Are you in the process of building the company of your dreams? Are you still in the construction phase of your building, and trying to decide which commercial fire alarm system is right for you? Or are you looking to replace your old dinosaur of a system?
If any of these are the case, you should know about the two different types of commercial fire alarm systems! I know for me, personally, I never like to go into a meeting or join a conversation where I know absolutely nothing. It’s important for me to at least figure out the basics so I can keep up. Obviously, since you’re still reading this, you feel the same way. Let’s get into the nitty gritty, there are two different systems to consider, a Conventional Fire Alarm System, and an Addressable Fire Alarm System.
The good thing is, this information just keeps you a little bit more in the know, so if you still cannot figure out what system you need, you’re in luck! Somerset Fire Alarm and Security not only does the dirty work of installing your system, but we can design the perfect system for your building.
Addressable Fire Alarm System
An Addressable Fire Alarm System is the most modern type of system. All of the components/ devices of the system have their own unique identifier. This means, that, when a device is triggered it is addressed through the notification alarm circuit or signaling line circuit and alerts the panel which particular device is in alarm. In other words, when a smoke detector goes off in the east wing of a garage, it’s addressed on the panel as “Smoke 018- East Wing Garage ” (or whatever it’s numbered as when installed). The good thing about this system being so smart, is that it allows firefighters and first responders to go to the panel, read the alarm, and go directly to the threat.
Now offering Kidde VS- Series for your addressable system needs. “These powerful life safety solutions offer simple setup, reliable operation, and advanced features that put them into a class of their own… Meanwhile, the VS is so robust that in most retrofit situations existing wiring can be used.”
Conventional Fire Alarm System
The Conventional Fire Alarm System is not as intelligent as its Addressable counterpart. All parts and devices of the Conventional System are wired together and connected to the control panel. The Conventional System uses different zones to monitor all of the different devices via electrical currents. When a device is in alarm, it sends a current through the zone back to the control panel. Unfortunately, this type of system does not tell you exactly what device is in alarm, instead the panel flashes an indicator light for a particular zone. You then would have to figure out the initiating device since there can be so many in each zone (around 20), this is similar to finding a needle in a haystack!
Now offering Kidde FX Series for your conventional system needs. “These easy-to-install fire alarm panels demonstrate that value doesn’t have to come at the expense of quality… FX series does so by taking the very best conventional fire alarm technology available today and balancing it with features that benefit small building installers, contractors, building owners, and occupants alike.”
Have the perfect system in mind? Whether the answer to that question is yes or no, that’s okay. Call Somerset Fire Alarm and Security today! We’ll design, plan, and install the perfect system for your building.
Our goal at Somerset, is to make sure you feel the safest you can in your home or business, we are Committed. Every Minute of Every Day.
Somerset is here to educate, protect, and help the community.
Call us today with any questions or concerns and we will be glad to help you and your family out. Be sure to LIKE, COMMENT, & SHARE this post if you found it insightful or helpful in any way. Stay tuned for more Somerset FAS blog posts in the future.
