By: Casey Bennett, Director of Fire Technologies
The fire detection industry may have previously developed a reputation for being slow-moving and resistant to change, but those days are behind us. Innovation is driving the industry forward at an unprecedented pace, resulting in advancements of all kinds.
This newfound focus on innovation isn’t about bells and whistles. Modern fire alarm systems are designed to empower faster response times, provide first responders with vital information, and minimize disruption during non-emergency situations. Let’s delve deeper into how these advancements are revolutionizing fire safety, and how your business can benefit.
The Trifecta: Leading The Way
In recent times, we’ve already discussed the Notifier Trifecta, a comprehensive fire safety solution that combines the power of three key components:
- The INSPIRE Panel: The central hub of the Trifecta system is a user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing control panel. This panel offers intuitive operation and can be easily adapted to accommodate future growth within a building.
- Connected Life Safety Services: Cloud-based monitoring allows for remote access to the fire safety system. This enables real-time data analysis, troubleshooting, and even remote adjustments to ensure optimal system performance.
- Self-Testing Detectors: These intelligent detectors conduct automatic self-tests, reducing the need for manual testing and minimizing disruption to building occupants.
But what other innovations are at the forefront at the moment?
Enhanced Monitoring: Bigger Picture, Better Outcomes
A decade ago, checking the status of your entire fire system from your phone was impossible. Now, we’ve come to expect this degree of visibility and convenience from nearly every other technology in our lives – why should the fire alarm be the exception? This is just one of the benefits of Honeywell’s Enhanced Monitoring. With mobile and web apps, you can have a real-time view of your system’s health, receive instant notifications of any issues, and ensure your system is always functioning optimally.
Enhanced Monitoring goes a step further by providing invaluable support during emergencies. In the critical moments of a fire emergency, your system can automatically transmit vital data directly to first responders. This includes details like the location of the alarm, floor plans, and any special hazards within the building. Equipping first responders with this crucial information allows for a faster, more targeted response, potentially saving lives and property.
Traditional fire alarm systems often rely on manual phone calls to alert first responders, a time-consuming process that can delay their arrival. Enhanced Monitoring eliminates this delay by transmitting digital alerts directly to emergency services. This can shave off precious minutes in response time, making a significant difference in the outcome of a fire.
Seeing the Light: LED Notification
Another key fire alarm technology businesses should be looking to adapt is LED notification. Previous generations of alarm strobes utilized xenon bulbs, but LED has established itself as the industry standard. The reason is simple: energy efficiency. On average, LED notification appliances have a 40% lower current draw than their xenon counterparts, enabling a far greater number of appliances per circuit, and likely reducing your building’s overall energy consumption.
Furthermore, these LED appliances feature digital voltage meter (DVM) test points, which allow for a testing device to be plugged directly into a port without removing the appliance from a wall or ceiling. That means easier troubleshooting, and less hassle.
The Bottom Line
The fire alarm industry is no longer stuck in the past. Advancements in technology are leading to smarter, more efficient, and ultimately safer fire safety systems. By investing in modern features and more future-proof, efficient options, businesses can experience a multitude of benefits, as well as better prepare your system to benefit from further innovations and advancements down the road.
