Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) - The New Technology in Detecting Fires?

Although I have yet to find anything specific in the NFPA 72 concerning the usage of CCTV technology as a way of detecting smoke or even fires, I know from having spent many years in the security industry that CCTV could one day become a feasible solution. Read more

Photoelectric vs Ionization Smoke Detectors: What Are The Differences?

You know what a smoke detector is, but did you know there are different types of detectors? In today’s article, we’ll explain the differences between two of the most common smoke detectors used in both commercial and residential fire alarm applications. Read more

Are Your Technicians Making These Costly Mistakes To Your Fire Alarm Business?

In this article we’ll examine some of the unintentional abuses that many fire alarm technicians are making with one of their most reliable (and expensive) programming tools — Their laptop computer. Read more

Quick Review On Silent Knight’s 5820XL And Why It’s A Great Choice For Your Building’s Fire Alarm System

Having been in the fire alarm business for over twenty years, I’ve seen a lot of different products come and go. One of the more recent systems we’ve installed is the

Silent Knight 5820XL

. Read more

Commercial Fire Alarm Wiring And Cable - The Backbone Of A Dependable, Trouble-Free System

When it comes to commercial fire alarm systems, many people will tell you that the most important parts are field components, such as smoke detectors, horns, strobes, etc. Read more

National Fire Alarm Code: NFPA 72

Established in 1896, the NFPA, (National Fire Protection Association), is an non-profit organization that sets national (and international) standards for installing and maintaining fire alarm systems, electrical systems, and building safety systems throughout the world. Read more

Ground Faults: A Fire Alarm Technician’s Worst Nightmare or An Easy Fix? You Decide…

If you deal with commercial fire alarm systems, there may have been a time or two when you’ve come face to face with a trouble on your system known as a ground fault.

I’ve worked with fire alarm technicians in the past that look at ground faults as though they’re about to be sent into one of the bloodiest battles of all time… you should see the look on their faces.

OK, maybe it’s not that bad, but I have heard some moans, groans and complaints come out of the toughest, hardcore technicians when faced with ground faults.

What is a ground fault? Read more

Choosing The Right Fire Alarm Company For Your Business Is ‘Brain-Dead Simple’ If You Follow This Advice…

When choosing a fire alarm installation company, there are certain questions you should ask “before” deciding which company is the right match for your specific fire alarm application and specifications.

One of the first pieces of information you need to gather is whether the installing company will be using a fire alarm system that runs on “proprietary” or “non-proprietary” software (also known as “open-source” software).

What is a proprietary fire alarm system? Read more

Fire Alarm Strobe Synchronization: Why Is This NFPA Requirement So Important?

Have you witnessed a Fire Marshal inspection lately? If so, then you’ve noticed a very strong interest by the marshal to insure that the fire alarm strobes are in synchronization while the system is in alarm condition. Read more

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