Types of Fire Alarm Systems: Conventional vs. Addressable
What are the Two Types of Fire Alarm Systems?
Before you decide to replace an antiquated fire alarm, you should know about the different types of fire alarm systems on the market. The two main types of fire alarm systems are conventional and addressable. The various components that make up these systems are either automatic or manual. The following information will help you decide what type of fire alarm system will work best in your facility.
Type 1: Conventional Fire Alarm
Conventional fire alarm systems and its components are all wired to the same cable that connects them to a fire alarm control panel. The control panel displays a signal when these components activate. These types of systems are inexpensive and work well in small facilities. The main problem with conventional fire alarm systems is that when a fire alarm component produces a signal and it appears on the control panel there is no way to know which component it is in the building. If you foresee this to be a problem you may want to consider an addressable fire alarm system.
Type 2: Addressable Fire Alarm
Addressable fire alarm systems are the most modern type of system and its components have individual unique identifiers. When one of the system’s components initiates, it indicates the component’s address on the fire alarm panel. Large facilities utilize these systems because they can quickly pinpoint where the trouble signal originated. This saves a lot of time because it eliminates the need to search for the component that produced the signal.
After you decide what type of system would work best in your facility speak with a fire alarm installation company. They’ll evaluate your building, work with the Authority Having Jurisdiction, and the local building code requirements. They’ll follow the codes and determine which fire alarm components are necessary, how many are required, and where they need to be placed throughout the facility. The fire & life safety firm will ensure that the new fire alarm system meets all the local requirements and NFPA standards.
Check out these two blog posts to learn more about selecting a fire alarm system for your facility.
Our Mission
Kinetix’s mission is to provide quality customer service by focusing on a personalized approach for the fire & life safety needs of your facility.
Keep up the good work.