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AFA systems

Why would I need an AFAS in my building?

It is obligatory in many buildings due to the requirements of the Estonian Rescue Board and the Fire Safety Act.

Aiding in the early detection of a fire.

Saving lives and protecting property.

Instilling a sense of security in people.

Some buildings need it for a permit for use.

An automatic fire alarm system (AFAS) is a very important part of a building's security system

Automatic fire alarm systems (AFAS) are an essential part of the security system of a building. Sometimes, the reason for a fire could be a carelessly extinguished cigarette or an old electrical device. The latter are incidentally the most common reason for fires.

An AFAS includes various sensors which help to alert people in the building of a fire as quickly as possible. This saves lives and protects property. We at Forus want to ensure your day-to-day safety and offer our services in designing, installing, and maintaining an AFAS.

Fire alarm systems must be installed by a licensed company. We have security and fire protection systems installers with professional certification who are specialists in their field.

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In which buildings is AFAS mandatory?

An AFAS is obligatory mostly at high-risk sites where a fire could threaten human lives and health and cause huge material damage. Among others:

  • children’s institutions and accommodation providers
  • office buildings
  • shopping centres
  • industrial sites
  • social establishments, hospitals and other medical institutions, etc.

What does an AFAS include?

An AFAS mostly consists of a central processing unit, sensors (smoke, temperature, flame, and fire sensors, among others), fire buttons, and alarms. The sensors detect a fire and automatically send this information to the central processing unit. The latter activates the alarms, notifies people in the building, and if necessary, the Emergency Response Centre of the fire. The central processing unit sends the alarm to the Emergency Response Centre or the administrator of the building.

Forus offers both conventional as well as addressable fire alarm systems. We cooperate with well-known producers, such as Esser and Bosch.

A conventional and an addressable AFAS – what is the difference and which should you prefer?

A conventional fire alarm system

  • This is primarily suitable for smaller premises and buildings with a simpler layout.
  • Its advantages are a more straightforward structure and affordability.
  • Its disadvantage is the somewhat cumbersome identification of the location where a fire was detected because up to 20 sensors are connected to the same alarm chain in the system. The indicator on the central processing unit only displays the chain number.
    In case of a fire, an operative takes the floor plan located by the central processing unit and inspects the premises until finding the sensor that raised the alarm.

 

Addressable fire alarm system

  • This helps to discover a fire faster and with greater precision.
  • It is used in larger buildings and accommodation establishments as well as places where people congregate (theatres, cinemas, shopping centres, etc.).
  • It enables to determine the location of the fire with the precision of a sensor. Every device (sensor or a fire alarm button) has its own address and the location of an incident (including a device failure) can be narrowed down to the location of the device.
  • Building plans indicating the locations of fire alarms must be next to the central processing unit along with the manual of the central processing unit.
  • This system offers added value through its additional flexible options for controlling various technical building systems.

A conventional and an addressable AFAS – what is the difference and which should you prefer?

A conventional fire alarm system

  • This is primarily suitable for smaller premises and buildings with a simpler layout.
  • Its advantages are a more straightforward structure and affordability.
  • Its disadvantage is the somewhat cumbersome identification of the location where a fire was detected because up to 20 sensors are connected to the same alarm chain in the system. The indicator on the central processing unit only displays the chain number.
    In case of a fire, an operative takes the floor plan located by the central processing unit and inspects the premises until finding the sensor that raised the alarm.

 

Addressable fire alarm system

  • This helps to discover a fire faster and with greater precision.
  • It is used in larger buildings and accommodation establishments as well as places where people congregate (theatres, cinemas, shopping centres, etc.).
  • It enables to determine the location of the fire with the precision of a sensor. Every device (sensor or a fire alarm button) has its own address and the location of an incident (including a device failure) can be narrowed down to the location of the device.
  • Building plans indicating the locations of fire alarms must be next to the central processing unit along with the manual of the central processing unit.
  • This system offers added value through its additional flexible options for controlling various technical building systems.

AFAS – maintenance and pricing

The price of an automatic fire alarm system (AFAS) depends on the type of property, its size, the number of people that usually occupy it, and the type of the system (conventional or addressable). The latter is more expensive because it enables to detect fires faster and better.
The system is only reliable when properly maintained. The owner is obligated to conclude a maintenance agreement with a competent provider, such as Forus. The system requires maintenance at least once a quarter.

Requirements applicable to an AFAS are stipulated in the regulation issued by the Minister of the Interior: ‘Requirements for a fire alarm system and buildings where the fire notice of an automatic fire alarm system must be directed to the Estonian Emergency Response Centre’.

Why choose an AFAS from Forus?

  • Extensive experience in providing safety services.
  • We are licensed to install the systems and have professional certified security and fire protection systems installers.
  • We have installed these systems in hundreds of buildings.
  • We offer services across Estonia.
  • In addition to design and installation, we offer maintenance as an additional service.

Get in touch! You will be contacted by our experienced sales specialist.

 

Get in touch! You will be contacted by our experienced sales specialist.

 

Riig Kinnisvara AS

Installation of AFA systems at Tartu Art Museum.

E-Piim

Installation of AFA systems in the factory building.

Kawe City

Installation of AFA systems in a commercial building.

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