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An
automatic fire alarm system is designed to
detect the unwanted presence of fire
by monitoring environmental changes associated with combustion.
In general, a fire alarm system is either
classified as automatic, manually activated, or both. Automatic fire
alarm
systems can be used to notify people to evacuate in the event of a fire
or
other emergency, to summon emergency services, and to prepare the
structure and
associated systems to control the spread of fire and smoke
After the
fire protection goals
are established - usually by referencing the minimum levels of
protection
mandated by the appropriate model building code, insurance agencies, and
other
authorities - the fire alarm designer undertakes to detail specific
components,
arrangements, and interfaces necessary to accomplish these goals.
Equipment
specifically manufactured for these purposes are selected and
standardized
installation methods are anticipated during the design. In the United States,
NFPA 72, The National
Fire Alarm Code
is an established and widely used installation standard.
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