Fire Protection Services

Fire alarm systems

Fire alarm systems are highly regulated by building codes, fire codes, and the electrical safety association. There is a requirement for engineered drawings, permits, inspections, 3rd party verifications and final performance testing with the authority having jurisdiction.  Certain requirements are needed to perform various portions of putting together a code complaint system.  The installing company must be an electrical contractor and must have a designated master electrician on staff.  Anyone who services or inspects a fire alarm system must carry a CFAA certificate or equivalent certification to ensure that these systems are not compromised in any way.  Requirements for the installation are generally due to building classification, occupant loading, sale of alcoholic beverages and location where people cannot exit without assistance.  The systems can be required in small group home applications to large complexes where evacuation is difficult.  A fire alarm system has a main control panel that receives input from field devices such as smoke/heat detection, manual activation and sprinkler system devices.  Once a signal is received the control panel generates output signals, both audible and visual plus displays the general or specific location of the alarm at the control panel and a remote location if required.  Once the fire alarm system has been installed and accepted there is a requirement to test, inspect and document under the “Underwriters Laboratories” standards for the test and inspection of fire alarm systems on an annual basis.  There are also fines and or imprisonment for people who do not install the required systems, maintain operation and also for people who tamper with these systems.

Emergency lighting system

Emergency lighting is provided in multi tenant and commercial complexes to provide a level of emergency lighting for a designated time so people may exit a building in a safe manor.  There is many ways to provide this from single units equipped with battery backup to more complex inverter systems that provide emergency power to existing circuits.  Similar requirements exist for the regular testing and maintenance of lighting systems.