Lifestyle

Learning everything about fire safety accessories

Fire is a chaotic force that nobody can genuinely tame or contain. It leads to several hazards and calamities. Hence, we all practice utmost fire safety to prevent such hazards. The fire safety systems have alarms, extinguishers, and other essential components for enhancing security. Yet, we overlook minor accessories that are vital to fire prevention. These are the fire safety accessories. This article is dedicated to spreading awareness about them and showcasing their importance: 

Replacement glass

All fire safety systems have manual call points, also called pull stations. Simply put, these glasses read, “Break in case of an emergency.” Usually, replacement glasses protect fire alarm buttons, axes, and other essential items and prevent accidental triggers from outside elements. 

However, the role of replacement glass is to ensure that the call point remains functional and doesn’t sustain damage from excessive force used to break the glass.

Test keys

A fire alarm key is a vital part of the fire safety system maintenance. It is also known as a test key. These are used for routine maintenance and to plug and turn to see if the fire alarm systems are functioning correctly. Technicians often use the Fire Alarm Key from RS to check alarm activation without triggering a full-scale emergency response, which might make people panic. Different devices like detectors, sounders, and alarms might have other keys. The extinguisher casing or axe locks might also have separate fire keys. 

Break glass covers

  • Purpose: Break glass covers protect manual call points from accidental activation.
  • Function: These transparent covers prevent unauthorized or unintentional use while allowing easy access during emergencies.
  • Use Case: In public spaces, broken glass covers prevent false alarms caused by accidental bumps or tampering.

Break glass units

The brake glass units are the emergency activation points which you break to trigger the fire alarm, to alert the occupants and to initiate evacuation. A replacement glass is part of the complete break glass unit, as you’ve read above. Usually, you will find the break glass units near the exits, stairwells and other critical areas to respond to fire quickly. 

Automatic fire door holds

Fire Doors are a separate installation made in various buildings to provide a proper evacuation path for the occupants. These doors are often used to control the spread of the fire, as well, and to stay vigilant and resistant to fire for as long as possible.

Similarly, the automatic fire door holds work by keeping the fire doors open and intact for regular operation. When a fire alarm activates, the door will automatically release the door to close and compartmentalize the fire and smoke. The automatic fire door maintains accessibility and prevents the doors from jamming in emergencies for optimum use. 

Auxiliary relays

Auxiliary relays are used to enhance and improve the functionality of the entire fire alarm system. You can easily add them to building systems like HVAC, Access Control, Elevators and other necessary areas. Depending on the programming and functioning, auxiliary relays can trigger different actions. For example, they can shut down the ventilation system when fire alarms are activated, or even launch the fire extinguishing system. Auxiliary relays can also be used to lock and unlock particular doors for emergencies automatically. They aren’t limited to fire safety utility but can be used for their versatility. 

The integrity of fire accessories

A fire safety system isn’t just alarms, exhaust, and signs, but these minor accessories that complete the system for holistic emergency and fire protection. Therefore, proper installation, regular inspection and adherence to safety standards are necessary with these accessories for a safe environment. 

Portia Chamapiwa

Portia is a young vibrant lady who works for The South African. She works as a Campaign Management Assistant with great enthusiasm to learn, currently undergoing training in various on the job courses. She has great expertise in communication with clients from all walks of life to cater for all their needs. Client satisfaction is her priority and nothing beats that. When Portia is not working she enjoys reading, cooking and listening to music.