How is fire alarm system performance generally influenced by temperature fluctuations?

Fire alarm system performance is notably influenced by temperature fluctuations, particularly at extreme temperatures. When the temperature is either too high or too low, various components of fire alarm systems, such as smoke detectors, heat detectors, and control panels, may not function as intended.

For instance, smoke detectors can either become overly sensitive or desensitized in very high or low temperatures, leading to false alarms or failure to detect smoke. Similarly, thermal detectors might not respond accurately to actual fire conditions if the ambient temperature is outside their operational range. The materials used in these systems might also expand or contract with temperature changes, potentially affecting their performance and reliability.

Overall, maintaining an optimal temperature range is crucial for ensuring that the system operates effectively, and when conditions stray too far from that range, performance can degrade significantly, increasing the risk during a fire emergency.