> Fire safety glossary – terms explained > Source: https://pap.fi/en/sanasto/ > Full site in machine-readable form (in Finnish): https://pap.fi/llms-full.txt > Pages in English: https://pap.fi/llms.txt # Fire safety glossary This glossary brings together the key terms for fire alarm systems, voice alarm systems and emergency lighting. Each explanation briefly describes what the term means and where it is used, with the Finnish term given in italics, as it appears in Finnish documents and regulations. The links lead to pages with more detail on each topic. [Ask an expert](https://pap.fi/en/yhteydenotto/) [+358 29 000 1112](tel:+358290001112) ## Fire alarm systems ### Fire alarm system A fire alarm system (Finnish *paloilmoitin* or *paloilmoitinjärjestelmä*), in full a fire detection and fire alarm system, detects a fire automatically with detectors or manually with a manual call point, raises the alarm in the building and transmits the fire alarm to the Emergency Response Centre. The system includes the control and indicating equipment, detectors, manual call points, alarm devices, control outputs and alarm transmission. Read more about [fire alarm systems](https://pap.fi/en/tuote-osasto/paloilmoitinjarjestelmat/). ### Smoke alarm A smoke alarm (Finnish *palovaroitin*) is a device installed in a dwelling that detects smoke and warns the occupants with an audible alarm. A dwelling must have at least one smoke alarm for every 60 m² or part thereof on each floor or level (Ministry of the Interior Decree 300/2025). In residential buildings, acquiring and maintaining smoke alarms has been the responsibility of the owner of the building, in other words the housing company, since 1 January 2026. A fire alarm system with centrally monitored detectors can replace smoke alarms. Read more about [smoke alarms and fire alarm systems in a housing company](https://pap.fi/en/taloyhtiot/palovaroittimet-ja-paloilmoitin/). ### Control and indicating equipment The control and indicating equipment (CIE), or fire alarm control panel (Finnish *paloilmoitinkeskus*), is the control unit of the system. It monitors detectors and manual call points, displays alarms and faults, and controls alarm devices, doors, ventilation and alarm transmission. Zone plans and the fire brigade’s user interface are usually located next to the panel. ### Addressable fire alarm system In an addressable system (Finnish *osoitteellinen paloilmoitinjärjestelmä*), every detector and manual call point has its own address. The control panel can therefore show the exact device and location that triggered the alarm. The devices are connected to the same loop, which reduces cabling. An addressable system is now the most common solution in new buildings. ### Conventional fire alarm system In a conventional, or zone-based, system (Finnish *konventionaalinen paloilmoitinjärjestelmä*), detectors are divided into zones. The control panel shows which zone the alarm is in, but not the individual detector. The solution suits small sites and is common in older buildings. ### Loop A loop (Finnish *silmukka*) is the cable route of an addressable system that leaves the control panel, runs through the devices and returns to the control panel. Because the loop is fed from both ends, a single break does not take devices out of service. Short-circuit isolators on the loop divide it into segments: a short circuit disables only the faulty segment, and the other devices on the loop continue to operate normally. In Panasonic systems, the loop is called a COM loop. ### Smoke detector A smoke detector (Finnish *savuilmaisin*) detects a fire from its smoke. An optical smoke detector identifies smoke entering the detector’s measuring chamber by the scattering of light. The smoke detector is the most common type of detector, because most fires produce smoke before the temperature rises. ### Heat detector A heat detector (Finnish *lämpöilmaisin*) raises the alarm when the temperature exceeds a threshold or rises rapidly. It is used in spaces where a smoke detector would cause false alarms, such as kitchens, washrooms and dusty areas. ### Multi-sensor detector A multi-sensor detector (Finnish *multi-ilmaisin* or *monikriteeri-ilmaisin*) combines several detection methods, such as smoke and heat. It detects fire more reliably and reduces false alarms, because the decision is based on several measurements. ### Flame detector A flame detector (Finnish *liekki-ilmaisin*) detects the radiation of a flame in the infrared or ultraviolet range. It is suitable for large spaces and sites where a fire develops rapidly without smoke, such as fuel and chemical facilities. Read more about [flame and gas detectors](https://pap.fi/en/tuote-osasto/liekki-ja-kaasuilmaisimet/). ### Optical beam detector An optical beam smoke detector (Finnish *linjailmaisin*) monitors for smoke using a long beam of