Fire Alarm Systems

What is a fire alarm system?

A fire alarm system is heat and/or smoke detection, along with manual pull station switches, connected by low-voltage wiring to a control panel that supervises these devices and reports alarms and troubles.  All new fire alarm control panels are micro-processor based, utilizing printed circuit boards.

In many areas, like Des Moines, local authorities require an “addressable” system.  Addressable systems assign a unique “address” to each smoke detector, heat detector, and pull station, so that the fire department knows exactly where the alarm came from, even before they arrive at the building.  It also reduces the time for service calls and tracking down false alarms.

The following building types (new construction), are required to have fire alarm systems, by state or local authorities:

• Apartment Building
• Nursing Home/Care Center
• Office Building
• Hospital
• Daycare Center
• Retail Stores
• Theater
• Church

…and any other building where people might assemble for any length of time.

There are also special requirements for certain situations:

• Voice evacuation for large assembly halls
• Dual-action pull stations in schools
• Strobe lights in handicap apartments
• Heat detectors in elevator shafts

…and the list grows every year.

Call us (515-266-9888 or 888-345-5678) to make sure your new system is designed properly to meet the codes, and you don’t have any surprises later.

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