Fire alarm systems have devices connected to them to detect the fire/smoke or to alert the occupants of an emergency.
Below is a list of common devices found on a fire alarm.
- Manual pull stations/manual call points - Devices to allow people to manually activate the fire alarm. Usually located near exits. Also called "manual pull boxes".
- Smoke detectors - Spot type: Photoelectric and Ionization; Line type: Projected Beam Smoke Detector; Air-Sampling type: Cloud Chamber
- Water Flow Switches - Detect when water is flowing through the fire sprinkler system
- Rate-of-Rise and Thermostat (heat) Detectors - Detect heat changes
- Valve Supervisory Switch - Indicates that a fire sprinkler system valve that is required to be open, is now closed (off-normal).
- Carbon Monoxide Detectors - Detects poisonous carbon monoxide gas and usually only connected to household fire alarm systems. Very rarely seen in commercial systems.
- Notification appliances - Visual and Audible devices to alert people of system activation.
- Magnetic Door Holder - Doors are allowed to close when the fire alarm is activated.
