Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

A fire alarm system is intended to enable a fire to be detected at a sufficiently early stage so that those at risk can be made safe either by escaping from the fire, or by the fire being extinguished (also preventing extensive property damage). Neither of these measures can be implemented until people are made aware of the fire.

There are 2 main types of fire alarm systems in use today: Conventional Systems and Addressable Systems.

Conventional Systems, also known as Non-Addressable Systems, have fire detectors wired to the panel in groups known as zones. Identification of alarm status is defined by zone. Conventional Systems only indicate events without an event recording feature.

Addressable Systems provide each fire detector an address which allows identification of alarm systems by zone and by address. With the Addressable Systems, all system events are being recorded in the system log.

To ensure the continued reliability of the fire alarm system, regular and compulsory testing and inspection are required”.