Blog

Addressable vs. Conventional Fire Alarms

August 27, 2020|fsstechnologies

When determining what type of fire alarm systems are best for your business, it boils down to your choice between a conventional and addressable alarm system. The combination of smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide detectors work together with your control panel to keep your business safe. Additionally, you will need to determine what kind of automatic and manual fire alarms you want to be installed.

While the installation for different systems may vary, the type of system you require will be in part described by the NFPA standards and the Authority Having Jurisdiction in your area.

Conventional Fire Alarm Systems

A conventional alarm system has numerous devices on a single pair of wires and may cover up to 20,000 square feet per zone.  Typically, conventional systems are used for small facilities with few devices.  Because there may be numerous devices on a single pair of wires, when an alarm is activated, there is no indication of which device was initiated at the panel. In order to determine which device was initiated you will have to inspect each device. Conventional systems are typically no longer acceptable by Authorities Having Jurisdictions.

Addressable Fire Alarm Systems

In contrast, an addressable system connects all devices using a loop, a single pair of wires for as many as 250 devices. Each device on the loop has an address as well as a description which is usually the location. When an alarm is activated, the individual address and description is displayed on the panel’s LCD. These systems are the most popular system across the industry today, and most jurisdictions require addressable systems.

These are better suited for large and complex systems because the loop technology means simplified wiring. Additionally, an addressable system offers more protection against false alarms because there are options that allow you to set up warning triggers. These warnings can help you identify potential false alarms and solve the issue before evacuating a large building.

Cost Differences

Conventional alarm systems are less expensive because the equipment required is simple, but they are more time consuming and labor intensive to install because of the multiple connections to the control panel.

An addressable system requires less wire and is a more simplified connection to the control panel itself. Addressable systems include more updated technology and advanced options, which would make it more expensive.

How to Choose

Generally, the size and type of your business will determine whether an addressable or conventional system is best suited to your building.

Addressable systems offer significantly advanced technology. New smoke detectors can tell the difference between a smoke particle and steam. Troubleshooting is significantly reduced on addressable systems due to advanced software and programming built into the system. In general, addressable systems are the best option for most facilities. If you still aren’t sure, our experts at FSS Technologies can assess your needs and help you determine what equipment and devices your building will require.

Once you have determined and installed your fire alarm system, you will be able to create fire safety procedures for your workplace and begin training your employees to be familiar with the system.

Give the fire alarm pros at FSS Technologies a call to learn more about our security and fire alarm system installation options. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Contact a Fire Safety Expert Today

Contact a Fire Safety Expert Today

Explore Our Other Blogs

5g-radio-waves-hero-min

5G Security Concerns & the 3G Sunset

Consumers are using the internet on the go more than ever. By 2022, it is projected that consumers will utilize nearly 11GB of data per month, primarily due to video consumption. To create a more robust and long-term solution, technology infrastructure is working towards the next generation of mobile networks: 5G. With this network upgrade…

Continue reading
Hero-FireAlarmPanelsWork-min

How Do Fire Alarm Control Panels Work

Fire Alarm Panels A fire alarm panel is the control center for a fire alarm system. The panel acts as the central processing unit. It receives signals from the smoke and heat detectors associated with the system and sends out signals to the fire alarms, sprinkler heads, and local authorities.   If the panel receives…

Continue reading
smoke-alarms-fire-dept-Hero

Do Smoke Detectors Call the Fire Department?

One of the most asked questions about fire alarm systems is whether smoke detectors call the fire department. The belief that a smoke detector or fire alarm will automatically activate the fire department or send a signal to local first responders is a common misunderstanding. While some systems may be integrated with monitoring services, that’s not always…

Continue reading
206516~1

Can You Get in Trouble for Breaking into Your Own House?

Is it legal for you to break into your own house?

Continue reading
2019-12_FSSTechnologies_blogs_simplisafe-review_hero-min

The Only SimpliSafe Review You Need to Read

What is SimpliSafe? SimpliSafe is one of several do-it-yourself home security systems on the market. The challenge with any DIY home security system, in our opinion, comes down to the customer experience. SimpliSafe’s customer support offers minimal assistance to ensure you adequately install and troubleshoot your system. While they do provide an 800-telephone number, the…

Continue reading
emergency-action-plan-hero

What is an Emergency Action Plan?

The purpose of an Emergency Action Plan is to inform employees of what actions they should take if an emergency occurs at work. It’s required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and it can be critical in preventing the loss of property, or lives, in a crisis. If an emergency alarm went off…

Continue reading
Livly-Hero

Livly: A Modern Residential Community Experience

The Livly property and tenant management system is one of the most cutting-edge and all-inclusive apartment app experiences available today. The system offers low-cost technology and fully integrated experiences that pair well with a variety of existing property management systems. As a proud partner with Livly, FSS Technologies offers this trusted technology solution for both…

Continue reading
home-security-system-Hero-min

Cost of Home Security Systems

Getting a security system for your home is a wise investment. While the obvious benefit is protection for your family, home, and belongings, it’s hard to put a price on the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you and your family will have professional help in case of an emergency. Still, you must…

Continue reading
spectrum-customer-hero-min

Are You a Spectrum Customer Losing Service?

When Spectrum closed the doors on its home security system business in February 2020, many customers were left high and dry.  The Spectrum Backstory  Spectrum is a subsidiary of Charter Communications, the second-largest cable provider in the country offering service in 42 states. Charter inherited Spectrum in a 2016 merger with Time Warner Cable and Bright House…

Continue reading
Savance-blog-Hero

How Savance Workplace Can Work for You

Savance Workplace is one of the nation’s leaders in workforce management solutions, offering tools that help declutter your company’s processes and optimize your productivity. With a wide variety of fully customizable products branded for your business, Savance Workplace can help your organization take its efficiency to the next level. As a trusted partner of Savance…

Continue reading
24h emergency
Secure My Space
chat with us