Fire exit door alarms

Types of fire exit door alarms

A fire exit door alarm is designed to protect emergency doors by sounding an alarm when the door is opened. The types of fire exit alarms include the following:

• Basic Alarm:

  The basic fire exit alarm system is very simple. It has a sounder and a door contact. When the fire exit door opens, the contact will trigger an alarm sound. It will alert people that the door has been opened. This basic system provides minimal security. It is mostly suited for low-risk areas.

• Monitored Alarm:

  This system is more advanced than the basic system. It has a central monitoring station that continuously checks the status of the fire exit doors. If a door opens, the monitoring station will receive an instant notification. They will respond accordingly. This monitored alarm system provides more security and is suitable for high-risk places like banks and data centers.

• Wireless Alarm:

  A wireless fire exit alarm system is simple to install. It doesn't require any wires. It has battery-powered components that communicate through radio frequencies. Even though it is wireless, it still provides reliable alerts when the fire exit doors are opened. This system is mostly preferred for places where running wires is difficult.

• Smart Alarm:

  The smart fire exit door alarm is a modern security device. It can connect to other smart security devices that are installed in the building. When the fire exit door is opened, it will trigger an alarm. The whole security system will respond. This alarm system can be controlled remotely through an app on a smartphone. It provides convenience and real-time monitoring.

• Heavy Duty Alarm:

  The heavy-duty fire exit alarms are built with strong and durable materials. This makes them very reliable. They are resistant to harsh environments and frequent impacts. This type of alarm can withstand a lot of abuse. They are mostly installed in high-traffic areas like stadiums and shopping malls.

Function and Feature of Fire Exit Door Alarms

Fire exit door alarms are essential for any kind of emergency. They will sound an alert in case a fire exit door is opened. Here are some features and functions of these alarms:

• Magnetic Door Holders

  These door holders will secure the fire door in an open position. They will release the door automatically in case of an emergency. The magnetic door holders work with an electromagnetic device. It is installed on the ceiling or wall close to the fire door. A corresponding magnet is fixed to the door.

• Exit Signs

  Fire exit door alarms are equipped with illuminated exit signs. They can also have non-illuminated signs that indicate the direction of the nearest exit. The signs are strategically placed over the fire doors. They are visible and easy to read during normal lighting or emergency situations.

• Alarm Activation

  The fire exit alarm will be activated if the door is opened. This is without proper authorization or during non-emergency situations. For unauthorized openings, the alarm may be triggered if the door is held open for too long. This will prevent the fire exit from being used as a regular entry or exit point.

• Alarm Tone

  The fire exit alarm emits a loud continuous tone. This is to alert personnel in the vicinity. The sound will draw attention to the opened fire exit door. It will also deter unauthorized use of the exit. Some models have distinctive sounds that will identify specific threats.

• Alarm Reset

  Once the alarm is triggered, it will need to be reset. This is done by authorized personnel. They will investigate the incident. The resetting process may involve entering a code or pressing a specific button. This will prevent false alarms from disrupting operations.

• Monitoring and Reporting

  Some advanced fire exit alarms have features for monitoring and reporting. They will maintain a log of all alarm activations and door openings. This data can be accessed later for review. It can also be used to generate reports. This reporting and monitoring capability will assist in compliance with safety regulations. It also promotes the effectiveness of emergency preparedness plans.

Scenarios of fire exit door alarms

Fire exit alarms are used in a variety of industries and applications. Some common use cases include:

• Schools

  School emergency exit door alarms help secure the premises by alerting staff if a fire exit door is opened. This can help prevent unauthorized access to the area and ensure student safety. Most schools install alarmed doors in areas with high foot traffic to deter students from using emergency exits as shortcuts between classes. In addition to security, these alarms can also enhance student safety by alerting school officials when a student with a known medical condition or behavioral issue exits through a fire door.

