A critical component of safeguarding a building and its occupants is implementing a central station monitoring service for the fire alarm control panel and/or sprinkler system. With a monitored system in place, 1st Option Fire Protection ensures rapid fire department response by instantly notifying local authorities of a fire alarm triggered by fire or smoke. Additionally, this service allows building owners or representatives to remotely supervise the system and receive alerts about potential issues, ensuring the fire alarm monitoring system operates effectively.

Your Role as a Building Owner or Representative

As someone responsible for building safety, establishing a monitored fire protection system is essential. Equally important is understanding and correctly interpreting the information provided by the central station monitoring team. When setting up a monitoring account with 1st Option Fire Protection, you’ll complete a “Responding Party” or “Call List” to designate individuals who share responsibility for addressing issues. These contacts ensure that any problems are handled promptly and appropriately.

Unexpected alerts from the central station—whether via call, email, or text—can be startling, especially if they occur late at night. Receiving such a notification about a building under your care can be unsettling.

At 1st Option Fire Protection, we prioritize educating our clients about fire alarm monitoring signals, what they indicate, and the appropriate actions to take when notified.

Alarm Signals

An alarm signal is the highest priority and indicates an active fire alarm triggered by devices like smoke or heat detectors, manual pull stations, or sprinkler water flow switches with your fire alarm monitoring system. This could result from either a false or genuine alarm. If the system is functioning correctly, it will activate notification and relay controls tied to the alarm.

When 1st Option Fire Protection’s fire alarm monitoring contacts you about an alarm, it’s typically reported as a “100” coded signal in Contact ID format. In most jurisdictions, the fire department is notified before you and is already en route when you receive the call. You or a designated “runner” should coordinate with the fire department to assess whether the alarm is false or genuine and take appropriate action to resolve the situation.

Supervisory Signals

Supervisory signals, or “200” coded signals, are the second priority. These are triggered by devices monitoring system control functions, such as fire pump signals, sprinkler system tamper valves, dry sprinkler air pressure monitors, or duct detectors that prevent smoke spread by shutting down HVAC units.

While all signals require attention, some demand immediate action. Sprinkler system issues, unless related to a known and ongoing repair, should be addressed promptly. Duct detector issues may arise from dirty air filters or construction-related dust, which can mimic smoke and cause false alarms.

Contact 1st Option Fire Protection immediately upon receiving a supervisory signal for guidance on the best course of action for fire alarm monitoring.

Trouble Signals

Trouble signals, or “300” coded signals, are the third priority. These can originate from any system component, including the control panel, initiating devices, control/relay devices, or notification devices. Some trouble signals require urgent attention, while others may be minor “nuisance” issues, such as a beeping control panel that could disturb occupants.

Communication troubles, which may prevent the system from contacting the fire department or you, are critical to address immediately. Other urgent issues include AC power loss (forcing the system to rely on battery power) or multiple initiating devices reporting trouble in a short period. Always consult 1st Option Fire Protection to determine the best response to trouble signals.

Our Commitment

At 1st Option Fire Protection, we excel at interpreting these signals and advising our clients on the most effective response based on real-time central station data. Our team has 24/7 access to signal histories to provide clarity on system activity. For more details on how 1st Option Fire Protection can enhance your building’s fire alarm monitoring and protection, contact us at (346) 528-5971.