May 2003 Issue
'
The most recent development in fire detector detection deals with children and the findings of several studies which suggest they can sleep through the sound of an activated smoke alarm. According to various reports, children under the age of 13 sleep so soundly during the first two hours of slumber that the sound of an average 80 decibel alarm will not alert them during the first stages of fire. It seems clear that some children-especially young children-may at times sleep so deeply that it may not be possible for the alarm alone to arouse them to the point where they can reliably evacuate a house on their own, comments Underwriters Laboratories spokesperson John Dregenberg. What's worse is that very often children have televisions, computers and other electronics in their rooms. Having these appliances in the bedroom increases the risk of fire. Sleep experts suggest the poor response could be due in part to the way kids sleep. Children spend more time in the deep, dreamless phase of sleep, so even a blaring smoke alarm won't always wake them, comments Dr. Shelly Weiss, a pediatric sleep expert at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children. Underwriters Laboratory has assigned a working group to further investigate the issue and assess whether changes need to be made to the alarms themselves. However, researchers are not sure what type of change would ensure better responses from kids, but might consider altering the tone, volume or style of alarm sound.
The newest addition to the company's SpectrAlert line-the Selectable Output Series is available as a strobe unit, a horn/strobe or as a speaker/strobe because, when it comes to strobe notification appliances, different interior spaces require different intensities of light. All three models offer added candela settings and operate at dual voltage levels, self-adjusting for either 24 or 12 volts. At 24 volts, they can be set to provide light intensities of 15, 15/75, 30, 75 or 110 candela. At 12 volts, they will output 15 candela or 15/75. A slide switch on the back adjusts the candela level, which is displayed in a window that remains clearly visible once the unit is installed. In horn/strobe models, a three-position DIP switch selects high or low volume, temporal or nontemporal, and mechanical or 3,000 Hz. In addition, these new products come with the unique features including their low current draw and the QuickClick easy installation system.
The newest members of the NAPCO Firewolf family are the FW2-H and FW4-H smoke detectors with built-in thermal heat sensor. These smoke detectors come in both two- and four-wire models. (FW2-H is the two-wire model and the FW4-H is the four-wire model). These advanced photoelectric smoke detectors accurately detect a wide range of fire types than most other smoke detectors.
The built-in thermal heat detector can detect fires up to 135°F (57°C). The FW2-H & FW4-H have an attractive low profile baseless unit, which makes them suitable for nearly any dĂ©cor. The smoke detector's patented chamber and photodiode are designed to detect even the smallest particles, found in clean-burning fire types like alcohol fires. For easy-to-see operation, both smoke detectors have dual LEDs for 360°F visibility. Other features include a vandal-resistant security locking feature, a built-in magnetic go/no-go detector test feature and a removable smoke labyrinth for easy cleaning or replacement.
The Meridian smoke detector series from DSC, with its patented design, is built to be extremely sensitive to smoke over a long period of time. Meridian incorporates an advanced 90° photoelectric detection pattern-a uniquely designed smoke chamber with a high immunity to false alarms. Meridian can detect smoldering or rapid growth fires under a broad range of applications and changing environmental conditions.
It is available with a built-in sensor designed to detect the presence of heat caused by a fire that starts and develops very rapidly.
With a quick glance at the LED indicator located at the top of a Meridian unit, you can see the smoke detector's status. Every 40 seconds, Meridian does an automatic self-test. Meridian smoke detectors come in a variety of models to suit many needs. DSC offers a comprehensive line of fire alarm system devices.
A Wide Scope
The threat of death or injury from fire is a terror everyone lives with, regardless of current events. In addition to homeowners protecting their families, major segments of private industry, as well as the public sector, are involved in having fire detection, suppression and reporting systems installed in their premises. They are also very interested in life safety systems intended to provide people safe egress from structures on fire (or other emergency conditions).
For some, installing fire alarms is a lucrative sideline. For many dealers, it is a full-time pursuit. Whatever your level of involvement, everyone agrees on a few things:
- Fire alarm systems are a life and death issue and must be undertaken with the highest level of responsibility form every individual involved.
