Fire Alarm Bells Archives

#360 – How Does a Water Motor Gong Work in Fire Sprinkler Systems?

September 1, 2020

Alarm gong systems deliver warning that sprinklers are operating—even if the power goes out. Learn exactly how they work.

#317 – Fire Bells: Which One Do I Need? And How Many?

January 31, 2020January 21, 2020

Fire bell voltage, size, and volume can confuse non-experts and fire safety pros alike. Pick the right bell (and the right quantity) with this guide.

#270 – How Fire Bells and Water Motor Gongs Work with Fire Risers

January 31, 2020September 18, 2019

Fire alarm bells connected to the system riser can provide first responders with essential information—and encourage passersby to quickly call the fire department. Learn what NFPA standards have to say about joining fire alarm bells and water motor gongs to fire risers in both standpipe and fire sprinkler systems.

A fire alarm in a building that has caught fire

#230 – NFPA 101 Fire Alarm Systems, Part 3: Residential, Healthcare, and Daycare Occupancy Requirements

July 18, 2019

QRFS breaks down NFPA 101’s requirements for fire alarm systems in healthcare occupancies, day cares, and residential dwellings ranging from family homes to apartments.

#229 – Property Condition Assessment of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems

July 17, 2019

A property condition assessment ensures that life safety systems are working and up to code—avoiding expensive surprises in a commercial real estate deal.

#164 – NFPA 101 Fire Alarm Systems, Part 2: The Requirements By Occupancy Classification

December 30, 2023April 9, 2019

The National Fire Protection Association has unique fire alarm requirements for each occupancy type. QRFS details NFPA code for fire alarm initiation, occupant notification, and monitoring of educational, detention and correctional, assembly, mercantile, business, storage, and industrial facilities.

#161 – NFPA 101 Fire Alarm Systems, Part 1: Understanding Initiation, Occupant Notification, and Monitoring

December 12, 2022April 2, 2019

Learn all the different ways a fire alarm can activate, notify occupants, and get the attention of emergency forces. In the first installment of this three-part series, QRFS explains the different methods for accomplishing each of these fire alarm system objectives.

#56 – Wall-Mounted Bells: Fire Bell Mounting Height

December 31, 2022July 29, 2016

Fire alarm, fire sprinkler, and standpipe systems use fire alarm bells in applications ranging from facilitating evacuation to getting the attention of firefighters. QRFS explains how fire alarm bell mounting height depends on a range of factors, including whether the bell serves a waterflow alarm or a fire alarm system.

Several fire alarm bells mounted outside

#35 – Can I Mount a Fire Alarm Bell Outside?

November 21, 2022January 8, 2016

Like all electrical devices, fire alarm bells require extra consideration during outdoor installations. QRFS explains how fire sprinkler systems use alarm bells, discusses how you can mount a fire alarm bell outside, and sheds some light on the available weatherproofing options.

#20 – Install an Alarm Bell, Back Box, and Bell Guard in 6 Easy Steps

November 21, 2022July 7, 2013

A fire alarm bell isn’t too hard to install: it’s a short six steps with a screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, required electrical knowledge, and essential accessories like a bell guard and bell back box.