Understanding the Fire Alarm Cause and Effect Matrix: The Brain of Life Safety Systems
| Zone/Device Cause | Signal Type | Output Effect | Delay (Sec) | Notes | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 5th Floor East Stairwell Smoke Detector | Alarm | Sound 5th Floor Horns; Activate all Strobes; Unlock Stairwell Maglocks | 0 | Immediate evacuation | | Air Handling Unit #3 Supply Duct Detector | Alarm | Shutdown AHU #3 motor; Close Smoke Damper SD-3A | 10 | No floor horns; Alert only panel | fire alarm cause and effect matrix
The Brain of Building Safety: Understanding the Fire Alarm Cause and Effect Matrix Understanding the Fire Alarm Cause and Effect Matrix:
often require a C&E matrix as part of the system's mandatory documentation. Ventro Group Sample Matrix Layout NFPA 72 (USA): Requires the "Record of Completion"
| Cause | Effect | RPN | |-------|--------|-----| | Dust in sensor | False alarm → complacency | 20 | | Dead backup battery | No power during outage | 16 | | Accidental pull | Unnecessary evacuation | 15 | | Faulty smoke detector | No detection | 15 | | Poor detector spacing | Delayed alarm | 12 |