Whether you’re managing a small retail shop or a sprawling hospital complex, having a reliable fire detection system can mean the difference between a minor incident and a catastrophic loss.
But how do you decide which type of system is most suitable for your site?
Typically, fire systems are classed as either an addressable fire alarm system or a conventional fire alarm system. While they both serve the same fundamental purpose – detecting fires and alerting occupants – they differ significantly in how they operate, how they’re installed, and how they communicate information during an emergency.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key distinctions between conventional and addressable fire alarm systems, explore their pros and cons, and help you determine which one is best suited for your specific needs.
This article covers:
- What is a conventional fire alarm system? Overview of conventional fire panels, their benefits and limitations, and example uses.
- What is an addressable fire alarm system? Explaining how addressable fire panels work and the benefits of opting for an addressable system.
- Key differences: Understanding the differences between conventional and addressable fire protection.
What is a conventional fire alarm system?
Conventional fire alarm systems are one of the most commonly found types of fire detection systems, particularly in smaller or simpler buildings. Conventional fire panel technology was introduced well before the first addressable fire panel hit the market and continues to be widely used. Conventional systems operate on a zone-based detection principle, which helps identify the general area of a fire but not the exact device that triggered the alarm.
How does a conventional fire detection system work?
The building is divided into zones, each connected to the fire alarm control panel (FACP) via separate radial wiring circuits. These circuits can accommodate multiple devices, such as smoke detectors, heat detectors and manual call points. Sounders or alarms are also wired to the panel via separate sounder circuits. When a device in a zone is triggered, the FACP identifies which zone the alarm came from, but not the specific device.
Benefits and limitations of conventional systems
Benefits
- Cost-effective: Conventional panels tend to be cheaper than addressable panels and can be a more affordable option for small installations.
- Simple: The simplicity of these types of system makes installation and maintenance straightforward in basic layouts.
- Reliable: Can be a good solution for straightforward fire detection needs.
Limitations
- Limited information: Only shows the zone, not the exact device, making it harder to pinpoint the location of a fire or fault.
- More wiring: Each zone requires separate cabling, which can become complex and increase installation cost.
- Harder troubleshooting: Identifying faults requires manual inspection of the whole zone to locate the faulty device, making maintenance time consuming and costly.
When would you choose a conventional fire alarm system?
Conventional fire systems are an ideal affordable option for smaller buildings where precise location tracking is not critical and budget constraints are a concern. Typical sites include:
Retail shops: Conventional systems can be appropriate for compact shops with clear visibility and access.
Small offices: The system’s lower up front cost can make it a budget-friendly option for startups or small businesses where fire detection needs are limited to a few rooms.
Workshops and small warehouses: Open layouts make it easier to locate the source of an alarm and tend to require minimal zoning.
What is an addressable fire alarm system?
An addressable fire alarm system is a more advanced and intelligent type of fire detection system. Unlike conventional systems, it can pinpoint the exact location of a triggered device, thanks to each component having a unique digital address.
How does an addressable fire detection system work?
All devices (detectors, call points, sounders etc.) are connected to an addressable fire alarm control panel (FACP) on a loop, or series of loops. Each device is allocated a unique identifier (or address), which is programmed into the panel. In the event of a fire or system fault, the FACP identifies exactly which device triggered the alarm and where it is located. The control panel continuously communicates with each device, checking for faults, maintenance needs, and alarms.
Benefits and limitations of addressable systems
Benefits
- Pinpoint accuracy: Identifies the exact device and location of the alarm, allowing for faster response in an emergency.
- Efficient maintenance: Users are quickly alerted of faults as well as their exact location, minimising both system downtime and maintenance costs.
- Scalable and flexible: Addressable systems are easier to expand and reconfigure, allowing them to adapt to changing building needs.
- Reduced wiring: Loop configuration simplifies installation in large buildings, minimising costly wiring.
- Advanced features: Modern panels offer a range of additional features, such as integration with other building systems, programming capabilities and event logging.
Limitations
- Higher up-front cost: The cost of equipment tends to be more expensive and commissioning the system takes longer, requiring a bigger initial investment.
- May be overkill: Small, simple buildings do not always require the additional features and functionality offered by addressable systems.
When would you choose an addressable fire alarm system?
Addressable systems are the best choice for environments where precision, scalability and advanced monitoring are essential. Examples of sites that benefit from the enhanced protection afforded by an addressable fire system include:
Office buildings
Addressable fire panels can monitor hundreds of devices across multiple floors, while system expansion is straightforward when tenants or layouts change.
Hotels
Quick and accurate alarm identification enables a fast and efficient emergency response and enhances guest safety.
Hospitals
The ability to pinpoint the exact location of an incident can help avoid unnecessary evacuation and minimise patient disruption. Large sites with multiple buildings also benefit from the ability to monitor the system from a central location.
Apartment buildings
In an apartment complex, an addressable system can support individual unit monitoring, reduce nuisance alarms and is easier to maintain and upgrade over time.
Heritage sites
An addressable FACP supports integration with systems such as gas extinguishing. This type of fire suppression is often essential for buildings such as museums, where water could cause irreparable damage to sensitive and historic artifacts.
Key differences
Choosing between a conventional and an addressable fire alarm system isn’t just about budget, it’s about finding the right fit for your building’s size, complexity, and safety needs. This section breaks down the core differences between the two systems across critical factors like detection accuracy, wiring, cost and maintenance.
Detection
Conventional: Identifies alarms by zone. When a detector is triggered the fire alarm control panel will show the affected zone, but cannot identify the specific device.
Addressable: Identifies alarms by individual device. The panel displays the exact device and location.
Installation
Conventional: Requires separate wiring for each zone, which can make cabling costs expensive as the number of zones increases.
Addressable: Devices are connected on loops and require less wiring overall, especially in large or complex buildings. Commissioning the system can take longer due to the need to program the FACP.
Cost
Conventional: Often has a lower upfront cost for equipment and installation, however can be more expensive to maintain and reconfigure.
Addressable: Higher initial investment due to advanced technology and programming but offers long-term savings through better diagnostics and reduced maintenance costs.
Maintenance
Conventional: Requires manual testing to identify faults, which can be time-consuming.
Addressable: Self-diagnostic capabilities allow the FACP to report faults and maintenance issues, allowing for faster and more efficient maintenance.
Scalability
Conventional: Adding new zones or devices often requires significant rewiring.
Addressable: Easy to add or reprogram devices without major changes to infrastructure, allowing the system to adapt to evolving building needs.
Conclusion
As you have learned from this guide, understanding the differences between conventional and addressable fire alarm systems is essential for making an informed decision that balances safety, cost and functionality.
Ultimately, the best system for your building depends on its size, layout, occupancy and future needs. If you’re unsure which system is right for you, it’s always wise to consult with a certified fire protection engineer or alarm system specialist. They can assess your building’s unique requirements and help you design a system that ensures both compliance and peace of mind.
Is there a compromise?
What about sites that want the advanced technology of an addressable panel, but don’t require networking? Go is the powerful single-loop panel that’s ideal for smaller sites. Premium features like false alarm management and enhanced diagnostics are packed into a budget-friendly format, offering an alternative to a traditional conventional panel.
