What are fire alarm systems?
Fire alarm systems (FAS) are a complex of devices for early fire detection by automatically and/or manually registering signs such as smoke, increased temperature, flame or combustion gases. Their main purpose is timely notification and activation of safety measures - evacuation, notification of responsible persons/services and management of related installations (smoke extraction, fire extinguishing, etc.).
Types of fire alarm systems
1) Conventional fire alarm systems
They divide the object into zones. In the event of an alarm, the zone is indicated, but not the exact detector. They are suitable for smaller objects.
Pros: lower price, easy configuration.
Cons: more difficult localization, more limited diagnostics.
2) Addressable fire alarm systems
Each device has a unique address. The control panel shows exactly which element has triggered. They are suitable for hotels, hospitals, administrative and commercial facilities, and production facilities.
Pros: accurate localization, faster response, better diagnostics.
Cons: higher initial investment.
3) Analog-addressable (intelligent) systems
In addition to addressing, the system analyzes measurements and allows better differentiation between real fire and interference (dust, steam, temporary factors) - lower risk of false alarms.
Basic devices and component models in one IDS
Fire alarm control panel - receives and processes signals, visualizes events, controls outputs.
Smoke detectors - point optical/ionization; linear optical for large volumes.
Heat detectors - maximum or differential (temp. increase).
Flame detectors - UV/IR technologies, suitable for industrial risks.
Manual fire detectors (buttons) - for manual activation in case of a noticed fire.
Sirens and light indicators – sound/visual announcement and evacuation.
Modules / input-output devices – control of doors, flaps, elevators, smoke extraction, PGI.
Power supplies and batteries – guarantee backup power in case of power failure.
How the fire alarm system works
The detector registers a sign of fire (smoke/temperature/flame).
The signal is transmitted to the fire alarm control panel.
The control panel analyzes the condition and activates a scenario (alarm/warning/fault).
A sound/light announcement for evacuation is activated.
Integration manages related systems: smoke and heat extraction, access control, fire alarm, etc.
BDS EN 54 – standard for fire alarm systems
The BDS EN 54 series defines the requirements for fire alarm systems and their components. When selecting equipment, it is important that the elements are certified according to the relevant part of the standard.
EN 54-2 – fire alarm control panels (control and indication devices)
EN 54-3 – sounders (sirens)
EN 54-4 – power supply devices
EN 54-5 – heat detectors
EN 54-7 – smoke detectors (point)
EN 54-10 – flame detectors
EN 54-11 – manual call points (buttons)
EN 54-13 – compatibility/connectivity of system components
Where is a fire alarm system mandatory according to Annex No. 1 to Regulation Iz-1971
Regulation Iz-1971 determines the scope of constructions/premises for which fire alarm systems (including fire alarm systems) are designed depending on the functional fire hazard. Below are common cases from Appendix No. 1 (with the corresponding thresholds/conditions):
Production buildings/premises of class F5 (example requirements)
Productions of categories F5A/F5B – for indoor premises with an area of over 300 m², automatic and manual fire alarm is required.
Productions of category F5B – for an area of over 700 m², automatic and manual fire alarm is required.
Pump rooms for GG/LZT/GT (F5A) – for an area of over 100 m² – automatic and manual.
Textile workshops (F5B) – for an area of over 500 m² – automatic and manual.
Woodworking/furniture (F5B) – for an area of over 750 m² – automatic and manual.
Printing and bookbinding (F5B) – for an area of over 500 m² – automatic and manual.
High-rise industrial buildings (class F5) – fire alarm requirement for all groups (according to the appendix).
Public service buildings (classes F1 – F4) – exemplary requirements
Buildings of central/territorial executive bodies and municipal buildings – everywhere, except for sanitary and hygienic premises – automatically and manually.
Healthcare facilities: buildings of more than two floors and hospitals with over 50 beds – everywhere (without sanitary premises) – automatically and manually.
Nursery schools and kindergartens with an area of over 400 m² (F1.1) – everywhere (without sanitary premises).
Educational institutions/institutes with a simultaneous residence of more than 300 people (F4.1) – everywhere (without sanitary premises).
Hotels/dormitories/recreation centers with over 100 places (F1.2) – everywhere (without sanitary premises).
