Fire Control System And Safety - Qualities of a good fire control system

In both homes and industries there is an ever need for protection of lives and property from danger. There is especially need for this when we live or work in places that are potentially hazardous.The need for a very effective and efficient fire control system in such area can not be overemphasized when we consider the damage just one failure can produce.

Any fire control system operates on the following principle of operation

• Detection

• Processing

• Response  (Action)

In simple terms a fire control system must possess sensors signals centralised into a logic system which identify, analyze and activate equipment to take relevant specific actions in response to the analysis.To increase reliability, all power supplies must be connected to permanent available sources (batteries, UPS), all logic should be assumed by redundant processors. Howeverin specific detection configuration, all power supplies, including batteries and UPS have tobe “off” and isolated.

Qualities of a good fire detection system

Fast Detection:

An “instant” is sufficient to initiate a fire (or explosion) causing important damages.Consequently detection needs to be as fast as possible.Presence of flammable gas has to be immediately detected , this to secure the concerned areas and initiate the relevant action to reduce or better still eliminate the risk of explosion. Detection set points (with several alarm levels) are adjusted well under the explosive limit, this to allow “reaction” time and avoid the critical point.

Easy localization:

Fast detection is not good enough unless the exact origin of the “fault” is located, thus allowing an easier, adapted and specialized reaction which would save precious time for intervention and action (when necessary) Instead of random attempt to salvage the situation. For this particular purpose also,Work zone should be multi-zoned to enable easy zeroing down on originating point of potential danger.Signalization  should be defined accordingly too.

Processing

This should be done by specific system supplied by fire control system manufacturer.This processing devices should be able to having the functions such as

• Control the detection lines (detection of open circuit, broken wires, short circuit).

• Initiate alarms (audible, visual),when such is observed for immediate action, notifying all necessary system or personnel (if necessary).

• Determine within its logic the actions to initiate.

• Interface with the other processors necessary for response and safety.

• Authorise inhibit and bypass for tests and maintenance.

Response (Action)

Now this is were action comes in to remedy the situation.  After detection and logic control processing of detected problem it should be able to initiate an automatic start (fire pumps) and/or activation(valves, solenoid valves) of fire fighting equipment’s. The actions could be resumed by audible, visual alarm(s), Public address message (evacuation or other messages). Fire extinguishing/fighting equipment’s automatically should be made available as quick as possible. Signals from the control system should be able to set process automatism for safe conditions initiatives. For increase reliability, all power supplies must be connected to permanent available sources (batteries, UPS) for safety operations to be carried out.