Does Your Home Need a Fire Alarm System?

When you hear the term “fire alarm,” you may think of the basic smoke detectors you have in various parts of your house. Ensuring you have them installed and properly working is the number one protection your family has against a home fire emergency.

However, a smoke detector is only one part of a comprehensive fire alarm system; in certain circumstances for your family’s unique needs or the size of your property, you may need more than just the basics to truly keep your home and loved ones safe.

Fire alarm system: more than just a smoke detector

A comprehensive system is made up of various fire alarm devices that work together to detect a fire emergency in a home or building to then notify people of the current danger. There are different types of fire alarm systems, but the key functions include:

• Detection: Recognizing there is a fire or smoke emergency.
• Alerts: Notifying occupants in the house so they can get to safety or alerting others outside the home of the current situation.
• Monitoring: Proactively keeping track of home conditions to recognize a fire as quickly as possible.
• Controlling: Activating safety control or automatic rules to prevent widespread damage to your home.

The basic smoke detectors you have installed in your house fall under the “detection” part of the fire alarm. These fire detection systems sense smoke from any kind of combustion and sound an alarm. As part of a larger fire alarm system, a smoke detector is the trigger that sets it off.

Basic fire alarm system components

So, how does a fire alarm system protect a home? These components work together to ensure fire emergencies are dealt with as quickly and painlessly as possible:

Fire alarm control panel: Also known as FACU, this is your fire alarm system’s brain. The fire panel collects input from detection devices (like your smoke detectors) and signals other connected pieces of fire detection equipment (like a sprinkler system or an alarm) to function.

Initiating devices: These can be either manual—like those “in emergency, break glass” stations you’ve probably seen, or automatic like your trusted smoke detectors. Once smoke or fire is detected, these devices send a signal to the fire alarm control panel to take action.

Fire notification devices: If you’ve leapt out of bed in the middle of the night to the ear-splitting sounds of bells or horns, alerting you to the fact that there’s a fire emergency, you’re familiar with this component of a fire alarm system.

Primary power supply: A critical part of the success of your fire alarm system is making sure the power supply is intact. Typically, this comes from 120 or 240 volt AC power sources.

Backup power supply: Nearly as important is a secondary supply of power in case a power failure occurs. A 6 or 12 volt battery will keep the system running to keep you protected.

Do you need more than just a smoke detector?

For most smaller residential houses, installing smoke detectors in strategic places across the home is enough fire protection. But there may be instances in which a larger fire alarm system is warranted, including:

Luxury homes: If you have a home that includes several wings, you may require a more comprehensive system with a central alarm to alert the entire house.

Home business: If you run your business out of your home, which is becoming more and more common, you may want to invest in a fire alarm system to keep all your critical assets safe.

Elderly relatives: Fire alarm systems can be equipped with sprinkler systems to put out the fire immediately or transmitters that allow elderly residents to call for help rather than attempt to escape impending fire or smoke.

When it comes to older relatives, having your fire alarm system connected to a broad smart-home system is even more valuable. Alarm.com Wellness alerts you on any suspicious activity—beyond just fire detection—from un-opened medicine cabinets to left-open front doors.

Unique family needs: For families with hearing-impaired members or other considerations, fire alarm systems can alert with warning lights and other specialized notification methods.

How does a fire alarm system work with your home security?

Comprehensive fire alarm systems include benefits like sprinklers, alarm boxes, and warning lights, but connecting your system to your smart home security is even more convenient and efficient.

Here are some ways you can customize your home security to include a smart fire alarm system.

Ensure professional monitoring: Unlike most basic systems, Alarm.com systems are professionally monitored and able to call for help even if you can’t.

Real-time awareness features: Through the same Alarm.com app that manages the rest of your home security, you can immediately verify or cancel alarms. The app also makes it easier to keep up with fire alarm trouble codes.

Mitigate false alarms: When it comes to minimizing false alarms, Alarm.com takes immediate action by allowing you to verify the cause through video.

Unlock your doors automatically: Triggered by your smoke or CO sensor, this rule will allow you and your family to safely exit immediately and give first responders access to your property.

Disable your thermostat: To prevent smoke or gas from seeping through your HVAC, Alarm.com’s smart thermostat function will shut down the system immediately.

Immediately alert authorities: Send out an automatic emergency signal to let police or the fire department know your home is in danger.

Is a fire alarm system right for you? Depending on your home or business situation, investing in a connected, comprehensive system may wind up saving you time and money, while adding an extra layer of protection for your home, family, and assets.

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