Fire Detection Systems

There are 2 x types of fire detection systems, Conventional and Analogue Addressable. To correctly select which system best suits your needs is based on the buildings usage, occupancy,  relevant standard and the Building Code of Australia (BCA). It is important to design a detection system which quickly detects (and in some cases automatically extinguish) a fire to minimise damage. 

Conventional Systems

Conventional-collective systems are generally the most cost effective option and are normally seen in such areas as strata title buildings, smaller commercial offices and industrial sites. They are essentially simple switches that are either "on" or "off". They cannot distinguish between a real fire and the various non-fire phenomena that can trigger an alarm such as tobacco smoke, dust and steam. Up to forty detectors can be installed on one circuit and, whilst they can indicate an area or zone where an alarm has been triggered, they cannot indicate a specific location in that zone.

Conventional Smoke Detector	Conventional Thermal Detector

Analogue Addressable Systems

These systems are a major advancement and can pre-warn managers of an alarm activation, allowing time to investigate and provide remedial action to prevent a false alarm.

Some benefits of these systems include:

• Each detector sensor can be uniquely identified and located;
• Early warning of maintenance needs can be measured eg. Level of Contamination in individual detectors;
• wiring faults such as cut wires or short circuits do not generate false alarms;
• Adjustable sensitivity - each detector can be tailored to its environment to give optimum sensitivity and resistance to permitted activities; and
• On board log of system activities

Analogue Smoke Detector	Analogue Thermal Detector

Addressable Sounder Bases

Contact: service@compliantfire.com.au

Fire Alarm Panels

Conventional fire indicator panel’s uses state of the art microprocessor technology together with new manufacturing processes to deliver a cost effective solution to your fire indicator panel requirements without having to make compromises in functionality, reliability or appearance. 
A range of modular panel add-ons kits allows the panel to be professionally tailored to the requirements of each installation. This means small conventional panels can now be used in a wider range of applications.
Key features of Conventional Fire Alarm Panels include:

• Programmable delays to outputs
• Low quiescent current
• Detector head removal facility
• Single PCB architecture
• Easy to use
• Walk test facility
• Each conventional detection circuit accommodates up to 40 Conventional Fire Detectors.

Analogue Addressable Fire Panels

The modular hardware design and flexible programming allow the user to easily configure field devices. 

Key features of Analogue Addressable Fire Panels include:

• Programming via front panel.
• Programming through the use of a notebook computer.
• Modem connection capability.
• Remote upload/download of software.
• Remote integration of system.
• Optional Agent Release system
• Password protection
• Day/night sensitivity settings.
• Event log
• Self-learn capabilities
• Operation of all inputs/outputs via keypad.
• Brigade output interrogation.
• Pre-alarm level available.
• Digital voltage readout.
• Readout of detector analogue count.
• Printer connection capability.
• S.P.O.T – Single Person Operation Test.
• Network capabilities.

Aspirating Detection Systems

Communication centres, computer suites and call centres, particularly those with high ceilings or incorporating air conditioning, are especially at risk. Likewise archives, museums and heritage buildings all share zero tolerance to delay of any kind when it comes to fire safety.

In such cases, conventional smoke detectors are too insensitive and can be easily rendered ineffective by the filters in air conditioning units, the introduction of fresh make-up air and high airflows. Often, the time taken for smoke to achieve sufficient density to activate even the most advanced-design conventional high-level sensor may be too long.

Air is continuously drawn into the piping network by an internal aspirator. A sample of this air is transported through the filter to the detection chamber. Using advanced laser tech nology, the detector analyses the air sample and sends an analogue signal of airborne smoke intensity to a remote or integrated Display Module.

This information is then relayed from the Display Module to a central fire alarm control panel or a building management system via intelligent interfaces or relay contacts. The Display Module is programmable, enabling sensitivity and alarm level settings to be selected by the user.

Aspirating Detection Systems can actually reduce the number of unnecessary and disruptive false alarms. They use a unique monitored dual-stage filter cartridge to trap most larger particles while allowing only the smaller smoke particles to pass through for analysis. Additionally, the sensitivity level can be set having first sampled the ambient smoke and air contamination levels.

Emergency Warning and Intercommunication Systems (EWIS)

Emergency Warning and Intercommunication Systems (EWIS) have been designed to facilitate the orderly and speedy evacuation of a building in the event of an emergency. This procedure may be initiated automatically by a fire alarm system, fire sprinkler system or manually by a break glass call point. 

An EWIS system may be used as a fully automated system or it will allow Fire Wardens to easily control and co-ordinate an evacuation using the dedicated emergency telephone network. 

