Citation

Peacock ST, Watson IA. Reliab. Eng. 1982; 3(5): 379-392.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1982, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0143-8174(82)90004-X

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper investigates in detail the reliability and capability aspects of automatic fire detection systems (AFDS). It considers reliability assessment of these systems and attempts to assess the reliability of these systems in various environments in order to identify the factors which play a major role in the overall performance of the system. Using Weibull analysis, factor analysis and technical assessment, various aspects of the probabilistic performance and reliability of AFDS are highlighted. AFDS reliability is shown to depend on installation details, environment, maintenance and human factors which vary considerably according to site, location and operator. An indication of the cost implications of false alarms is given. General conclusions are drawn regarding the reliability of AFDS, its significance, and recommendations for future reliability research are made.