Restaurants/catering facilities (F3.2) – with an area of over 500 m² – everywhere (without sanitary premises); in the case of underground floors – with an area of over 300 m² – everywhere (excluding sanitary facilities).
Commercial facilities/centers (F3.1) – with an area of over 500 m² – automatically and manually.
Computer rooms/halls with electronic equipment – under the conditions of the appendix (including area thresholds) – automatically and manually.
Cinemas/theaters/concert and sports halls – with halls with more than 50 seats – automatically and manually.
Museums/galleries/fair halls, etc. – with a total built-up area of over 300 m² – automatically and manually.
Libraries/reading rooms/book depositories/archive depositories (F2.1) – with an area of over 100 m² – automatically and manually.
Important: Appendix No. 1 contains a detailed table for different classes/subclasses and specific cases. When designing, the specific hypothesis is applied according to the purpose, area, location (including underground levels), number of seats/beds/visitors, etc.
Maintenance and technical service under Regulation No. 8121z-647
In operation, it is critical to maintain the fire alarm system in good condition. Regulation No. 8121z-647 regulates the rules and standards for fire safety during the operation of the facilities, including the requirements for servicing and documenting system activities.
What does good maintenance include (minimum)
Checking the control panel: events, indications, failures, logs.
Testing detectors and manual buttons (step by step, without compromising safety).
Checking sirens/light indicators and notification scenarios.
Monitoring the power supply and batteries (charge, capacity, condition).
Cleaning/maintenance of detectors according to the environment (dust, aerosols, steam).
Maintenance of service documentation and records.
It is recommended that servicing is carried out by competent/licensed contractors and that proper documentation is maintained, as this is key in the event of inspections by regulatory authorities and in the event of insurance claims.
A. Daily servicing
The user must ensure that the following are checked daily:
a) that the control and indication panel indicates normal operation or, if not, that any fault indicated is recorded on the form and reported to the servicing organisation;
b) that any fault warnings recorded during the previous day have been duly attended to;
c) that
there are sufficient reserves of paper, ink or ribbon for each printer (if available).
Any defect should be recorded on the form (installation passport) and action taken to rectify it as soon as possible.
B. Monthly maintenance
The user must ensure that the following is checked at least once a month:
a) that each emergency generator can be started and that its fuel is sufficient (where applicable);
b) that at least one automatic or manual fire alarm (each month from a different zone) has been activated in order to check the ability of the control and indication device to receive a fire signal, to activate the fire alarms and to activate all other warning devices;
c) where permissible, that any connection to the fire department or remote service centre has been activated for testing;
Any defect should be recorded in the form /installation passport/ and action taken to eliminate it as soon as possible.
C. Quarterly maintenance
The user should ensure that at least once every three months a competent person carries out the following:
a) to check all entries in the form and take the necessary action;
b) to check all battery connections;
c) to check the fire alarm, fault and all additional functions of the indicating and control device;
d) to visually inspect the indicating and control device for signs of moisture penetration and other aggravating factors;
f) to carry out all other checks and tests prescribed by the installer, supplier and/or manufacturer;
f) to investigate whether there have been any construction changes or changes in the use of the building that could affect the requirements for the location of automatic and manual fire detectors and sounders, and if so, to carry out a visual inspection under point d.
Any defect should be recorded on the form and action should be taken to eliminate it as soon as possible.
D. Annual maintenance
The user must ensure that at least once a year a competent person carries out the following:
a) to carry out the inspections and tests recommended for daily, monthly and quarterly maintenance;
b) to check the correct operation of each fire detector in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations;
c) to carry out a visual inspection to confirm that all wiring connections and devices are safe, undamaged and well protected;
d) carry out a visual inspection to check whether construction changes or changes in the use of the building have affected the requirements for the location of manual and automatic fire detectors and sounders. The visual inspection must also confirm that there is a free space of at least 500 mm in all directions under each automatic fire detector, and that all manual fire detectors are normally accessible and visible;
f) check and measure all batteries.
Any defect should be recorded in the form and action should be taken to eliminate it as soon as possible.
Professional solution: selection, delivery, installation and maintenance
If you are looking for a reliable and certified solution, consider the category: fire alarm systems. The correct selection of components according to BDS EN 54 and regular maintenance are crucial for the real protection of the site.
