Life Safety

APS provides”Addressable Fire Alarm Systems” with each device connected to the fire alarm panel can have its own unique “Address”.  Each device is given a numerical binary code tag or switch within the device, for which the fire alarm control panel allocates a unique number to each device in the order that the devices are wired to the panel.

Each device having a unique identification number enables the panel to allocate a forty character text message to each device. This text identification system allows the user or the Fire & Rescue Service to quickly locate the source of the fire or activated device, reducing the seek and search time period. Locating a fire quickly can save lives and reduce damage to property.

The primary function of the notification device is to alert persons at risk. A fire alarm notification device is an  active component of a fire alarm system. Several methods are used and documented in industry specifications published by UL. A notification device can be audible, visible, or other stimuli such as horns and strobes to alert the occupants of a fire or other emergency condition requiring action.

The primary function of the signaling device is to detect life threatening elements. Fire detectors sense one or more of the products or phenomena resulting from fire, such as smoke, heat, infrared and/or ultraviolet light radiation, or gas. These include automatic and manual initiating devices such as pull stations, smoke and heat detectors.

Voice Evac systems are usually part of high-end fire alarm systems, primarily in places of assembly. The system uses spoken messages to evacuate public facilities in an orderly fashion during emergencies

The NFPA 101 requires you to install voice evacuation systems in  “all buildings or portions of buildings used for gathering together 50 or more people for purposes as deliberation, worship, entertainment, eating, drinking, amusement, or awaiting transportation.” In addition, voice evacuation applies only to all Class A and Class B assembly facilities that house more than 300 people.

A smoke control system is a system that is used to limit the migration of smoke within a building due to a fire.

Building smoke control systems can generally be divided into two basic types: shaft protection and floor protection. Shaft protection consists of stairwell pressurization systems and elevator hoist-way systems. Floor protection involves several variations of zoned smoke control. Use of a particular system or combination of systems is dependent on building and fire code requirements as well as specific occupancy and life safety requirements of the situation being considered.