Fire alarm systems are found in both residential and commercial buildings. These systems are custom designed to suit the needs of each structure. If you are considering having a fire alarm system installed in your home or business, you could benefit from learning about the different types and elements of fire alarm systems and how to find a system that is best for your home or business.

Types of Fire Alarm Systems

There are several elements that work together to create a fire alarm system that will alert you of, and possibly help control a fire should one occur. These elements include:

Traditional Ionization Smoke Alarms – This is the most common type of alarm found in residential and commercial buildings. This type of alarm detects the presence of smoke during the early stages of the fire and sound an alarm.

Thermal Fire Alarms – Use heat detection in a room to determine if there is a fire. As the fire starts, the temperature of the room increases which is picked up by sensors placed in the room. Once a set temperature is reached, the alarm will sound.

Interconnected Fire Alarms – This type of alarm system uses multiple smoke and fire detectors that are connected to each other to detect and alert you of a fire. This system is wonderful for larger homes and businesses where it can be difficult to hear an alarm going off in a distant part of the home. When one alarm goes off, they will all go off.

Sprinkler Systems – Most commonly used in commercial buildings, but can also be installed in residential buildings. These systems are connected to smoke and fire detectors that trigger the system to spray water throughout the building to keep the fire under control until the fire department arrives to battle the flames.

NFPA Approved Systems

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is an organization that publishes and creates the fire safety codes that are followed by businesses, builders and homeowners. This organization sets the fire safety standards that must be used when designing a fire safety system for buildings.

To be sure that the system that is in your home or business is of the best quality and is well-designed, be sure that all elements are NFPA approved and have the system inspected regularly. During the inspections, the inspector will determine if the system is up to all NFPA codes and standards.

Talk with your local fire alarm system installation professional to plan and install an effective fire alarm system to protect your home and family and/or your business and those who work within.

To learn more, contact a company like Eastern Fire Protection.