When it comes to fire safety, you must take immediate action if you want to prevent heavy damages and losses. For this, one of the best measures is to install reliable fire alarm systems. However, you also have to note that a fire alarm system is not a single unit but is made from a combination of multiple components. Therefore, you must choose these components carefully. The question here is, where can you get the best fire alarm components from? Well, you can buy reliable fire alarm components at First Aid Nepal, as First Aid Nepal is one of the best importers and distributors of fire alarm systems in Nepal. But, before you make this purchase, you first need to understand what a fire alarm system is and how it works in general. Well, luckily, you are at the right place.

In this blog, we provide you with information regarding what a fire alarm system is, its working mechanism, along with some of the key fire alarm systems and their components. So, keeping this in mind, let’s get started!

What Is A Fire Alarm System?

Before we talk about the best component of the fire alarm system, you first need to be aware of the entire system itself. So the first question you need to tackle is - what is a fire alarm system? Well, in simple words, a fire alarm system is a network of devices that are designed to detect the presence of fire, smoke, or carbon monoxide and then provide early warning to the residents of an area before the fire spreads further. Needless to say, since a fire alarm system is not exactly a single device and is rather a combination of various components, each of these components needs to work perfectly for the alarm to work as needed. But what even are these components? The specific components of a fire alarm system depend on the model and type of fire alarm system. However, there are a few components that are common in just about every fire alarm system. These basic components include:

Fire detectors: They are sensors that detect the smoke, heat, or the presence of carbon monoxide in the air.
Manual Call Points: Manual Call Points, or MCP for short, are buttons or levers that allow you to sound the alarm manually.
Control Manual: This includes a combination of chips that process the data from the sensors and signal the alarm.
Alarm: It includes a combination of speakers, sirens, and lights that are used to sound the alarm and warn the residents of the specific area.
Power Supply: It includes a combination of batteries and small generators, which ensure that the alarm stays operational even during power cuts or loss of power due to fire.

These are the key components of a fire alarm system. As mentioned prior, you do have to note that not all fire alarm systems are made the same. Therefore, there are several types of fire alarm systems. Some of the key ones include:

Conventional Systems: A conventional fire alarm is a system that divides a building into zones with different types of alarms for different zones.
Addressable System: Each device used in this system has a unique address, and when a fire is detected, this form of the system sends a notification with the said address, which allows for precise location identification.
Wireless system: The wireless system can be either conventional or addressable, with the only difference being the medium of signal sent. It uses wireless radio signals, which can easily bypass walls without the need for wires.

Regardless of which type of fire alarm you use, all of them are designed to provide you with notification of fire should it break out in your vicinity.

Working Mechanism Of Modern Fire Alarm Systems

After going through the introduction of the fire alarm systems, you should be aware of what a fire alarm system is, its key components and some of its key types. Now, it is time to see a bit about the working mechanism of modern fire alarm systems and how the fire alarm system components work together to keep you safe. While the exact workings of modern alarm systems differ depending on the specific of the model, they do share some key mechanisms. Following is a brief overview of how a modern fire alarm system works.

Fire Detection

Fire alarm systems have an extensive range of detectors that are used to detect the character of fire, and it is normally the instant reaction that occurs whenever there is fire. The process of detection is different based on the type of detector used. Some of the most significant kinds of detectors used for the detection of various indicators of fire include:

Smoke Detectors: They use optical or ionization technology to detect smoke particles.
Heat Detectors: These are continually monitoring the room temperature and issue an alarm once the temperature crosses a predetermined limit.
Flame Detectors: They detect the infrared or ultraviolet radiation from flames.
Gas/CO Detectors: They identify dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide in the air and send a signal

Signal Processing And Control Panel

Once the detector determines that there is a fire or an event which is associated with the fire, the detector then sends the signal to the Fire Alarm Control Panel, commonly known as FACP. Then the panel specifies the zone impacted or the location of the triggered detector based on the details of the detector.

Alarm Activation

Upon signal processing, the fire alarm system activates a voice alarm, visual alarm, or both, such as sirens, bells, and strobe lights, to alert the building occupants. Furthermore, if the alarm system is advanced in capability, it can even initiate voice evacuation messages to guide people out of the building through the exits. Wireless fire protection systems also notify by way of mobile alerts or automatic calls.

Fire Suppression And Emergency Response

The moment the alarm is activated, the fire suppression systems, such as sprinklers and gas suppression systems, in case they are networked, are triggered. The system automatically notifies the fire departments and the building management to respond immediately. Furthermore, depending on the configuration of the building, fire alarm systems can also activate door release devices and ventilation control.

Monitoring and System Integration

Finally, the last feature of how fire alarm systems work is the monitoring system since most contemporary fire alarm systems are connected to building management systems or BMS for centralized monitoring. In addition, the fire alarm system can also be connected to CCTV, security systems, and smart IoT devices to give you better safety and automation.

