Line Card
Fire Alarm and Gas Detection Glossary with smoke detector and flames background
Access Control
Video Surveillance
Fire Alarm & Gas Detection
Intrusion Detection
Networking / IT

Welcome to the Fire Alarm and Gas Detection Glossary, your reference guide for key terms, definitions, and concepts used in fire safety and life-safety systems.  If you’re expanding your knowledge, explore our Video Surveillance Glossary and Access Control Glossary for more related terminology.  These resources are designed to help security professionals, integrators, and end users better understand the technologies shaping today’s security solutions.

Fire Alarm and Gas Detection Glossary

A complete A–Z reference of key fire and gas terms for security professionals and integrators.

Fire Alarm and Gas Detection Glossary Terms and Definitions

A

  • ADA Mounting Heights

    Accessibility clearances/mounting rules for devices.

  • Addressable System

    Each device has a unique address; panel pinpoints events.

  • AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction)

    Local official enforcing codes and approvals.

  • Annunciator

    Remote display/controls for FACP status.

  • Area of Refuge

    Two-way communication for areas of assisted rescue.

  • As-Built Drawings

    Final drawings documenting device locations and circuits.

  • Aspirating Smoke Detection

    Actively samples air through pipes for early warning.
Back to Top

B

  • Battery Standby

    Required backup time (e.g., 24 hrs standby + 5/15 min alarm).

  • Beam Smoke Detector

    Transmitter/receiver across long spaces to detect smoke obscuration.
Back to Top

C

  • Cause and Effect Matrix

    Tabular mapping of inputs to outputs.

  • Central Station

    Offsite monitoring that dispatches first responders.

  • City Tie

    Direct connection to municipal fire alarm office (legacy).

  • Class A/Class B Circuits

    Wiring styles for survivability and supervision.

  • Clean Agent System

    Non-water suppression (e.g., FM-200, Novec).

  • CO Detector

    Detects carbon monoxide gas for life safety.

  • Conventional System

    Zone-based detection without individual device addressing.
Back to Top

D

  • Deluge System

    Open sprinklers with deluge valve for special hazards.

  • Door Fan Shutdown

    Stops air handlers/doors per smoke control sequence.

  • Door Holders/Release

    Magnets/closers that release doors on alarm.

  • Duct Detector

    Smoke detector installed in HVAC ducts.
Back to Top

E

  • Elevator Recall

    Brings elevators to recall floor and disables on alarm.

  • Emergency Communication System

    Mass notification system integrated with fire alarm.

  • Emergency Responder Radio Coverage

    DAS/BDA systems to ensure radio coverage.
Back to Top

F

  • FACP (Fire Alarm Control Panel)

    Central panel that supervises inputs and controls notification appliances.

  • Fault Isolator Module

    Isolates SLC short circuits to preserve loop operation.

  • Fire Pump Controller

    Controls/monitors fire pump operations.

  • Fire Watch

    Human patrol when system is impaired.

  • Firefighter- Phone

    Wired phone jacks for firefighter communication.
Back to Top

G

  • Graphic Map

    Building map indicating device locations and events.

  • Ground Fault

    Unintended connection to ground detected by panel.

  • Grounding/Bonding

    Electrical safety practices for panels and pathways.
Back to Top

H

  • Heat Detector (Fixed)

    Trips at a preset temperature threshold.

  • Heat Detector (Rate-of-Rise)

    Trips when temperature rises quickly.

  • Hot Work Permit

    Controls for welding/cutting activities to avoid false alarms.
Back to Top

I

  • IDC (Initiating Device Circuit)

    Conventional input circuit.

  • Impairment Plan

    Procedure when systems are out of service.

  • Initiating Device

    Detector or manual station that starts an alarm condition.
Back to Top

K

  • Kitchen Hood Suppression

    Wet-chemical system for commercial cooking areas.
Back to Top

L

  • Linear Heat Cable

    Heat-sensing cable along conveyors/tunnels/racks.
Back to Top

M

  • Manual Pull Station

    User-activated device to initiate alarm.

  • MNS Intelligibility

    Ensuring speech clarity (STI/CIS ratings) for speakers.

  • Multi-Criteria Detector

    Combines heat/smoke/CO or algorithms for accuracy.
Back to Top

N

  • NAC (Notification Appliance Circuit)

    Output circuit powering horns/strobes.

  • NFPA 70 (NEC)

    National Electrical Code for wiring methods.

  • NFPA 72

    National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.

  • Notification Appliance

    Horn, strobe, speaker or combo device.
Back to Top

P

  • Pathway Types (Class N)

    IP-based pathways recognized in NFPA 72.

  • Permit/Plan Review

    AHJ approval before installation.

  • Power Supply (UL 864)

    Listed supply that powers FACP/NAC with batteries.

  • Pre-Action System

    Sprinkler piping charged with air; opens on detection + valve.

  • Pre-Signal

    Early alert to staff before full building evacuation.
Back to Top

R

  • Record of Completion

    Formal document certifying installation/testing.

  • Remote Annunciation

    Status/controls in fire command center.

  • Remote Power Booster

    Auxiliary power/NAC expander for notification circuits.

  • Runner Service

    Technician response required by code after signals.
Back to Top

S

  • Sensitivity Testing

    Verifies detector sensitivity remains within limits.

  • Sequence of Operations

    Narrative defining system responses to events.

  • Silence/Reset/Drill

    Panel functions for operations and testing.

  • SLC (Signaling Line Circuit)

    Addressable communication loop for devices.

  • Smoke Control Panel

    Graphical panel for smoke control sequences.

  • Smoke Detector (Ionization)

    Senses changes in ionization due to smoke; less common now.

  • Smoke Detector (Photo)

    Senses scattered light from smoke particles.

  • Speaker/Strobe

    Voice evacuation speaker with visual strobe.

  • Sprinkler Monitoring

    Supervisory monitoring of valves and water flow.

  • Stair Pressurization

    Controls stairwell fans to prevent smoke infiltration.

  • Standpipe System

    Piping supplying water to hose connections in stairs.

  • Strobe Candela

    Light output rating; selectable or fixed levels.

  • Supervisory Switch

    Monitors valves/tamper conditions on sprinkler systems.

  • Survivability Levels

    Circuit/pathway design for continued operation under fire.
Back to Top

T

  • Test & Inspection

    Periodic testing per code (e.g., annual, semiannual).
Back to Top

U

  • UL 217

    Standard for single/multi‑station smoke alarms (residential).

  • UL 268

    Standard for smoke detectors for fire alarm systems.

  • UL 864

    Control units and accessories for fire alarm systems.
Back to Top

V

  • Voice Evacuation

    Plays prerecorded/real‑time instructions during events.
Back to Top

W

  • Waterflow Switch

    Detects flow in sprinkler piping indicating activation.
Back to Top

This Fire Alarm and Gas Detection Glossary is part of our ongoing effort to provide educational resources for the security industry. For deeper insights, check out our related blog posts such as Gas Detection Best Practices or Fire Alarm System Basics.  If you have questions or want to explore product options, contact our team for expert support.

Share This