Fire alarm system as the first step in fire protection
Fire – people's fear
We live in an age of technological advancement where we use more and more electrical appliances every day that pose a potential fire hazard. Many also use equipment (e.g. gas heaters) that are remotely controlled and contain highly explosive substances that are present in installations in their homes, flats and business premises. In industrial facilities, fires pose an even greater challenge – they can originate from machinery in production or logistics centres, where loading and unloading operations and stored equipment increase the risk of fire. The increasing number of solar panels (photovoltaic systems) on the roofs of residential, commercial and industrial buildings further increases the risk of fire.
Fire alarm system as the guardian of fire safety
The installation of fire alarm systems is crucial for the safety of residential and commercial buildings. The statistics bear this out, with the most important indicators coming from the period 2022/23. In 2023, the number of fires decreased by 51 compared to 2022, but the number of fires in buildings only decreased by 13%. There were 2,785 fires in buildings in 2023, compared to 3,201 in 2022. The number of fatalities also fell from 19 in 2022 to 8 in 2023.
Fire alarm systems enable early detection of fires, which considerably shortens the response time of fire brigades. This saves many lives, reduces damage and prevents the fire from spreading to larger areas. This is particularly important in the context of increasingly frequent extreme weather conditions and the increased risk of fire in urban and rural areas.
Use and procurement of fire alarm systems
There are many early fire detection devices around the world, but not all devices are the same, nor is their reliability – and reliability should never be questioned. That’s why ELEKTRO-LOG represents and distributes the renowned global brand Detnov, which has been active in the fire detection market in numerous countries for over 25 years. In this section we will focus on fires, i.e. flames and smoke as sources of danger, but it is worth mentioning that Detnov also offers other detection systems, which we will cover in future topics. Detnov fire detection systems can be customised to meet the different needs of the building owner or user.
Detnov systems can be upgraded according to space requirements (detectors, modules, manual call points, sirens, etc.), including the possibility of customising the number of devices and installation lengths within the building.
Investing in safety – fire protection
We don’t want to sound selfish or emphasise the importance of fire safety in your home, office or, more importantly, your company’s facilities. However, when unfortunate events such as fires occur, any argument becomes redundant. Fire is a danger that has always been with mankind. Fire is part of our lives and many systems – from cars to heating and manufacturing to power generation – and it is our responsibility to control and monitor it. However, if there is a malfunction or failure in any of these processes, a fire is almost inevitable. At such moments, a detector can save lives and property by providing valuable time to react and protect.
Where is the fire alarm system a primary system?
Fire alarm systems are needed wherever there is a risk of fire. However, their application is often overlooked when users fail to recognise the value of installing such a system.
Application
When planning and constructing a building, fire protection must be ensured as one of the basic requirements for the building, as laid down in a special regulation for spatial planning and construction, so that in the event of a fire:
- the load-bearing capacity of the structure is maintained for a time specified in the regulation
- the spread of fire and smoke within the building is prevented
- it is ensured that people can leave the building unharmed or their rescue is made possible
- the protection of rescuers is made possible
Classification of buildings based on fire protection requirements
In accordance with the regulation on the classification of buildings according to fire protection requirements (NN 56/12, 61/12), buildings are categorised into two groups according to the required fire protection measures:
- Group 1 buildings – less demanding buildings
- Group 2 buildings – buildings with higher requirements
Group 1 buildings include:
- buildings with a gross floor area of no more than 400 m² intended exclusively for residential purposes
- simple buildings designated as such by a special regulation
- Buildings that fulfil the following cumulative conditions:
- No storage of or trade in flammable liquids, gases or explosives
- Less than 100 persons in above-ground buildings or less than 50 in underground buildings
- The fire protection measures do not require the use of fixed fire extinguishing systems
- Fire protection measures do not require the use of fixed fire alarm systems
- Fire protection measures do not require the use of fixed smoke and heat extraction systems
Group 2 buildings include:
- existing buildings in which a fixed fire detection or extinguishing system or a gas warning system is removed
- existing buildings and installations subject to consolidated environmental protection requirements
- Other buildings that fulfil at least one of the following criteria:
- storage of or trade in flammable liquids, gases or explosives
- more than 100 persons in above-ground buildings or 50 or more in underground buildings
- rooms for public gatherings with 50 or more persons
- fire protection measures require the use of permanently installed fire extinguishing systems
- fire protection measures require the use of permanently installed fire alarm systems
- fire protection measures require the use of permanently installed smoke and heat extraction systems
Fire protection report
A fire safety report is only drawn up for Group 2 buildings. It is a document that describes the requirements and/or restrictions of systematic fire protection for a building. Systematic fire safety includes organisational, technical and other measures and actions to eliminate fire hazards, early detection, notification, prevention of the spread of fire and smoke, efficient firefighting, safe rescue of people and animals and reduction of the harmful effects of fires in the building.
- Industrial plants
- Factories and production facilities
- Warehouses for flammable substances
- Chemical processing plants
- Catering establishments
- Hotels
- Restaurants and bars
- Campsites and tourist facilities
- Shopping and business centers
- Shopping centers
- Offices and administrative buildings
- Public facilities
- Schools and universitie
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Sports halls and fitness centers
- Facilities with a high volume of people
- Concert halls and theaters
- Stadiums and other sports arenas
- Exhibition halls and trade fair centres
- Petrol stations and logistics centres
- Petrol stations
- Oil and gas storage terminals
- Logistics and distribution centers
- Residential buildings
- Apartment blocks
- Student halls of residence
- Homes for the elderly and disabled
- Transport systems
- Airports
- Railway and bus stations
- Harbours and sea terminals
Fire protection as a legal obligation
In Croatia, the obligation to install fire alarm systems is regulated by the Fire Protection Act (NN 92/10, 144/22) and the associated ordinances. Articles 5 and 6 of the Ordinance on Technical Standards for Fire Protection Systems (NN 141/11) stipulate the obligation to install fire alarm systems in commercial, industrial and residential buildings, depending on the size and purpose of the building.
The decree on fire alarm systems (NN 56/99) regulates the obligations for the planning, installation, retrofitting, commissioning, maintenance and use of fire alarm systems in buildings that serve to detect fires at an early stage in order to protect people and property from the consequences of a fire. The systems must comply with the HRN EN 54 standard and planning and maintenance must be carried out in accordance with Article 8 of the Fire Safety Act. Non-compliance can lead to loss of life, significant damage and ultimately financial penalties.
Cost of smoke alarms and their installation
The cost of a Detnov fire alarm system depends on the configuration and purpose of the room and the requirements of the fire safety report. The price is influenced by the number and type of devices, the installation time and the size of the fire alarm control panel, which can be integrated with other systems. To find the right solution for your needs, it is best to contact ELEKTRO-LOG. Our team of experts will analyse your requirements and offer you the optimum solution.