• Hospitals

  Fire exit door alarms installed in hospitals can prevent patients from using emergency exits inappropriately. For example, patients in mental health facilities or those with a tendency to wander may be prone to leaving through an emergency exit. The alarm will alert staff immediately if such patients attempt to leave through a fire door. Additionally, hospitals may have areas where patients are not allowed to leave unaccompanied for safety or legal reasons. Emergency exit alarms can help ensure such patients remain within the hospital premises.

• Factories

  Exit door alarms can prevent unauthorized personnel from leaving the factory floor, especially in high-risk areas. In some facilities, workers are required to sign out before leaving the production area for safety and accountability reasons. Alarmed fire doors can alert supervisors if an employee fails to sign out or leaves the area without permission. This can be crucial in preventing workers from entering hazardous areas or situations where they may be at risk of injury or other harm.

• Retail stores

  These alarms can prevent shoplifters from using emergency exits to leave the store. They can also alert store personnel if anyone attempts to enter the premises through a fire exit. Retail stores often have alarmed fire doors that require staff to use an access code or key to enter. This helps ensure that only authorized personnel use these exits and can prevent theft or other incidents.

How to choose fire exit door alarms

Choosing the right kind of alarm can be challenging, but by considering the factors below, it can be made more accessible.

• Regulations

  Check the local building codes and fire safety regulations. They will provide guidelines on what kind of alarms are required in commercial buildings. They will also specify the features that need to be there. This will help in selecting an alarm that is compliant.

• Type of alarm

  There are different kinds of alarms. Some are triggered when the door is opened. Others are motion sensors or heat and smoke detectors. Choose the type that is suitable for the property.

• Power source

  Fire exit alarms can be battery-operated or hardwired. Consider the power source that is most convenient. For places that have no electricity, a battery-operated alarm is more suitable.

• Size and design

  Fire exit alarms differ in size and design. Ensure that the selected alarms are suitable for the doors where they will be installed. Look for options that blend in with the decor of the property. This is especially important for alarms that will be installed in hotels and other commercial properties that host guests.

• Ease of installation and maintenance

  Some alarms require professional installation. Others can be installed by individuals. Go for alarms that are easy to maintain. This will reduce the costs incurred when the alarm needs to be serviced or replaced.

• Additional features

  Some fire alarms have extra features. For example, they can be connected to a central alarm system. Others have a built-in siren or flashing light. Consider choosing alarms with additional features that will enhance the fire safety of the building.

• Reliability and quality

  Always choose alarms from reputable manufacturers. Read reviews and testimonials to ensure that the quality of the alarms is up to standard. Reliable alarms will function correctly in case of an emergency.

• Training and education

  After installing fire exit alarms, ensure that all occupants are trained on how they work. Conduct regular drills to educate people on the fire exit alarm procedures. Proper training will ensure that people react correctly when the alarm is triggered.

fire exit door alarms Q&A

Q1: Can someone disable the alarm if it goes off accidentally?

A1: Yes, it is possible to disable the alarm accidentally if it goes off. Some of the exit door alarms can be accidentally disabled by pressing the alarm reset button or the pushing alarm button in the vicinity of the door. Also, some users can unintentionally disable the alarm by entering a valid disarm code from a connected keypad. Alternatively, the alarm can be accidentally disabled by unauthorized personnel if they use an alarm override or bypass feature. Also, alarm monitoring services can disconnect the alarm protection for a temporary basis upon request of the user.

Q2: Are fire exit door alarms required by law?

A2: Fire exit alarms are not required by law in every commercial building. But in some cases, local building codes or fire safety regulations may require them. These alarms are not a legal requirement for every business but they are recommended for improving security of the building and safety of the occupants.

Q3: What should be done if the alarm goes off accidentally?

A3: If the alarm goes off accidentally, it should be investigated immediately to determine the cause. The alarm should be reset and if it continues to be triggered investigate the cause. Also, the alarm should be maintained and tested regularly to ensure it is functioning properly.