Addressable and conventional fire systems are two types of fire alarm systems used in buildings to detect and alert occupants about fire emergencies.
Addressable fire alarm systems are more advanced than conventional systems and offer a larger scope of programming flexibility. Each device in the system has its own individual address and specific location. Fire alarm relays can be used to control a wide range of building functions such as:
Switching fans on or off
Closing/opening doors
Activating fire suppression systems
Shutting down industrial equipment
Recalling elevators to a safe exit floor
Activating another fire alarm panel or communicator
Each zone can consist of various devices, including automatic smoke/heat detectors, manual call points, sounders and strobes. In the event of a fire being detected either automatically or manually, the system control panel will then operate the alarm.
Conventional fire systems are simpler and less expensive compared to addressable fire systems. They consist of fire detectors, manual call points, and a control panel, but the detectors are wired to a zone rather than a specific address. In the event of an alarm, the control panel indicates the zone where the fire occurred, but the exact location cannot be identified. This can cause delays in responding to the fire and may result in more damage.
Overall, addressable fire systems are considered to be more reliable and efficient compared to conventional fire systems. However, the choice of which system to use depends on the specific needs and requirements of the building and the budget available.
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