Fire Systems

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• Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP), or fire alarm control unit (FACU): This component, the hub of the system, monitors inputs and system integrity, controls outputs, and transmits information.
• Remote annunciator: a device that connects directly to the panel; the annunciator's main purpose is to allow emergency personnel to view the system status and take command from outside the electrical room the panel is located in.
• Primary power supply: Commonly, a commercial power utility supplies a non-switched 120 or 240-volt source. A dedicated branch circuit is connected to the fire alarm system and its constituents in non-residential applications.
• Secondary (backup) power supplies: Sealed batteries or other emergency sources, including generators, are used to supply energy during a primary power failure. The batteries can be either inside the bottom of the panel or inside a separate battery box installed near the panel.
• Initiating deveics: These components act as inputs to the fire alarm control unit and are manually or automatically activated. Examples include pull stations, heat detectors, duct detectors, and smoke detectors.
• Fire Alarm Notification Device: This component uses energy supplied from the fire alarm system or other stored energy source to inform the proximate persons of the need to take action, usually to evacuate. This is done using a variety of audio and visual means, ranging from pulsing incandescent, flashing strobe lights, horns, sirens, chimes, bells, loudspeakers, or a combination of these devices.
• Building safety interfaces: This interface allows the fire alarm system to control aspects of the built environment, prepare the building for fire, and control the spread of smoke fumes by influencing air movement, lighting, process control, human transport, and availability of exits.

Regular tests and maintenance of a fire system not only makes sure the system and appliances all function properly, but it also greatly encourages the safety and protection of everyone on the premise. In addition, local laws might mandate annual fire-inspections for businesses to operate.

During a test, the system's components are activated to verify that they are working properly. This includes testing: 

• Smoke detector sensitivity
• Notification appliance audibility and intelligibility
• Battery load
• Control panels
• Sensors
• Warning devices

The system will also be checked to make sure the system can communicate with any monitoring services and that the backup power supplies are adequate.