We are increasingly seeing building designers and fire jurisdictions requiring the installation of addressable fire alarm systems. To understand why an addressable system may be preferred, it is important to understand the differences between fire alarm systems used today.
Conventional and Addressable Fire Alarm Systems
Conventional systems are connected along a single wire by a loop system. They are analog systems and are limited in the number of devices that can be connected because they are electrical current-based systems.
Addressable systems are digital and do not rely on an electrical current running through the system. Information is transferred from the connected devices to the control panel via binary code. The computer in the control panel then converts the ones and zeros into the information it is designed to convey.
The primary difference between the two types of fire alarm systems is in how they communicate with the fire alarm panel. Conventional systems, as the name implies, were the original systems on the market and operate on a circuit with a chain of devices. Addressable systems can communicate individually with each device over a communication circuit.
Benefits of Addressable Systems
The processor in an addressable system can process a much wider array of information than a conventional analog system. The control panel can make intelligent decisions about whether it should go into alarm mode or not. That decision-making ability saves businesses and fire departments valuable time and money from false alarms. These intelligent systems can also more accurately pinpoint the location of safety concerns and fires, allowing first responders to respond to the exact location of the issue.
Addressable systems also allow for programmable voice commands, meaning customers and employees can hear direct instructions. This capability lowers the risk of people assuming the alarm to be an ignorable nuisance.
Addressable circuits are more costly upfront to purchase and install than conventional systems, but the long-term benefits can make them more cost-efficient and flexible. When determining what is right for your commercial building, consider a professional consultation from a fire protection company.
CFC Fire Alarm Systems
CFC has been in the business of designing, installing, and servicing fire alarm systems for more than 40 years. One of the hallmarks of CFC’s work is that it takes advantage of the latest technologies to design, install and service reliable fire alarm systems.
Not Only Installations
While many customers are looking to install a new fire system for the first time, CFC has a much broader scope of services. The company can also handle upgrade or replacement needs. Call the team at CFC today. Rest easy knowing your building has the right emergency detection and response system.