- The fire alarm market is growing, and in itself presents even more opportunities.
- To do turnkey fire system installs requires commitment. A thorough understanding of practices, and codes, and remaining current on new technologies and developments.
components. This UL-listed commercial fire and burglary control platform controls up to eight partitions, and supports up to 250 zones/ points using hardwired, wireless and V-Plex addressable technologies. The extensive line of ADEMCO initiating devices, notification circuits, digital dialers, keypads, RF receivers and relays are supported by this extremely powerful control platform. The VISTA-250FBP mounts quickly and easily; is supplied in an attack resistant cabinet, and is available in 12V and 24V models. A revolutionary new feature called "Panel Linking" allows multiple partitions, panels-even buildings-to be armed, disarmed and have status checked from one location. GE Interlogix is another company with an array of products. Its ESL detectors and initiating devices include an innovative well-rounded line of smoke detectors, heat detectors and manual fire alarm pull stations. ESL detectors come in many forms from wireless to hardwired to point ID. Features such as CleanMe remote maintenance alert, drift compensation and self-diagnostics are designed into the products to reduce false alarms, boost installer sales and increase monitoring retention rates. ESL smoke detectors are photoelectric and range in applications from 12/24V AC/DC hardwire for residential or to battery operated wireless transmission to 120 VAC direct wire products. Model types are as varied as necessary to meet virtually every application need--whether it be residential, commercial or industrial. GE Interlogix offers a wide variety of fire alarm control panels. Several models are based on integrating security and fire and some are conventional 24V commercial fire systems. Additionally, there are several modules that can be purchased separately to enhance the panel offerings and provide solutions for specialty applications. The ESL 1500 FACP Series is designed to meet real-world 24V commercial fire installation and maintenance needs. To meet specific project requirements, a variety of optional modules are available. The ESL 1500 Series offers three panels for options of one, three and five zones that support conventional two- and four-wire smoke detectors, as well as water flow. The ESL 1500 FACP Series is designed for use in commercial, industrial and institutional applications. The ESL 1500 FACP Series is also suited for occupancies such as hotels, motels and dormitories.
The module works with AES 7750-F RF Subscriber Units. Full data from the panel is transmitted, including account number, point or zone and event or detector type. The data is reported in Contact ID format at the central receiver for forwarding to automation. The hardware is a single circuit card which mounts inside the AES RF Subscriber Unit-no added enclosure or power supply are needed. Data is transferred via an optically isolated serial port which is connected to the alarm panel's printer port. Fire panels supported include: FireoLite 9200; FCI FC-7200; Gamewell Flex 600; Notifier AM2020; Notifier AFP200 and Pyrotronics MXL/MXLV. The Silent Knight IntelliKnight 5700 is a 50-point addressable digital fire control communicator which is suitable for small to mid-size applications. The IntelliKnight 5700 provides digital fire reporting over ordinary telephone lines, supports up to 50 addressable devices to enable pinpointing of alarms and features a distributed power scheme to simplify installation and reduce wiring requirements. The drift compensation feature of the IntelliKnight 5700 helps reduce false alarms and also identifies maintenance problems. If a fault condition is detected at any of the 50 addressable points, the system will display the problem sensor and generate a trouble report that is sent to the central station. In addition, the system conducts an automatic test every 24 hours that is sent to the central station. The 5700 reports in both the SIA and Contact ID formats.
Security Dealer Technical Editor, Tim O'Leary, is a 30-year veteran in the security industry and a 10-year contributor to the magazine. O'Leary's background encompasses having been a security consultant and an independent security company owner/operator, in addition to his research and evaluation of new technologies and products introduced to the physical and electronic security fields. He is a member of the VBFAA (Virginia Burglar & Fire Alarm Association); certified for Electronic Security Technician and Sales by the VADCJS (Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services); and has served as a judge for the SIA New Product Showcase.
