Fire Alarm System
We are the benchmark in fire alarms.
We’re aiming to improve building fire safety.
Please be aware that fire departments in all municipalities across Quebec are enforcing the current fire safety regulations more strictly. Legislation, building codes, installation standards: how can you navigate all of this?
Have You Received a Warning From the City? We Will Take Care of It!
Some of you have received a notice from your local fire department. It requires compliance with fire alarm regulations.
Groupe RoyalTech holds a specialized license in fire protection and can evaluate the interventions that will be required, regarding the standards that are currently in force, and assist you in the compliance process.
Groupe RoyalTech accompanies you throughout the needs analysis, sales and installation process. This is for the entire life of your fire alarm system.
Engineering Drawing
Before proceeding with the installation, we submit an engineering drawing to the city. This ensures that the design complies with the requirements set forth in Section 3.5 of ULC Standard S524, namely:
- The building plans must indicate the fire alarm system zones and the location of each network device. That includes fault protection modules, the auxiliary devices and annunciators, or the display and control centres.
- A separate wiring diagram (schematic and column diagram) must be provided. It must indicate the connection of devices, control stations, responders, annunciators, auxiliary devices and external power supplies to control stations or responders.
- Load calculation required for all integral components.
Fire Alarm Systems
Our fire alarm system installations comply with current standards:
- Fire alarm networks CAN / ULC-S524, CAN / ULC-S537
- Certain municipal codes, among others, those of the city of Longueuil: CM-2003-126, CA-2016-254
- All types of sprinkler systems (NFPA-13)
- Backflow device (CNB-64)
- Portable fire extinguishers (NFPA-10)
- Fire hoses (NFPA-14)
- Emergency lighting (CAN / CSA-C282-M & CNB)
Our alarm central is U.L.C. approved (Underwriters' Laboratories of Canada)
According to CAN/ULC-S573, Standard on Installation and Services - Fire Alarm Receiving Systems and Control Centres;
Make sure your fire safety systems comply with current standards. In addition, fire alarm system inspection reports must be comprehensive, such as those produced by Groupe RoyalTech.
Detection System by Aspiration
Detection system by aspiration VESDA brand by XTRALIS from HONEYWELL.
The first brand in the world of very early warning detectors by aspiration.
As integrator and installer of the VESDA detection system by XTRALIS from Honeywell, we protect your high-value equipment with the best very early warning alert systems.
It integrates with your fire protection system and serves as the ideal solution for minimizing the risks and potential consequences of a fire.
Using the latest technologies of smoke detection, this fire inhalation system detects combustible materials from the first stages, well before smoke or flames are visible. Despite its sensibility, it presents a low rate of false alarms.
Basically, the VESDA system constantly suctions air in the piping network using a high-efficiency vacuum. The sampled air goes through a filter in 2 stages. The first stage eliminates dust and dirt in the absorbed air, before it is directed to the laser technology detection chamber. Exiting the filter, when the presence of smoke is identified by the ultrasensitive system, a signal is generated and transmitted to the fire detection central.
This Detection System Is Ideal in the Following Places
- Housing (apartments, hotels, stores and offices);
- Prison and detention centres;
- Cold chamber warehouses;
- Data centres/telecoms, server room;
- Hospitals and health establishments;
- Marine;
- Nuclear installations;
- Oil and gas;
- Power plants;
- Command stations;
- Computer rooms;
- Archive storage;
- Transport;
- Warehouse storage.
Fire Alarm FAQ
How do I know if the fire alarm system in my building meets the standards currently in effect?
Even if the equipment seems relatively new, it’s better to have the fire alarm network inspected by the competent authorities. Indeed, the standards have been put in place to ensure your safety. It’s the responsibility of the building owner to have the fire alarm systems inspected and tested annually in accordance with CAN / ULC-S536.
The annual inspection and testing of a fire alarm system shall be done by a qualified person recognized by the competent authority, such as the C.F.A.A. certification.
Under regulations improving building safety, ‘private seniors residences‘, residential buildings, care facilities and supervised residences are subject to more stringent standards than the standards in force during construction or transformation of the building.
Also note that your municipality could set higher standards for buildings located on its territory. Contact us, we can help you to see more clearly.
Why did I receive a notice from the fire department for my fire alarm system?
Owners of buildings with more than two stories and more than eight units must upgrade their fire alarm and detection systems. This regulation issued by the Régie du bâtiment has been in effect since March 18, 2016. This notice requires compliance; failure to do so may result in a fine or the temporary closure of your establishment.
In summary, upgrading the fire alarm system involves adapting the existing system so that it complies with current municipal requirements and regulations.
Groupe RoyalTech has the necessary expertise to interpret and resolve your dispute. We will carry out the necessary work in the least costly scenario for your company. See the tool developed by the RBQ to learn more about the prerequisites of your building:
http://www.services.rbq.gouv.qc.ca/code-de-securite/sfjsp
Should the fire alarm panel be connected to a central monitoring centre?
The purpose is to warn occupants in the event of a fire. As a result, the fire alarm system alone cannot guarantee the safe occupancy of a building. But generally, all establishments that have sprinklers must be connected to a monitoring centre according to ULC-S561.
Groupe Royaltech offers a range of turnkey services for building security.
A visit, a plan of your building, the expected time frame, and voilà.
Did You Know That...
Building owners who are noncompliant may be fined and/or may be ordered to temporarily shut down their facilities until work is completed?
A Fire Alarm System Consists of What Exactly?
Control panel, manual stations, smoke detectors, audible alarms, visual alarms, electrical supervision systems for sprinklered buildings, annunciator panel to indicate the source of the alarm and communication devices.
According to the Safety Code
A fire detection and fire alarm system are required, among other things, in any building intended for public use with a sprinkler system and all buildings where more than 10 people sleep.
In a simple manner, a fire detection and alarm system are used to warn and protect the occupants of a residential, commercial or industrial building in case of fire.
Refer to the Régie du bâtiment (RBQ), security chapter code to better understand the requirements.
The Upgrade of the Fire Alarm System
Consists in adapting the existing system, to achieve requirement compliance according to the municipal regulations that are in force.
Note that the enhancement of your system may be required, even if you have made minor changes to a floor area or if you have changed the purpose of this space.
To Ensure That the Design of the System Meets the Requirements
- Cities require a sealed engineering plan containing all the requested modifications. These must indicate among other things:
- The building plans must indicate the fire zones of the alarm system and the location of each device of the network.
- A separate sketch (schematic and column diagram) must be provided.
- Load calculation for all components integrated in the fire alarm system.
And Security Lighting in All This?
Exit stairs, common corridors must be equipped with an emergency lighting system to meet the requirements of the National Building Code.
In Addition, the Evacuation Plan
It would be useful to mention that to complete your fire protection file, the city will ask you for the status of your FSP (Fire Safety Plan).
Usually, this request shortly follows. Be proactive because the next notification will be coming.
