Communication and
signaling system
ccesguerra
A. TYPES OF COMMUNICATION AND SIGNAL SYSTEMS
1. Surveillance and Signal Equipment- fire, smoke and intruder detection and
alarm systems
In general, all signal systems require a surveillance system to process
information including transmitting it and a means of indicating the signal, either
audibly, visually or permanently on "hard copy".
2. Audio .and Visual Communication Equipment - telephone, intercom, public TV
and closed circuit
television (CCTV)
3. Time Equipment - clock and program equipment
B. PARTS OF THE COMMU ICATION AND SIGNAL SYSTEMS'
1. Detectors ,..
2. Control Unit or Panel
3. Alarm Devices
4. Wiring or Circuitry
A. TYPES OF FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
1. Automatic System - uses detectors to. trigger the alarm system.
2. Manual System - uses visual detection and the alarm is triggered by hand.
a. Non-Coded Manual Stations - the station locations are not identifiable at the
control panel when it is
Manually triggered. An annunciation panel, however, can be added to the system, to
convert each
station as a non-coded indicating zone. Beyond 10 stations, coding should be
considered.
b. Coded Manual Stations - Each manual station is coded and this code is received
at the control
panel, processed and transmitted audibly on the system gongs. The code usually
comprises of 3 to
4 digits; the first number may identify the building number, the second the building
floor and the third
the individual station.
B. DETECTORS
There are four types of detectors:
1. Temperature Detector - the most
common is the Temperature
Detector called the "thermostat".
There are two types:
a. Fixed Temperature Unit - triggers‘
a set of contacts when a present
temperature is reached. This
unit is available in a one-time non-
renewable design that uses a low
melting alloy fusible plug.
b. Rate-of-Rise Unit - activates when the
rate of ambient temperature differential
exceeds a
predetermined amount. This unit may be
combines with the fixed temperature unit
in a single
housing such as in the case of an
automatic resetting unit.
2. Photoelectric Detector - These
detectors react to the obscuration of a light
beam by smoke. They are best applied where
fires produce considerable quantities of
smoke and gas, such as those caused by slow
burning plastics.
3. Ionization Detector -
These detectors operate by
detecting ionized particles in the
air. They do not
detect fires producing heavy
smoke but few particles such as
alcohol and plastic fires.
4. Flame Detectors - These
detectors are of two types; the
Infrared (IR) and Ultraviolet (UV)
Detectors.
Applications are generally industrial
and are highly sensitive.
CONTROL UNIT OR
PANEL .
The function of the
control panel is to
energize the audible
devices (bells, buzzers,
gongs) upon receipt of a
signal from the detector.
Other functions include
shut-off of oil and gas
lines, shut off of attic fans
to prevent fire spread,
and turning off of lights.
Most units are serviced
with an emergency
standby battery.
The typical control functions in the Fire Alarm Panel are:
1. On Coded system- these are
continuous ringing evacuation
type alarm devices, manual or
automatic which can be zone
and identifiable by means of an
annunciator
2. Master Coded Systems - This
system is also called the
common coded or fixed coded
system and generates four
rounds of code. When the code
is set to ring the bells at 108
strokes per .minute, the alarm is
known a "march time" because
of the rhythmic cadence. This
alarm best applies in the rapid
evacuation of a building and is
frequently used in schools.
3. Zone Coded Systems -
Manual stations are
grouped by circuit into
zones which transmits to
the panel
and ring the zone's code on
the single stroke on or
chimes, thus immediately
identifying the station.
4. Dual Coded Systems -
This system is a
combination of the non-
coded and the zone coded
systems.
When an alarm device
operates, it initiates two
different functions - an
identifying coded alarm
loaded
in the maintenance office
and a continuous ringing
evacuation alarm for the
whole building.
5. Selective Coded Systems - This is a fully coded system in which all manual devices are
coded and all automatic devices are arranged to trip code transmitters at the panel.
6. Pre-signal System - When it is desired to alert onIy key personnel a system called pre-
signalinzg is used, where it is also selectively coded. The personnel can immediately investigate and
turn on the general alarm manually.
D. ALARM DEVICES
Usually audible such as, bells, gongs and horns. Most common is the a-c vibrating bell and
a weatherproof external bell to alert neighbors and passersby.
E. CIRCUIT DESIGN
A system which is usually de-energized and functions only when activated is called an open
·circuit system. An open circuit system which integrates a trouble light to indicate a
malfunction is called a supervised system".
1.3 Intrusion (Burglar) Alarm System
Intrusion detection is similar to the fire detection system, except that instead of
thermal detection, devices such as metallic tape and micro- and magnetic- switches
are used to detect door and window motion and glass breakage. An eye or a laser
light beam may also be used to detect movement once blocked.
1.4 Sprinkler Alarm- Water flow
switches are installed to monitor the flow
of water in a sprinkler head and when
triggered will trip a coded transmitter,
setting off a sprinkler code to show up on
a sprinkler annunciator board (called a
sprinkler alarm panel).
