Fire sprinklers are known as one of the most effective defenses against fire. If you own a building, then you must already be aware of its importance. As an effective fire protection system, their installation is widespread, and the demand is usually high. However, in some instances, people do not trust these sprinkler systems and refrain from getting them installed. It might amaze you that some misconceptions are associated with the fire sprinkler system, which hinders the installation rate. Most of them are not true, and it is essential to check the facts about them. Let’s get some of these myths cleared.
Such beliefs are inspired by different movies that we see. It may seem to us that the sprinklers are sensitive to smoke and activate on sensing it. If this was to be accurate, then even a burnt toast could set off the fire alarm. In reality, the smoke has nothing to do with fire sprinklers. Instead, it is the rise in the heat that triggers it. There is a vial filled with liquid attached to the sprinkler heads. The heat generated by fire expands this liquid, bursting the glass vial. This clears the opening for water to gush out and douse the fire. If you have been stalling the plan of installing a fire sprinkler system for this particular reason, then you should do no delay and get it done immediately.
Some of us believe that all the fire sprinkler heads will activate at once in case of fire. This again can be inspired by the visuals that we come across in cinema. But this is not true. The excellent part about fire sprinkler systems is that only the sprinkler heads feel the heat activate at a time. If this were not the case, the rate of property damage and water wastage would be very high, making the fire sprinkler system a very ineffective medium in controlling fires.
This can be associated with myth two, which states that all the sprinkler heads activate at a time. In this case, the water will definitely incur huge losses. This is not the real situation. In fact, in terms of water usage, fire sprinklers prove to be better than the fire hose that you can use as the alternative. At a time, the fire hose would use at least 150-250 gallons of water, which would, in turn, flood your home, creating a mess.
Moreover, by the time you get a fire hose to douse the fire, the fire might have spread to a great extent. There are chances that the water provided by the fire hose may be insufficient in containing it. In comparison, only 15-25 gallons of water are released by each fire sprinkler head, which will save any unnecessary property damage.
A sprinkler system fitted all across the building may ignite the idea that they must be very costly. But they do not cost huge and are estimated to be around 1%-2% of your building’s cost. Adding to it, you can get insurance benefits with a well-installed and maintained fire sprinkler system. Taking all these into account, fire sprinklers systems turn out to be a fair deal.
We all want our residences and buildings to look sophisticated, and we generously invest in building it. It is very natural to think that the fire sprinkler system will deter the aesthetics of your place. The technology behind these systems has become advanced, and the contractors can now install a fire sprinkler system in a fashion where the sprinkler heads are only exposed. They are taking it a step ahead with a design where one can hardly notice that the fire sprinkler system is installed in the building.
We all want our residences and buildings to look sophisticated, and we generously invest in building it. It is very natural to think that the fire sprinkler system will deter the aesthetics of your place. The technology behind these systems has become advanced, and the contractors can now install a fire sprinkler system in a fashion where the sprinkler heads are only exposed. They are taking it a step ahead with a design where one can hardly notice that the fire sprinkler system is installed in the building.
The fire alarm system is an elementary part of any fire safety system. The purpose of the fire alarm system may fail in its absence. Without an efficient alert system, there will not be a timely evacuation, followed by huge losses, especially lives. It is excellent if you have a fire alarm system. But do you know how it works? What are the main parts?
While this information may not appear important to you at first but on a closer look, you will realize that knowing the basics of a fire alarm system can be a great help, especially in cases of repair. The fire alarm system is an elementary part of any fire safety system. The purpose of the fire alarm system may fail in its absence. Without an efficient alert system, there will not be a timely evacuation, followed by huge losses, especially lives. It is excellent if you have a fire alarm system. But do you know how it works? What are the main parts? While this information may not appear important to you at first but on a closer look, you will realize that knowing the basics of a fire alarm system can be a great help, especially in cases of repair. If a technician comes to your building to repair or install a fire alarm system, you can have a better conversation and understanding. Moreover, it can help you ensure that the fire alarm system installed at your place meets all the requirements.
To understand the basics, let’s know about the different parts of a standard fire alarm system.
Fire Alarm Panel
As the name suggests, this panel composes the entire fire alarm system’s foremost center of operation. Different activities, including monitoring inputs, relaying information and controlling output, occur in this panel. You should chalk out all the desired requirements before selecting a fire alarm panel.
