Looking for refurbished fire alarm parts like initiating devices? Here’s all you need to know about one of the most essential components of fire alarm systems.
An enclosed space, especially a commercial building like an office, showroom, retail outlets, and likewise, has a few mandatory regulations in terms of safety and security. One of the most essential aspects is the fire safety of the building. Since it is a commercial establishment, it attracts more footfall and crowd situations. Even in residential buildings housing multiple units ensuring a proper fire safety solution is part of the legal compliance. So, a well-functioning fire alarm system is a must in such properties.
Now, the fire alarm system comprises multiple components, each with an essential role to play in detecting smoke and raising the alarm for evacuation. On that note, this write-up will shed some light on one of the most vital notifier fire alarm parts; the initiating device.
What is an initiating device?
A fire alarm initiating device can be defined as a specific part of the larger device, used for either manual or automatic signaling of the alarm system in event of an incident to alert the people. The initiating device connects with the FACP (Fire Alarm System’s Control Panel), which sounds the alarm when triggered due to smoke, heat, or fire for building evacuation and to alert the responders.
What is the Importance of fire alarm initiating devices?
The fire alarm initiating devices play an essential role in maintaining the overall efficiency of the fire alarm system. This component is the main trigger that alerts everyone in the event of a fire. Without its accurate functionality, the control panel might fail to raise the alarm on time or at all, creating the premise of a dangerous situation for the people in that enclosed space. The efficacy of a fire alarm system depends on the seamless interconnected workflow of all the components facilitated by each in their ways, including the initiating devices.
What are the different types of initiating devices?
Typically the fire alarm initiating devices can be divided into two main categories:
- Manual
- Automatic
The automatic initiating devices include heat detectors, duct detectors, beam detectors, smoke detectors, tamper switches, and sprinkler flow switches. Automatic fire alarm initiating devices get triggered instantly when the detectors sense smoke, heat, fire, and likewise.
The manual initiating devices, as the name suggests, have to be activated manually in the event of a fire, through human intervention. In the USA and Canada, the pull station is used as a manual initiating device. Its alternative manual call point is used in Europe, Australia, and Asia.
Conclusion
Since initiating devices are vital to the security of a building, businesses or building maintenance entities should always invest in quality stuff, especially if they are getting refurbished fire alarm parts to be installed across the premises. A malfunctioning initiating device can put both lives and property in jeopardy, so investing in quality brands and regular maintenance is a must.
AUTHOR BIO: Drake Belkov is a blogger with a unique interest in refurbished fire alarm parts. Here he is writing about buying notifier fire alarm parts like the initiating devices.
