Building Design and False Alarms

Direct Automatic Alarms transmit an uninterrupted signal to despatch the fire services via the Alarm Signalling Equipment (ASE).

While there are many ways these systems can be configured, there are key components to how a typical system works. Public safety is their prime objective, however direct automatic alarms also protect property and the environment. Most are installed in order to comply with legislation, and there are strict procedures to follow if any changes to your alarm connection are to be made, such as modifications, isolations or disconnections.

Direct automatic alarms can generate false alarm calls to the fire services. There are many ways to prevent unwanted false alarms and CFA encourages every building manager and owner to be proactive in reducing these unwanted alarms.

The fire services, monitoring companies and Building Commission have published a brochure Direct Automatic Alarms- pdf 667k that may assist in your understanding of these types of alarms.

These automatic systems emit a signal and the recipient telephones 000 to request attendance by CFA.

Local domestic alarms (smoke alarms)

These are either installed (hard wired) into the building or purchased separately and installed by the owner or occupier. Their auditory signal is heard in the local area only.

Local fire alarm systems

These systems can be complex with a combination of smoke, thermal and sprinkler systems wired into a panel. They have a local auditory warning gong or alarm and comply with AS1670.

Security monitored alarms

These are domestic alarms or fire alarm systems that are monitored by security companies. In all cases a signal is sent back to the monitoring company, but any further action depends on the procedures agreed between the client and the security company. The fire services are not automatically called.

Residential and domestic sprinkler systems

These are local sprinkler systems installed in residential homes or smaller buildings.

A building with a direct automatic alarm has detectors that activate under certain conditions.

They are designed to detect fire situations or other hazards, however they will activate under other similar situations. For example, a smoke detector will activate if dust is present.

Small groups of detectors are wired into the Fire Indicator Panel (FIP) as separate circuits or zones. More complex systems may have other panels or sprinklers wired into the FIP. Each main component is then wired into the Alarm Signalling Equipment (ASE) as a separate input.

At the time of activation, the ASE will send a signal to Emergency Communications Victoria (despatch centre) via the monitoring provider, and fire appliances will be sent to the site according to pre-arranged turnout requirements.

Understanding your fire alarm system is essential for correct management of your building site. All sites with direct automatic alarms should be managed by personnel who understand how the system works, and who have the knowledge to isolate individual circuits. Your fire maintenance contractor may be able to assist you with additional information about your system.

Definitions

Direct Automatic Alarm: An installation connected to a fire alarm monitoring system connected to a fire station or despatch centre.

Fire Alarm System: Equipment designed to detect fire and other emergency conditions, transmit a signal and give an audible warning.

ASE – Alarm Signalling Equipment: Equipment designed to communicate alarm and fault signals together with other information between a fire alarm system and a monitoring service.

Currently there are two types of ASE in use:
o ‘Code Red’ – favoured by Chubb Fire Safety (formerly FFE)
o ‘Centaur’ – favoured by ADT

Input: A connection into an ASE consisting of a major component of a fire alarm system eg. fire indicator panel (FIP), valve monitored alarm (VMA), sprinkler (SPR).

Zone: Specific area of a fire alarm system

Circuit: Specific line of components within a fire alarm system

Approved Monitoring Provider: A service which receives fire alarm signals and transfers those signals to a fire brigade via an automatic data link and despatch centre.