Primary Power Supply
The control of the primary power source lies with the power company. In general, the AC power supply is of a non-switched 120- or 240- volt rating. In commercial applications, dedicated branch circuits are mostly installed to supply power to the fire alarm system and its parts.
Initiating Devices
The fire alarm needs input, which is sent by the initiating device. This input can be both: manual as well as automatic. These devices are used to trigger the fire alarm in different ways. The manual tools include ‘break glass’ stations, pull stations, and buttons. To make things convenient, these devices are placed in areas near the exit, easy to find. They are appropriately marked to be easily identified in emergencies. Moreover, for quick activation, they are made easily operable.
Unlike manual devices, automatic devices do not need human interaction for activation. They are fed with the changes that indicate a fire accident. It automatically activates on detection of different signs such as heat, flame, smoke, and carbon monoxide. The detection is not limited to these signs, and the detection system keeps developing with scientific advancements. Innovations detecting different movements and parameters associated with fire are under development.
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Notification Appliances
Notification, along with the activation of the fire alarm, is fundamental. Notification devices are meant to alert the occupants about the fire. Guiding people towards the exit is another essential purpose of these devices. The tools can be an audio device like horns or speakers or only flashing strobe lights. Sometimes, the notifications are even a combination of both. These notifications are designed thoughtfully to appear as a global indicator of emergencies.
Notification Appliances
Notification, along with the activation of the fire alarm, is fundamental. Notification devices are meant to alert the occupants about the fire. Guiding people towards the exit is another essential purpose of these devices. The tools can be an audio device like horns or speakers or only flashing strobe lights. Sometimes, the notifications are even a combination of both. These notifications are designed thoughtfully to appear as a global indicator of emergencies.
Building Safety Interfaces
These interfaces can be in the form of fire doors and duct dampers. Building safety interfaces are installed to propagate the normal functioning of any building. They control several aspects, such as lightning operation, smoke, and airflow. The ultimate goal is to restore normal functioning and promote seamless evacuation.
Emergency Voice Alarms Communication Systems(EVACS)
Voice commands are found to be very useful during the evacuation of any building at an emergency time. The system guides people in evacuating the building during any emergency. Typically, they are not required. But there are specific complexes such as detention facilities, high rise buildings, and hospitals where the information about the emergency exit may not be available to everyone. Verbal assistance is provided to promote a seamless exit from the building. Besides fire accidents, these voice-based systems are used in other emergency cases related to security and weather. They allow real-time modification to accommodate any changes.
Suppose you are located in Dallas, Richardson, Plano, Carrollton, or any other Texas area, and you are planning to install a fire suppression system. In that case, you can contact Collins Fire & Safety Inc. Call us today or connect online to get the best fire protection service for your building.
Spaces such as kitchens are highly vulnerable to fire accidents. In the case of a fire, this fire’s temperature is very high, given the presence of different types of flammable liquids. Dry chemical fire extinguishers are not designed to deal with such fires, and the result can be disastrous. The use of a dry chemical fire extinguisher in such a situation can spread the fire even more, creating more significant damage to the property and lives. Wet chemical fire extinguishers are required in such cases as they can work on temperatures above 680F. A temperature this high can be a common occurrence in fires across areas such as restaurants and catering kitchens, i.e., the areas that deal with oils and deep fat fryers.
The detail lies in the content of the extinguisher. The extinguishing material is specifically formulated to react with the oil. Upon this reaction, a process called saponification occurs where a soapy substance is formed as a result of the reaction. This saponification process has a cooling impact on the flame, extinguishing it. Moreover, it successfully avoids the fire to reignite by forming a seal over the surface. This action prevents the fire from spreading.
How to Use a Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher?
Having knowledge about the fire extinguisher is good to start with. But experience alone cannot make you responsible enough to operate the fire extinguisher. Besides the content of fire extinguisher, the wet chemical extinguishers differ in the design of the cylinder. These fire extinguishers have a long hose as compared to the other types. This length is provided to let the user stay safe from the fire as its extreme temperature can harm the operator. Using this extinguisher needs a specific approach and movement. This extended applicator is advised to be in a circular motion, which swiftly applies the extinguishing agent all across the area. Keep spraying the material gently over the area until the extinguishing material reacts with the oil and converts it into a soapy froth. Only after this reaction, the fire will slowly die out.
