According to 2018 statistics, there is a home fire every 87 seconds in the US. As a result of these fires, there is a civilian death every 2 hours and 24 minutes as well as property damage of $8 billion annually.
Whether it is in residential or commercial buildings, fire has been a menacing threat that can destroy ones life’s work in a matter of minutes. As such, it is vital for all property owners to take necessary precautions for the prevention and suppression of fire.
Over the years, the fire alarm and sprinkler systems have proven to a valuable asset in minimizing the damage caused by fire. Modern automatic fire sprinkler design systems are able to detect temperature changes in individual rooms.
When this happens, the fire suppression software only triggers the sprinkler head in that room. This not only helps stop the spread of fire but results in a 90% reduction in the amount of water used to fight fires.
As the sprinkler system works to suppress the fire, alarm system alerts people of the emergency so that they can vacate the premise. These systems also have a remote signaling system that alerts the fire department via a central station.
Fire alarms systems use a complex set of equipment and components along with intricate wiring to ensure that every one gets out of the building safely. For the same reason, the fire protection system design software must comply with a strict set of regulations, laws and codes.
There are many types of fire suppression systems and no two are alike. This is because, each system must be customized to suit the specific building it is intended for. As such, you should only trust a fire protection system design software from an experienced company. Read on to find out what you need to consider in a fire alarm system.
Does it go beyond Compliance?
The National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code contains a set fire safety codes that alarm systems must meet. Though they may vary from one state to the next, they include the installation, application, location, performance, inspection, maintenance, and testing of fire alarm systems.
In addition, the system must also meet local regulations, building codes, and the requirements by your insurance company. It may seem like all these codes cover pretty much everything but that’s not the case.
As a fire sprinkler designer, you must go a level further and ensure that the automatic fire sprinkler design and alarm system suit the specific user’s needs. This is especially important for businesses as they may have additional business needs that minimum requirements do not meet. Some of the additional features that may interest your clients are:
- Lifespan of the system and ease of maintenance.
- Ability to scale and accommodate future occupancy changes.
- Application of the system in other emergency situations.
- Fewer false alarms.
Integration
Fire Suppression systems have three main features. These include fire detection, alarms and notifications, and suppression. For a building to be fully protected, all these components must work in tandem.
As a designer analyze the entire fire protection system for you to be able to design a suitable alarm system that can be integrated. During the design and planning process, involve the architects, building managers, contractors, engineers and consultants. This will reduce the chances of missing building or local regulations you may not be aware of. It will also ensure that the automatic fire sprinkler design integrates seamlessly with everything else.
Always Go beyond What’s Expected
It is important to deliver to your clients beyond what regulations require. This is because, as comprehensive as the fire safety codes may be, they do not factor in the unique needs of each user.
By doing so, you will not only improve safety levels and make maintenance easier, but also set yourself apart from other automatic fire sprinkler design companies. In time, the performance and safety record of your designs will earn you an unrivaled reputation in the industry.
