Alarm System Types and Components
Alarm Systems
Types of Alarm Systems
There are three main types of alarm systems:
- Anti-theft and intrusion
- Fire and leakage
- Monitoring of industrial processes
Anti-theft and Intrusion Alarms
Burglar alarms protect sites in the absence of the owner and, in some cases, in their presence. These systems warn of attempted theft or intrusion, deterring attempts or fooling a thief with secret activation.
Fire Alarms
Fire detectors vary depending on the calculated risk for each site. Local systems exist in places with a risk of spontaneous bursts. These must possess a special gas detection system. Other locations may need smoke detectors if they work with plastic materials.
Industrial Process Monitoring Alarms
Alarm monitoring dedicated to manufacturing processes uses special detectors. These alarms control and activate a siren and light system if any process stops or causes abnormal speed. Detectors include motor detectors or photoelectric detectors for the movement of robots or conveyor belts.
Constituent Elements of an Alarm
Every alarm system has some general building blocks, although not all contain the same items. These blocks are:
- Central processing
- Detector elements
- Signaling elements
- Connecting elements
Central Processing
The central processing unit receives signals from various sensors and processes that information to provide a final solution, either activating a sound or light system on the control panel, activating an air extraction system, a water sprinkler system, or all at once. The central processor should also provide power to other elements of the set and control the wiring.
Detector Elements
Detector elements locate the causes that activate the alarm system. These elements possess different detection methods depending on their application, but they all send their message or alarm to the central control.
Signaling Elements
Governed by the central processing, signaling elements tell us the alarm system’s state, whether activated or resting. These elements can be light, sound, a radio, or a phone call system, sending messages to a security control panel and a preset phone number.
Connecting Elements
Connecting elements interconnect all other systems. These can be multi-cable shielded cables, hoses, standard parallel cables, or radio waves.
Fire Alarms
These systems must function constantly, both with and without staff present. Their installation is mandatory in public, industrial, and garage spaces, as indicated in each city’s bylaws.
These alarms require detectors that report the presence of smoke, fire, or a rapid temperature rise.
By mode of action: contact (N/C, N/O), tamper.
By type of work: ionic, optical smoke alarm, optical flame, thermovelocimetric, contact.
Gas Detection Alarms
Several types of gas detectors exist, placed on the ceiling, wall, or floor. They warn of a dangerous gas concentration and relay that information to the alarm system. They control the level of polluting gases like carbon monoxide.
This gas is generated by combustion engines and fuels. Its installation is common in car garages, basements, or rooms without windows or sufficient air currents.
The carbon monoxide detector consists of a semiconductor (SnO2) that detects increasing gas concentrations. These removals increase conductivity and activate the alarm.
Burglar Alarms
This system is used when no staff is present but can be used as a warning to central surveillance. To develop a security system against theft or intrusion, we must first distinguish possible security levels:
- Building periphery
- Access areas
- Main area to protect
Connection to Central Processing
This concept depends on the system manufacturer, each determining the connection of their equipment. Therefore, their installation should be assisted by the manufacturer’s provided schematics.
Security Lighting
This lighting is one of two special or emergency lighting sets mentioned in REBT (Spanish Low Voltage Electrotechnical Regulation).
According to REBT, emergency lighting ensures the safety of people evacuating an area or completing potentially dangerous work.
Classes: evacuation security lighting, ambient lighting, or panic lighting for high-risk areas.
Evacuation lighting ensures the recognition and utilization of evacuation routes.
Panic lighting avoids panic and provides adequate ambient lighting, allowing occupants to access evacuation routes and identify obstacles.
High-risk lighting ensures the safety of persons engaged in potentially dangerous activities or working in hazardous environments.
CCTV Surveillance System
Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) systems can support security guards or work automatically. In the latter case, image collection and recording equipment operates without a person viewing the images. These systems are often installed in banks, monitoring ATMs. CCTV systems make recordings for pre-established periods or when equipment under surveillance changes state, such as an ATM at night.