Emergency Warning System

The Emergency Warning System (EWS) generates and controls audible warning signals via dedicated amplifiers and loudspeakers installed on each level or in each zone of a building. Visual warning lights/strobes may also be installed in areas of high noise. On detection of an alarm the EWS system generates the standard "Alert" tone. After a predetermined period the system will switch automatically to the "Evacuation" tone interspersed with digitized voice messages instructing people to evacuate the building. High-rise and other special building classifications may require the use of the automatic cascade sequence facility, whereby areas in immediate danger are evacuated first. Alert and Evacuate warning tones are automatically escalated at predetermined times until the whole building is evacuated in an orderly manner. At any time authorised Fire Wardens or Fire-fighting Personnel may take control of the EWS system An emergency public address microphone allows the broadcast of verbal messages to building occupants in all or selected areas via the zone loud speakers. Under non-emergency conditions the EWS system may be used to distribute background music and routine public address announcements. 

Emergency Intercommunication System

The Emergency Intercommunication System (EIS) provides dedicated emergency telephone communications between the Emergency Control Panel (ECP) and Fire Warden Intercommunication Points (WIPs) in each zone. Secondary ECPs Secondary Emergency Control Panels (SECPs) may be connected to allow control and monitoring of the complete EIS system from multiple locations. Each SECP duplicates all the functions of the Master ECP. A priority system arbitrates handover control between the Master ECP and SECPs, and also allows a SECP to take full control should the Master ECP fail. Emergency Warning and Intercommunication System (EWIS) have been designed to facilitate the orderly and speedy evacuation of a building in the event of an emergency. This procedure may be initiated automatically by a fire alarm system or manually by a break glass call point. The EWS System may be used as a fully automated system or it will allow Fire Wardens to easily control and co-ordinate an evacuation using the dedicated emergency telephone network. 

Contact: service@compliantfire.com.au

Gas Suppression Systems

1. FM-200 ® (HFC 227ea) is a hydroflourocarbon (HFC) known chemical as Heptaflouropane (CF 3 CHFCF 3 ). It is a clean gaseous agent that is liquefied under pressure for storage. It is classified as suitable for use in occupied areas and is considered to have no ozone depleting potential (ODP). FM-200® systems, designed in accordance with AS4214 parts 1 and 2, are readily suited to the protection of high value assets, where space and weight of system hardware is a consideration, such as computers, communications equipment, medical equipment and people.
   
   

   Fire in protected area is sensed by detectors and sent to control unit Control unit shuts down ventilation systems, sounding alarms and starting discharge of FM-200 agent into protected area. FM-200 is propelled into protected area through piping & nozzles. FM-200 quickly suppresses fire. No fire, no mess, back in business.

   
   
   
   
   
2. Carbon Dioxide has been used effectively as a fire extinguisher since the early 1900's. It is a clean gaseous agent, in plentiful supply and can be stored in either high pressure or low pressure cylinder tanks. Although in high concentrations Carbon Dioxide is an asphyxiant, Carbon Dioxide Systems comply with Australian Standard 4214.1 and are provided with a number of safety mechanisms to minimize the risk of personnel exposure.
   
   Carbon Dioxide Systems can be designed for either total flooding or local application, where due to the availability and low cost CO2 is ideal for local applications such as rolling mills and dip tanks where large quantities of extinguishing agent are required.
   
   
   
3. A Water Deluge System consists of a network of dry pipe work and open nozzles. Water is introduced into the system by means of a fast acting specifically engineered deluge valve. The "deluge valve" is the automatic water control valve that is used to control water flow into deluge, pre-action and special types of fire protection systems in response to a fire.
   
   Deluge fire protection systems are normally used in special hazard installations were an entire area application of water is required for protection. Typical applications may include flammable liquid handling and storage areas, aircraft hangars, and other high hazard installations where water is the most effective extinguishing agent. Deluge systems employ open sprinklers or spray nozzles attached to a piping system. The system is connected to a water supply through the deluge valve. This valve is opened by the operation of a fire detection system installed in the same areas as the open sprinklers or nozzles. Deluge systems may be activated by wet or dry pilot sprinklers, or electric detectors. When the deluge valve opens, water flows into the piping system and discharges from all open sprinklers and nozzles. 
   
   The systems can be either automatic or manually operated. The design requirement and applied water density (flow per unit area) will depend on the specific risk. Water is applied at a rate which will overcome the predicted fire hazard associated with the fuel load. Systems are engineered in accordance with international and locally recognised standards.
   
   To find out which system best suits your premises please contact our estimating department.

Contact: service@compliantfire.com.au

Fire Sprinkler Systems

Fully automatic fire sprinkler systems are widely regarded as the most effective method of controlling a fire.

Compliant Fire Services designs, installs and commissions cost-effective sprinkler systems by carefully analysing a building and its contents in terms of occupancy, operation and fire risk .

These systems are engineered to comply with the relevant Australian Standards.

Sprinkler systems automatically detect a fire, transmit an alarm and control or extinguish the fire. They are located in places where people cannot always be present and operate only as needed in the immediate vicinity of the fire.

They have important life safety connotations, and can prevent fires from reaching destructive proportions, which may mean the difference between a minor interruption and a prolonged permanent shutdown.

Automatic fire sprinklers provide a significant level of protection for the occupants of a building together with protection of the environment by minimising the effects that a major structural fire could have. Sprinklers also safeguard against loss of product, equipment and building contents in general as well as minimising disruption to normal operations.

