Fire Detection Systems
ABSTRACT
Cultural property management is entrusted with the responsibility of protecting and preserving an institution's buildings, collections, operations and occupants. Constant attention is required to minimize adverse impact due to climate, pollution, theft, vandalism, insects, mold and fire. Because of the speed and totality of the destructive forces of fire, it constitutes one of the more serious threats. Vandalized or environmentally damaged structures can be repaired and stolen objects recovered. Items destroyed by fire, however, are gone forever. An uncontrolled fire can obliterate an entire room's contents within a few minutes and completely burn out a building in a couple hours.
The first step toward halting a fire is to properly identify the incident, raise the occupant alarm, and then notify emergency response professionals. This is often the function of the fire detection and alarm system. Several system types and options are available, depending on the specific characteristics of the protected space.
Fire protection experts generally agree that automatic sprinklers represent one of the single, most significant aspects of a fire management program. Properly designed, installed, and maintained, these systems can overcome deficiencies in risk management, building construction, and emergency response. They may also provide enhanced flexibility of building design and increase the overall level of fire safety.
The following text presents an overview of fire detection, alarm and sprinkler systems including system types, components, operations, and answers to common anxieties.
FIRE GROWTH AND BEHAVIOR
Before attempting to understand fire detection systems and automatic sprinklers, it is beneficial to possess a basic knowledge of fire development and behavior. With this information, the role and interaction of these supplemental fire safety systems in the protection process can then be better realized.
Basically, a fire is a chemical reaction in which
Cultural property management is entrusted with the responsibility of protecting and preserving an institution's buildings, collections, operations and occupants. Constant attention is required to minimize adverse impact due to climate, pollution, theft, vandalism, insects, mold and fire. Because of the speed and totality of the destructive forces of fire, it constitutes one of the more serious threats. Vandalized or environmentally damaged structures can be repaired and stolen objects recovered. Items destroyed by fire, however, are gone forever. An uncontrolled fire can obliterate an entire room's contents within a few minutes and completely burn out a building in a couple hours.
The first step toward halting a fire is to properly identify the incident, raise the occupant alarm, and then notify emergency response professionals. This is often the function of the fire detection and alarm system. Several system types and options are available, depending on the specific characteristics of the protected space.
Fire protection experts generally agree that automatic sprinklers represent one of the single, most significant aspects of a fire management program. Properly designed, installed, and maintained, these systems can overcome deficiencies in risk management, building construction, and emergency response. They may also provide enhanced flexibility of building design and increase the overall level of fire safety.
The following text presents an overview of fire detection, alarm and sprinkler systems including system types, components, operations, and answers to common anxieties.
FIRE GROWTH AND BEHAVIOR
Before attempting to understand fire detection systems and automatic sprinklers, it is beneficial to possess a basic knowledge of fire development and behavior. With this information, the role and interaction of these supplemental fire safety systems in the protection process can then be better realized.
Basically, a fire is a chemical reaction in which