The fire extinguisher can be heavy to handle, and emergencies can anytime startle you. If you are not very confident about using the wet chemical fire extinguisher, it would be best to call for help. In case of any fire accident, immediately call upon the fire department.
Connect with us if you have any more queries about wet chemical fire extinguishers. If you are located in Dallas, Carrollton, Richardson or any Texas area then you call Collins Fire & Safety Inc to install the wet chemical fire extinguisher at your place. Our team of experts will guide you about using it along with providing the maintenance facilities. Call Collins Fire & Safety Inc to get the best fire safety services in your building.
With advancements in science and technology, wireless has become the new language of connectivity. The life and safety systems are also migrating towards wireless technology. This technology is ardently adopted for its high level of flexibility and convenience in daily life. Wireless fire alarm systems are gradually gaining popularity, and it is about time to gain information about them. While there are numerous benefits, these wireless systems come with their disadvantages. Let us look at both the aspects, i.e., the pros and cons, to get a clear picture. This understanding can help you in making better decisions in installing fire safety systems.
Advantages of Wireless Fire Alarm
Portability: The conventional wired fire alarms need many specifications for installation, such as dedicated space, availability of power source, and assessment of wired connection. Wireless systems are free from all these constraints. All you need is some nuts and bolts, and you are ready to install it. It can be installed anywhere anytime. Also, the location can be changed as per convenience. This ease of installation predominantly works in favor of wireless fire alarms.
Easy Upgrade: If you are modifying your building, then changing the fire alarm location can be the least concern. You can change it at will and place it as per convenience. While renovations, you can put it in the area where it will stay protected. Moreover, you do not need to shut down the power supply and find spare time to install it. It can be installed anytime.
Independence from the power supply: One aspect is installation without worrying about the availability of power source. Also, since it operates on batteries, you can be carefree about power cuts. Your fire alarm is going to work in any condition.
Better Aesthetics: Wires in the wired fire alarm harm the aesthetics of your home. To maintain your building’s look, you may need to spend extra money and effort hiding the wires. This is not the case with wireless fire alarms. You can conveniently install in an area that stays hidden from ordinary sight.
Disadvantages of Wireless Fire Alarm
Dependence on Batteries: Independence from the power supply source is a great feature, but battery usage has its negative side. Since the fire alarm always stays in working conditions, you need to regularly check the batteries’ working conditions. Always carry a good stock of batteries to avoid situations where the fire alarm may run out of batteries.
Range Restrictions: Wireless fire alarms work seamlessly for small and medium side buildings, but certain restrictions come with large areas. In large areas, this wireless system faces issues transmitting information to the main control panel that may be located at a distance.
Restricted Monitoring: Wired alarm systems have dedicated functionality for monitoring wherein when the fire alarm triggers, it sends a call to the fire department.
Unlike this wired feature, the wireless fire alarms generally come only with audible alerts. So the automatic response is absent here. You would be required to call the fire department in case of fire accidents. There is no centralized monitoring with the wireless fire alarms as they do not connect with systems such as telephones used to alert the fire department.
Expensive Hardware: Wired alarm systems have been used conventionally. There are a variety of wired alarm systems available in the market. On the contrary, wireless fire systems are new in the market. With a different functionality, they are costlier than the wired type. The addition of functionalities and components further increases the cost.
The wireless system is gaining tremendous popularity in business and homes for its portability and free-operation. Advancements in technology are increasingly making them as reliable as a wireless fire alarm system. In the coming days, they may be available with all the wired features.
For any more queries about the wireless fire alarm, you can contact us. You can call Collins Fire & Safety Inc to install a wireless fire alarm if you are located in Dallas, Carrollton, Plano, Richardson, or any Texas area. Call us today or connect online for any query.
Emergency lighting is considered a necessary component in buildings and other infrastructures. An emergency can strike anytime and we should always be prepared for it. If you are a business owner, then this responsibility lies with you. Along with fire safety and other life safety equipment, emergency lighting plays a vital role during emergencies in rescue operations. It can be the only source at times to guide you to safety. Several spaces such as staircases and hallways in a poorly lit building can give a hard time to the occupants while evacuating the building during emergencies. Exit lights can be a great help here, These lights are even more important for establishments that do not have a backup generator that can supply power during a power failure.
