Fire Alarms

Introduction

A fire alarm system is a crucial part of the fire and life safety of a building and its occupants.  Fire alarm systems are compromised of several components, including initiating devices, notification appliances, and control panels.  These components work collectively to identify fire or the threat of fire and will sound an audio and visual alarm to alert building occupants so they have ample time for evacuation.  At Boston University in addition to standard fire alarms systems that are designed for entire buildings we also have high-rise alarms which function in a different manner than standard fire alarms.

Standard Building Fire Alarm s Vs. High Rise Building Fire Alarm

Standard Building Fire Alarm

A standard building fire alarm will activate throughout the entire building with horns and flashing strobes requiring the entire building to evacuate.  There is no zone or floor specific alarms.

High Rise Building Fire Alarm

High-rises are defined as buildings 75 feet or more in height measured.  Due to the height of these buildings and the fire fighting accessibility limits that are posed by this height, they have specific fire alarm system requirements.  High-rise buildings present unique challenges when it comes to fire safety, and therefore, their fire alarm systems are designed to address these specific needs. Here are some key aspects of high-rise fire alarm systems:

  • Early Detection Systems: High-rise buildings have sophisticated fire detection systems that can identify signs of a fire early on. These systems may include smoke detectors, heat detectors, and other advanced sensors strategically placed throughout the building.
  • Zoning and Alarm Verification: High-rise buildings are typically divided into zones, allowing for more precise identification of the location of a potential fire.
  • Voice Evacuation Systems: In addition to traditional alarm sounds, high-rise buildings are equipped with voice evacuation systems.
  • Integration with Building Systems: Fire alarm systems in high-rise buildings are integrated with other building systems, such as elevators, and access control. Integration allows for a more coordinated and efficient response during a fire emergency.
  • Multiple Notification Appliances: Due to the size and complexity of high-rise buildings, there may be a need for multiple notification appliances, including strobes, horns, and speakers, to ensure that alerts are visible and audible throughout the entire structure.
  • Phased Evacuation Strategies: Depending on the nature of the emergency, high-rise buildings may implement phased evacuation strategies. This involves prioritizing the evacuation of specific floors or areas while maintaining a safe environment for those not directly affected by the fire.
  • Compliance with Regulations: High-rise buildings comply with local building codes and fire safety regulations, which often include specific requirements for fire alarm systems in tall structures. Compliance ensures that the building meets established safety standards.

Alarm Activation in High Rise

As described above a standard building fire alarm will sound an alarm in the event of a fire alarm activation which will require the entire building to evacuate.  This is drastically different from the High Rise Building Fire alarms that are installed, as described below.

  1. Activation: Sounds an alert (pre-signal) tone.  The tone will produce 3 rounds of 4 tones at approximately 1-second intervals.
  2. Audible Message   (repeated 2x) “Attention Please, The signal tone you have just heard indicates a report of an emergency in this building.  If your floor evacuation signal sounds after this message walk to the nearest stairway exit and leave the floor. While this report is being verified, occupants on the other floor should await further instructions.”
  3. Evacuation:  The evacuation signal is a standard tone.  The slow tone is an ascending tone of approximately 3.5 seconds with an interruption between tones of approximately 0.5 seconds.  This tone will activate  on the floor of the incident, and the floor above and below.
  4. Elevator Recall: The operation of any smoke detector in an elevator lobby automatically captures the elevator and returns them to the first floor unless the alarm originates on the first floor, in that case the elevators will return to the second floor.

Fire Alarm Testing

All fire alarm systems are tested quarterly by vendor.  In addition to fire alarm testing BU EHS also conducts fire drills.  To learn more about fire drills please visit the following page.