of the fire alarm system. At least if there is an obligation to install a fire alarm system, its maintenance is also mandatory. In any case, however, insurance cover is only guaranteed if the fire alarm system is technically faultless and up to date with the latest safety technology.
The costs for the fire alarm system and the planning of a fire alarm system depend on how complex and extensive the system is. This means that there is no generalised answer to this question. However, the price of a professional fire alarm system is always in the higher four-figure range, and for larger systems, e.g. for large industrial plants or hotels, the costs can quickly run into five or six figures.
Relevant factors influencing the price are
It should also be borne in mind that connecting the fire alarm system to the fire brigade (and/or connecting the alarm system to the police) also incurs regular monthly costs. Furthermore, especially in the commercial sector, where a fire alarm system is mandatory, there is relatively little flexibility when setting up the fire alarm system, as this is largely determined by the legal requirements. There are therefore only a few levers for the price. They are essentially limited to the different costs of the hardware and any deviating costs for planning by the experts.
By the way: The Paffen Security service also provides Fire guards and fire posts for work involving a fire hazard. If you also need to secure your plant and premises, we will also be happy to provide you with a comprehensive Object protection or Site security ready for you.
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