Addressable Fire Alarm vs. Conventional Fire Alarm Systems

When choosing a fire alarm system for your commercial property, there are considerations in addition to meeting all code requirements.  Evaluating an addressable fire alarm system vs. a conventional fire alarm system can save you time and money.  Knowing the difference and which is best for your building will ensure the right system to provide protection against smoke, fire or gas with a code compliant system that  saves effort, time and money. 

The main difference between an addressable fire alarm and a conventional alarm system is that an addressable system provides the exact location of an activated device.  A conventional alarm system does not provide an exact location although zones can be set up for warnings in general locations.  This main difference is due to the wiring and installation of the devices to the control panel.

Wiring of Addressable Fire Alarm vs. Conventional Fire Alarm Systems

An addressable fire alarm system connects each device with a loop, with one wire connecting all devices and looping back into the control panel.  Each device has it’s own unique identifier to pinpoint an activated device such as smoke detectors and call points.  This allows for quick action to extinguish a fire quickly at the source.

Conventional fire alarm systems require each device to be wired directly to the main control panel with individual rather than shared wiring.  Zones may be established to identify general areas of an alarm although precise locations of a fire source are not displayed.  A conventional fire alarm system is more than adequate in smaller or simpler building layouts, although consulting with a fire alarm system specialist will help you to evaluate other factors such as system and installation cost, functionality and reliability.

Addressable vs. Conventional Fire Alarm System Cost

System and installation cost should both be evaluated, as a conventional fire alarm system may cost less for the control panel and devices, but installation to individually wire each device may cost quite a bit more depending on the complexity.  Added benefits of addressable systems should also be considered such as the ability to monitor air flow via smoke detection devices which prevents costly false alarms.  The cost to expand or add additional devices should also be considered for future business growth, building sales or renovations.

Addressable fire alarm systems can be more reliable in some cases and should be discussed with your fire alarm system specialist.  An experienced fire alarm system company will evaluate your building and operation requirements and recommend the system which provides the greatest value.  High Rise Security Systems is a proud distributor of Notifier® by Honeywell and many other fire alarm systems from the best names in the industry. 

High Rise Security Systems provides fire alarm system consulting, design, support, maintenance and monitoring 24/7/365.   We offer more than 30 years of experience in fire and security system integration to schools, hospitals, hospitality and commercial properties in and around Chicago.  Contact us to learn more about which system is right for you and the difference between addressable fire alarm vs. conventional fire alarm systems.

Invest in Fire Protection Systems for Tax Incentives

Section 179 of the IRS tax code allows for business to expense in full the cost of machinery and equipment in the year placed in service rather than depreciate over 5, 7, 15 or 39 years depending on the capital investment.  As a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed in December of 2017, new incentives for business and property owners to expense the cost of fire detection systems, as well as other life and safety systems were provided.  

Depending on the type of fire detection system purchased and installed, these expenses may now also be fully expensed in the year placed in service.  The new law allowed for business to eliminate depreciation and capitalization of these expenses and also includes an increase in the dollar amount eligible for Section 179 expense.  Previously, business owners could deduct up to $500,000 of qualifying equipment not to exceed taxable income.  The new law raises this limit to $1 million which phases out on a dollar for dollar basis after $2.5 million of qualifying purchases and zeros out at $3.5 million. 

These incentives allow for business and property owners to deduct expenses for fire detection and life safety systems that were previously not available.  Newly allowed expenses include costs for fire detection and alarm systems including initiating devices and sensor equipment, sprinkler mains, heads and plumbing associated with sprinkler alarms.  Also included are audible and visual notification alarms, fire alarm control panels, smoke, heat, and gas detection devices and fire escapes including emergency exit equipment, fire doors and fire escapes. Additional components include monitors, motion detectors, security lighting, wiring and conduit. 

High Rise Security Systems Helps with Fire Alarm Tax Incentives

High Rise Security Systems is a leading fire alarm specialist protecting commercial property of all shapes in sizes in and around Chicago.  We offer knowledgeable fire alarm system design, UL listed equipment, system inspection, testing, maintenance and monitoring.  We will help you determine the right system for your property and show you how to evaluate the best system for your needs.

HRSS is a leading fire alarm consulting company offering in-depth expertise and knowledge with code compliant fire and life safety systems.  We help building owners to evaluate the best system for your property and operations.  Contact us to learn more about the many tax incentives available to you with fire protection system installation.

Fire Alarm System Design Matters to Safety

The fire alarm system design of any commercial property makes a big difference to the safety of occupants and protection from damage due to fire.  There are many codes and regulations related to the design of commercial fire alarm systems including standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), International Building Code (IBC) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).   Meeting these codes and regulations is only part of the goal of a properly designed fire alarm system. Each system should be designed based on the unique architectural design and operations of each commercial property to go above and beyond code regulations for maximum fire safety. 

NFPA Code 101 is the most widely used Life Safety Code which addresses fire and life safety in both new and existing buildings and structures.   NFPA 72 is updated every three years to reflect the changes in society’s demands and updates with advancements in technology.  Every commercial fire alarm system must be compliant to these and all codes as enforced by your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). 

Placement of Initiating Devices

Initiating devices are a critical component of all fire alarm and life safety systems.  Proper placement of these devices with a skilled fire alarm system design can make the difference between life and death.  Initiating devices detect smoke, gas or fire and may be placed in air ducts with automatic programming to shut down an HVAC system to prevent the spread of gas or smoke.  

Initiating devices and sensors can be programmed to control fire doors to either secure areas to contain a fire, protect valuable inventory or provide the safe evacuation of occupants.  Sophisticated devices may also provide elevator recall and control to prevent elevators from opening and directing them to a designated floor. 

Notification and Evacuation

Smart sensors provide early warning with addressable alarm systems even notifying the exact location of the source for smoke, fire or gas.  Initiating devices trigger notification and evacuation system alerts including voice activated evacuation procedures to direct occupants to safe exit paths.  Strobe lights are required in public areas such as restrooms, lobbies and hallways.  The ADA guidelines dictate that strobe lights are required in communal places such as employee break rooms and cafeterias. 

High Rise Security Systems Provides Fire Alarm System Design

High Rise Security Systems is a recognized leader in fire alarm system design, providing code compliant life safety systems to commercial properties of all shapes and sizes.  HRSS offers skilled designers with knowledge of all fire safety code regulations who create your unique fire alarm design in CAD software.  Our high quality fire alarm system design includes the exact location of all initiating devices, notification devices including strobes and audible evacuation systems along with fire alarm control panels and auxiliary equipment. 

HRSS offers experienced fire alarm system design, inspection, testing, UL listed equipment and monitoring 24/7/365.  We work with building owners and contractors to develop the fire and life safety system which meets your needs and all required code regulations for permit approval.  Contact us today to learn more about the importance of fire alarm system design for safety to occupants and protection against property damage.