Fire Alarm Primer
Fire Alarm Primer
(OP)
Hello,
I'm looking for a generic "primer" on modern Fire Alarm System Architecture. The intent is to share info with building engineers.
If someone could point me in the right direction I would appreciate it. I've searched the web but mostly come up with consulting services. My next step is to contact manufactures.
Thanks.
I'm looking for a generic "primer" on modern Fire Alarm System Architecture. The intent is to share info with building engineers.
If someone could point me in the right direction I would appreciate it. I've searched the web but mostly come up with consulting services. My next step is to contact manufactures.
Thanks.





RE: Fire Alarm Primer
RE: Fire Alarm Primer
as in a book on fire alarms??
you might contact carmel fire protection 831-624-8303 he gives a good class and book along with it,
or are you looking for something like this:
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or: http:
or : http:/
RE: Fire Alarm Primer
interesting that you mention "engineering by salesman", this is/was a direction I was considering. I don't think a FPE would be willing to work on my budget for this project
cdafd,
for this purpose, it needs to be an up-to-date short introductory type pamphlet/form/?? where answers for a multiple choice test can be drawn from. Essentialy, I need to develope a 10 or 15 question test, nothing complicated...just need to get people thinking (including myself!)about modern fire protection systems. I'll give the carmel # a call.
great links, I believe this could be usefull. Thanks for the carmel #.
RE: Fire Alarm Primer
Me - I studied fire dynamics, analysis of fuels, and chemistry as well as thermodynamics.
You'll make a great fire alarm designer.
More strobes and audibles please - you lack any acumen of the intent or design of these systems.
RE: Fire Alarm Primer
I'm not selling anything.
"Me- I studied..."
You sound knowledgeable.
"You'll make a..."
I have no intention of being a fire alarm designer.
"More strobes and auidibles...acumen..."
Your correct. Pardon me if I don't have the knowledge to design fire alarm systems, I believe you read too much into my post. I have no intention of designing a fire alarm system, just gathering information.
Does this mean you would like to put together a 10 or 15 question quiz as described in my previous post? The intent is to familiarize the layperson with fire alarm systems.
RE: Fire Alarm Primer
A short quiz would probably be a waste of time, but a tour of the facility with some specific training on the fire alarm system can significantly increase awareness and provide a comfort level with the fire alarm systems. This time is well spent and can make a big difference during a true emergency.
RE: Fire Alarm Primer
Thanks
RE: Fire Alarm Primer
You need to understand and respect that fire alarm design (just like fire sprinkler design and code analysis) are almost their own disciplines when you are Fire Protection Engineer. I specialize in certain areas.
You want to be fire alarm person. Fine. But understand all of the the elements.
And don't submit your plans to me. You'll never get approval because you will lack the basic acumen to perform the design.
And factory trips are just that - interesting, helpful, but do not equal design time.
I am being defensive because of the number of idiots out there. I am not sure what you are wanting to accomplish. I've worked very hard in this career and the internet is not a venue for understanding all of the variables I discussed. I applaude whatever you want to accomplish.
So, what is the goal?
RE: Fire Alarm Primer
I'm in the process of trying to educate the layman/novice etc (of which I am) regarding the very basics of fire protection systems...a very high level overview because managment tasked me with this!!
FFP1 and CDAFD hit the mark fairly well...e.g. nfpa resources and training to promote general understanding for building engineers. If we have an issue that requires in depth expertise or time commitment in e.g. HVAC, Electrical or Fire Protection, we would hire a consultant. My task is provide a vehicle to promote general understanding of the subject.
Quite frankly, I've had very little experience with fire protection systems, hence the post on this board!
RE: Fire Alarm Primer
And I apologize if I was defensive. It's just that I've suffered numerous frustrations when MEP professionals enter the fire protection arena. If we FPEs were called at the front end, we can save the clients lots of money and prepare a solid, reliable and cost-effective design solutions.
RE: Fire Alarm Primer
I am also a FPE and my company is primarily focused on inspection and engineering services.......it can be very frustrating conducting inspections or repairs when a company or person, who lacks knowledge/understanding of the applicable codes, installed or designed the sprinkler system or fire alarm system.
In the great state of Georgia, state law requires certified fire protection contractors for these projects. The cost associated with making changes after completion of a project is almost always more than the expense of involving a qualified FPE during the design stage.
RE: Fire Alarm Primer
This type of forum is great, but sometimes the intent is hard to discern from an email. Again, just looking for info.
RE: Fire Alarm Primer
There are lots of people everywhere that when kids wanted to become firefighters and now they are trying to solve their psicological problems trying to get involved in FP, "it is a tough field of work for an FPE".
Going to the point: as a Fire alarm "primer" I would sugest NEMA TRAINING MANUAL ON FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS (I have the 1997 ed., you can find it on (Global Engineering Domecuments or NEMA). You can see contents and first pages on h
RE: Fire Alarm Primer
May be you want to narrow down your nebulous question. What eaxctly do you want to tell building engineers about the fire alarm?
As for primer goes, refer to some websites of leading manufacturers and read up their catalogs and system operations. There is nothing wrong about learning "features" of a given sytems from 'salesman" but not the engineering.
RE: Fire Alarm Primer
i suppose going from nebulous to less nebulous is part of the learning process...FWIW, i am learning about fire alarm systems.
DavidCR
i appreaciate your comments.
i did find some manufacturer's data and a NFPA Fire Alarm Systems Workbook. The workbook includes info on codes-standards, science of detecting a fire, fire alarm system components, how fire alarm systems operate,
system interface guidelines, design review basics etc
i'll be using these two references.
DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT DESIGNING A FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
RE: Fire Alarm Primer
Well, you still did not clarify as what in specific you want to know and then tell the buidling "engineers". Supposedly the building engineers do not already know that.(according to you). You got as clear answers as your question is.
If this remains your attitude you will not get much help here or elsewehere in life.
RE: Fire Alarm Primer
i'm not specific because i haven't yet read the material! my point was to take an idea (fire alarm systems) from concept(nebulous)to concrete (less nebulous) i.e. presentation to quiz on presentation.
Why am i getting reprimanded?
RE: Fire Alarm Primer
You still need to break up your topics:
1. Codes and standards:
NFPA 72. This will tell you performance and basic features and smoke/detector spacing required by code.
NFPA 101- Life Safety Codes
You also need to refer to ADA Guidelines.
2. How the system works: Learn thru manufactures publications and catalogs. Notifier, Edwards, Siemens, Simplex are some mfrs. in the USA/Canada.
3. Be friend someone who knows fire alarm sytems.
4. Try NFPA handbooks on fire alarm. Visit www.nfpa.org and do some rearch
This will keep you busy for months. Then you need to know how it interfaces with water sprinkler, gaseous or foam type fire suppression systems.