Chicago Fire Alarm Company
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The terms fire protection and fire resistance are often used interchangeably but mean very different things especially to a fire inspector. Openings such as doorways and windows must be property inspected and tested to meet the provisions referenced in NFPA 80, the Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives. Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) are responsible for verifying the inspection, which can be completed by a facility manager or staff.
It is important to understand the difference of fire protection and fire resistance to properly inspect openings. Most opening protectives, which are assemblies that protect the opening, are rated for fire protection whereas most openings such as the wall, floor and ceiling assembly has a fire resistance rating. Many tests result in fire protection ratings as noted in NFPA 252 and NFPA 257, while fire resistance ratings are tested to ASTM E119 or ANSI/UL 263. HRSS Offers NFPA Code Compliant Buildings High Rise Security Systems is a leader among fire alarm and safety companies, protecting commercial properties in and around Chicago. We are recognized for our in-depth knowledge of all local, state and federal fire safety code regulations including all National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, International Building Code (IBC), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and all local codes enforced by the city of Chicago. We design code compliant fire alarm systems for any type of commercial property from low-rise structures to high-rise buildings and everything in between. You can have confidence in our years of service and level of professionalism to deliver a code compliant fire alarm system to even the most unique architectural designs. We work closely with building owners and managers, electrical engineers and safety managers to establish the fire and life safety system design which provides maximum protection and safety to your building and occupants. HRSS is recognized as a leading fire and safety system company, providing consultation, system design, inspections, repairs, testing, maintenance and monitoring 24/7/365. We assist clients with all required data sheets for approval from the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and go above code requirements for maximum safety and protection. Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive services and with any questions on testing your openings for fire protection or fire resistance.
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An aspirating smoke detection (ASD) system draws air through a network of pipes, into a sampling chamber where sophisticated equipment can detect the presence of smoke particles suspended in the air. An ASD system is sensitive and may detect smoke even before it is visible to the naked eye. Notifier® by Honeywell offers a full line of aspirating smoke detection equipment for intelligent and conventional fire alarm control panels.
The VESDA-E line of aspirating smoke detectors by Notifier consists of the following revolutionary fire safety system equipment. Intelligent VESDA-E VEA Two models of the VESDA-E VEA are available and include the:
Intelligent VESDA-E VEP The VESDA-E VEP aspirating smoke detection series directly integrates on the Notifier SLC loop and provides advanced smoke detection for early warning. Products include
Intelligent VESDA-E VEU The VEU series provides premium aspirating smoke detection which can be directly integrated on the SLC loop. Two models are available and include:
Conventional VESDA-E VEA This conventional aspirating detector line includes the VEA-040-A00 and the VEA-040-A10 for a new approach to smoke detection. VEA detectors are able to divide an area into sampling locations for quicker incident response and localization of potential sources. Conventional VESDA-E VEP This conventional VESDA-E VEP aspirating smoke detector series provides advanced smoke detection technology for early warning and minimized nuisance alarms. Conventional VESDA-E VEU The conventional VEU series of Notifier’s aspirating smoke detectors provide a wide sensitivity range with more sampling holes for increased coverage. HRSS Offers Notifier Aspirating Smoke Detection Equipment High Rise Security Systems offers quality fire safety system equipment such as the Notifier VESDA line of aspirating smoke detectors for early warning and a quick response time. We provide full fire and safety system services including fire alarm system design, UL listed equipment and all maintenance and repairs. We offer reliable monitoring 24/7/365, your safety is our number one concern. Contact HRSS to learn more about our comprehensive fire alarm and life safety system services and to learn more about the Notifier aspirating smoke detection equipment. A fire watch is simply a standard of procedures that is mandatory under particular circumstances and when ordered by your local fire marshal or Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). A fire watch is typically required under the following circumstances:
HRSS Provides Fire Alarm Systems and Inspections High Rise Security Systems is a recognized leading fire alarm system and safety company offering experienced, qualified and guaranteed code compliant fire alarm and life safety systems. We are recognized as a leader among fire and safety companies, offering comprehensive services and products. We are proud distributors of the best names in fire safety equipment manufacturing, offering UL listed equipment and systems designed to your unique specifications. We provide full fire protection services to commercial properties in and around Chicago which include customized fire alarm system design, inspections, testing, maintenance, repairs and monitoring 24/7/365. Our fire alarm technicians are certified and field trained with expertise in servicing all types of fire alarm systems, ensuring your system is in ‘all systems ready’ mode for maximum protection. Your safety is our number one concern. HRSS leads the industry with fire alarm system design, providing total code compliance, all required data sheets and assistance with AJH approval. We go above and beyond code compliance to ensure your safety and protection. Contact us today to learn more about our professional services, top rated equipment and how to successfully prepare for a fire watch. Fire detection inspection companies provide a very important role as even a high quality fire alarm system requires annual inspection to ensure proper working order. Commercial fire alarm systems are designed unique to the building structure and property with fire alarms in high rises buildings differing from fire alarm systems designed for office buildings, hospitals or schools.
