Potter Releasing Systems - Manual (Page 5)

5
Glossary/Definitions
Addressable Device - A fire alarm system component with discreet identification that can have its status
individually identified, or that is used to individually control other functions.
Air Sampling-Type Detector - A detector that consists of a piping or tubing distribution network from the
detector to the areas being protected. A fan in the detector housing draws air from the protected area back to the
detector. The air is analyzed for products of combustion.
Alarm Signal - A signal indicating an emergency requiring immediate action, such as a signal indicative of a fire.
Alarm Verification - A feature of some automatic fire detection and alarm systems to reduce unwanted alarms.
Smoke detectors must report alarm conditions for a minimum period of time, or confirm alarm conditions within
a given time period after being reset, to be accepted as a valid alarm initiating signal.
Analog Initiating Device - An initiating device that transmits a signal indicating varying degrees of condition,
such as smoke obscuration levels. As contrasted with a conventional initiating device which can only indicate
an “on/off” condition.
Annunciator - A unit containing two or more indicator lamps, alpha-numeric displays, or other equivalent
means in which each indication provides status information about a circuit, condition, or location.
Approved - Acceptable to the “authority having jurisdiction”. Note: The National Fire Protection Association
does not approve, inspect or certify any installations, procedures, equipment, or materials, nor does it approve
or evaluate testing laboratories.
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) - An organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the
requirements of a code or standard, or for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure.
Automatic Extinguishing System Operation Detector - A device that detects the operation of an extinguishing
system by means appropriate to the system employed. Including but not limited to water flow devices.
Automatic Extinguishing System Supervision - Devices that respond to abnormal conditions that could affect
the proper operation of an automatic sprinkler system or other fire extinguishing system. Including but not
limited to control valves, pressure levels, room temperature, etc.
Automatic Fire Detectors - A device designed to detect the presence of fire or the products of combustion.
Including but not limited to heat detectors, flame detectors, smoke detectors.
Auxiliary Fire Alarm System - A system connected to a municipal fire alarm system for transmitting an alarm
of fire to the public fire service communication center. Fire alarms from an auxiliary system are received at the
public fire service communication center on the same equipment and by the same methods as alarms transmitted
manually from municipal fire alarm boxes located on streets.
Branch Line - A piping system, generally in a horizontal plane, connecting not more than one hose connection
with a standpipe.
Breakglass Fire Alarm Box - A fire alarm box in which it is necessary to break a special element in order to
operate the box.
Ceiling - The upper surface of a space, regardless of height. Areas with a suspended ceiling would have two
ceilings, one visible from the floor and one above the suspended ceiling.
Ceiling Height - The height from the continuous floor of a room to the continuous ceiling of a room or space.
Ceiling Surfaces - Ceiling surfaces referred to in conjunction with the locations of initiating devices are as follows: