Fire Detection

A fire detection system is designed to identify a fire at the earliest possible stage and raise the alarm – so people can evacuate and damage is limited. We install fire detection systems as part of a complete low-voltage solution, so the customer deals with one contractor for every system.

The system is built around a control panel to which detectors, manual call points and alarm devices are connected. When a detector senses smoke or heat, or someone presses a call point, the panel activates sounders and strobes and can send a message to a monitoring centre and trigger other systems.

In conventional panels detectors are wired in zones; in addressable panels every detector has its own address – so you know exactly which detector was triggered. In large or complex buildings, an addressable system greatly shortens the time it takes to locate the event.

Fire detection often interfaces with other building systems: releasing doors in the access control system, activating suppression systems or controlling ventilation – according to the design and the approving authorities' requirements.

System components

Smoke detectors

Optical detectors for early detection of smoke in rooms and corridors.

Optical

Heat detectors

For areas with dust, steam or process smoke – such as kitchens and some warehouses.

Heat

Fire alarm panel

Conventional or addressable, with display, event log and battery backup.

Addressable

Manual call points

For raising the alarm manually at exits and along escape routes.

Manual

Sounders & strobes

Audible and visual alerts throughout the building.

Alerts

Electrical-panel detection

Protection for electrical switchboards according to the design and standard.

Panels

Illustrative photos – Fire Detection

General photos from the field, from freely licensed collections – for illustration only. Coming soon: photos from Zohar Cameras installations.

Credits & licenses

Photo: Georg Pik · CC0 – Wikimedia Commons · CC0
Photo: Georg Pik · CC0 – Wikimedia Commons · CC0
Photo: Georg Pik · Public domain – Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Georg Pik · CC0 – Wikimedia Commons · CC0
Photo: MTA Capital Construction Mega Projects · CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0
Photo: Luke W. · CC0 – Wikimedia Commons · CC0

Uses in businesses and chains

Shops & branches

A uniform system across branches, as part of licensing and safety requirements.

Offices

Coverage of rooms, server rooms and electrical panels.

Warehouses

Detector selection by ceiling height, dust and environmental conditions.

System integration

Interfaces to access control and the monitoring centre – in one design.

How a project runs: Fire Detection

From a single site to dozens of branches – the same structured process, from the first survey to ongoing service.

Site survey

We visit the site and map entrances, weak points, existing infrastructure and the customer's operational needs.

Design

Technology selection, device placement, cable routes and a bill of quantities – matched to the site and the budget.

Installation

Orderly work with minimal disruption to operations, with every point labelled and documented.

Integration

Connecting the systems to each other, to the monitoring centre and to remote viewing, plus on-site staff training.

Maintenance & service

Periodic inspections, fault handling and monthly service for chains and organisations.

SI 1220 – background

SI 1220 is the Israeli series of standards for fire detection systems. The main parts cover smoke detectors (Part 1), control units (Part 2), installation instructions and general requirements (Part 3), heat detectors (Part 4), stand-alone detectors (Part 5), manual call points (Part 6), audible alarm devices (Part 10) and maintenance (Part 11).

Part 3 sets the design and installation requirements – detector placement, cabling, alarms and documentation – and has been revised by amendment sheets in recent years. Whether a fire detection system is mandatory depends on the type of building and business, the Fire and Rescue Authority's requirements and the licensing conditions.

A fire detection system requires periodic inspection and maintenance to remain reliable: testing detectors, sounders, batteries and interfaces.

This is general information and does not replace the full requirements of the standard, business licence conditions or the instructions of the approving authorities.

Questions & answers – Fire Detection

Is a fire detection system mandatory?

It depends on the type of building and business, the Fire and Rescue Authority's requirements and the business licence conditions.

What is the difference between conventional and addressable systems?

In an addressable system every detector has its own address, so you know exactly where the event is. A conventional system identifies only the zone.

How often should the system be inspected?

Periodic inspections and maintenance are required; SI 1220 Part 11 deals with the maintenance of fire detection systems.

Can the system be connected to a monitoring centre?

Yes, and at many sites this is recommended so that an alarm is handled even when nobody is on site.

What affects the cost of a fire detection system?

Building area and layout, system type (conventional/addressable/aspirating), standard and licensing requirements, associated actions and monitoring-centre connection.

What is aspirating smoke detection (ASD)?

A system that draws air through pipes and detects smoke at a very early stage. Suited to server rooms, high-bay warehouses and special spaces.

Are there wireless fire detection systems?

Yes, to EN 54-25. Check with the approving authority whether they are accepted in the specific project.

What changed in SI 1220 recently?

An amendment sheet from January 2024 added, among other things, requirements for detectors in electrical panels above a certain size. Check the current edition.

Does the system release doors in a fire?

Associated actions such as releasing doors on escape routes can be integrated, according to the design and requirements.

Who approves the system?

Approval is given according to licensing requirements and the competent authorities. We install to the design and the standard and provide the required documentation.

How do you reduce false alarms?

Choosing detectors suited to the environment (for example multi-sensor), correct positioning, cleaning and ongoing maintenance.