Potter Fire Alarm Systems - Manual (Page 3)

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Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10
Foreword
The history of fire detection and alarm in the United State dates back to the 1800s with the first standards. Since then the science and
technology behind fire detection and alarm continues to improve. The primary purpose for fire detection and alarm is the reduction
of loss of life and property from fire.
The modern fire alarm is constantly evolving as the technology around detection and notification expands. However, the basic func-
tions of the fire alarm system remain unchanged. There are two key pieces to every fire alarm system; detection, local notification.
Most fire alarm systems also provide off premises reporting to either the fire department or a monitoring company that reports the
alarm to the local fire department.
This manual will give a brief overview to the pieces of the fire detection and alarm system. These parts include the symbols used
for drafting plans, types of detection, control panels and types of notification. In addition, this manual will discuss the required
documentation that is required for the permit, installation and maintenance process.
The core pieces of every fire alarm system are the same. The systems can become quite complex with multiple panels networked
together over an entire campus. However the basic parts that make up the most complex system are the same as the most simple.
Therefore, by learning the basics it can be built upon to assemble the parts and pieces through training for the large addressable
networked systems.