Briefly, the fire is detected and subsequently a signal is transmitted to initiate the alarm before the other appliances are activated. This is the basic gist regarding the working mechanism of fire alarm systems.

Fire Alarm System Components And Their Functions

Now, after discussing what a fire alarm system is and its general working mechanisms, let’s finally discuss some of the key fire alarm systems and their core functions. Now, we previously discussed some of the core components in brief. Now let’s take a look at some of the key components in a bit more detail alongside some of its functions.

Fire Alarm Control Panel

Fire Alarm Control Panel, or FCAP for short, is known as the central hub of the fire alarm system as it monitors and controls the various fire detection devices. This also includes the utilization of equipment such as smoke detectors, heat detectors, and manual call points of the fire system to detect the fire risks and trigger appropriate reactions.

Some of the basic duties of FCAP are:

Fire Detection & Monitoring: Detects real-time messages from sensors and detectors to detect fire, heat, or smoke.
Alarm Initiation: Activates audible and visible alarms (such as sirens and strobe lights) to alert occupants.
Notification & Communication: Warns monitoring stations, emergency response staff, or building management systems.
System Monitoring: Keeps the fire alarm system in healthy condition in regard to power supply, wiring, and device function.
Manual & Automatic Control: Allows for manual operation at call points and can be connected to automatic devices like sprinklers, elevators, and air systems.

Since you now know what an FCAP is and some of its operations, if you want to purchase some of the best FCAPs found in Nepal, you can choose any of the following devices.

Product Name	Price (Rs.)
Ravel 2 Zone Conventional Fire Alarm Panel	16,500
Ravel 4 Zone Fire Alarm Panel	29,000
Agni Conventional Fire Alarm Panel	18,000
8 Zone Fire Alarm Panel Agni-IRIS	45,000
Honeywell Addressable Fire Alarm Panel: 4 Loop	470,000
Honeywell Addressable Fire Alarm Panel: 2 Loop	235,000
Honeywell Addressable Fire Alarm Panel: 1 Loop	175,000

Initiation Devices

The second fire alarm system component that we shall discuss here is the initial device. Initiation devices are essentially devices that are designed to detect the fire and then send the signal to the Fire Alarm Control Panel (FCAP) to trigger the alarm.These devices may be automatic or manual, depending on the specific device requirements. The overall actions of Initiation devices are:

Fire Detection: The starting devices first detect smoke, heat, fire, or gas in the area mentioned based on the sensors used by the device.
Signal Transmission: Once the fire is detected, they then transfer the signal to the fire alarm control panel for sending an alarm and emergency responses.
Early Warning: Following this, the system also sends an early warning as soon as even a hint of fire is discovered to reduce the damage to the property and life.
Integration With Fire Safety Systems: The initiation devices are highly compatible with fire safety systems such as sprinklers, emergency lights, and ventilation controls to allow for a coordinated fire response.

Now do note that the exact type of initiating devices can change depending on the specifics of your configuration. Following is a list of some of the best initiation devices, along with their prices.

Product Name	Final Price (Rs.)
Smoke Alarm System Sensor	2,500
Heat Detector Conventional Type	2,500
Flame Detector System Sensor	4,275
Linear Beam Smoke Detector	45,000
RE 316S-2L Smoke Detector	2,500
RE 316H-2L Heat Detector	2,697
AS-604-SD Conventional Smoke Detector	2,260
AS-605-HD/NA Heat Detector	2,260
Dahua Smoke Detector: 2 Wire	1,500
Stand-Alone Detector with External Sounder	3,325
Honeywell Smoke Detector	5,500
Honeywell Smoke & Multi-Criteria Detector	5,900
Honeywell Duct Smoke Detector	9,500
Honeywell Heat Detector HM-RH-SE	5,500

Notification Devices

The set of devices that we shall discuss here are the notification systems, and as their name suggests, these are the devices that are designed to send out notifications after the fire is detected. These devices receive signals from the Fire Alarm Control Panel (FCAP) and then provide audible, visual, or tactile warnings to the residents in a specified area to ensure that the said personnel can safely evacuate the area. The core functions of these devices include:

Alert and Evacuation: Warning the occupants of the designated area regarding the fire hazards through light, sound, and vibrations.
Emergency Guidance: Providing clear signals to aid in the evacuations of the people to safety.
Compliance with Safety Standards: Meeting the fire codes and regulations of the fire department for public safety.
Integration with Other Systems: Working with emergency lighting, PA systems, and sprinkler systems for a coordinated response.

