Electrical Module 26405-23 Fire Alarm Systems

Flashcards covering Fire Alarm Control Units (FACU), their power requirements, user interfaces, circuit zones, and standard industry terminology based on Module 26405-23.

Fire Alarm Control Unit (FACU)

The central component of a fire alarm system that organizes all components, communicates information via displays, and coordinates system actions in response to initiation or notification devices.

Primary Power

The main power source for a Fire Alarm Control Unit, which is normally provided by the utility company.

Secondary Power

Backup power for a Fire Alarm Control Unit that can be provided by a battery or an approved backup generator.

UL 864

A common UL listing required for Fire Alarm Control Units used in specific applications.

UL 985

A common UL listing for Fire Alarm Control Units, typically associated with household use.

Alphanumeric Keypad

One of the two primary types of keypads used today for user interface with a fire alarm system.

LED Keypad

A type of keypad used for user interaction with a fire alarm system.

POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service)

A signal transport method that NFPA 72 now restricts for fire alarm systems in favor of cellular transmission.

Cellular Transmission

The primary means used to transport fire alarm signals under current standards.

Zone

A physical area or grouping of initiating devices; in modern addressable systems, each device functions like a zone but can be grouped through programming.

Alarm Verification

A feature that allows for a delay in activating alarms upon receiving an initiating signal; the supervising station may have up to $90$ seconds to verify an unwanted alarm if approved by the AHJ.

Positive Alarm Sequence

An automatic sequence that results in an alarm signal even if manually delayed for investigation, unless the system is reset; it must not exceed $3$ minutes ($180$ seconds).

Cross-zoning

A process that sends a pre-alarm signal when one sensor is activated and only sounds the full fire alarm if a second sensor activates or the signal is not canceled.

Relay or Dry Contacts

A type of output provided by most Fire Alarm Control Units for external system interaction.

Open Collector Outputs

One of the specific types of alarm outputs provided by Fire Alarm Control Units.

Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

The organization, office, or individual responsible for approving equipment, installations, or procedures in a particular locality.

Approved

A term meaning acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

Labeled

Tags or descriptive names identifying various zones and sensors, often using dual identifiers for both occupants (e.g., kitchen) and fire authorities (e.g., first floor east).

System Unit

The active subassemblies at the supervising station used for signal receiving, processing, display, or recording of status change signals.