Jargon Buster

ABC Dry Powder

Addressable Fire Alarm Systems

The Main advantage of an Addressable Fire Alarm System is that unlike a Conventional or 2 Wire System, the Fire panel communicates directly with each device. So in the event of a fire, the fire panel will display the exact device (detector or call point) that signaled the alarm, allowing the fire to be located more quickly.

On a conventional system, there are often more than 10 detectors on a zone, so by examining the main panel, the user only knows that one of these ten detectors has signaled an alarm, meaning that further investigation is required to locate the fire.

Adjustable Back Check

Back check is a function within the door closer that provides resistance to prevent damage if a door leaf is violently thrown open. The back check action can help prevent damage to the door, door frame, walls and door handles that can be caused when a door is kicked or thrown open rapidly.

Back check will cushion and slow the door down when it reaches approximately 90°. The angle and resistance of the back check can be adjusted by means of a valve located on the front of the door closer unit.

Please Note: The back check facility can put additional strain on the door hinges - it is recommended that fire doors are fitted with 3 hinges, one at the top, one in the middle and one at the bottom.

Adjustable Latching Action

Most doors that are fitted with door closers have latches fitted to them. The adjustable latching action of a door closer allows the closing speed during the last 15° of the closing cycle to be adjusted independently from the rest of the closing cycle.

This added functionality allows the door closing speed to be tweaked at the time the door will meet extra resistance from the latch allowing the door to close fully.

Automatic and Semi-Automatic Defibrillators

Automatic:

Designed for use by laypersons (ideally with basic training on how to use the AED but the units will give visual and audible instructions allowing practically anyone to use them successfully), these units will issue shocks as and when needed automatically.

Semi-Automatic:

Designed for use by healthcare professionals who are familiar with and can understand ECG (electrocardiogram) readings, these units will detect when a shock is required and alert the user who will then make the decision on whether or not the shock should be issued. Semi-automatic units also have a pacemaker function for occasions where the victims heart rate is too slow (bradycardia).

AFFF Foam - Aqueous Film Forming Foam

AFFF Foam is a water based fire extinguisher agent which is suitable for use on class A and class B fires.

Aico Ltd

Aico Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ei Electronics and is one of the UK's leading residential fire detection and CO detection specialist.

The Aico product range consists of:

Alkaline Battery

Alkaline batteries use an alkaline electrolyte instead of the normal acidic ammonium chloride or zinc chloride electrolytes usually found in zinc-carbon batteries. They generally have a higher energy density and longer shelf life.

Amigo Fire Escape Ladder

ANSI - American National Standards Institute

ANSI facilitates the development of American National Standards (ANS) by accrediting the procedures of standards developing organizations (SDOs). The Institute oversees the creation, promulgation and use of thousands of norms and guidelines that directly impact businesses in nearly every sector.

ANSI is also actively engaged in accrediting programs that assess conformance to standards – including globally-recognized cross-sector programs such as the ISO 9000 (quality) and ISO 14000 (environmental) management systems.

Anti-arson Letterbox

Anti-tamper Seal

Anti-thrust Latch

An anti-thrust latch provides additional security for final exit doors. The latch cannot be retracted using unauthorised means or by applying force and will only retract using the correct method.

Anton Group

Automatic Gain Control

Over time dust will build up on the lenses of the system which will attenuate the beam. To compensate for this the system has Automatic Gain Control (AGC). This allows the beam to operate for longer without the need for cleaning by compensating for any change in the signal strength of the beam due to dust build up. Eventually the AGC will hit a limit, and will require cleaning – as with all optical beam smoke detectors. Over time buildings will settle slightly, or expand and contract as the seasons change. AGC is also used to compensate for this where the alignment of the beam is affected as a result. Again, this would cause a change in signal for which the beam will try and compensate for.

Automatic Synchronisation

The sounders with a sweep or tonal sound will all be in synchronisation.

Auxiliary Output

This is a relay with normally open and normally closed contacts which are triggered in a fire condition.

Power Type	Description	BS 5839-6 Grade
Battery Operated (Alkaline)	9V alkaline battery operated smoke and heat alarms.	Grade F
Battery Operated (Lithium)	Sealed longlife lithium battery powered smoke and heat alarms	Grade F (Some models have been accepted as a replacement to grade D)
Mains Powered (Alkaline Back-up)	Mains powered smoke and heat alarms with 9v alkaline backup batteries	Grade D, E and F
Mains Powered (Lithium Back-up)	Mains powered smoke and heat alarms with sealed lithium backup batteries	Grade D, E and F