Emergency lighting are recommended by different life safety codes and OSHA to protect your family and possession from damage. You might even be required to check your emergency lighting every month, depending on the situation. Keeping these lightings at place can save you from being fined for violating any rules.
You may have everything organized in your building, from emergency lights to exits signs but is that all? You are required to maintain it all the time. The emergency lights can burn out and have different issues. As an owner, you must be ready to deal with any such malfunction in emergency lighting. Information given below can be a big help for you in such situations.
Exit signs are meant to light up in emergencies. If they don’t, then they fail the purpose they are made for. If the exit sign does not light up, immediately check the light bulbs installed in it. Now, there can be different bulbs and other components that need your attention. You should check the condition of the following components:
· Main bulb: The preliminary requirement of the exit signs is that they stay illuminated all the time. For this, there is one or more main bulb in the exit sign that keeps glowing always. The connection is made as such that the bulbs conveniently switch from main power supply to battery during emergencies. So, as the light of the exit sign dies out, check the functionality of these bulbs.
Low-voltage bulb: Low voltage bulb does not light up in normal conditions and comes in action only after power cuts. To facilitate the same, this bulb is powered by a battery. If the exit sign in your building fails to lighten up in an emergency, then it indicates that this low-voltage bulb has burned out. Check and change this bulb without any delay.
· A reserve battery: Batteries serve as a major lifeline for the emergency lighting system as their basic purpose is to serve during emergencies when there can be a power failure. In some cases, burning out of exit signs are associated with a defective battery. Keep a check on the reserve battery and make sure it is always in working condition.
If you find all the above in working condition then take a look into the manual provided for the exit signs. Follow the steps suggested by them. For instance, you may be asked to check if there are no loose connections. Also, there can be an issue with the wiring. Check if the circuit board is working properly and replace it if required. However, it would be best to consult with the building layout and emergency light documentation to make any changes to the circuit board. Checking these basic things can help you through the burning out of exit lights.
Every building and industry is susceptible to industrial fire. Explosions and fires in industries cost the companies and owners billions of dollars every year. In addition to this are the losses of lives which we cannot evaluate in terms of money. There can be various causes of these accidents. Most of the time, the employees and occupants are not aware of the commodities in their surroundings that can attract fires and accidents. Keeping ourselves updated about the common causes of fire becomes the utmost necessity in such cases. Besides prevention, the potential to cause fire by these causes can help you determine the kind of fire safety equipment you may need for your space. It can help you and your employees to stay ready for any emergency anytime. Prevention is always better than cure. This is particularly true in fire accidents as the losses here cannot be truly recovered.
Given below are the most vulnerable places and the common causes of the fire in these areas.
Common Causes of Fire in Commercial Kitchens
Fires in commercial kitchens are known to be one of the most fierce and difficult to control. If you even go by the statistics, the National Fire Protection Association(NFPA) states that nearly 7400 fires in the US breakout in establishments dedicated to eating and drinking. As commercial kitchens contain various flammable liquid, they are considered highly susceptible to catching fire. Besides this liquid, the presence of cooking equipment such as deep fryers, grills, portable warming equipment, ovens, grease hoods, rotisseries, and barbecues is known to account for around 4500 fires every year. The cooking equipment leads the chart in the industrial sector as the most common cause of fires. In fact, they are estimated to cause 29% of the fires in the industry every year. This makes their storage and usage very important.
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The above information can be associated, particularly with the commercial kitchens. There are different causes related to fires that arise in restaurants and other spaces in the food industry. Some of the leading causes are listed below:
Around 9% of the fires are estimated to be caused due to the equipment used in electrical and lighting equipment. Proper maintenance and protection of these fittings are essential.
Heating equipment can be associated with nearly 9% of the kitchens’ fires and other places in the foodservice industry.
Fires caused by the smoking material in these places are known to start 7% of the total fire every year.
Arson is also counted as a prevalent reason that is estimated to cause about 4% fires every year.
Being aware of these causes will encourage you to take care while placing these materials, contributing to a safe environment.
A fire suppression system is the elementary requirement of any building. With the installation of any such suppression system, the power supply comes into the center stage. A fire pump satiates the water flow and pressure demands of the fire suppression system. The need for a fire pump is decided very initially while developing the design for a fire suppression system. There can be less pressure in the water supply from the source, wherein fire pumps play a vital role in maintaining pressure across the fire suppression system.
