This self-paced online course coves the types of signals that are transmitted through a fire alarm system. Because they also serve other functions as well, these systems might be more appropriately titled today protective signaling systems.

Upon completion you should be able to:

• Understand and define monitoring for integrity, being UL listed, supervising station, initiating device circuits, signaling line circuits, and notification appliance circuits
• Explain how monitoring for integrity is accomplished in signaling line circuits, notification appliance circuits, and initiating device circuits
• Differentiate between alarm, supervisory and trouble signals
• Explain the purpose and requirements for a dedicated function fire alarm system
• Explain the differences between a signaling line circuit and an initiating device circuit
• Explain "latching" in reference to fire alarm signals
• Determine when a remote annunciator panel is provided
• Determine when off-premises signal transmission is required

Who Will Benefit

Anyone whose job involves designing, reviewing, evaluating or installing fire protection systems, including: designers, installers, engineers, electrical contractors, technicians, project managers, fire marshals, and architects.

Course Summary

• The primary function of a fire alarm system, or more appropriately titled today, a protective signaling system, is to detect a fire and alert the occupants of the space. Additionally, the fire alarm system can be arranged to do other things that make the building safer in the event of a fire. These items known as fire safety functions will be discussed in detail later in the program.
• The fire alarm system receives and processes signals. Typically, these signals are alarm, supervisory or trouble. A building can be equipped with a fire alarm system remote annunciator, at the discretion of the owner, designer or AHJ.
• The signals received at the fire alarm control unit may be transmitted to a constantly attended alarm station on the property or to an off-premises receiving station. This detail is applied when required by the specific occupancy or if the owner, AHJ or (sometimes) the designer deems it beneficial or necessary.