Tackling unwanted fire alarms with false alarm management

Entitled AlarmCalm, the system features firmware and configuration software for Advanced’s fire systems.

It also incorporates AlarmCalm buttons, which function as alarm acknowledgement devices to provide control over alarm verification periods.

The system is currently available on Advanced’s MxPro 5 and Axis EN fire systems.

False alarm management in hotels

AlarmCalm has been developed for use in commercial buildings; in particular, it is targeted at the hotel industry.

The system can provide false alarm management in hotel bedrooms, receptions and corridors, as well as in larger spaces such as kitchens, dining areas and conference rooms.

It allows a hotel to be divided into different false alarm management zones.

These virtual ‘Building Areas’ can share grouped FAM settings or hold their own. Cause-and-effect can be programmed into every device within the area.

Alarm verification

Using AlarmCalm, verification settings for a site can be applied by assigning all common areas with group settings.

Meanwhile, specific areas, such as meeting rooms or bedrooms, can be programmed to have individual settings.

Verification can be set to on or off; different settings for day/night operation are also available.

It can be set according to the device type in each Building Area.

When a signal is detected, AlarmCalm starts a ‘stage one’ verification time. If the signal is still present at the end of this time period, the system will trigger a full alarm.

If the signal clears, the system resets.

Manually verifying and reducing false alarms

Hotel staff can also help to reduce unwanted false alarms.

Advanced’s loop-powered Alarm Acknowledgement device, the AlarmCalm Button, can be used to verify if an alarm signal is false.

For instance, it can identify if smoke is coming from cooking.

Staff can initiate a ‘second stage’ verification time by pressing the AlarmCalm Button; if the signal in the detector is still present after this time, a full fire condition will be signalled.

A fire condition is also indicated if the alarm is confirmed by sensitivity change or a second detector.

AlarmCalm Buttons have been designed to only extend verification time once: a full fire condition will be signalled if a real fire is detected.