Fire alarm in the apartment: installation features, instructions, types and reviews

Equipping modern apartments with fire alarms has long ceased to be an additional measure of security and has become a necessity. Manufacturers of alarm systems listen to the needs of ordinary consumers, offering ergonomic and functional systems. Household fire alarm in the apartment, subject to high-quality installation and compliance with the rules of operation, regularly performs its tasks and does not cause undue anxiety to residents.

What is a fire alarm?

A typical alarm system package consists of two basic components - a control panel and a sensor. The first component, the same controller, is a means of adjusting the operation of the system, the receiver of the signal from the sensor and in most cases directly by the signaling device. In some cases, the siren can be installed separately, but also in common with the control panel. Such annunciators are distinguished by a powerful sound signal, therefore they are more often used in large houses and public buildings than in apartments. The main and most crucial element of the system is the fire alarm sensor. In the apartment it is installed in places of possible fire threat. This is a sensitive sensor that captures the presence of a flame or smoke in a room. There are different versions of the detectors, which will be discussed below. The entire infrastructure can be combined either by cable lines or wireless communication modules.

Varieties of systems

Household fire systems differ in the type of detectors used and the means of warning. As for the detectors, they are temperature, smoke and electromagnetic, that is, catching the radiation of the flame. Temperature models capture only indirect signs of the spread of fire and do not always give an accurate result - in addition, they can react to the thermal radiation of the regular work of household appliances. Smoke and electromagnetic sensors are most common as a means of detecting a fire. In this case, smoke devices require regular cleaning, otherwise their sensors will also work with the slightest external stimulation. The most reliable is complex fire alarm - in the apartment in different places a full set of sensors of different types is installed, which cover all potentially hazardous areas from the point of view of the threat of fire. In terms of means of notification, it is worth noting the channels of data transmission directly to the user. In addition to direct operation of the sound detector, the host can receive a signal from the control panel via GSM mobile communication, via radio communication or Internet connection. In addition, it is possible to organize an alarm transmission channel and to the local fire department.

Installation work

First, you need to sketch out the circuit on which the installation points will be marked. In this part, it is important to observe two principles. First, detectors should be in places of real danger, and that at the moment of danger, sensitive elements fix the target sign of ignition - smoke, temperature or flame radiation. Secondly, the sensor, regardless of type, should be removed from instruments and equipment that has a thermal or electromagnetic effect. The very same installation in the apartment of fire alarm is performed with the help of fasteners. This can be self-tapping screws, screws, staples or profile elements. Using a screwdriver, drill and masking accessories, you can easily install the sensor housing in a wall, ceiling or floor covering.

User's manual

After installation from the user it is required to make some manipulations in the framework of system preparation for operation. These measures are not needed if independent sensors are installed that do not transmit a signal and immediately trigger when a threat is detected. Maximum in such devices you can adjust the sensitivity of the sensor. In systems with control panels, it is necessary to connect the controller and the subscribers with which the fire alarm will interact. In an apartment for a minimum range of alerts, it is enough to set the sounder to sufficient power. In systems with wireless data transmission, a connection via radio channel (with the use of a key fob), cellular communication and an Internet channel is also configured. There are also systems in which, when signs of a threat are detected, fire extinguishers are triggered automatically before the signal is sent. But it is in apartments that such devices are used less often.

False positives: what to do?

Not in all cases of triggering the sensor is the fault is the fire. To provoke the sensing element, elementary clogging of the "stuffing", a decrease in the battery life, network voltage drops and external factors can occur. If the fire alarm in the apartment, in which there is not the slightest sign of fire, it is necessary to check the condition of the device itself, as well as the possible influence of air flows on it. An open window or the evaporation of boiling water may very well trigger the alarm.

If the room is not found and factors that could cause a false activation of the detector, it should be disconnected, dismantle and check the internal "stuffing". Much also depends on exactly what the fire alarm sensor is on. In an apartment where temperature sensors are installed, it is difficult to detect changes in the microclimate without special instruments. Therefore, in working with such devices, the installation of a thermometer in the sensor location area should also be envisaged.

Can I turn off the alarm permanently?

First of all, it should be noted that the very presence of such alarm in the apartments is now mandatory. All new buildings under the rules of fire supervision are put into operation with installed alarm systems. Accordingly, it is impossible to disable it by regulations. Unless for the time of repair work, installation of equipment and other activities, the implementation of which will lead to activation of the device. Nevertheless, in practice, a large part of the owners still deactivate this function, leaving the equipment in place in the case of verification. How to disable the fire alarm in the apartment? It depends on the type of sensor. Simple stand-alone models on batteries are turned off by pressing one button on the case. In more complex complexes with control panels, the alarm function can also be disabled at the program level by making the appropriate settings.

Reviews of manufacturers

Exact and functional systems are presented by Hochiki, Siemens, Apollo, etc. In the lines of these manufacturers, you can find separate detectors, and full-fledged warning systems with controllers. Owners of such electrical equipment note reliability, wide sensitivity settings and the ability to communicate with other security systems. Domestic fire alarm is less attractive. In the apartment, such devices are recommended to be used only as components of a comprehensive solution, which, for example, will be based on a Siemens controller. The most worthy options for this segment are offered to Poliservice and Teles.

Conclusion

Approaches to the device of fire alarm in a wide consumer array are still far from perfect. Therefore, a skeptical attitude to the function that the fire alarm system performs in the apartment is formed. Is it possible to remove this security component? This is quite possible - it is enough to make some simple manipulations. But even if you exclude the risks of fines that can follow during the operation of the signaling, there will remain a threat of another kind - a fire. Therefore, the optimal solution to the problem will still be the use of quality alarm components that will be protected from false positives.