If you’re shopping for a fire alarm system for your residence or commercial property, you may have noticed there are many types of systems, with different features, customized for all sorts of properties.
You may also have noticed “addressable fire alarm systems” among the varieties.
If you’ve never heard of it, read on! We’re here to answer some commonly asked questions about addressable fire alarm systems and provide our two cents about whether they’re worth the investment.
What is an addressable fire alarm system?
Addressable fire alarms are fire protection systems where each device within the system has its own “address” or location. (Hence the name!) Each device detects changes in its immediate atmosphere to determine the exact location of a fire within the building. The system tracks its progress through the building, allowing rescue personnel to evacuate occupants from dangerous areas proactively.
Unlike conventional systems installed to create individual zones, an addressable fire alarm system consists of one interface and central monitoring location; linking all smoke, fire, gas, emergency, and security devices throughout a home or property.
What is the difference between a conventional and addressable alarm system?
Conventional fire alarm systems are analog, hardware-based systems that communicate through wiring. They feature no programmable options tailored to the building’s needs and notify the authorities of an emergency through a phone landline, cellular network, or wireless internet connection.
Addressable alarm systems are much more modern. They operate digitally rather than analog when communicating between the system’s devices and emergency services. Each device within the system works as a team to isolate and pinpoint the location of an emergency within the building.
How does an addressable alarm system work?
Addressable alarm systems convert an analog signal created by voltage variations to binary code via the system’s integrated computer. That code then digitally transfers information from the individual safety devices throughout the building to the primary control panel.
Because of this digital communication, an addressable system can transfer a much wider variety of information to its control panel than a conventional analog system can.
Are addressable alarm systems better than conventional systems?
The answer to that question depends entirely upon your individual needs. But in terms of advanced features, technology, and responsiveness- we have to say yes.
First of all, conventional alarm systems just aren’t as safe as addressable systems. Because of its analog design, there may be limitations on how precisely a traditional system can identify the location of an emergency, resulting in delayed response times.
This may not be a massive issue if you’re protecting a smaller space with only a few zones, but lags in a security system’s swiftness can have dangerous consequences no matter what size space you’re covering.
Addressable systems are designed to detect issues immediately and efficiently alert emergency personnel in record time. They’re fully programmed and can target the emergency’s exact starting point, current status, and progression through the building.
Also, conventional systems are more susceptible to false alarms. This can pose a significant safety hindrance and cost you plenty of money in the long run for false alarm fines.
Addressable systems are self-diagnosing and can monitor the performance of each device connected to the system. They can pinpoint defects in the system wiring and even detect the buildup of debris and contaminants that may inhibit performance. This cuts down on false alarms and ensures the entire system is in optimal working order.
And since each device has its own address, each element can be tested and monitored independently, making regular testing much easier and, again, cutting down on false alarms.
And finally, a traditional fire alarm system can’t compete with the personalization of an addressable system.
You can customize it for optimal cooperation with your building’s unique design. For example, you may configure evacuation notifications based upon detection and building layout to control occupant traffic and reduce crowding and chaos in the event of an emergency evacuation.
Most addressable systems even have the ability to maintain a log of incidents so you may review patterns in the system’s operation over time.
Pros and Cons of an Addressable Fire Alarm System:
Pros
- Less hardware and fewer wires.
- Faster, more reliable detection.
- Shorter response time from emergency services.
- Pinpoint accuracy of emergency locations within the building.
- Separate device “addresses” means easier troubleshooting for problems.
- More customizable than an analog system.
- Intelligent features like logging and self-diagnostics.
- Less ongoing costs when compared to conventional systems.
Cons
- Setup and configuration of an addressable system cost more than a conventional system.
- Integrating different brand devices into the system may be an issue.
- Initial installation may take a bit longer than a conventional system.
Do you need an addressable alarm system?
That all depends upon the type of structure that you need to protect and the people who inhabit it.
When it comes to multi-story buildings like skyscraper hotels or apartments, an addressable system is by far the safest option. The same applies to large complexes or properties with complicated layouts like hospitals, university campuses, and even historic buildings.
That said, there’s really no rule that says you can’t install an addressable system in your personal home or a rental property.
An addressable system can provide extra safety when rapid response is especially critical. For instance, in cases when very young children, elderly folks, or inhabitants with disabilities need more time and direction to evacuate the premises.
Frequent travelers who find themselves away from home for extended periods may also benefit from an addressable fire alarm over a slower, less sophisticated analog system.
The Bottom Line
Timing is critical when there’s a fire anywhere, which is why advancements in fire safety systems are so important.
Instead of sounding each alarm as a fire spreads, the newest addressable fire alarm systems can detect smoke and automatically sound every alarm where the danger’s headed, saving more lives in the process.
We happen to think the peace of mind an addressable fire alarm brings is well worth it, and lucky for us, this tech is available to anyone. Even if you don’t live in a sprawling palatial estate.