Some of the key notification devices and their prices are as follows:

Product Name	Final Price (Rs.)
Fire Siren Hooter With Strobe	3,325
RE24SS Fire Siren & Hotters	3,325
Fire Hooter Fire Siren	1,800
Honeywell Fire Alarm Siren	11,500
Honeywell Smoke: Strobe	14,500
Addressable Siren: Honeywell	14,500

Primary Power Supply

Another key component of the Fire Alarm System is the primary power supply, which is the main source of electricity for the alarm system. This primary source of power ensures that the alarm system runs continuously under normal circumstances. Some of the core functions of primary power supply include:

Provide Continuous Power: Supply electricity to the FCAP and all of the devices connected to the FCAP.
Ensure System Reliability: Keep the fire detection, notification, and monitoring system operational.
Maintain Compliance: Meet the fire safety regulations by ensuring that the alarm system functions under normal conditions.

Some of the most common sources of primary power supply for the fire alarm systems include:

AC Main Power: It is a standard electrical supply from the utility grid.
Dedicated Circuits: It is a separate electrical circuit which is designed to prevent accidental shutdowns.

Backup Power Supply

As its name suggests, this Fire Alarm System component is designed to provide backup power to the system during the circumstances where the main power supply shuts down. Its core functions include:

Maintain System Operation: Power the fire alarm system when the primary power fails.
Prevent False Alarms and Failures: Ensure continuous monitoring and alarm functionality.
Provide Emergency and Reliability: Meet fire code requirements for uninterrupted alarm operation.

Some of the most common sources of backup power supply include:

Rechargeable Batteries: These are essentially regular rechargeable batteries that are kept in a fire-safe compartment and are meant for short-term use.
Emergency Generators: These devices are designed for extended power backup for large buildings and are kept in a separate room.

Multi-Brand Fire Alarms System By First Aid Nepal

Now, after knowing about the fire alarm system components, you may wonder where you can purchase this important component of fire security? Well, one of the best options for you is to choose one from multi-brand fire alarm systems by First Aid Nepal. But why buy reliable fire alarm system components at First Aid Nepal? Some of the key reasons for this include:

Certified & Top-Grade Products: First Aid Nepal offers fire alarm components of international safety standards to ensure optimal performance.
Long-Lasting & Reliable Solutions: The solutions are made for long-term usage, reducing the chances of system failure in times of crisis.
Broad Range of Products: From detectors to notification equipment and fire alarm control panels, they supply the full gamut of fire safety products.
Expert Guidance & Advice: Their staff is present to help you by providing expert recommendations in choosing what is best for you.
Reasonable Prices & Genuine Products: Reasonably priced products with authenticity guaranteed for each piece of fire safety equipment.
Reliable Nepalese Supplier: First Aid Nepal has a superb reputation for fire safety solutions and is a reliable supplier for residents and companies.

Conclusion

It goes without saying that, as much as fire has helped us advance, it was and has always been a great risk to our safety. Uncontrolled fires can easily damage our property and even risk our lives. The good news is that with the advancement of modern technology we have a wide range of fire safety systems to choose from. If you have reached this point, you should have a general gist regarding the fire alarm system components, along with their core functions.

In this blog, we provide you with a general overview of the fire system components alongside a list of some of the best ones in Nepal. We hope you found this helpful. If you seek further information regarding fire safety components and devices, do check out some of our other blogs. And if you want the best fire safety components in Nepal, look no further than First Aid Nepal. Thank you for reading till the end.

FAQ Buy Reliable Fire Alarm System Components at First Aid Nepal

What are the five basic components of the fire alarm system?

A fire alarm system consists of initiating devices (smoke, heat, or flame detectors), notification devices (sirens, strobe lights, or voice alarms), a fire alarm control panel (FACP), a primary power supply, and a backup power supply. These components work together to detect fire hazards and alert occupants for timely evacuation. A well-integrated system ensures early warning and enhances fire safety measures.

What is the working mechanism of modern fire alarm systems?

Modern fire alarm systems use smart sensors and control panels to detect fire-related threats such as smoke, heat, or gas leaks. Once a hazard is detected, the system automatically triggers alarms and can activate emergency response systems like sprinklers or ventilation controls. Many systems also support remote monitoring and integration with building management systems for enhanced safety.

What are the essential components and features that a fire alarm system should have to ensure effective fire detection and notification?

A reliable fire alarm system should include high-sensitivity detectors, a durable control panel, audible and visual notification devices, and backup power support to ensure uninterrupted operation. Features like automatic alarm activation, real-time monitoring, and emergency response integration enhance fire safety. Compliance with national and international safety standards is also essential for reliability.

How does the fire alarm system work, and what are its advantages?

A fire alarm system detects fire hazards through sensors, processes the data in the control panel, and activates alarms to warn occupants. The key advantages include early fire detection, quick emergency response, and minimized property damage and loss of life. Advanced systems also offer remote access, automated alerts, and integration with fire suppression systems for enhanced protection.