E-Books: Fire Alarm Systems A Reference Manual

Fire Alarm Systems A Reference Manual by Canadian Fire Alarm Association. A Module of the CFAA Fire Alarm Technology Program. Fire alarm systems continue to be a major element for life safety in buildings. The subject of fire alarm systems is a unique discipline that has evolved with technological advances and is also linked with the legal requirements of Codes and Standards. The text has been written in a manner suited to readers with diverse backgrounds who desire a better understanding of fire alarm systems in terms of design, installation, inspection, and testing.

Fire alarm systems continue to be a major element for life safety in buildings. The subject of fire alarm systems is a unique discipline that has evolved with technological advances and is also linked with the legal requirements of Codes and Standards. This new edition of the manual is written as a reference resource for those takin Course 5 of the CFAA Fire Alarm Technician program, but also as an informative document to provide a better understanding of how things work, installation considerations, and the multitude of fire alarm system requirements. As stated in the previous edition, an understanding of basic electricity and basic electronics is necessary to achieve the maximum benefit. Knowledge of fire growth and progression is also helpful in addition to comprehension of the interdependent structure of the related codes and standards. “Introduction to Fire Detection and Alarm Industry”, the Course 1 manual, is an excellent reference in this regard.
The new edition of “Fire Alarm Systems: A Reference Manual” is in a revised format with color illustrations and photographs. The content of the thirteen chapters encompasses the fire topics of detection, signaling, control units, installation, and testing. It has been built on the foundation of the previous edition and updated to include the advances in fire alarm system technology.

Illustrations and photographs are intended to supplement the text and are not intended to promote a manufacturer’s product. The text has been revised with information to reflect the changes in the Building Code, Fire Code, and the latest edition of the Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada (ULC) standards.

This book is the result of many volunteer hours by several members of the
Canadian Fire Alarm Association. The list includes authors and those who spent hours reviewing the content. The rewriting of this book has had the technical advice and assistance of the CFAA Education Committee chaired by David Sylvester. David has provided both guidance in setting the format and many hours in the review of this edition. We are particularly indebted to those contributors who drafted various chapters: Ken Baird, Dave Duggan, Mike Hugh, Andy Hewitson, Paul Jewett, Brad Pope, and Victor Repovz.

Table of Contents Fire Alarm Systems