Fire Alarms

Fire Alarm Systems

At H G Vess Security Systems Ltd, we provide an effective range of fire alarm systems which suit any circumstance, preference and budget.

All fire alarm systems essentially operate on the same principle. If a detector* identifies smoke, heat or someone operates a break glass unit (manual break point), then alarm sounders notify others in the building that there may be a fire and to evacuate.

* can incorporate remote signaling equipment which would alert the fire brigade via a central station.

Essentially, there are 4 main fire alarm categories that we install:

Conventional Fire Alarm Systems

Conventional fire alarm systems are a cost-effective way to ensure you have means of detecting and warning of fire. A number of call points and detectors are wired to the fire alarm control panel in zones, which can be wired per floor or fire compartment.

Within the control panel are zone lamps, these are designed to show the location within the building where a fire has started.

A minimum of two sounder circuits-containing bells, electronic sounders or other audible devices-is wired to the control panel with each circuit containing an end of line device for monitoring.

Addressable Fire Alarm Systems

IMG_1837-31-w800State-of-the-art and highly intelligent, addressable fire alarm systems are similar to conventional but are able to pinpoint which detector or call point has initiated the alarm.

The particular detection circuit is wired as a loop with the ability to connect up to 99 devices to each loop.

With an address built-in, each detector is set by dil switches, with the control panel programmed to display the correct information when that particular detector is operated.

Additional field devices are available which can be wired to the loop for detection, while ‘loop isolation modules’ are also available for fitting so as to combat the possibility of a short-circuit or fault only causes minimal disruption.

Analogue Addressable Fire Alarm Systems

Also known as ‘intelligent fire alarm systems‘, there are several different types which are all determined by the different protocol used.

Fairly basic in detection, it is left to the control unit to determine where is a fire, fault, pre-alarm etc. With a ‘true’ intelligent analogue system, each detector has its own computer which evaluates the environment located around; communicating to the control panel to respond to an incident.

Effectively, analogue systems are more complex than conventional or addressable systems with their primary purpose to locate false alarms.

Up to 127 input devices-smoke detectors, call points-and 32 output devices-loop sounders, relay modules- can be connected to each detection loop with systems available in 2, 4 and 8 loop versions, so large premises can be monitored from one single panel.

Wireless Fire Alarm Systems

This system is an alternative to traditional wired fire alarm systems by utilising secure, licence-free radio communications to interconnect sensors and devices-smoke detectors, call point, and so on-with the controllers.

Conceptually simple, the main benefit is a full analogue addressable fire detection system without the need for a cable. The main criterion is to ensure certain information is available before design is implemented, through specification and/or consultation, which comes in the form of the purchaser-action in event of a fire etc- and consultation with contractors- method of calling the Fire Brigade etc.