ABSTRACT
An automatic fire alarm system-FAS can provide early warning of a developing fire. In all situations, the installation of such a system is for the primary purpose of life safety. It is recommended that system inspection and testing be scheduled monthly or as required by national and/or local fire codes. The system also can continue to operate without disconnecting an entire zone if a single detector fails. Security systems, which are necessarily involved with life safety, also rely on instant notification to a central operator station whenever an alarm device is activated. In cases where security functions coexist within the system along with fire systems, the system response time requirements may be more stringent. Microprocessors have the power and speed, when properly programmed, to make the necessary split second decision for an automatic and reliable response to any type of conflagration or intrusion.
