A fire alarm system should not only adhere to legal requirements but also be able to save time, money,and efforts. Though conventional fire alarm systems are more popular owing to its cost-effectivity, the more advanced addressable fire alarm systems are slowly gaining traction among the users. It offers a higher degree of programming flexibility and more accurate detection of fire.

What are addressable fire alarm systems?

Addressable fire alarm systems were first introduced in mid 1980s. It comprises of a series of fire detectors and devices, connected to a central control panel. Every device connected to the panel has its own unique address or location.

When a fire is detected, the address of the device that has detected the fire gets displayed on the central control panel, thereby enabling you to tell the exact location of the fire and douse it before it spreads further and cause more damage.

The addressable fire alarm systems are particularly ideal for large buildings and commercial premises spread over a wide area.

How is it different from the conventional fire alarm systems?

As mentioned above, the main advantage of an addressable fire alarm system is that it enables you to know the exact position of the fire and act quickly. However, with a conventional fire alarm system, by no means you can pinpoint the exact source of the fire.

It means that whenever you hear the alarm sound, you’ll have to conduct a manual search to know the location and source of the fire. In the meantime, you’ll lose some precious time before you can act during an emergency situation and the fire may spread out to other areas.

Other advantages of addressable fire alarm systems

Helps in planned action in case of a fire

Since you’ll be able to quickly detect the precise location of the fire, you can immediately plan your course of action. For example, suppose you came to know about a fire at a specific floor of a multi-storeyed building. Now, you can carry out phased evacuation with affected areas being evacuated first.

Reduces the chances of false fire alarms

Sometimes, when the air gets contaminated with dust or other such particles, it activates the conventional fire alarm systems. However, addressable fire alarm systems allow the air to be monitored through detectors, and if air is found to be contaminated, a pre-fire warning is triggered. This will allow you to fix the issues without the activation of fire alarm.

Maintenance is easier and cheaper

Addressable fire alarm systems are wired in a loop. This allows the users to monitor and repair different devices and detectors connected in the circuit individually, thereby making the maintenance of the system easier and cheaper. In case, an issue if found with a particular detector, the notification about the same is displayed by the central control panel.

Conclusion

Though addressable fire alarm systems can be a bit costly to implement, the merits of having it can compensate you in future. Unlike conventional systems, the addressable fire alarm systems are connected in a loop. Hence, any breaks in the circuit does not affect the functioning of other devices and detectors, making it much more reliable.

Cyber group is one of the leading manufacturers of fire detection systems in India. We can be the one-stop destination for all security solutions related to your commercial or residential properties.