Blog

What Are Fire Alarm System Zones?

October 26, 2018|fsstechnologies

Fire alarm zones are standard in conventional fire panels. Each zone represents a different area in the building to help firefighters and professionals pinpoint the source of an alarm. However, it can be confusing to research fire alarm zones because they are not as common as they once were. Conventional and addressable systems handle communication for fire alarm system zones differently.

Newer and more commonly used addressable systems rely on points to determine the location of a fire. A point could be any device that initiates an alarm, such as smoke detectorsmanual pull stations, or water flow switches that activate once heat reaches a system’s sprinklers. In any case, it’s essential to understand alarm zones and how they contribute to your building’s overall fire safety.

How do fire alarm zones work?

Fire alarm system zones are designated areas within a building where detection devices are grouped together. The size of each zone usually depends on a structure’s size, layout, occupancy, hazards, and other related factors. Most buildings organize fire alarm zones by floors, hallways, and stairwells. Still, zones ultimately depend on whether a facility uses conventional or addressable fire panels.

Conventional fire panels

A conventional fire panel is often used in small facilities and is a cost-effective solution for small businesses. With this type of alarm system, multiple devices are on a pair of wires. Instead of individual identification, any point on a specific wire can trip the alarm and only be identified as being in Zone “X,” not as the devices themselves.

The main downside to zones on a conventional fire panel is that they only identify an area of the building instead of pinpointing an exact device and location of a fire. For example, the first floor of a building could be Zone 1, and the second floor could be Zone 2. The size of each floor could create guesswork as to where the fire is located, giving first responders a less-than-ideal situation with minimal context.

Addressable fire panel

Addressable fire panels

Addressable fire panels, on the other hand, give every device a uniquely identifiable address. When a fire is detected, the main control panel tells you exactly which device is going off and where it’s located, eliminating the need to create and label zones. This setup is enormously handy when you are protecting a large area or multistory building, which could have up to 20,000 points throughout the facility.

Additionally, addressable fire panels can be networked together across locations. For example, let’s say you have a school district with three or four schools. All the schools would have their own panels, and the entire set could be networked to another main panel in the superintendent’s office. The superintendent would then be able to keep watch over the whole district and see where an alarm is coming from inside the building.

Another advantage of addressable systems is troubleshooting. For example, if a smoke detector is faulty, the system will let you know that it needs to be replaced. If a device is not communicating correctly with the panel, the system will notify you of the problem. These are just a few of the many features that make addressable fire panels a requirement of most local fire codes.

How should my business handle fire zones?

In today’s fire alarm market, conventional panels are primarily used for monitoring water flow and tamper switches for sprinkler systems. At FSS, if you require anything more, our professional recommendation is to use an addressable fire alarm system in your building. Doing so gives you more control over identifying devices and hazards, meaning your business has a better chance at faster emergency response rates.

Deciding on the best type of fire protection system for your facility and budget can be challenging. Understanding, designing, installing, and maintaining these systems requires a unique skill set. At FSS, we can work with you, your architects, engineers, and local authorities to ensure your system meets all codes and your company’s specific needs. Contact our expert service technicians and customer care specialists to explore your options.

Contact Our Friendly Pros Today

Explore Our Other Blogs

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
Heroalarmbeeping-min

The Top 5 Reasons Why Your Smoke Alarm Is Beeping

Do you hear a faint chirping noise coming from the back hallway or the basement? Don’t ignore it. It might be your smoke detector. Smoke detectors are designed to chirp or beep when they need servicing. Common Reasons for Smoke Alarm to Beep When the battery in your smoke alarm is starting to get weak,…

Continue reading
fire-alarm-installation-hero-min

The Ins and Outs of Your Business’s Fire Alarm Installation

A fire alarm system is part of the business security system that keeps your business, property, and employees safe. A fire can become life-threatening in two minutes and can engulf a building within five minutes. Your business could go up in flames in a matter of moments without the proper equipment and detection systems in place to protect everything…

Continue reading
Hero-smoke

What are the Different Types of Smoke Detectors?

Smoke detectors are vital to fire safety for homes and businesses. Because they protect lives from fires or gas leaks, it’s essential to choose the best detector for your environment. There are various options to choose from, meaning you need to understand the benefits each one offers before making a selection. Learn more about the…

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
FSS_NovBlg_FireAlarms_Hero

How Often Should You Check Your Smoke Detectors?

Fire Alarm Testing Whether your fire alarm is protecting your home or a commercial facility, regular testing of your fire alarm system is critical to ensure it is working correctly. This test guarantees that everyone occupying the home or office understands what to do when the fire alarm sounds, gives you a chance to check…

Continue reading
top-companies-indiana-hero-min

Who Are the Best Security Companies in Indiana?

Finding the right company to install and monitor the security in your home (or business) is an important choice. You need to know and trust the people who will be responsible for keeping you safe. In Indiana, we know that there are many teams ready and capable of protecting your home and business. To help…

Continue reading
vulnerable-parts-home-hero-min

How Burglars Break In and Where to Secure Your Home

When a burglar considers your home as a potential target, here are some of the things he or she is looking for. Easy Access An intruder doesn’t want to get caught and needs to have an easy escape. There’s not a more easily accessible entry point at your home than an unlocked door, and most…

Continue reading
2019-12_FSSTechnologies_blogs_alarm-com_hero-min

What Is Alarm.com?

How Does Alarm.com Work? Alarm.com’s cellular connection is reserved solely for the security system. It is not shared with other services, and it does not depend on your home’s networking and Wi-Fi. Alarm.com’s cellular connection cannot be physically cut. There is no cable. Should an intruder attack the security panel itself, Alarm.com’s patented Crash and…

Continue reading
how-cameras-work-at-night-hero-min

How Security Cameras Work at Night

Security Camera Night Vision  Light is crucial for a camera to work. Without light, the camera can’t see anything, so how do security cameras work at night?  Infrared radiation (IR), or infrared light, is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is invisible to human eyes. It is essentially energy, a heat, that all objects emanate….

Continue reading
24h emergency
Secure My Space
chat with us