The importance of fire alarm systems cannot be overstated. They save lives and protect valuable property and equipment. That’s why their use in residences, businesses, and public buildings is mandated under law. Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 ensures applicable fire and life safety systems are functioning properly and consistently. A system can be found in violation if it is found to be in downtime or mismanaged by the deploying organization. The organization could be subject to costly violations or facility shutdowns.
One of the most problematic and overlooked challenges associated with maintaining consistent operations of fire alarm systems is system failure caused by power surges and spikes. Disruptive power events can severely damage or destroy fire alarm systems without notice.
One scenario would have a surge-damaged system identified during a routine fire safety inspection and the offending organization subject to applicable fines for fire code violations. In a worst case scenario, a failed system would go unnoticed until a fire is well underway, resulting in devastating losses. The implementation of surge protection devices (SPDs) is one of the only ways to prevent both undesirable scenarios.
Power Surges Strike When Least Expected
One myth is that surges are only caused by lightning and therefore equipment is only at risk during thunderstorms. In reality, lightning strikes account for only 2% of all surge-related damage according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. Surges come from a variety of sources, happening either all at once (as in the case of a lightning strike) or over time, often going unnoticed. Overlooked sources of sudden surges include external sources such as utility grid switching or large neighboring power draws, and even internal sources generated from inside the building itself. High powered motor systems powering up such as HVAC systems, elevators, refrigeration systems and pumps generate sudden bursts of power which also have a cumulative effect on electronic equipment. Sensitive Fire Alarm Control Panels are no different.
As a Fire Alarm Control Panel experiences small transient surges, the panel and connected systems deteriorate slowly over time. While the effects are often unnoticeable to the human eye, they do lead to shorter equipment lifecycles and unexpected failures.
Another common misconception is that Fire Alarm Control Panels with built-in circuit protection does not require external surge protection. The truth is that surge protection built into any individual device will not protect all of the various system components from damaging power disruptions.
An Expanding Attack Surface
Fire safety technological innovations have only recently evolved in order address the growing patchwork of local and state fire codes as well as new safety concerns. The introduction of IoT to fire protection systems notably increases the proactivity of monitoring and alert notification. For instance, new IoT solutions can alert building owners of faulty heads or pipes in the sprinkler system. Smart sensors can also monitor water pressure and flow rate in a building’s sprinkler system so that water output automatically adjusts to meet the intensity of a building fire saving lives.
The downside to this interconnection is the increased risk of power surge damage for every new IoT that is added. New smart sensors, video image smoke detection technology, voice evacuation systems, and other IoT accessories are each made up of unique electronic components. Since power surges can spread through connected systems, a connected IoT device experiencing a power surge can potentially take down a whole fire alarm system, network, and more. When one critical system is unprotected from surges, others are vulnerable.
Applying the Proper Protection
To shield fire alarm systems from damaging surge events, surge protective devices should be installed on every potential pathway. As the “brain” of the fire alarm system, the central control panel requires a surge protective device for its 120V power source. The central control panel connects all system sensor and device inputs via Signaling Line Circuits (SLC), which allows the central control panel to monitor and control all connected detectors and input/output modules, controlling alarms and outputs to other systems, and information relays. As such, the central control panel necessitates surge protection, but it’s important to note that central control panel surge protection is not sufficient for system-wide protection.
Because Fire Alarm Control Panels connect to external power and devices, all connected devices are susceptible to electrical disturbances. Any wiring, such as SLC wiring that connects multiple buildings or notification systems that employ the use of telephone lines and other IP peripherals to summon an emergency response, is also at risk for power disruptions.
The True Cost of Power Loss
As important as fire alarms are, neither can the importance of surge protection be understated. In the absence of surge protection, repairing or replacing a damaged fire alarm system could cost be costly. If other networks or devices were damaged as a result, costs could easily multiply to an unmanageable amount. Making matters worse, organizations may be mandated by local fire codes to pay a local department for a “fire watch” while the alarm system is being replaced. This does not account for any fire code violation fines that may be issued for a damaged system uncovered during routine fire safety inspections.
In addition to cost, there are incalculable losses that can occur if a fire alarm system fails. If there was a fire during the system’s downtime, property and equipment damage could require a forced closure of a business from which recovery may not be possible. A similar loss of employee and customer trust could lead to irreparable brand damage. Personal injury and loss of life are also very real possibilities when it comes to an inoperable fire alarm system, only highlighting the immediate need for fire alarm surge protection.
Today’s Surge Protection Solutions
Surge protection devices are a cost-effective way to manage risk in professional applications. For a fraction of the cost of complete system replacement and potentially less than fire code violation fines, organizations can protect their assets from a potentially devastating physical security threat. In recent years, SPDs have increased in functionality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness with the integration of modern technologies.
Surge protection delivers peace of mind for organizations just as fire alarm systems do the same for their employees and guests. It is important that security teams, electricians, and technicians see surge protection as mission-critical equipment in a fire alarm system rather than as an option. Doing so not only saves money, but it also has the potential to save lives.