No matter the style of building or the type of business, fire alarm systems in commercial properties require regular inspections to maintain compliance and provide maximum fire protection. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), recommends bi-annual visual inspections and annual functional testing which includes sensitivity testing for gas and smoke conducted by a licensed, certified fire detection inspection company. Experienced Fire Detection Inspection Companies Provide Maximum ROI Companies who are committed to maintaining their fire alarm system with regular inspections reap the greatest reward. Regular inspections provide code compliant systems, give building owners peace of mind and save money and time in the long rung for maximum ROI. When fire alarm inspections reveal ground faults or faulty components, it’s important to make quick repairs before further damage occurs. Many factors contribute to the reliability of fire alarm systems such as the manufacturer, the quality of components and the system design. Maintaining your system with regular inspections takes the guesswork out of any issues that develop and many problems are prevented by early detection of faulty components. Experienced fire alarm inspection companies follow a detailed checklist using functional and calibration techniques. High Rise Security Systems Provides Fire Detection System Inspections High Rise Security Systems (HRSS) offers code compliant fire detection system inspections to maintain a properly functioning fire alarm system. We provide experienced fire alarm system design, UL listed, quality equipment, fire alarm inspections, testing, repairs, maintenance and monitoring 24/7/365. HRSS is the leading fire alarm consulting company in the Chicago area for all types of commercial properties. We are the trusted fire protection provider for many schools and universities, hospitals, medical facilities, hospitality buildings and many commercial buildings. HRSS is a recognized leading authority on fire alarm system design, equipment, maintenance, inspections and repairs. We partner with the best names in fire alarm system manufacturers, offering quality components and equipment which utilize the latest technology. Contact us for all your fire and life safety system needs including fire detection system inspections. The two most common types of smoke detection equipment are photoelectric smoke detectors and ionization smoke detectors. Each work differently to detect different types of fires at different stages of development. Ionization smoke detectors are more responsive to flaming fires, while photoelectric smoke detectors provide early warning against smoldering fires.
It is recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), that both be used together to provide the greatest protection and early warning. Photoelectric Smoke Detectors Photoelectric smoke detectors provide a greater defense against fires that smolder for a long period of time, known as “smoldering fires”. They work by aiming a light source into a sensing chamber at an angle. When smoke enters the chamber, a light reflects onto the sensor to trigger an alarm. Early warning of a smoldering fire is critical as 20 to 25% of all fatalities from fire occur from smoke inhalation. Ionization Smoke Detectors Ionization smoke detectors are typically more responsive to flaming fires. They work due to a small amount of radioactive material which is located between two electrically charged plates. The radioactive material ionizes the air causing a current to flow between the two plates. If smoke enters the chamber, the flow of ions is disrupted which minimizes the flow of the current and triggers the alarm. Each type of smoke detector provide life- saving advantages which are critical in the event of a fire. Home fires which end in tragedy are caused by both flaming fires and smoldering fires, it is impossible to predict which type of fire may erupt in your home. This is why it is recommended to utilize both types of fire detection technology to fully protect your home and loved ones day or night. HRSS is recognized as a leading fire and safety company, providing reliable fire protection to commercial properties in and around Chicago. We offer fire alarm system design, inspections, testing, maintenance and monitoring 24/7/365. Contact us to learn more about fire and smoke detection technology including photoelectric smoke detectors. Fire-Lite Alarms by Honeywell was founded in 1952 and manufactures fire alarm systems developed with innovation that endures increased demands and changes in technology. Fire-Lite is committed to improving the life and safety systems for people all over the world, delivering first to market products based on continual research and development.