Since the basis of operation of this system largely depends on the water supply, it would be great if you could test the source for water supply. The following points should be taken care of during the water test:
Make sure that the water test under consideration is not more than a year old.
This test should be performed at the closest to the tap point.
The time to conduct the test should be when water is at its peak in the area.When the fire pump comes into the picture, knowing the right size and type is very important. The compatibility of the fire suppression system and fire pump has to be checked before integrating them. NFPA 20 guides the standards to be followed to install stationary pumps to be used in the fire protection system. Keeping these standards in mind, you can initiate the selection of the appropriate fire pump.
Owning a fire safety system invites numerous aspects. Owning a fire extinguisher is one thing, and maintaining it is another. Usually, when the fire extinguisher is used for a couple of times, we conduct inspections. But in case the extinguisher is shelved for long, its maintenance is ignored. If you have been regularly maintaining the fire extinguisher at your place, you may have queries about the extinguisher’s life. How long can a portable fire extinguisher last? The answer lies in how safe and maintained it had been kept.
If your fire extinguisher is 10-12 years old, you may need to run inspection and conduct tests to assess its continuity and working conditions. A hydrostatic test is one of the major requirements at this point. This is a pressure test that highlights signs of any deformity and malfunction. The extinguisher shell is subjected to a high pressure to check its condition. If the extinguisher shell passes this test, then it can be used for a few more years. In case it doesn’t, them make sure to replace it.
Common Issues With a Fire Extinguisher
No matter how well you have kept the fire extinguisher, being a machine, it can develop faults and issues. Given below are some of the common problems that demand a servicing and at times replacement:
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The seal at the extinguisher shell’s neck is an essential component in preserving the components and pressure in the extinguisher shell. Sometimes it can weaken or become loose, giving out the internal pressure. This loss of pressure can prevent fire extinguishers from giving optimum performance during fire accidents. Any such discrepancy should be reported to the concerned authority, and immediate action should follow.
In dry chemical fire extinguishers, settling down of dry chemicals is a common problem. If the extinguisher is used in such a condition, then it may not function properly. If you come across any such case, then you should contact any professional fire protection service to empty all the contents present inside. The extinguisher can be recharged and used again.
We generally call professional services for inspection after a certain period. But your fire extinguisher can develop issues in between this time. Keeping an eye for the signs of malfunctions is advised in such cases. Any common man can identify specific issues. They can be:
A crack in the nozzle or hose of the fire extinguisher
The safety pin of your extinguisher shell may go missing
The handle of the fire extinguisher can be broken or displaced from its position.
The inspection tag containing the inspection details may become unreadable or missing.
If you ever observed any of these conditions on your fire extinguisher, you should contact a professional fire servicing team to either replace or service the fire extinguisher.
Disposing of the Fire Extinguisher
If you are satisfied that your fire extinguisher’s damage is beyond replacement, you should think about disposing of it. However, this may not be as simple as it sounds as the extinguisher is filled with extinguishing material. This material can be harmful to human health. This makes disposing of a fire extinguisher important.
If you are willing to dispose of a fire extinguisher with extinguishing content in it, then:
Contact the fire department of your area. Inquire about the probabilities for recharge or replacement of your fire extinguisher.
If the fire department refuses to reuse your shell, it is better to dispose of in a facility dedicated to hazardous waste disposal.
If you want to dispose of an empty fire extinguisher:
Make sure to empty the fire extinguisher shell completely by squeezing the lever of the extinguisher.
The waste collectors need to know that this shell is empty. As an indication, you should remove the head of the fire extinguisher.
You can approach any recycling facility to recycle the steel body of the fire extinguisher.
Your fire extinguisher’s life extends to many more years with appropriate care and maintenance of the shell. Thorough testing is essential to verify the workability of the shell. Irrespective of the fire extinguisher’s age, you should connect with any professional service if you notice any of the mentioned discrepancies. Taking any risk with your extinguisher can result in losses of lives and property.
If you are located in Dallas, Richardson, Plano, Carrollton, or any Texas area, then you can contact Collins Fire & Safety Inc to inspect the fire extinguishers in your building. We have a team of experts that can guide you about the working condition of the fire extinguishers. Call Collins Fire & Safety Inc Fire Protection Service today for assistance with the fire safety system.
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