The best fire alarm system design from United Company

A fire alarm system has become an essential component of any new facility, whether small or large, due to its critical role in protecting lives and property in the event of a fire.

This system is the most important pillar of the fire detection system, as it is responsible for detecting fires as soon as they break out and sending immediate signals to the alarm panel to take appropriate action in a timely manner.

In this article, we'll cover in detail how a fire alarm system is designed, how alarms work, the components of an addressable fire alarm panel, and the vital role a siren plays in emergency response and firefighting.

Types of approved fire alarm systems

A variety of fire extinguishing systems are available on the market, used to control fires and limit their spread in buildings and facilities. These systems vary depending on the nature of the potential fire and the location to be protected. The following are the most common types of fire extinguishing systems:

1. Automatic Sprinkler System:

One of the most common fire sprinkler systems, it consists of a network of nozzles mounted in ceilings connected to pipes filled with pressurized water. When a fire is detected, only the affected sprinklers activate, continuously discharging water to control or extinguish the fire until the system is manually or automatically shut down.

This system is divided into two main types:

• Wet Sprinkler System:
  • It relies on the constant availability of water in the pipes, allowing it to flow immediately when the affected nozzles are opened. It is characterized by rapid response and high efficiency, and is used in most commercial and residential facilities, such as factories, multi-story buildings, garages, and hospitals.

• Dry Sprinkler System:
  • It is used in locations that may be exposed to low temperatures that can cause water to freeze inside the pipes. In this system, the pipes are filled with compressed air or nitrogen gas, and when the sprinklers are fired, the air is first released, followed by the water flow. This type is suitable for locations containing sensitive equipment or facilities exposed to cold, such as cold warehouses, parking garages, or electronic equipment rooms.

2. Steam System:

It relies on the production of hot steam from a steam generator, which is directed toward the fire area to cool and isolate oxygen from the fire source. It is used in environments where damage must be minimized, especially in high-risk industrial sites.

3. Foam Systems:

A special foam, consisting of a mixture of water and a foaming chemical, is sprayed onto the fire to form an insulating layer between the fire and the air, thus halting the combustion process. These systems are often used in flammable liquid fires, such as those at oil refineries and airports.

4. Gas-based System:

It relies on the use of inert gases such as argon or carbon dioxide to extinguish fires without causing material damage or leaving behind residue. It works by reducing oxygen concentration or cooling the burning area. It's ideal for protecting rooms containing electronic equipment or sensitive data, such as server rooms and technical centers. Contact us now to learn how to design a fire alarm system.

How to connect a fire alarm circuit

When implementing and connecting a fire alarm circuit, a set of technical criteria must be considered to ensure the system's efficiency and extend its lifespan. Some of the most important recommendations to consider include:

• Ceiling Height: Smoke detectors or fire sensors should be installed no higher than 30 feet (about 10 meters) to ensure accurate sensing and rapid response in the event of a fire.
• Air conditioning and ventilation: The presence of air conditioning units may affect the effectiveness of smoke detectors and increase the likelihood of false alarms. Therefore, it is recommended to install special air ducts with exposed heads to avoid disrupting the system.
• Operating Voltage: Detectors should be selected that can operate within a continuous voltage range of 8 to 26 volts (DC), and should preferably be able to operate efficiently at temperatures up to 80°C.
• Environmental Conditions: The alarm circuit must be designed to withstand harsh operating conditions such as high humidity, dust, and exposure to corrosion, to ensure its operation in various industrial or commercial environments.

If you're looking for a reliable company to implement a fire alarm system design in Cairo, United Company offers integrated solutions with high-quality alarm systems designed to suit various types of facilities. We provide professional installation services and regular maintenance to ensure the system operates efficiently and sustainably around the clock.

Read also more about United of the largest Fire extinguishing systems companies 

International and local standards for fire alarm system design

The design of a fire alarm system requires adherence to a set of technical standards to ensure its effectiveness in protecting lives and property. The most prominent of these standards are:

1. Design the system according to the type of facility.

The alarm system should be designed to suit the nature of the building, whether residential, commercial, or industrial, with care taken to distribute detectors and alarms in a way that ensures coverage of all vital areas within the building.

2. Choose device locations carefully.

Determining the installation location of smoke detectors and alarms is critical. They should be placed in strategic locations such as exits, hallways, equipment rooms, or high-risk areas to ensure early detection of fires.

3. Periodic maintenance and regular testing

When designing a fire alarm system, we care about ensuring the system's readiness at all times. Therefore, periodic checks must be performed to ensure the efficiency of the sensors, the condition of the batteries or backup power source, the electrical connections, and the performance of all system components.

4. Commitment to international and local standards

Alarm systems must comply with internationally recognized standards such as NFPA, in addition to full compliance with civil defense requirements and relevant local regulations.

5. Staff training and evacuation plan

Facility staff should be trained on how to operate the alarm system and respond effectively in emergency situations. A clear evacuation plan should also be developed and implemented immediately upon hearing the sirens to ensure safe and rapid evacuation.

With United Company, we offer you integrated and innovative solutions for designing fire alarm systems, ensuring the highest levels of safety and protection for your facility.

The importance of integration between the alarm system and the automatic fire extinguishing system

Integrating the design of the fire alarm system with the automatic extinguishing system is essential for achieving an effective and rapid response to emergencies. When a fire is detected, the alarm system provides early detection and issues audible and visual alerts to alert personnel to the need for evacuation, while the automatic extinguishing system responds immediately to extinguish or control the fire before it escalates.

This integration contributes to reducing response time, minimizing human and material damage, and enhancing the efficiency of comprehensive safety systems within facilities. This harmony is increasingly important in sensitive environments such as hospitals, data centers, factories, and high-density buildings, where time is a critical factor in preserving lives and property.

Read more about the largest companies Fire extinguishing systems in buildings

The difference between addressable and conventional fire alarm systems

Addressable fire protection systems are an advanced technology in the field of fire protection, representing the next generation of safety systems designed to provide smarter and more precise protection for buildings.

These systems are capable of providing detailed information and data beyond what traditional alarm systems provide, enabling users to better understand the situation and respond more quickly and effectively.

These systems send automatic alerts as soon as they detect any potential danger, helping reduce response time and prevent fires from developing. By understanding the fundamental differences between traditional and addressable systems, facility owners and managers can choose the most appropriate system that ensures the highest levels of safety and optimal coverage for their facility's needs.

AutoCAD fire system diagrams

This course provides a comprehensive and integrated explanation of fire alarm system design and various fire systems, depending on the project's severity level. The course covers the distribution of firefighting systems, including various types of fire cabinets and automatic sprinkler systems, and then moves on to the hydraulic calculations necessary to determine the required pump capacity.

The course also includes a complete design of a pump room, determining the size of the fire water tank, and gas extinguishing systems by calculating the number of cylinders required and the ideal extinguishing time.

• Enable the trainee to design appropriate fire extinguishing systems based on the severity of the project.
• Gain the skills necessary to use design software such as Elite in hydraulic calculations.
• Preparing practical designs for pump rooms and server rooms using water and gas systems.

The course is delivered by a specialized engineer with extensive experience in designing and implementing fire systems according to international and local standards, with a proven track record of projects in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.

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United Company offers a comprehensive professional training course covering the theoretical and practical aspects of fire alarm system design, based on the project's severity level and local and international code requirements.

The course aims to enable participants to design and implement effective fire extinguishing systems, including fire cabins, automatic sprinkler systems, gas extinguishing systems, in addition to hydraulic calculations and pump room design.