1.5. Industrial Building Security
Systern
A. DOOR AND EXIT CONTROLS
These cover electrified security door
hardware that triggers an alarm when a
door is opened without authorization, such
as in exterior doors and doors to restricted
areas.
B. PERSONNEL ENTRY CONTROL
By use of card reader
1. The first level is by simple insertion of a
card by the holder to an electric device
which grants entry when a card is inserted
into it for identification.
2. The second level requires the encoding
of a three-digit number simultaneously
with the insertion of a card. This bars the
entry of unauthorized card holders.
3. The third level involves an attendant
who compares card data through a
C. WATCHMEN'S
TOUR EQUIPMENT
This type of station allows a
guard to call in through an
intercom and permits a
general alarm to ring
through operation of a key.
1.6. Television Antenna System
The system functions by amplifying the signal received by the TV antenna and by
means of a special cable, distribute these amplified signals into the various wall
outlets. A system with two or more outlets generally needs a booster amplifier.
1.7. Sound Amplifying system or Public Address System
Consists of the following:
1. Microphone - to pick up the sound and convert it to an alternative electric current
2. Amplifiers - amplifies and controls the current
3. Loudspeaker - converts amplified electric current back into sound much louder
than the original sound entering the microphone
[Link] and
Intercommunication
Systems
The intercom system comprises
one or more master stations
(administrative) and several remote
stations (staff), one of which
monitors the front door. The master
station allows selective calling
while remote stations operating
through the masters are non-
selective.
The Private Automatic Branch
Exchange or PABX is based on solid-
state technology, thus the entire system can
handle up to 500 lines and trunks, 4
operator consoles. and over 140
simultaneous conversations plus fulI
intercom facilities, all occupying a cabinet
0.60 M x 0.70M x 1.8 M. The operational
features of this system include:
o direct internal and external dialing
o consultation hold ( ability to hold an
outside call while making an inside call)
o conference call capability for internal and
external units
o call transfer and camp-on feature
o automatic call back
o call forwarding
o distinctive ringing for different functions
o paging, executive priority, dictation access,
personnel location and other options
A. ELEMENTS OF THE TELEPHONE INSTALLATION
1. Service Entrance - the service connection from a pole or other outside terminal
location ·to a point of entrance into the building. The service entrance may be:
a. Overhead - with overhead exposed wires.
b. Underground - with concealed underground wires in conduits. The service
conduit is usually of rigid iron same for electrical works. Minimum size of service
conduit is %" round. There should be a clearance of not less than 6" between
telephone service conduit and the electric conduit.
2. Protector - generally required in residential telephone lines to protect against
lightning. When a conduit entrance and an interior conduit system are to be installed,
it is desirable to provide a cabinet to accommodate the protector usually a metal box
of same type used in electrical work. Located as close as possible to the point of
entrance, one protector is required for each pair of telephone wires entering the
building.
3. Main Terminal Cabinet or Room - The serviced wires end at the main terminal
cabinet. Small sized wall type terminals are mounted to metal cabinets attached to or
recessed in walls or columns. Large sizes of wall type terminals and frame type
terminals (terminals _mounted in frames accessible from both sides) should be
located in rooms which are intended for the purpose and instructed of fire resisting
materials.
4. Vertical Riser Conduits or Riser Shafts
a. Riser Conduits - are used in medium sized installations and consist of a series of
metal cabinets
called splicing cabinets aligned vertically through the building, one on each floor and
connected by a
vertical conduit.
b. Riser Shafts - are required for very large installations and consist of a series of
individual full length
interconnecting closets called splicing closets which are aligned vertically one on
5. Splicing Cabinets or Splicing Closets - permit the riser cables in the riser shaft
or conduit to be spliced or interconnected to the cables or telephone wires to the
various floors.
6. Floor Conduits - connects the splicing closets or cabinets into the distribution
terminal cabinets and to floor ducts. wall outlets, etc..
B. TYPES OF TELEPHONE SYSTEMS
The different types of phone systems depend primarily on how
heavy your phone traffic is.
- Single-Line Phones.
- Small Business Multiple-Line Phones.
- Large Business Multiple-Line Calls.
C. TYPES OF PHONE LINES
The three forms of Lines used for phone systems are analog,
digital, and T1. Here are brief descriptions of the three:
- Analog.
- Digital
- T-1
D. PHONE SYSTEM HARDWARE
The basic hardware needed in a phone system consists of the
control unit and the individual phone units. In some systems, IP
Telephony is used.
1. PABX Server
2. The Control Unit
3. Individual Units
4. IP Telephony
E. PHONE SYSTEM FEATURES
Any of these features can appear on individual units, and most of
them are standard.
• Call Waiting Or Multiple Lines. No Block
• Conference Calling. Voice Mail
• Call Attendant. Call Transfer
• Hands Free Calling. Remote Door Entry
• Speed Dialling surge Protection
• RE Dial Battery Back UP
• Called ID
