FIRE DETECTION SYSTEMS OPERATION

All of Texas A&M University at Galveston campus buildings are protected by complex fire alarm systems to protect our buildings, property and most importantly the people who occupy them. These systems are much more complex than their residential counter parts. These systems are comprised of three primary components:

The Fire Alarm Control Panel (and sub-panels)
Inputs
Outputs

Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP)

This is the brain for the system and works just like a computer to interpret data it receives from other components of the system. Many of our panels are smart panels or 'addressable', meaning the panel can communicate with devices on the system to determine if they are functioning properly. Of course the panel's primary function is to detect and communicate the presence of a fire to the building occupants and the appropriate responding authorities. It does this by activating output devices which use a number of different modes to alert responders and occupants.

Input Devices

This class of devices serve as the virtual guard for the building and are composed of devices like pull stations, tamper switches, flow switches, smoke detectors, heat detectors, and duct detectors. All of these devices monitor the status of both the building and the operational ability of additional fire safety systems such as sprinkler systems. The presence of fire or smoke will cause a signal to be sent to the FACP which will initiate output devices. Tampering with any of these devices will cause a 'trouble' signal to be sent to the panel which will be sent to the master panel in the Physical Plant. All system troubles are immediately addressed to maintain a fully functional system.

Output Devices

Output devices have one simple function; to alert building occupants and emergency responders know of a fire condition in the building. Horns and strobes are used to alert occupants, while a modem dials directly from the system using a computer generated message to alert TAMUG Police, the TAMUG Safety Officer, and the Galveston Fire Department. Response is immediate.

FAQ'S

Q: What happens when the electricity goes out, do the systems still work?

A: Yes, every panel is equipped with battery backup and can function for up to 72 hours after an electrical outage - after that we post a fire watch.

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Q: If the fire alarm goes off, do I have to leave the building?

A: Yes, immediately leave the building and get to a safe distance (150 feet). During a fire, the fire department will need room to enter the building and stage their equipment.

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Q: The last time the alarm went off, there wasn't a fire. Why did it go off?

A: Environmental factors play a big part of this. Spraying for mosquito's too close to a building, smoking near the entrance, and dusty smoke detector heads can all trigger a false alarm. We control as much of these factors as we can but it still sometimes happens and is known as a nuisance alarm. But remember, don't play with your safety. If the alarm goes off, leave the building and let responders determine the cause of the alarm.

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Texas A&M University at Galveston | Safety Office | Sea Aggie Center - 1001 Texas Clipper Rd | Galveston, TX 77553-1675