Defeat false fire alarms

August 2017 Fire & Safety, Products & Solutions

Unfortunately, false alarms are common and when they occur, can cause major disruption and major financial penalties. Furthermore, as buildings become more complex with many occupants and users with different needs, safe evacuation can become complicated, putting occupant safety at risk. As a result, false alarm reduction and the signalling of evacuations only when alarms are genuine is now a top priority in many countries. The latest generation of intelligent fire systems do more than ever to help and use a variety of methods.

The design and planning of effective false alarm management starts with the fire risk assessment and the specification of a fire system that can cope with the demands that will be placed upon it.

The fire industry has implemented two different approaches to the false alarm issue, both focusing on signal verification. The first is based around detector technology, which functions by screening false signals in the detector heads themselves. The second focuses on the fire panel, analysing the signals received from sensors and interpreting this information to determine if the fire signal is real and take further action. Advanced and other forward-looking manufacturers are bringing these approaches together to combat false alarms from multiple directions.

Advances in the capabilities of detectors, particularly point devices, have been a driving force in the reduction of false alarm incidents. The latest detectors use smart algorithms to distinguish a real fire from a false signal, which may be caused by steam or cooking smoke. Some detectors have operating modes designed for particular areas or likely fire types. The detectors themselves are becoming more complex and can detect and analyse more signals from more on-board sensors.

The real power of any system comes from combining detector data with an intelligent fire panel. At a basic level, this allows individual detectors to be used in combination or in different modes to help prevent false alarm incidents.

A well-designed system can achieve much automatically, or with very minimal human input. However, in recent years the involvement of building occupants in certain verification models has been shown to be very effective, and some manufacturers have developed dedicated false alarm input devices to facilitate this.

Taking the form of loop devices, such as Advanced’s AlarmCalm Button, or restricted repeaters, these allow the validation of a local alert by the occupant of a room or apartment. The cause and effect is set such that each apartment has a pre-set verification time in which the alarm system will monitor a signal detected from a device within it. If the signal clears before the end of the verification period the system resets, if it is still present the next stage of the alarm is implemented, usually a full fire signal.

On hearing a local alert and being made aware the detector in their apartment has detected a fire, the occupant can press the AlarmCalm Button, (if they believe the signal is a false alarm), to extend the automatic verification time, by a pre-programmed period. This gives additional time for a false signal to clear, possibly allowing the fire system to reset. Again, if the signal persists beyond the second stage verification time, the system will progress to a full alarm, likely evacuation and all associated outputs.

For more information contact Technoswitch, +27 (0)11 794 9144, [email protected], www.technoswitch.co.za



Credit(s)




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Hikvision launches AcuSeek NVR
Surveillance Products & Solutions AI & Data Analytics
By integrating natural language interaction, Hikvision’s AcuSeek NVR enables precise video and image retrieval within seconds, marking a transformative milestone for the security industry's advance into intelligent and efficient applications.

Read more...
Analyse, automate, and optimise logistics processes
neaMetrics Surveillance Transport (Industry) Products & Solutions Logistics (Industry)
In today’s rapidly evolving logistics sector, the pressure to improve process efficiency, optimise resource usage, and ensure seamless security is more intense than ever. Smart, proactive surveillance is no longer a luxury — it is a critical operational necessity.

Read more...
The next step-change in fire detection technology is coming
Fire & Safety
Like many industries, fire detection technology’s most recent evolutionary steps revolve around data and connectivity. When coupled with machine learning algorithms or AI, this could underpin the next real step change.

Read more...
Igniting standards, powering protection
Securex South Africa News & Events Fire & Safety
Fire safety is more than compliance, it is a critical commitment to protecting lives, assets, and infrastructure. At Firexpo 2025, taking place from 3 to 5 June at Gallagher Convention Centre, that commitment takes centre stage.

Read more...
Advanced surveillance storage from ASBIS
Infrastructure Surveillance Products & Solutions
From a video storage solutions perspective, SkyHawk drives, designed for DVRs and NVRs, offer high capacity, optimised firmware, and a reliability workload rating of hundreds of terabytes per year.

Read more...
Enhancing safety in battery energy storage systems
Technoswitch Fire Detection & Suppression Products & Solutions Fire & Safety
The calibration-free Combustible Gas & VOC Sensor by Technoswitch can be configured to detect various flammable gases, including electrolyte vapours (VOC) and hydrogen, and is an indispensable tool for ensuring the safety of Li-ion battery storage systems.

Read more...
ESPRIT intelligent fire panel range
Technoswitch Fire Detection & Suppression Products & Solutions Fire & Safety
Technoswitch recently added the EN54-approved ESPRIT intelligent control panel range to its product portfolio to complement the existing TC5000 intelligent control panel range, aimed at small and medium sites that require a cost-effective, networkable fire alarm system.

Read more...
DoorBell with built-in AI
Ajax Systems Access Control & Identity Management Products & Solutions Smart Home Automation
Ajax Systems has announced the release of Ajax DoorBell, which features built-in AI, an IR sensor, and app control, seamlessly integrating into the Ajax ecosystem to ensure efficiency and security confidence.

Read more...
Kaspersky KATA 7.0 for targeted attack protection
Information Security Products & Solutions
] Kaspersky has announced a major update to its Kaspersky Anti Targeted Attack (KATA) including enhanced network detection and response (NDR) capabilities with deeper network visibility, internal threats detection and other critical security features.

Read more...
Benchmark in long-range surveillance
Duxbury Networking Surveillance Products & Solutions
Duxbury Networking says the long-range, high-resolution monitoring AXIS Q1809-LE bullet camera has been enhanced further with integration into Milestone XProtect to set a new standard for forensic-level image clarity, intelligent event detection, and enhanced security management.

Read more...










While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.