FIRE ALARM SYSTEM.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 57, 6 February 1925, Page 11

FIRE ALARM SYSTEM.

TOWN'S IMPORTANT ADDITION. MOST MODERN PLANT. An important addition in connection with Pclmereton North's lire fighting plant is tho alarm system established at the local fire station, with its connecting links at various points in the business area of th» town. Th© system, which, it is said, presents many advantages over earlier patents of its kind, is considered to as closely approach perfection as possible, the machine, in the wofds of Superintendent Barnard, who explained the method of recording to a "Standard" reporter, being almost capable of speaking. The principal is that of a wandering metallic circuit, with alarm boxes at certain points from which issue both aerial and earth circuits. The patenting of the earth circuit—the distinguishing feature of the new over tho old system—is the work of a fireman who, as a member of tho staffs of the Masterton and Dunedjn Fire Boards, evolved the device as a means of surmounting certain minor difficulties which the old system was subject to. In the event of an interruption occurring in the aerial system owing to a high wind breaking the wbjes or the line being severed by other causes, the ground circuit will continue to function. The recording on the tape machine, at the station which is another interesting feature of the system, will, however, be restricted to the one tape machine instead of being duplicated asi is the case when both circuits are in working order. A defect, however iinmediatoly announces itself on the switch board, u disc connecting tho affected group falling out of position and by the turning of a "V" shaped handle surmounting a circular diso between the recording instruments, the nature, of the trouble is discoverable. Thus alarms can be received at the station in two ways, quite independent of one another, while there is a possible- third, for, provided the overhead wires, or even one of therr. obtains a sufficient circuit with the ground, it will continue to function. When both lines are in full commission, the pressing of the bell at tho fire box brings into play two methods of recording nt the station the tape machines commence to unroll, an automatic arrangement punching out the number of the box from which the alarm is given. Tho aerial machine is the first to operate, being followed at an interval of two or three seconds by the earth circuit recorder, and as each punches out the box number four time's at distinct intervals prior to halting when the tape is in full view, they serve as a check on each other. However, at tho top of the board is a large gong, which likewise automatically sounds the number by successive strokes, thus enabling the watchman in charge to gain an indication of the neighbourhood of tho outbreak before entering tho room where the machines are positioned. The alarm boxes which are positioned at tho various street corners are similar to those to be obsorved in other cities, being circular metal boxes with glass covering the bell button. The superintendent explained that the latter are worked on the clockwork system, the pressing of the button, after the glass covering has bean shattered, pressing on a small disc which sets the I alarm in operation. A small circular aim, in which there are corrugations of tho number corresponding with the box number, revolves four distinct times, passing en route two metal arms, which aro lifted as the corrugated teeth of the circular arm come in contact with them, which has the effect of bringing into operation the tape machines at tho station. Connected with the box is a telephone system, a plug and handle similar to those of the ordinary office telephone being carried on tho fire engine, thus enabling the obtaining of direct communication with the fire station by the more act of opening tho box and the insertion of the plug. When referring to the method of giving an alarm from the boxes, Superintendent Barnard stated that it was preferable in tho case of a concealed firo for the person giving the alarm to remain by the box itself in order thnt tho brigade receive directions on arrival.

At the present time only one group of alarms is connected, but the board permits of the introducing ol still further circuits, and the authorities hope to increase the radius of the fire boxes when the new fire station is built. The points at which fire alarm boxes are at present positioned are: —The corner of Grey and Rangitikei streets the Bank of New Zealand corner, the Post Office corner, the junction of Main Street West with the Square, the junction of Fitzherbert Street and the Square, the corner of Main and Domain Streets, the corner of Church, and Princess Streets, the corner of Broad and Duke Streets and the corner of Featherston and Rnngitikei streets. Only one automatic fire alarm is at present linked up with the system, it being that installed at Cook's cooperage in Main Street East. The whole system, which is attractively designed* and finished, is the work of an American company.