Difference Between Addressable and Conventional Fire Alarm Systems

Do you know the difference between addressable and conventional fire alarm system?  If you are involved in any way with building ownership, management or design, you owe it to yourself and your building occupants to learn the difference and choose the best fire protection system available for your property.

Conventional fire alarm systems consist of hardware and wiring installed to create individual zones, with no programming required.  These types of systems will provide warning to the presence of smoke, gas or fire but they provide a general location rather than an exact area of where the problem originated and exists.  This may be fine for smaller buildings or properties without numerous locations, but in large complexes or high-rise structures, this leaves too many unknowns to provide the proper response.  

Addressable fire alarm systems are programmed with communication capabilities that indicate the exact location of the origin of the fire, smoke or gas.  These systems can pinpoint the location of an emergency down to the exact room on a specific floor.  In a fire emergency, seconds count, utilizing an addressable fire alarm system may be the difference between life or death.

Testing and Programming Addressable Fire Alarm Systems

Testing addressable alarm systems is simplified as each device has its own “address”, which allows it to be tested independently of other devices.  Signals may correspond between the component and the control panel to verify all systems are operational.  Notifications are sent to the control unit whenever a break in the system is identified.

Programming is the key component to an addressable alarm system, and should be performed by a certified, fire safety technician.  Addressable systems allow for the user to program the system to provide an imminent danger alert to the area immediately affected while placing other areas on high alert.  This provides a more reliable understanding of the immediate danger and promotes a safe and orderly evacuation when necessary.

Addressable fire alarm systems increase the reliability of fire and smoke detection and reduce the instance of malfunctioning devices or false alarms. Immediate and accurate notification of the location of an emergency is vital to emergency personal and to evacuate occupants in a timely manner.

HRSS is recognized as a leading provider of fire and safety systems in the State of Illinois and throughout the Chicago area.  We are experienced in providing code compliant fire alarm systems to all types of commercial properties.  Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of addressable alarm systems.