Commercial Fire Systems

Commercial fire alarm systems are required as a condition of obtaining a "certificate of occupancy" before a business can open. The National Fire Alarm Code (NFPA72) is enforced by the Fire Marshal, otherwise known as the "authority having supervision" (AHJ). Design plans for the fire alarms must be submitted by a NICET-certified individual for approval by the AHJ before the work begins. Citadel Security Systems has 45 years of experience helping business owners fulfill fire code requirements, as well as performing annual fire certifications and monitoring your business against potential disaster.

  • Fire Detection
  • Notification Devices
  • Sprinkler Monitoring
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  • Smoke Detectors

    Smoke Detectors

    Smoke detectors, which detect particles of smoke in the early stages of fire, will always be required. The layout of the building will determine how many smoke detectors will be required and where they will be placed.

    Heat Detectors

    Heat Detectors

    Open area heat detectors activate at 135°F. Heat detectors are for areas in which smoke detectors would not perform well, such as cold unheated warehouses or dusty areas. High temperature heat detectors (194°F) are designed for attic applications, where temperatures can regularly reach 150°F.

    Manual Pull Station

    Manual Pull Stations

    Manual pull stations provide a means of signaling the remaining occupants of a building a fire situation. They are installed near the exit doors and on all levels of the building. For schools and gymnasiums, plastic covers with their own built-in sounders may be prescribed by the AHJ as a deterrent to mischievous students.

  • Horn/Strobes


    Horn/strobes alert the occupants of a building during a fire by producing a distinct audible sound along with a flashing light (for the benefit of the hearing impaired). An outdoor horn/strobe may also be required so that responding firefighters can locate the affected building quickly before flames become visible.

    Horn/Strobe

    Strobe Only (For Bathrooms)


    The federal Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that hearing-impaired persons must have adequate notification of fire situations. Hence, a strobe (without a horn) is required in all commercial bathrooms.

  • Sprinkler water flow valves must be monitored for actual water flow. If a sprinkler head activates, the water flow valve will sense the flow of water in the pipe, and the central monitoring station will respond with a dispatch of the fire department.



    Wet Systems


    "Wet" sprinkler systems consist of pressurized water in pipes held back by sprinkler heads. Water is held back by a piece of of solder that melts at 135°F. If the solder melts, water will squirt through the orifice of the sprinkler head to extinguish the fire.

    Sprinkler Flow Valve

    Dry Systems


    Wet sprinkler systems cannot be used in unheated warehouses because the water would freeze in the pipes below 32°F, causing the pipes to burst. Hence, "dry" sprinkler systems are specified that pressurize the pipes with air, holding back the water. If a sprinkler head "pops", the air escapes, and water flows through the pipes to extinguish the fire. With a dry sprinkler system, air pressure in the pipes must be supervised.

  • Thank you for your interest in a Citadel Security Systems-installed commercial fire system! Please feel free to call us anytime at 215-357-3434 or visit our Contact Us page to set up an appointment for an estimate.