Fire systems as the name suggests, are products that ensure our security and safety in case there’s a fire hazard at home or at the workplace.

Fire systems are generally fully automatic and come equipped with sophisticated sensors that sense rising temperatures or smoke that emanates if there’s a fire. Too bad we could not sense how terrible The Force Awakens, Guardians of the Galaxy II, and 22 Jumpstreet was but this is another topic!

Components of fire systems

A fire system’s general architecture comprises multiple sensors, a controlling device called the microcontroller, logic circuits or personal computers and buzzers which are also called alarm speakers.

The more sophisticated fire systems  contain auto dialing devices that alert the police, the fire brigade or the building’s owner through a smartphone mechanism.

Moreover, a fire alarm system is designed and equipped to control all fire alarm components present in a particular building and notify people living in surrounding areas as also the nearest fire service.

Challenges faced by fire systems

• However, it is also seen at times that many fire systems with too many features and components are not only complicated to handle but may fail to actually deliver their goods during an emergency. This, therefore, calls for identification and correction of such problems, particularly when the alarm’s sensors and sprinklers are being tested.
• Some of the most common problems that owners of fire systems face are:
• The alarm panels are incorrectly programmed or adjusted. The panels may have been programmed properly when they were initially installed. However, no adjustable reprogramming was done when the building’s layout changed.
• Detectors were incorrectly selected and placed.
• Detectors installed are inadequate in number and often miss the air handlers.
• System maintenance is deficient with dirty detectors, dead batteries and choked water sprinkler heads not being checked regularly and replaced. This is vital in harsh environments where the system is subject to faster wear and tear.
• The voice evacuation system’s intelligibility and audibility is also at times a hindrance. This happens due to the improper placement of visual notification and audible devices that adversely affect the evacuation system’s intelligibility. Generally, the fire system’s notification part fails because of electrical problems or a dead battery.
• Total absence of zoning or incorrect zoning.
• There is also often a shortage of doors holders that are electromagnetic, leading to tenants propping doors open.
• The fire suppression system may be suffering from leaks or low water pressure, leading to more serious problems later on. Moreover, the average lifespan of fire systems is about fifteen years on an average. If this isn’t replaced or upgraded, the risks of the system not responding to a fire condition or a fire are higher.