light between a transmitter and a receiver or reflector. A single detector can cover a large area, which makes beam detectors suitable for high halls, warehouses and atriums. ### Aspirating smoke detection system An aspirating smoke detection system (Finnish *näytteenottojärjestelmä*) draws air samples through a pipe network to a sensitive detector unit. It detects smoke at a very early stage and is used, for example, in data centres, cleanrooms and sites where detectors must not be visible. Read more about [aspirating smoke detection systems](https://pap.fi/en/tuotteemme/naytteenottojarjestelmat/). ### Linear heat detector A linear heat detector (Finnish *lämpökaapeli*) is a heat detection cable that detects along its entire length. It is used at sites where point detectors do not work, such as cable tunnels, conveyors and car parks. Read more about [linear heat detectors](https://pap.fi/en/tuotteemme/lampokaapelit/). ### Manual call point A manual call point (Finnish *palopainike*) is a manually operated alarm button that a person who has discovered a fire uses to raise the fire alarm. Manual call points are placed along escape routes and near exits. ### Zone plan A zone plan (Finnish *paikantamiskaavio*, also *paikannuskaavio*) is a floor plan kept at the fire alarm control panel showing the locations of detectors and manual call points. The rescue department uses it to locate the alarm, so the plans must match the current state of the building. ### Alarm transmission Alarm transmission (Finnish *hälytyksensiirto*) automatically forwards the fire alarm from the fire alarm system to the Emergency Response Centre and, where necessary, fault warnings to the site’s contact persons. Read more about [alarm transmission](https://pap.fi/en/tuotteemme/halytyksensiirto/). ### False fire alarm A false, or unwanted, fire alarm (Finnish *erheellinen paloilmoitus*) is an alarm from a fire alarm system that is not caused by a fire. Common causes include dust, steam, smoking, work near a detector and poorly maintained equipment. The rescue department may charge a fee for repeated false alarms, so choosing the right detectors and regular maintenance pay for themselves. ## Voice alarm ### Voice alarm system A voice alarm system (Finnish *äänievakuointijärjestelmä*) gives spoken instructions and alarm tones through loudspeakers in an emergency. Clear speech guides people to evacuate more quickly than a bell alone. The system can also be used for general public address. Read more about [voice alarm systems](https://pap.fi/en/tuotteemme/aanievakuointijarjestelmat/). ### Evacuation message An evacuation message (Finnish *evakuointikuulutus*) is a message stored in the voice alarm system or given through a microphone that tells people what to do and where to go. Messages can be directed to individual zones and, where necessary, given in several languages. ### Speech intelligibility (STI) STI (Speech Transmission Index; Finnish *puheen ymmärrettävyys*) is a measure of how clearly speech can be understood in a space. During the design and commissioning of a voice alarm system, it is verified that announcements are intelligible in all areas. ## Emergency and escape lighting ### Emergency lighting Emergency lighting (Finnish *turvavalaistus*) switches on when normal lighting fails, for example because of a power cut or a fire. It includes escape route lighting, exit signs and, where necessary, standby lighting. Read more about [emergency lighting](https://pap.fi/en/tuote-osasto/turvavalot/) and [emergency lighting maintenance](https://pap.fi/en/palvelumme/turvavalojen-huolto/). ### Exit sign An exit sign (Finnish *opasvalo* or *poistumisopaste*) is an illuminated sign that shows the direction of the escape route and the exit. The exit sign must remain visible even when the building’s other lighting has gone out. ### Rated duration Rated duration (Finnish *varakäyntiaika*) indicates how long an emergency luminaire operates on battery power during a power cut. Common options are 1 and 3 hours. The required duration depends on the site and its plans. ### Central battery system and self-contained emergency luminaire In a central battery system (Finnish *keskusakkujärjestelmä*), emergency luminaires receive their standby power from a shared battery bank that is monitored centrally. A self-contained emergency luminaire (Finnish *yksittäisakkuvalaisin*) has its own battery. At large sites, central monitoring and testing make maintenance easier. ## Standards and authorities ### EN 54 EN 54 is a European series of standards for fire alarm system equipment. Its parts include, for example, EN 54-2 (control and indicating equipment), EN 54-4 (power supply equipment), EN 54-5 (heat detectors), EN 54-7 (smoke detectors), EN 54-10 (flame detectors), EN 54-11 (manual call points), EN 54-12 (optical beam detectors), EN 54-13 (system compatibility), EN 