As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) into fire safety solutions is proving to be a significant innovation for commercial buildings. In this blog we explore IoT in fire safety and how technological innovations are enhancing fire safety practices in commercial buildings.

IoT technologies are revolutionising fire safety measures by enabling smarter, faster, and more effective responses to potential fire hazards. This revolution is characterised by real-time monitoring capabilities, giving fire safety personnel immediate visibility into critical aspects such as smoke levels, temperature, and occupancy. This real-time data empowers them to make informed decisions and respond promptly to emergencies, thereby enhancing overall safety. However, ensuring IoT solutions are cyber secure is paramount, as exposing a fire alarm system to potential hacks could lead to unauthorised evacuations and compromised safety measures, highlighting the need for robust cybersecurity protocols.

According to the latest statistics from the Home Office, fire and rescue services in England attended 591,676 incidents in the year ending September 2023, including 143,625 fires. Despite a decrease in the total number of incidents compared to the previous year, there were still 278 fire-related fatalities. These figures underscore the persistent need for effective fire safety measures, and IoT technologies are poised to address this need.

Advances in fire detection

Traditional smoke detectors have long been a staple in fire safety systems, providing early warnings to occupants and emergency services. Advances in sensor technology have led to a new generation of smart smoke detectors that offer more sophisticated capabilities, such as differentiating between various types of smoke (e.g. from cooking, cigarettes, or actual fires). These improvements help reduce false alarms and ensure a quicker, more targeted response when a real fire is detected.

Mobile apps, cloud computing and IoT gateways enable fire safety personnel to gain visibility into how to reach an emergency. For instance, an IoT system can tell fire personnel the exact location of a smoke detector going off, a heat detector sending signals or a water flow switch being activated. These innovative systems can display a map of a building pinpointing the location of the fire and, if enough sensors are installed, how it is spreading.

However, it is important to clarify that smart smoke detectors alone do not communicate directly with other IoT devices within the building, such as HVAC systems. Integrations for fire safety purposes should be done at the fire alarm system level with direct, monitored connections. This approach ensures compliance with safety standards and provides reliable performance during critical situations.

Preventive monitoring tools

Fire prevention is just as critical as fire detection, and IoT technologies excel in this area as well. Electrical faults are a common cause of fires in commercial buildings, but with IoT-enabled preventive tools, such risks can be significantly minimised.

IoT sensors can be installed in electrical panels and critical equipment to monitor parameters such as temperature, current flow, and voltage levels. These sensors continuously collect data and use advanced algorithms to detect anomalies that may indicate potential issues like overheating or short circuits. When such anomalies are detected, the system can send alerts to maintenance personnel, allowing for timely intervention before a problem escalates into a fire.

Furthermore, these preventive tools can be part of a broader predictive maintenance strategy. By analysing historical data and identifying patterns, the system can predict when certain components are likely to fail and schedule maintenance activities accordingly. This proactive approach not only enhances fire safety but also improves the overall efficiency and reliability of building operations.

Creating a responsive fire safety network

The true power of IoT in fire safety lies in its ability to create an interconnected, responsive network of devices. Each component, from smart smoke detectors to preventive monitoring tools, communicates seamlessly to provide a holistic safety solution. This interconnectedness is crucial for modern building safety, enabling real-time monitoring, data analysis, and coordinated responses.

In a typical commercial building, this might involve a smart smoke detector sensing smoke and sending an alert to the building’s fire control panel. Simultaneously, the HVAC system might adjust airflow to contain the smoke, while the building’s fire suppression system activates in the affected area. Meanwhile, building managers receive detailed information about the incident via a mobile app, allowing them to coordinate with emergency services effectively.

One notable example of how building managers can create a responsive fire safety network is by using Connected Life Safety Services (CLSS) – just one of a number of connected solutions provided by Chubb. CLSS is a cloud-based platform that integrates with fire alarm systems to provide real-time monitoring, diagnostics, and maintenance management. By using CLSS, building managers can access detailed information about the fire alarm system’s status, receive alerts, and manage maintenance activities from any location. For instance, CLSS can provide a history of detector signals and indicate whether a specific smoke detector has previously triggered a false alarm. This capability enhances the reliability and readiness of fire safety measures, ensuring that all components are functioning optimally and any issues are addressed promptly.

As architects, building contractors, and specifiers look towards the future of building safety, the integration of IoT into fire safety systems represents a significant leap forward, providing faster responses, reducing false alarms, and preventing fires before they start. For building owners and managers, embracing these technologies is not just a matter of staying current; it’s about ensuring the highest standards of safety and protection for the occupants of commercial buildings.

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