Fire-Lite was the very first company to develop and bring to market addressable fire alarm systems and continues to offer the most advanced fire and safety systems available. Dedicated to protecting and educating the public, Fire-Life offers a wealth of information such as how-to training videos, case studies, data sheets, manuals and the latest in fire alarm products including:
Fire-Lite Alarms is part of Honeywell Automation and Control Solutions, recognized worldwide for delivering products and solutions which improve efficiency and safety. Honeywell is a $36 billion global leader in manufacturing and technology, with shares traded on the Chicago, London and New York Stock Exchange. Case studies of Fire-Lite’s success include the University of Georgia located in the shadows of the Appalachian Mountains, The National Federation for the Blind (NFB) Headquarters which includes high-tech voice evacuation systems, museums where protecting artifacts is important, retirement communities, industrial buildings and many additional types of businesses. HRSS Offers Fire-Lite Alarms by Honeywell When you want the best fire alarm system for your building and property, explore the possibilities with an addressable fire alarm system by Fire-Lite. High Rise Security Systems offers personalized assistance in determining the best fire alarm system for you, offering skilled fire alarm system design which meets all fire safety codes and regulations. We are a proud distributor of Fire-Lite by Honeywell, with experience in all types of fire safety systems and products. HRSS is a licensed fire alarm system company offering fire alarm system design, UL listed equipment, testing, inspections, maintenance and monitoring 24/7/365. Contact us to learn more about the latest Fire-Lite Alarm system product advancements. Installing fire alarm equipment and wiring in new building installations or retrofits can be costly and complex. Building aesthetics, hazardous materials and construction all pose a challenge to fire alarm system and electrical wiring installers. Applications where a wireless fire detection system would be ideal are locations with concrete walls, buried wires, parking garages, warehouses, historical buildings and any place where aesthetics matters.
The SWIFT wireless fire detection system by Fire-Lite, solves these problems with wireless technology incorporated into commercial fire alarm systems. Fire-Lite’s SWIFT wireless fire alarm system stands for Smart Wireless Integrated Fire Technology and detects fires with the same reliability as wired systems with added flexibility for installation without accommodating for wires. The SWIFT wireless system supports many devices such as fixed heat, rate-of-rise heat, photoelectric and photo/thermal detectors, AV bases, pull stations, relay, sync and monitor modules. Flexibility with Fire-Lite’s SWIFT Wireless Fire Detection System SWIFT provides the option to install fire alarm systems without wiring which is beneficial in many structures as well as the flexibility to have both wireless and wired devices on the same fire alarm control panel. SWIFT differs from other wireless systems as it is based on a true mesh network which delivers multiple communication paths with each device. This provides added reliability and survivability within the overall system design. SWIFT wireless detection systems are designed to work with Fire-Lite’s Endurance series of fire alarm control panels and can also work with MS series of fire alarm control panels although may require a separate annunciator for proper functionality. High Rise Security Systems if familiar with the Fire-Lite by Honeywell fire alarm system and components, including the SWIFT wireless fire detection system. We offer expert fire alarm system design, UL listed equipment, maintenance, service and exceptional customer support. Contact us today to learn more about the right fire alarm system for your property and the benefits of Fire-Lite’s wireless fire alarm system. The National Fire Alarm Protection Association, NFPA, sets the standards and guidelines for fire and safety system regulation. NFPA 72 is the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code which outlines the regulations for the installation, application, inspection, performance, maintenance and testing of fire alarm and emergency communications systems and components. NFPA 72 outlines the spacing and location requirements of smoke detectors and heat detectors.
While spacing reduction is required for heat detectors in high ceilings, there are no specified considerations for the placement of smoke detectors on high ceilings. There is inconsistency and confusion with regard to smoke detectors where high ceilings are defined as more than ten feet high. Clarification is needed on the application of smoke detector spacing requirements in these applications. Code requirements currently state that the maximum distance between smoke detectors be a nominal 30 feet and cannot exceed half of the spacing measured from the wall, with the location on the ceiling required to be .7 times the nominal spacing. There is, however, no mention of ceiling height although NFPA 72 does state that the effect of stratification below the ceiling to be taken into consideration. An appendix to chapter 17 also states that consideration should be given to installing aspirating smoke detectors at various levels and using beam type of smoke detectors. For greater clarification and to ensure compliance, talk with your fire alarm and life safety systems specialists at High Rise Security Systems. We are recognized as an authority on fire alarm system design, installation and maintenance, providing fire safety systems to commercial properties in and around Chicago. HRSS is a leading commercial fire alarm systems consultant with vast knowledge in system design. We provide detailed fire alarm system design in AutoCAD software, prepare datasheets for approval from your local AHJ and guarantee code compliance. Contact us today to learn more about NFPA 72 and the requirements for smoke detectors on high ceilings. Designing a fire alarm system for colleges and sprawling university campuses poses many challenges consisting of protecting multiple buildings with effective detection and notification systems, covering new construction and renovations maintaining testing and inspections to ensure good working order. In addition to all safety considerations, budgeting for fire and life safety systems with all stakeholders on board is another challenge facing safety and electrical technicians.