54-16 and EN 54-24 (voice alarm control equipment and loudspeakers), EN 54-20 (aspirating smoke detectors), EN 54-23 (visual alarm devices) and EN 54-25 (wireless components). ### CE marking and declaration of performance Fire alarm devices covered by the EN 54 standard are construction products. The manufacturer draws up a declaration of performance (DoP; Finnish *suoritustasoilmoitus*) for them and affixes the CE marking in accordance with the EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR). The technical data and certificates on our product pages show the approvals for each device. ### VdS VdS is an independent German testing and certification body. Many fire alarm devices hold VdS approval as an additional approval alongside EN 54. ### ATEX ATEX refers to the EU requirements for equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres. An ATEX-approved detector or call point is designed for use in spaces where explosive gas or dust may be present. ### Fire alarm system custodian A fire alarm system custodian (Finnish *paloilmoittimen hoitaja*) is the person designated by the site to be responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the system, test runs and liaison with the maintenance provider and the rescue department. PAP organises [training for fire alarm system custodians](https://pap.fi/en/palvelumme/paloturvallisuuskoulutus/). ### Verification inspection In a verification inspection (Finnish *varmennustarkastus*, called *käyttöönottotarkastus* before 2025), a new fire alarm system or automatic fire extinguishing system is inspected before it is taken into use. The inspection is also required after significant alteration or extension work. An inspection body approved by Tukes verifies that the system complies with the requirements and the installation certificate and that it works. The first periodic inspection is carried out 12–18 months after the verification inspection and then every three years (Act on Certain Fire Safety Equipment 191/2024). ### TU certificate The TU certificate shows that a company’s security contracting meets the TU criteria for the installation and maintenance of safety systems. PAP Group’s certificate was issued by SETI Oy, whose certification process meets the requirements of EN ISO/IEC 17065. It covers fire alarm, voice alarm, emergency lighting and exit sign systems and is valid until 16 March 2029. [TU certificate (PDF, in Finnish)](https://pap.fi/liitteet/yleiset/TU-sertifikaatti_PAP-Group_Oy_2026_3.pdf) ### Rescue plan A rescue plan (Finnish *pelastussuunnitelma*) describes the hazards at a site, the safety arrangements and instructions on what to do in an accident. The Finnish Rescue Act requires a rescue plan to be prepared for many buildings. Read more about [rescue plans](https://pap.fi/en/palvelumme/pelastussuunnitelma/). ## PAP services ### TUHTI complete service TUHTI is PAP’s [comprehensive fire safety solution](https://pap.fi/en/palvelumme/paloturvallisuuden-kokonaisratkaisu/), which combines the system purchase and its maintenance for a fixed monthly price. It includes, among other things, user training, maintenance and financing. ### TUUMA design services TUUMA covers the [design of fire alarm systems and other fire safety systems](https://pap.fi/en/palvelumme/paloilmoittimen-suunnittelu/) according to the needs and requirements of the site. ### TOIMI project services TOIMI covers [installation and commissioning](https://pap.fi/en/palvelumme/paloilmoittimen-asennus/), including project management. ### TURVA maintenance services TURVA covers the [maintenance and servicing of fire alarm and fire safety systems](https://pap.fi/en/palvelumme/paloilmoitinhuolto/), such as periodic maintenance and maintenance planning. ### TAITO training services TAITO covers [fire safety training](https://pap.fi/en/palvelumme/paloturvallisuuskoulutus/), such as basic fire extinguishing training, evacuation drills and training for fire alarm system custodians. ### TIETO Tallelokero TIETO is a digital [vault for a site’s fire safety documents](https://pap.fi/en/palvelumme/paloturvallisuuden-dokumentointi/), such as zone plans and maintenance reports. ### TUOHI financing service TUOHI is a [financing solution](https://pap.fi/en/palvelumme/paloturvajarjestelmien-rahoitus/) that spreads the cost of purchasing a fire safety system into monthly rental payments over the contract period. ## PAP Group ### Prosero Security Group Prosero Security Group is a group of technical security companies operating in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. PAP Group Oy has been part of Prosero Security Group since 2021. Read more about [PAP Group](https://pap.fi/en/yritys/). Customer service Any questions? We will pass your matter to the right specialist. [+358 29 000 1112](tel:+358290001112) [asiakaspalvelu@pap.fi](mailto:asiakaspalvelu@pap.fi)