At Oliver Fire Protection & Security, we understand that your people and property are your most valuable assets. That’s why we offer state-of-the-art technology and services from some of the most recognizable names in the fire safety industry. Since 1957, Oliver has been the premier choice for Fire Alarm and Life Safety Systems, and we’re proud to be recognized as one of the most trusted and dependable life safety contractors in the North U.S. Region.
Whether you’re managing an educational institution, a healthcare facility, or a high-rise building, we provide customized fire, life safety, and security solutions that meet your unique needs. Our team of highly qualified fire alarm designers, project managers, and trained installers deliver the best fire alarm installations available. We’ve been providing comprehensive solutions for industries such as:
- Educational Institutions
- Healthcare Facilities
- Manufacturing Plants
- Malls and Retail Spaces
- Churches and Religious Institutions
- Stadiums and Arenas
- High-Rise Buildings
No matter your specific fire and life safety requirements, Oliver is ready to design a system tailored to your needs.
Basic Components of Commercial and Industrial Fire Alarm Systems
Fire alarm systems are essential to protecting your building and ensuring the safety of those inside. These systems have several core components, each of which plays a critical role in the overall safety and effectiveness of the system. Here’s a breakdown of these key components:

Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP)
The FACP is the heart of any fire alarm system. It monitors the status of all devices, controls the flow of data, and issues commands to activate emergency responses in the event of a fire. Day to day, it ensures all components of the system are functioning properly and reports any faults, allowing for proactive maintenance. If a fire is detected, the FACP triggers necessary actions such as notifying building occupants and alerting first responders.
Today’s modern systems allow for remote monitoring, meaning that any issues can be detected and addressed even before an on-site technician arrives, providing peace of mind and faster response times.

Initiating Devices
Initiating devices are responsible for detecting fire or triggering the system’s response to an emergency. These can be either manual or automatic:
- Manual Devices: Devices like pull stations require a person to manually activate the alarm by pulling a lever or breaking glass.
- Automatic Devices: These include smoke detectors, heat sensors, and gas detectors. These systems can pinpoint the exact location of an emergency, which is crucial for quick response.
In different environments, the type of initiating device varies. For example, in a hospital, automatic smoke detectors can quickly detect the presence of smoke or fire, while manual pull stations may be more appropriate in retail environments where quick action can be taken by anyone in the building.

Notification Devices
Notification devices are responsible for alerting building occupants and others to an emergency situation. Depending on the system, this may include:
- Audible signals like chimes, bells, or horns
- Visual signals like strobes or flashing lights
- Voice notifications, where speakers replace horns to provide clear, actionable instructions for evacuation or shelter-in-place procedures.
In facilities like schools or hospitals, where individuals may have different needs (such as children or those with hearing impairments), it’s important that notification devices are tailored accordingly. Whether it’s a more powerful strobe light, or a system that delivers instructions in multiple languages, Oliver works with clients to ensure that notifications are clear and effective for everyone in the building.
Why Choose Oliver Fire Protection & Security?
At Oliver Fire Protection & Security, we don’t just install fire alarm systems—we create comprehensive life safety solutions. With over six decades of experience in the industry, we have built a reputation for reliability and expertise. From the initial consultation to design, installation, and ongoing maintenance, our team is committed to providing the highest level of service.
We understand that each facility is different, which is why we take the time to tailor every solution to fit the specific needs of your building. Our partnerships with trusted manufacturers ensure that we’re always using the latest, most effective technology available.
Whether you’re looking to update an existing system or install a brand-new one, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.

Article by Michael Bazela
System Sales Representative-Fire Alarm & Security