Residential Sprinkler Systems

Residential sprinkler systems are automatic fire suppression systems which are simple in design and have the priority of saving life. The system can be constructed with modern materials and with unobtrusive sprinkler heads mounted in the ceiling or high on the walls of a dwelling. They are generally connected to the town water supply. Once activated, the sprinkler system is designed to control the fire in its initial stages thereby allowing for the safe evacuation of occupants and additionally, to minimise fire damage. Contrary to popular belief, the only sprinkler heads which will operate are the ones which are individually activated by the heat from the fire and usually this is the one head directly above the fire, thus minimising water damage.

Residential Sprinkler Systems AS 2118.4, are generally suitable for Class 2 and 3 buildings up to four storey's in height; e.g. special residential service buildings, hostels, hotels, etc.

Residential sprinkler systems operate during the initial stages of a fire and are designed to provide time for egress and prevent flashover. This is achieved due to the specialised heads which are both fast response and have a particular spray pattern that cools the walls as well as directing water downward onto the fire. The sprinkler is activated when the heat from the fire raises the temperature of the head to a point where the element will activate and allow water to pass. The sprinkler system should be installed in conjunction with smoke alarms which will activate to provide early warning to the occupants.

Through new technology, the size and appearance of sprinkler heads have dramatically improved. The following improvements have been made:

It is recommended that an automatic fire detection and alarm system is to be installed as per relevant sections of the Building Code of Australia.

It is also commended that smoke alarms be installed.

Require less water than commercial sprinklers (thus less water damage in comparison).

Fire Hose Reels

Fire Hose Reels are located to provide a reasonably accessible and controlled supply of water to combat a potential fire risk. The length of a fully extended fire hose is 36 meters with a diameter of 19mm (Outside Diameter). These appliances are designed to deliver, as a minimum, 0.33ltrs of water per second. A control nozzle attached to the end of the hose enables the operator to control the direction and flow of water to the fire.

Australian Standards nominate installation and maintenance requirements.

Various types of reels are available to meet specific needs.

Fire Hydrant and Booster Systems

We specialise in the Hydrant and Booster Systems required in Warehouses, Car Parks, Schools and other similar applications. Our range of products include all types of Roll Grooved Pipe, Valves, Couplings and Fittings with particular emphasis on the above mentioned Hydrant and Booster Systems.

Australian Standards nominate installation and maintenance requirements.

Various types of systems are available to meet specific needs.

Contact: service@compliantfire.com.au

Exit and Emergency Light Systems

Exit and Emergency evacuation lighting systems reduce panic during an emergency evacuation by clearly identifying escape routes and providing visibility during power failure.

Workplace health and safety regulations and the Building Code of Australia (BCA) requires building safety features to be maintained at a high level of operational readiness to minimise the risk of injury to all site occupants. This applies to all fire safety equipment and systems, including exit and emergency evacuation lighting. To ensure your premises are compliant, Compliant Fire Services can provide a comprehensive site risk assessment and advise you on the correct placement for exit and emergency evacuation lighting.

Contact: service@compliantfire.com.au

Portable Fire Extinguishers

Portable fire extinguishers are designed to attack a fire in its initial stage. The selection of a suitable extinguisher is primarily influenced by the following factors:

Note: Always follow the specific instructions on a fire extinguisher and familiarise yourself with these instructions prior to an emergency situation. Persons should be trained in the use of extinguishers to optimise their effectiveness.

General Guidelines for Using a Fire Extinguisher

Do Not Use (or continue to use) an extinguisher if:

REMEMBER - Saving lives through a quick escape is far more important than saving property.

An emergency is not the time to read extinguisher instructions, if you do not know how to use the extinguisher or the type of materials involved in the fire:

CARBON DIOXIDE Fire Extinguisher - for use on fires involving flammable liquids and safe for use where electricity is involved. Not very efficient at dealing with fires involving carbonaceous materials.

WATER Fire Extinguisher - for use on fires involving wood, paper and all carbonaceous materials.

FOAM SPRAY Fire Extinguisher - for use on fires involving wood, paper and all carbonaceous materials and for use on flammable liquid fires.

A:B (E) POWDER Fire Extinguisher - for use on fires involving carbonaceous materials, flammable liquids, flammable gasses and safe for use where electricity is involved.

Contact: service@compliantfire.com.au

Design

Whatever the size and complexity of the fire detection / protection system - either networked or a stand alone system - for small, large, single or multiple sites, Compliant Fire Services has the required expertise.

Fire extinguishing systems can be integrated into fire detection and alarm systems. Systems are designed to ensure rapid knockdown by flooding the area of a fire with the appropriate agent - clean gaseous agents, inert gases, foams, powder, CO2 or water mist.

Compliant Fire Services can design, install, maintain and arrange monitoring of systems using the latest technologies. Even if you have fire systems from several different suppliers you need only one maintenance company, Compliant Fire Services. Fire alarm monitoring can be arranged the Metropolitan Fire Service or Security to ensure rapid response to any alarm activation.

Contact: service@compliantfire.com.au