Commercial Building Fire Alarm Panels

Commercial Building Fire Alarm Panels

General

Close-up of a fire alarm.

Typically used in commercial properties and other large buildings, fire alarm control panels (FACPs) act as a single control point for multiple fire detection devices like smoke, heat, and flame detectors. The FACP relays information between strategically placed devices and in order to alert people of a fire. The FACP can also trigger fire suppression systems (such as water sprinklers) and control building access points, HVAC systems, and elevators in order to isolate the fire. In this article, we’ll take a look at the different types of FACPs and which environments they are most appropriate for.

Types of Fire Alarm Panels

Fire alarm control panels fall into two general categories: conventional FACPs and addressable FACPs. Both types of panels link fire alarm system components such as smoke and heat detectors, sprinklers, and fire suppression systems, but they differ in how they identify the location of a fire. Below, we’ll take a look at the features and advantages of each FACP as well as which building types they are best suited to.

Conventional FACPs

Conventional fire alarm control panels divide a building into “zones”. Each fire detection device is hard-wired individually into the panel. If a fire is detected, the panel will identify the zone in which the detection device was triggered. Conventional FACPs are less expensive than addressable FACPs, but can still be costly to install. This type of FACP is best suited to medium-sized buildings like shops, restaurants, and apartment complexes.

Addressable FACPs

Unlike conventional FACPs, addressable fire alarm control panels pinpoint the precise location of a fire detection device that has been triggered. While the initial cost of an addressable FACP is higher than that of a conventional FACP, addressable fire alarm panels are much easier to install. Addressable FACPs are best suited to larger buildings like office complexes, arenas, entertainment venues, and other environments in which very specific fire safety regulations must be adhered to.

Other features and advantages of Addressable FACPs include:

  • A more sophisticated control panel – Addressable panels are more flexible and allow more control over the fire alarm system than conventional FACPs
  • More reliable – All fire detection devices are wired into the panel using loop isolation modules. This way, signals can still reach the panel if a circuit breaks or some other damage occurs.
  • Fewer false alarms – Addressable FACPs can monitor the air flow through smoke detection devices as check for dust particles that could falsely activate the device.

Do I Need a Fire Panel Monitoring Service?

In general, fire alarm panels are recommended for medium to large sized buildings, multiple-occupancy apartment buildings, and commercial properties.

By law, your building must be monitored for fire if:

  • The building is six stories or higher
  • It has a liquor license (LLBO)
  • The building’s capacity is over 300 people
  • There are combustibles contained within the building
  • The building has a sprinkler system
  • The Authority Having Jurisdiction(AHJ) requires the building to be monitored

Even if your building isn’t required by law to be monitored, it’s still a good idea to consider a fire alarm panel monitoring service. Fire alarms systems are designed to detect fires and get people out of a building safely, but they do not automatically communicate with the fire department. Without a monitoring service, the fire department won’t be notified of an emergency unless someone on the premises remembers to do so. Having a monitoring service ensures that emergency services will be dispatched if your fire alarm system is activated.

What is a CAN/ULC-S561 Listing? Do I Need One?

A CAN/ULC-S561 listing, or certificate, is a document issued by the Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada, an independent, not-for-profit product safety testing, inspection, and certification organization. This certificate is proof that a building’s fire alarm or sprinkler system is being monitored in accordance with ULC standards, which specify how fire detection equipment should be installed, inspected, and maintained. The CAN/ULC-S561 standard also governs how fire alarm signals are transmitted to a Signals Receiving Centre (SRC).

If your building is required by Canada’s Fire Code and Building Code to be monitored for fire, you’ll want to be sure that your monitoring service meets the CAN/ULC-S561 standard. Not only do ULC-certified alarm monitoring services promise faster response times and fewer false alarms, but they also offer the highest quality of fire safety technology available.

Keep Your Property & Employees Safe

The rigorous process an alarm monitoring company must undergo in order to become ULC-certified ensures that the proper procedures and responses will always be followed when fire signals are received, and that your building’s fire alarm system will always be in good working order. TELSCO has been helping business owners and managers with fire panel monitoring since 1970.

As we know, fires are destructive and very dangerous to employees and building tenants. Learn how we can ensure the safety of your employees and protection of your property, contact us today.