Fire Protection Glossary
This glossary defines key terms in fire protection, alarm, and life-safety systems. It helps professional building managers understand essential equipment, standards, and procedures that keep facilities compliant and safe.
A
- Addressable Fire Alarm System
A fire alarm system where each device has a unique address, allowing the control panel to pinpoint exact location and condition.
The organization or individual responsible for enforcing building and fire codes, such as a fire marshal or city inspector.
B
- Backflow Preventer
A valve assembly that prevents contaminated water from flowing backward into the public supply from a fire sprinkler system.
C
- Carbon Dioxide System (CO₂ System)
A suppression system that uses carbon dioxide gas to remove oxygen and extinguish fire in enclosed spaces such as electrical rooms.
- Conventional Fire Alarm System
A system where devices share circuits in zones; when activated, it indicates the zone but not the specific initiating device.
D
- Dry Pipe Sprinkler System
A sprinkler system that holds pressurized air or nitrogen in the pipes until a sprinkler head opens, used where freezing is a concern.
F
- Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP)
The main unit that receives signals from detection devices and activates alarms, notifications, and suppression controls.
- Fire Protection Services
Professional inspection, testing, maintenance, and installation services ensuring fire safety systems remain compliant and functional.
- Fire Safety Solutions
Comprehensive measures that include fire detection, suppression, and emergency response planning to reduce fire risks.
- Fire Suppression System
A system designed to automatically control or extinguish fires using water, foam, chemicals, or clean agents.
L
- Life Safety Solutions
Systems and strategies such as alarms, exits, emergency lighting, and evacuation procedures that protect building occupants.
N
- Networked Audio System
An integrated communication network distributing voice alerts or public announcements, often used for fire or emergency messaging.
- Nurse Call System
A communication system in healthcare facilities allowing patients to alert nursing staff when assistance is needed.
P
- Panic Alarm System
A manually activated system that discreetly alerts security or law enforcement during emergencies such as robberies or assaults.
- Preaction Sprinkler System
A sprinkler system that requires a separate detection signal to open a valve before water enters pipes, used in sensitive areas like data centers.
S
- Silent Alarm System
An alarm that sends a notification to authorities or security personnel without sounding locally, allowing discreet emergency response.
- Sprinkler System Company
A licensed contractor that designs, installs, and maintains automatic fire sprinkler systems in accordance with NFPA standards.
- Suppression Agent
The extinguishing material used in a suppression system, such as water, foam, dry chemical, or clean gas.
W
- Wet Pipe Sprinkler System
The most common sprinkler type, containing water at all times for immediate discharge when heat opens a sprinkler head.
Z
- Zone
A defined area within a fire alarm system used to group devices for monitoring and troubleshooting purposes.
