The Best Solutions for Campus Fire Alarm Networks

Choosing the right fire alarm system and network design for a campus is not a matter of “one size fits all.” Questions need to be asked and answered. What's the goal of the system? Is central monitoring needed? Should it be a proprietary, non-proprietary, or an integrated system?

The answers lie in today's fire alarm network technologies and with an experienced, competent engineer and installer who knows how to use the technology to create the best fire alarm network for a college or university campus setting.

Today’s technology
The features of today’s fire alarm system are designed to take the latest technology and translate it into an intelligible system that provides the highest quality of fire and life safety by complying with the applicable codes and standards.

As a result, today’s fire systems represent the best technological systems available, says Erick Slabaugh, CEO of ABSCO Alarms in Lynnwood, Washington. “The newest systems provide installers and designers with the best alternatives for our customers.”

Among the newest advancements in networked systems are system survivability, user-friendly interface, system expandability, less wiring, and remote monitoring of the system. In addition, networked fire alarm systems benefit from the ability to incorporate audio for mass notification capabilities.

“The peer-to-peer technology can be used in a single building, or to meet the needs of a networked campus environment. It scales well and is affordable even in smaller applications. These systems combine flexibility of use, longevity and cost savings to assist us in meeting our clients’ needs,” says Slabaugh.

A networked fire alarm system can be monitored remotely or by a central station. This flexibility supports the demands of many facilities managers and security personnel. To accommodate this requirement, manufacturers respond with a technology that allows users to monitor a network remotely via a laptop or computer monitor. An overview of the network is displayed on the screen. When a problem develops, it can be seen quickly and a response is made instantaneously.

“There are also tablet computers that are portable and designed to be rugged. This mobile tablet displays the entire campus, including what is located inside each building. This is essential in an emergency because it provides an exact description of the hazard,” says Bob Gomersall, Product Manager for Gamewell-FCI. “This is particularly useful on a campus where there are labs and other specialized occupancies.”

A common platform
Which type of system maximizes the use of new technology? “Latest trends in fire alarm network technologies can be fully demonstrated when using a proprietary system. Newer proprietary systems also take advantage of fiber optics rather than wiring. The benefit of this system is to use a single fiber connection, rather than multiple wires,” according to Gomersall. “Fiber is being used more and more. However, when you try to combine it with an older or non-proprietary alarm system you can have problems.”

According to Ben Nelson, President of Nelson Fire in Salt Lake City, Utah, the benefits of a proprietary system are linked to choice and reliability. “If you select a company by service, product and cost, then review reliable references from previous projects, you will continue to have consistent quality throughout the life of the system.”

Challenges
Once a system type is chosen, what are some of the problems that could be encountered? Among the challenges facing installers are cost, maintaining a system during the work, and local code compliance.

“Cost is always an issue for the customer, particularly in a campus situation. Often, campus projects are subject to funding. That’s way it is important to break down the project into sections. For example, the newest buildings, the buildings that have been previously retrofitted, and the buildings needing the most work,” commented Slabaugh. “The latest technology installed in the newer buildings can be networked with the renovated buildings. Working out the cost on each is a matter of determining exactly what is needed. Then select a system that can be expanded to meet those needs.”

Cost-savings may prompt some to go with a non-proprietary system. “Benefits of a non-proprietary system include a lower cost due to competition on bids. However, the quality of products and services cannot be guaranteed because company selection is solely based on cost,” says Nelson.

According to Nelson, on a retrofit system, there are concerns on keeping the existing fire alarm system operational during installation of the new system. “A network system allows the use of either a spare twisted pair wire or spare multi-mode fiber. This allows the new nodes to be operational before disabling the old system. Then the existing system can be replaced one node (area) at a time, to reduce fire alarm down time and minimize fire watch expenses.

“On a new system, the backbone network can be installed and all nodes made operational. Each building can be brought on line one node at a time. When using fiber to connect nodes you can eliminate some of the problems that can occur on copper wires” (like grounds, corrosion and lightning strikes), says Nelson.

Bring in the AHJ early in the process.
All agree that bringing in the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) is essential when discussing a project. “Bringing them in early makes the process go smoother because the AHJ will get an understanding of what is planned and you get a better understanding of what the local requirements are for your project,” comments Slabaugh.

“When the technology is different from what they may be used to, it is vital that they understand how the system is designed and how the technology meets the codes and standards,” explains Gomersall.

“Once they understand that the code-compliant system is going to provide the best fire, life safety and property protection, the project will proceed and everyone will be pleased with the end result”, notes Slabaugh.