Posted January 24th, 2024

What is a Wireless Fire Alarm System?

The wireless fire alarm system is a system that works without the use of physical communication equipment, and its technology uses waves instead of cables. Among the types of fire alarm systems, one of the most popular systems is the wireless fire alarm system, which uses a wireless system instead of cable communication, and all processes are carried out through signal transmission and radiocommunication. The reason for the popularity of wireless fire alarm is its easy installation and high transmission power, and contrary to what many people think, it is not a new system! Rather, there is at least 4 decades of history of using this system in the world. Although there have been great changes in this system compared to the past and it has been improved along with the advancement of the technology of these systems, but their functional process is based on signals and radio communication as in the past. 

Although there are weaknesses in these systems, which we will address later, these weaknesses do not make us ignore its strengths. If we want to say, what is a wireless fire alarm system? We must say that unlike addressable systems and conventional fire alarm systems that work with cable connections, a wireless fire alarm does not require cabling and works like a Wi-Fi system. 

What are the components of a wireless fire alarm system? 

The components of this system are like addressable and conventional systems, in fact, the wireless system is the same as the systems we mentioned, with the difference that the communication flow between its components is different. In the first two cases, there is cable communication, and an expert is needed for cabling, but in wireless fire alarm, there is no need for cables and all communication is based on frequencies.

History of Wireless Fire Alarm System

The first wireless fire alarm system was originally invented in America in 1979. Then, in 1983, UL's laboratory established standards for wireless fire alarm systems. After setting these standards, NFPA finally accepted wireless fire alarm systems in 1987, and then FM approved the system in 2001.

The Components of This System Are:

• Fire alarm detectors

• Sounders (horn and flashers)

• Fire alarms

• Wireless fire alarm panel

• System frequency amplifier

In addition to strengths, every system has weaknesses, and it is not possible to evaluate a system as completely positive or completely negative, and this depends on the location of the building and different characteristics. 

There are many advantages for a wireless fire alarm system, and there are also weaknesses that we will discuss further.

The Following Are Among The Advantages of This System:

• Easy and quick installation without the need to destroy and damage the building

• Battery operated

• No need for mains power supply

•Use a booster device if the signal is weak

• Flexibility of the system: This means that if we want to change the decoration of the environment after years, the fire alarm system can be easily changed accordingly.

• High reliability factor and according to the world's standards in the field of firefighting

• Low installation cost

•Can be used and installed in buildings with high ceilings such as halls and sheds

• How to work with the system is very simple

• Connecting individual buildings to a wireless fire alarm system

The Weaknesses of This System Are Not Many, And The Following Can Be Mentioned:

• The possibility of a drop in the quality of waves (which can be ignored with an amplifier)

• More equipment prices

• Need to replace the battery

The Reason For Using The Amplifier In The Wireless Fire Alarm System

1. The wave amplifier in the wireless fire alarm system works by receiving the waves and sending them again. This will strengthen the signal. It is mostly used in high-rise buildings (more than 5floors). Also, when the distance between the detector and the panel of the wireless fire alarm system is large, the amplifier is used.

2. Application of wireless fire alarm system

3. For use in places that are of great importance in terms of aesthetics. Like museums. Because there is no damage to the building to install the wireless fire alarm system.

4. For use in historical buildings that have restrictions on implementation and changes in the building, such as castles.

5. For use in buildings that may need to be renovated in the near future. Because the wireless fire alarm system can be easily changed and moving its components does not cause any problems in the system's performance.

6. For use in buildings with difficult access points such as narrow stairs or high ceilings because it does not require wiring.

7. For quick installation and commissioning in projects that do not have enough time to implement the infrastructure. Because wireless fire alarm systems do not need wiring.

8. For use in businesses that will be affected by the interruption of work and the closure of the operated place, such as hotels. Because its launch time is very short. For example, in large projects, installation takes half a day.

9. Wireless fire alarm system is used in buildings where cable installation is expensive or difficult.

10. Wireless fire alarm system is used in places where there is a possibility of power outage and power outage causes damage to the work. Because this system continues to work with a battery in the event of a power outage.

11. In projects that have an average budget for installing fire alarm systems, wireless fire alarm systems are used because it does not require wiring and buying cables, and as a result, its installation cost is very low.