DGA Security Blog

Emergency Control Function Interfaces allow fire alarm systems to communicate with other critical building systems during a fire emergency to ensure the safe evacuation of occupants. Think of Emergenc[...] Read More

Remote annunciators are smaller panels that provide a fire system status and a limited set of functional switches (e.g., acknowledge a signal or silence an alarm). They are installed in easily accessi[...] Read More

This article provides an overview of different types of fire alarm notification devices, which alert the building occupants to evacuate the premises or relocate using both audible and visual alarms wh[...] Read More

All commercial fire alarm systems are required to be monitored 24/7 by an outside monitoring center that is equipped to respond to and handle fire alarm events. But what should you look for when selec[...] Read More

Supervisory switches are a group of initiating devices that are installed at different parts of the automatic fire sprinkler system and are monitored by the Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP). Their job [...] Read More

This article provides an overview of manual pull stations and waterflow switches, which are both fire alarm initiating devices. We'll explain what they are, how they work and where they are used. In c[...] Read More

This article provides an overview of heat detectors, carbon monoxide (CO) detectors and multi-sensor detectors, which are all fire alarm initiating devices. We'll explain what they are, how they work [...] Read More

This article provides an overview of smoke detectors, duct smoke detectors and beam detectors, which are all fire alarm initiating devices. We'll explain what they are, how they work and where they ar[...] Read More

The exact design of a commercial fire alarm system is determined by the commercial space’s occupancy classification and the local codes mandated by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for that spe[...] Read More

The current COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented disruptions to all aspects of our lives. The stay-at-home orders are currently in effect across most of the U.S. Nonessential businesses are curr[...] Read More

When you're in the process of designing a physical access control system for your company, you're probably not thinking about your building's fire alarm system. But you should. Overlooking the fire al[...] Read More

Switching to VoIP telephone lines could mean serious trouble for your fire alarm system. Here are the steps to avoid them. Read More