Fire Alarm Systems

What is a fire alarm?

A fire alarm is a bell, klaxon, chime, horn, speaker, strobe, or other device which warns people in a building of a possible fire. Typically, when a fire alarm is sounded, firefighters are summoned, the building is evacuated, people gather at specified assembly points, and a roll call is held.

Fire alarms may be triggered automatically by smoke detectors, heat sensors or manually. Manual fire alarm buttons or pull stations are sometimes protected by glass which must be smashed to set off the alarm. Protective covers may also be placed on the station to help prevent false alarms.

Fire alarm systems

Home fire alarm systems are usually part of a total security system providing burglary protection in addition to fire protection. Fire alarm systems consist of a central control panel to which smoke detectors are connected, along with bells or horns that are activated when the system triggers an alarm. The control panel operates from house power but also usually contains an emergency battery which can operate the system for about 24 hours during a power outage.