Types of Fire Alarm Systems
A fire alarm system is one of the most important life safety components within a building. It is instrumental in ensuring a safe environment. Understanding available fire alarm systems is crucial in choosing the right one for your facility. The two main types are conventional and addressable, which interact similarly with a fire alarm’s devices but connect uniquely.
Conventional Fire Alarm Systems
In a conventional fire alarm system, the control panel connects with each device on a separate wire. These devices are then grouped based on location to create a zone. When a device is activated, the system identifies the zone where the device is located. This information can be displayed on the fire panel and/or annunciator. For instance, if your facility has four floors, with each floor set up as a zone. The building manager and/or fire department can determine the specific floor where the fire is located based on the activated zone.
In a conventional fire alarm system, the control panel connects with each device on a separate wire, typically organized into zones. In this setup, when a device is activated, the system identifies the zone where the device is located. This information can be displayed on the fire panel and/or annunciator. For example, if your facility has four floors, each set up as a zone, the building manager and/or fire department can determine the floor where the fire is located based on the activated zone.
A conventional fire alarm system is idea for small facilities. These systems are often a less expensive option for buildings where it is not a priority to know the exact location of the activated device.
Addressable Fire Alarm Systems
An addressable fire alarm system assigns a unique address to each device within the system. Because of this, you can pinpoint the location of the activated device and relay that information to the fire department. All of the system’s devices are connected to the fire alarm panel on one single wire loop. As a result, if one end of the loop is damaged, the system can still relay information to the control panel through the other end of the loop.
Addressable fire alarm systems are very customizable, and are typically used in large buildings or complexes. Facilities that are made up of many floors or sections can benefit from an addressable system. This is because first responders will be able to identify the location of an activated device, reducing response time.
Hybrid Fire Alarm Systems
A hybrid fire alarm system brings together the functionality of both conventional and addressable fire alarm systems. Typically, a hybrid system combines the hardwired zones found in conventional systems. They are then combined with addressable loops back to the control panel.
Hybrid fire alarm systems are a common choice for retrofitting facilities. As well as buildings that are adding an addition onto their building.
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For over 30 years, Fire Monitoring of Canada (FMC) has been a leader in the monitoring of fire alarm and intrusion alarm systems. If you would like to learn more about fire alarm systems, call us at 1 888 789 FIRE (3473), email fminfo@fire-monitoring.com, or fill out the contact form below.