Video and security technologies are quickly making a big splash in the fire prevention, detection, and verification industry. This is happening in several ways, which we have outlined below. These include:
The Double Life of Video Surveillance Technology: Just a decade ago, video had one purpose; it was expected to show what people were doing. Now, video has so many more functions, including alarm verification. Dispatch operators have a direct connection with one or more cameras in the vicinity of the alarm and can view real-time and recorded video to verify the validity of an alarm. This has drastically cut down on the number of false alarms and unnecessary dispatches across the United States.
Fire Detection Through Video Imaging: Not only can video technology be used to verify alarms, it can also be used to actually detect smoke or fire. This is a fairly new development that is incredibly useful, especially in large warehouses and other large structures where traditional detection methods are difficult to employ.
According to National Fire Protection Agency, there are two categories of video detection:
•Video Image Smoke Detection (VISD)
• Video Image Flame Detection (VIFD)
New Regulations and Guidelines: To accommodate this new technology and method of fire detection, the NFPA has adopted a few standards fire alarm technicians must observe when installing video-based fire detection. These new regulations include:
1. NFPA 72, 2010, under the heading, Origin and Development of NFPA 72: Some of the more significant revisions in the 2007 edition addressed protection of fire alarm control units, personnel qualification, heat detector response time, smoke detector spacing, smoke detection in ducts, detectors that use multiple sensing inputs, video image smoke and flame detection, synchronization of visible notification appliances, exit marking audible notification appliances, tactile notification appliances, different types of protected premises fire alarm system, and in-building enhancement systems for firefighter radio communications.
2. Section 17.7.7.2, NFPA 72, 2010: Video image smoke detection systems shall comply with all of the applicable requirements of Chapters 1, 10, 14, 17, and 23 of this Code.
• NFPA 72 allows video data to be used for multiple functions, but in order to do this there must be separate connections.
3. 17.7.7.3, NFPA 72, 2010: Video signals generated by cameras that are components of video image smoke detection systems shall be permitted to be transmitted to other systems for other uses only through output connections provided specifically for that purpose by the video system manufacturer.
4. Section 17.7.7.4: All component controls and software shall be protected from unauthorized changes. All changes to the software or component settings shall be tested in accordance with Chapter 14.
For any further questions on Video Surveillance and Fire Application, simply contact ARK Systems at 1-800-995-0189 or click here today.
When you consider how crucial security can be, and when you think of all the options that you’re faced with today, one thing becomes clear. You need a contractor with experience. For assessment, design, installation, testing and service, ARK is the expert across the board.
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