What is a fire alarm?
Q: What is a fire alarm?
A: A fire alarm is an electronic sounder or bell that makes a loud, high pitched sound to notify people of a fire in the building.
Q: What are some companies that make fire alarms?
A: Some examples of companies which make fire alarms are Wheelock, Simplex, Edwards, Gentex, Johnson Controls, Fire-Lite, Notifier (owned by Honeywell), and Fulleon.
Q: Are there different types of fire alarms?
A: Yes. Most fire alarm sounders in Europe sound like a siren while bells make a continuous ringing sound. There are also old-fashioned metal bells and flashing lights (strobes) for deaf people who cannot hear the alarm. In addition, there are special alarms which are less loud for sleeping areas and white fire alarms for dark walls.
Q: What does DIN 14675-1 cover?
A: DIN 14675-1 covers four levels of protection related to fire safety.
Q: How do larger buildings handle their emergency systems?
A: In larger buildings, there are 2-step systems with recorded messages which start off by stating the emergency and waiting for security guards to be sure there is a real emergency before asking occupants to calmly evacuate. In smaller areas, there is an immediate alarm without voice.
Q: What happens if someone sets off a false alarm?
A: Setting off a false alarm without reason is against the law in most places and can result in legal consequences depending on where it occurs.
Q: What other features do many modern fire alarm systems have? A: Many modern fire alarm systems have additional features such as automatically alerting the local fire department when activated; alerting an internal security service; triggering an evacuation system; starting heat and smoke vents; activating sprinklers; providing emergency lighting; controlling elevators; and more.
