Addressable Fire Alarm System
The principle of detection of an Addressable Fire Alarm System is similar to a Conventional System except that the Control Panel can determine exactly which detector or call point starts the alarm.
The detection circuit is acted as a loop and up to 99 devices can be connected to each loop. The detector is basically a conventional detector, with an address built in. The address on each detector, set by the dial switch and the Control Panel is programmed to display the information needed when a particular detector is operated. Additional available Field Devices which can be transferred to the loop only for detection, namely: it is possible to detect normally open contact closures such as the sprinkler flow switch, or the opening of normally closed contacts. Cable sounders in at least two sounder circuits exactly as Conventional Systems.
Analogue Addressable Fire Alarm System
Analogue Addressable Fire Alarm System is often known as an Intelligent Fire Alarm System. There are several types of Analogue Systems available that are determined by the type of protocol they use. This is left to the Control Unit to decide whether there is a fire, error, pre-alarm or whatever. But basically, the Analogue System is far more complex and incorporates far more facilities than Conventional or Addressable Systems. The main goal is to help prevent false alarms.
It should be noted that with the Analogue Addressable Fire Alarm System, the wiring method to the detector base is different from the wiring method to the Conventional Base.
Conventional Fire Alarm System
In the Conventional Fire Alarm System, a number of call points or a number of call points and detectors are transferred to the Fire Alarm Control Panel in the Zone. Zone A is a circuit and usually someone will connect the circuit per floor or fire compartment.
The Fire Alarm Control Panel will have a number of Zone Lights. The reason for having a Zone is to give a rough idea of where fire has occurred. Accuracy knows where the fire has begun to be controlled by the number of Control Panel Zones having, and consequently, the number of circuits that have been transferred into the building. The Control Panel will then be transferred to a minimum of two sounder circuits that can contain bells, electronic loudspeakers or other devices that can be heard. The Sounder Circuit and Detection Zone are connected in a star configuration. Each circuit will have a line end device that is used for monitoring purposes.
The Conventional Fire Alarm System is more suitable for smaller installations and usually does not contain the processing power or sophistication of a system that can be addressed and is usually used in less complex installations.
