By Al Colombo

The benefits of video technology are being extended from surveillance and intrusion detection to assisting in fire detection and verification. Find out what considerations, practices and codes figure prominently for successful deployment.

Determining fire alarm priorities when elevator emergency phones are involved illustrates the need to sometimes fill in the blanks when situations fall outside the realm of existing codes. Having a third phone line or simply leaving it up to an AHJ are two potential solutions.

Voltage drop is critical to the proper operation of devices attached to a fire alarm system. Nowhere is this as true as with notification appliance circuits (NACs) that connect to a fire alarm control panel. Seven steps show how to do the calculations.

Combination fire-intrusion alarm systems are a viable life-safety and security solution, providing they adhere to NFPA guidelines. Key considerations include nothing impeding the fire detection function and that it also supercedes security alarm signaling.

Backed with the mandates set forth by codes and bolstered with new technologies, the fire/life-safety market offers robust sales opportunities. Success is predicated on deriving necessary state and local credentials, and knowing the local building authority’s requirements and procedures ...

Annual report points up the need for installing security and fire systems contractors to be diligent in providing the latest life-safety products to residential customers. Discover how regular maintenance services and education are helping reduce
fire fatalities.

An inquiry concerning a campus-affiliated residential multiple dwelling provides a launching point to explore fire system code requirements. Find out how to solve such challenges and where to turn for further guidance ...

Proper fire detection is essential not only for life safety but also to avoid false alarms or system malfunctions that could cost the business a bundle. In particular, this holds true for financial institutions ...

Though not as quick to migrate to IT network signal transmission as other systems installed by security contractors, fire/life safety is nevertheless following suit. Find out the latest technology and code developments in this emerging area.

Maintaining power is one of the foundations of any fire/life-safety system. Find out the codes, standards and calculations you need to know to make sure batteries deliver when needed.

A Q&A session addresses code compliance challenges associated with projected beam smoke detectors, annunciators and keypads.

Al Colombo addresses comments prompted by the September's column, "Finding Faults in Fire Systems."

Al Colombo discusses the simple -- yet vital -- steps to better ladder safety.

Of all the troubles that fire alarm technicians are likely to encounter, ground-faults are one of the most difficult to locate and fix. When a ground-fault does occur in a fire alarm system, any number of things can take place.

An important part of what makes fire/life-safety systems easy to sell is that municipal and county governments, by way of sanctioned building departments and knowledgeable inspectors, have established laws or ordinances mandating their installation and maintenance ...

Smart Business Tips: Service & Maintenance Contracts
924 views

SDA Security Stops Old West Bank Heist
856 views

March Networks President and CEO Addresses Sale to Infinova
1998 views

April 11, 2012
17th Annual SAMMY Awards
28 photos

April 10, 2012
2012 ISC West Show Highlights
22 photos

February 29, 2012
Roll Out the Red Carpet for SSI's 2012 Hall of Fame Inductees
25 photos