http://www.securitysales.com/t_inside.aspx?action=article&StoryID=3433
Mass notification, a relatively new development in life safety, can be defined as "a technology that provides real-time information to groups of individuals within large buildings, campus settings, geographic regions, or entire nations." The overall purpose of a mass notification system (MNS) involves an integrated effort to save lives and minimize injuries during emergency situations, such as natural catastrophes and terrorist attacks.
http://www.securitysales.com/t_inside.aspx?action=article&storyID=3441
Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) Executive Director Stan Martin offers his perspective on reducing false fire alarms.
http://www.securitysales.com/t_inside.aspx?action=article&storyID=3415
The number of injuries and deaths due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning routinely increases every year as cold weather moves across the nation. Columnist Al Colombo talk about what NFPA 720 tells us about CO detection.
http://www.securitysales.com/t_inside.aspx?action=article&StoryID=3339
July 2009
The fire alarm industry has long prided itself on providing reliable signaling through the use of digital communication. Traditionally, the exchange of information using this technology takes place using a DACT in conjunction with a DACR. Today, however, there are combinations of signal transport technologies designed to rush data from the alarm panel to the central or supervising station, and most often this still involves the use of a DACT and a DACR.
http://www.securitysales.com/t_inside.aspx?action=article&StoryID=3326
June 2009
Although lightning is a major concern during good weather, it doesn't have to be warm out for electric motors, smelting operations, heavy industry and other electrical concerns to spell big trouble for the equipment for which fire and burglar alarm technicians are responsible. Lightning is a common concern for alarm technicians because of the suddenness with which it can strike. The damage that it can cause may involve a lone device connected to an internal low-voltage cable, like an addressable manual fire pull or an individual circuit board. Or it might involve an entire motherboard within a fire or burglar alarm panel.
http://www.securitysales.com/t_inside.aspx?action=article&StoryID=3314
May 2009
Each year an estimated 15,000 people in the United States are treated for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and 500 die from its effects. Companies specializing in residential burglar and fire alarm systems are best suited to sell, install and service CO detectors as part of an interconnected system. “It’s our job as professionals to not only educate clients on security, but life safety, too,” says Nick Markowtz, owner of Markowitz Electric Protection of Verona, Pa. “This includes a working knowledge of the health issues, physical symptoms and common sources of CO.”
http://www.securitysales.com/t_inside.aspx?action=article&StoryID=3295
April 2009
Compatibility is something with which anyone who installs code-compliant fire alarm systems must be concerned. Unless one manufacturer’s smoke detector is listed as compatible with another manufacturer’s fire alarm control panel, the two should not be connected together to form a system. This is especially critical in the area of two-wire smoke detectors that derive their operating power from the same two conductors that provide detection.
http://www.securitysales.com/t_inside.aspx?action=article&StoryID=3276
March 2009
Sprinkler systems are an important part of an end user’s overall fire protection program. Not only are these systems often required by the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), but when they are used, fire code and most AHJs require that they be connected to a building’s fire alarm system — when there’s one in place.
http://www.securitysales.com/t_inside.aspx?action=article&StoryID=3252
February 2009
Elevating Your Expertise Elevators are like a proverbial double-edged sword — on the one hand they save a lot of time and steps, on the other they can become a nuisance when they trap someone between floors. It’s even more of a problem when the cause of the stoppage is a fire alarm system. This month, we’ll take a look at some of the issues surrounding effective elevator recall and shutdown.
http://www.securitysales.com/t_inside.aspx?action=article&StoryID=3237
January 2009
The need to protect customers in specialized markets is often at odds with fire code and local ordinances. Where the security mission requires special locking arrangements by way of a mantrap, fire code requires free egress when a fire situation occurs.
In applications where there’s a conflict between security and life safety, confusion can result.