Here’s how one university, the University of North Georgia, rehauled their fire alarm system throughout the entire campus, incorporated additional properties when expanding, eliminated false alarms and got all stakeholders on board. The Challenge of College Campus Fire Alarm Systems The challenge facing most college campuses when designing fire alarm systems is providing a single fire alarm solution throughout multiple buildings, one that is simple to use, monitor and maintain. College campuses include dorm rooms, academic buildings, student centers, dining halls and recreational areas. Educating administrative personnel and all stakeholders of the value an integrated fire and life safety system provides is important. When the University of North Georgia decided to provide one fire alarm solution, they experienced all of these challenges in addition to the disarray of the current system. Different systems were installed in different buildings, inspections, maintenance and testing had not been performed, and false alarms were a regular nuisance averaging 2 to 3 per week. In addition to this challenge, the campus merged with Gainesville State College to create the University of North Georgia and another layer of complexity in providing fire alarm monitoring and protection. The University of Georgia faced monitoring approximately 5,000 points on their original campus and over 10,000 points after a merger in 2013. College Campus Fire Alarm Solution Once the decision had been made to improve the fire and life safety systems, Fire-Lite by Honeywell was chosen as the optimum system to meet all safety and budgeted goals. A combination of fire alarm control panels, detectors, evacuation equipment and all other required equipment consisted of the following:
All equipment had to be installed for functionality with the historic beauty of the buildings taken into consideration during installation. This integrated fire alarm solution has significantly improved the emergency response time of the University and has all but eliminated false alarms. In fact, after a major lightning strike hit a dorm damaging a fire alarm control panel and peripheral devices, the University’s electronic systems technician was able to install a new panel and upload everything to begin troubleshooting within an hour. To learn more about designing fire alarm and life safety systems for college campuses, contact your fire and safety system specialist. High Rise Security Systems is a leading fire and life safety system specialist protecting commercial properties, colleges and campuses in and around Chicago. We provide fire alarm system design, UL listed equipment, testing, maintenance, inspections and monitoring 24/7/365. Contact us to learn more about integrated and addressable fire alarm systems and learn which system meets your goals for campus safety. When choosing a fire alarm system for your commercial property, there are considerations in addition to meeting all code requirements. Evaluating an addressable fire alarm system vs. a conventional fire alarm system can save you time and money. Knowing the difference and which is best for your building will ensure the right system to provide protection against smoke, fire or gas with a code compliant system that saves effort, time and money.
The main difference between an addressable fire alarm and a conventional alarm system is that an addressable system provides the exact location of an activated device. A conventional alarm system does not provide an exact location although zones can be set up for warnings in general locations. This main difference is due to the wiring and installation of the devices to the control panel. Wiring of Addressable Fire Alarm vs. Conventional Fire Alarm Systems An addressable fire alarm system connects each device with a loop, with one wire connecting all devices and looping back into the control panel. Each device has it’s own unique identifier to pinpoint an activated device such as smoke detectors and call points. This allows for quick action to extinguish a fire quickly at the source. Conventional fire alarm systems require each device to be wired directly to the main control panel with individual rather than shared wiring. Zones may be established to identify general areas of an alarm although precise locations of a fire source are not displayed. A conventional fire alarm system is more than adequate in smaller or simpler building layouts, although consulting with a fire alarm system specialist will help you to evaluate other factors such as system and installation cost, functionality and reliability. Addressable vs. Conventional Fire Alarm System Cost System and installation cost should both be evaluated, as a conventional fire alarm system may cost less for the control panel and devices, but installation to individually wire each device may cost quite a bit more depending on the complexity. Added benefits of addressable systems should also be considered such as the ability to monitor air flow via smoke detection devices which prevents costly false alarms. The cost to expand or add additional devices should also be considered for future business growth, building sales or renovations. Addressable fire alarm systems can be more reliable in some cases and should be discussed with your fire alarm system specialist. An experienced fire alarm system company will evaluate your building and operation requirements and recommend the system which provides the greatest value. High Rise Security Systems is a proud distributor of Notifier® by Honeywell and many other fire alarm systems from the best names in the industry. High Rise Security Systems provides fire alarm system consulting, design, support, maintenance and monitoring 24/7/365. We offer more than 30 years of experience in fire and security system integration to schools, hospitals, hospitality and commercial properties in and around Chicago. Contact us to learn more about which system is right for you and the difference between addressable fire alarm vs. conventional fire alarm systems. |