Q&A Session 1!

[@FireAlarmAlerts]

YAY! Question 23 was mine! Thanks so much!!

[@firealarmperson4774]

I’m glad I was able to answer your question! No problem at all!

[@firealarm3915]

I'm just a bored licensed fire alarm tech at home so I'd thought I'd answer a few of the questions with a little more depth from a professional perspective on things. Keep up the great work man, you have a great channel! -Question 4: Will a home fire alarm system call the fire department? The correct answer is yes, if you have the means to set it up that way. Fire Alarm Person would have to install a DACT, dialer, or other similar type equipment to have the means to contact the FD, as well as having a (likely annual) subscription service to a monitoring company. The monitoring company monitors all troubles, supervisories, and alarms on subscribers' systems and then calls the local FD if an alarm signal is sent. -Question 6: Can you wire up an annunciator without a panel? Well yes, but it would be akin to owning a computer monitor and no computer. Question 12: Can you wire up multiple pull stations per zone and multiple Nac devices per Nac? -Yes, and the amount depends on the panel. Most panels can only support a set number of devices per circuit. Simple (addressable) panels like Firelite tell you how many SLC devices can be accommodated usually in their name (Firelite ES-50X can have 50 addressable devices). Larger more robust systems usually have SLC and NAC "cards", which expand the panels capabilities substantially. As for NAC devices, each device has a specific "pull" from the panel/power supply when activated, and a NAC circuit can only accommodate so many NAC devices. 8-10 horn strobes or speaker strobes is pretty typical, but can sometimes go up to 15ish if they don't require alot of juice when in alarm. But like I said, the amount depends on the capabilities of the panel/power supply. Question 14: What type of wire do you use? -NAC devices should use 14-2 (14 gauge, 2 conductor) wire, speaker circuits should use 16-2 (shielded and with a ground/interference wire) wire, and if you need 24v power, you should use 14-2 wire as well. SLC should use 16-2 wire. I say "should" because that's generally manufacturers specifications, but you can get away with alot if; you're not wiring up a ton of stuff, are just wiring up your home where there won't be alot of RF interference, or are just an enthusiast. Question 18: Can you use a light switch as a pull station? -Damn that's a good and interesting question. I've never done such a thing lol, but on a NON-addressable system, I guess? I've never done it but I suppose since it's just a Normally Open/Closed scenario, perhaps? Fire Alarm Person seems to have tried it, so I guess so! But with an addressable system, no you can't. Question 23: How has COVID affected installs and inspections? -Well, depends on the company and the client. Alot of companies in my area are only hiring people with 5+ years experience, and there are some major institutions in my area (which I won't name) aren't doing any PO's (purchase orders) for inspections right now because alot of their money is tied up in COVID protection at their premise's. I think installs are just a little less busy than usual, but people are always building new stuff so actually, not really. Since fire alarms are (generally) federally mandatory in new buildings (size of facility and occupancy level impacts FA mandates) and FA inspections are federally mandated too, there's always a need for it.

[@firealarmperson4774]

Thanks for the compliment on my channel, and thanks for the backup support answers! I agree with everything you said!

[@ElexGamingLifeSafetyGuy]

Nice Q&A, I really enjoyed hearing other peoples questions and your answers to them.

[@firealarmperson4774]

Thanks!

[@ValenDRV]

Nice, my question got answered. This video was awsome. Keep up the good work!

[@firealarmperson4774]

Thanks! I really appreciate that!

[@denster1964]

1:29 an SK-5208 would work within that category

[@user-qy8qq3od8n]

Thanks for telling me the best place to get fire alarms

[@firealarmperson4774]

No problem! I’m glad I was able to help!

[@thundersonic342]

What is your favourite fire alarm company?

[@firealarmperson4774]

That question should be in the Q&A session, but for the record, my favorite company for pull stations is Fire-Lite and System Sensor for notification appliances. My second favorite for notification appliances is Wheelock, but I didn’t not mention it in the video like I should have.

[@wildtraingamer3146]

My fire alarm panel stater was the sk-2

[@TejasGomadam]

nice

[@FireAlarm33]

Can you do a video how to wire a speaker strobe?

[@firealarmperson4774]

That is a video I definitely plan on doing sometime in the future, I'm not sure when though.

[@wildtraingamer3146]

Have you ever had an accident with your fire devices

[@FireAlarm33]

When will you do a test with your stuff you got from demolished school?

[@firealarmperson4774]

The exit sign setup I did recently is one of the devices from the school. The SpectrAlert Advance I reviewed was one in many I got from the school. I eventually plan on doing more videos of things I got from the school.

[@firealarm8]

Will you ever consider becoming a paid or volunteer firefighter?

[@firealarmperson4774]

That is a really good question! The thought of volunteering at a local fire station has crossed my mind. I definitely do not plan on getting a real job as a firefighter though. Regarding firefighter volunteering, there are so many interests I’ve gained outside of what I do on my channel and there just isn’t time to do all of it. 😅

[@firealarm8]

That's cool! If you ever get time you should definitely try to volunteer! It can be a really beneficial and rewarding experience. I just started volunteering this year and it has been really fun so far.

[@IDKMali]

It’s because it’s not real sorry but I had to break that to you that classic is Chinese and fake I recommend you get one off of eBay for like 25 bucks

[@KEFAalarmsandmore]

He was talking about a real classic

[@bradenlittle8929]

hi can i be in one of your vids be cause i love your vids and could i buy one of your old pannels

[@firealarmperson4774]

I only have one panel, which is the MS-4, and it is not for sale. Thanks for enjoying my content!

[@bradenlittle8929]

ok thanks

[@firealarmperson4774]

Braden Little No problem!