| Input Type | Examples | |------------|----------| | Automatic detectors | Smoke, heat, flame, duct smoke, beam detectors | | Manual call points (pull stations) | Break-glass units | | Sprinkler system | Water flow switch, valve tamper switch | | Fire pump controls | Pump run, power failure | | Clean agent systems | Discharge switch, abort switch | | Faults (trouble) | Loss of power, ground fault, device missing |
Technical faults like AC power failure, ground faults, or low battery warnings. Common Effects (Outputs)
Any building with a networked or addressable fire alarm system should have a validated C&E matrix as part of its fire safety logbook, reviewed annually and after any building modification.
| Pitfall | Consequence | Best Practice | |---------|-------------|----------------| | Overly complex matrix | Programming errors, slow response | Use standard templates; group similar zones | | No priority logic | Conflicting commands (e.g., open & close damper) | Define overriding rules (e.g., water flow > detector) | | Missing trouble effects | Faults ignored until failure | Include trouble matrix section | | Lack of zoning clarity | Wrong floors alarming | Align zones with fire compartments | | No matrix update after renovation | Old logic controls new layout | Re‑commission matrix after any building reconfiguration |
Water flow switches from sprinklers or pressure switches from gas suppression systems.
A (also known as an Input/Output Matrix ) is the logic blueprint of a building's fire safety system. It defines the specific relationship between an initiating event (the Cause ) and the system’s subsequent response (the Effect ).
Fire Alarm Cause And Effect Matrix
| Input Type | Examples | |------------|----------| | Automatic detectors | Smoke, heat, flame, duct smoke, beam detectors | | Manual call points (pull stations) | Break-glass units | | Sprinkler system | Water flow switch, valve tamper switch | | Fire pump controls | Pump run, power failure | | Clean agent systems | Discharge switch, abort switch | | Faults (trouble) | Loss of power, ground fault, device missing |
Technical faults like AC power failure, ground faults, or low battery warnings. Common Effects (Outputs)
Any building with a networked or addressable fire alarm system should have a validated C&E matrix as part of its fire safety logbook, reviewed annually and after any building modification.
| Pitfall | Consequence | Best Practice | |---------|-------------|----------------| | Overly complex matrix | Programming errors, slow response | Use standard templates; group similar zones | | No priority logic | Conflicting commands (e.g., open & close damper) | Define overriding rules (e.g., water flow > detector) | | Missing trouble effects | Faults ignored until failure | Include trouble matrix section | | Lack of zoning clarity | Wrong floors alarming | Align zones with fire compartments | | No matrix update after renovation | Old logic controls new layout | Re‑commission matrix after any building reconfiguration |
Water flow switches from sprinklers or pressure switches from gas suppression systems.
A (also known as an Input/Output Matrix ) is the logic blueprint of a building's fire safety system. It defines the specific relationship between an initiating event (the Cause ) and the system’s subsequent response (the Effect ).
