Electrical Module 26405-23: Fire Alarm Systems

Vocabulary flashcards covering notification appliances, signaling standards, monitoring options, and regulatory requirements for fire alarm systems.

Strobes

High-intensity flashing lights used for visual notification that must be synchronized if two or more are visible from one location.

Temporal-Three

The standard unique sound pattern required for most fire alarm audible notification devices; it is not used with zoned voice evacuation systems.

Voice Evacuation Systems

Systems designed to give specific instructions to occupants in the event of an emergency.

Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter (D A C T)

A system component that seizes a telephone line, dials a preselected number to connect to a receiver, and transmits signals indicating a status change.

RJ-31X

A device used to connect a Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter (D A C T) to a standard voice-grade telephone line.

Public Switched Telephone Network (P S T N)

An assembly of communications facilities and central office equipment that provides the public with the ability to establish communications channels via discrete dialing codes.

Audible Signal

The sound made by one or more indicating appliances, such as bells, chimes, or horns, in response to the operation of an initiating device.

Chime

A single-stroke or vibrating audible signal appliance that has a xylophone-type striking bar.

Coded Signal

A fire alarm signal that is pulsed in a prescribed code for each round of transmission.

Non-coded Signal

A signal from any indicating appliance that is continuously energized.

General Alarm

The simultaneous operation of all audible alarm signals on a system to indicate the need for evacuation of a building.

Noise

A term in electronics covering all types of unwanted electrical signals from sources such as fluorescent lamps, radios, or power surges.

Remote supervising station fire alarm system

A system installed to transmit alarm, supervisory, and trouble signals from a protected premises to a remote location where appropriate action is taken.

Wide Area Telephone Service (W A T S)

Telephone company service providing reduced costs for arrangements like 800-number service (In-W A T S) or flat-rate unlimited calling (Out-W A T S).

Americans with Disabilities Act (A D A)

An act of Congress intended to ensure civil rights for physically challenged people; it specifies fire alarm strobe lights must be clear or white.

Maximum Public Sound Level

At minimum hearing distance, a public area audible alarm should be no louder than $110\,dBA$.