Choosing a fire alarm control panel depends on the size of the building, the layout of the premises and the amount of information you need from the system. Two of the most common options are conventional and addressable fire alarm panels.
Both types are designed to receive signals from connected fire detection devices, but they handle those signals in different ways. Kentec supplies panels for both system types, giving installers a choice for smaller premises as well as larger and more detailed fire alarm installations.
How Conventional Fire Alarm Systems Work
A conventional fire alarm system separates a building into a number of detection zones. Each zone is connected to the fire alarm control panel using dedicated wiring.
If a detector or call point is activated, the panel identifies the zone where the signal originated. It does not usually identify the exact device, so the relevant area of the building needs to be checked to locate the cause of the alarm.
Conventional systems are commonly used in smaller buildings where a zone-based setup provides enough information. They may be suitable for shops, offices, residential properties and other premises with a relatively simple layout.
For these types of sites, a conventional system can provide a straightforward and cost-conscious approach to fire detection.
How Addressable Fire Alarm Systems Work
An addressable fire alarm system assigns an individual address to each connected device. Detectors, call points and other compatible equipment are linked to the control panel through loop wiring.
When a device activates, the panel can identify the specific device responsible for the signal. This provides more precise information about the location of a potential fire or system fault.
Addressable systems are often installed in larger buildings such as hotels, hospitals, offices and other commercial premises. They can be particularly useful where a building contains a large number of devices or several areas that need to be monitored separately.
The ability to view the status of individual devices can also help during servicing and fault finding. Engineers can use the information shown on the panel to identify which part of the system may require attention.
What Does a Kentec Fire Alarm Panel Do?
The fire alarm panel acts as the main point of control for the detection system. It receives information from connected devices and displays fire, fault and system status information.
The level of detail shown depends on whether the system is conventional or addressable. A conventional panel usually identifies the affected zone, while an addressable panel can identify a specific connected device.
Kentec produces a range of panels to suit different system sizes and building requirements.
Kentec Conventional 4 Zone Panel
The Kentec Conventional 4 Zone Panel is one option available for conventional fire alarm installations.
The panel provides four conventional detection zones and includes fire and fault indication. It can also support additional equipment such as repeaters, ancillary boards and sounder boards.
Up to seven of each of these device types can be connected. Addresses from one to seven are selected using a binary coded DIL switch.
The panel can also support data cable runs of up to 1,200 metres, which can assist with installations where connected equipment is positioned across different parts of a property.
Kentec Syncro AS 1 Loop Panel
For addressable installations, the Kentec Syncro AS 1 Loop Panel provides another option.
The Syncro AS has been developed for use by fire alarm installers and commissioning engineers. Its interface is designed to make system setup and programming easier to manage during installation and servicing.
The panel is available with either one or two detection loops. This gives installers a choice when specifying a control panel for medium-sized or larger fire alarm systems.
Conventional or Addressable: Which System Should You Choose?
The choice between a conventional and addressable panel will usually depend on the size and layout of the premises.
Smaller buildings may be well suited to a conventional system where identifying the affected zone is sufficient. Larger premises may require the more detailed device-level information provided by an addressable system.
Other factors can include the number of detectors required, the wiring layout, future maintenance requirements and how quickly users need to locate an alarm or fault.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between conventional and addressable fire alarms?
A conventional system identifies the zone where an alarm has been triggered. An addressable system can identify the individual device that generated the signal.
Are conventional fire alarm panels suitable for small buildings?
Yes. Conventional systems are commonly used in smaller premises where a limited number of zones can provide enough information to locate an alarm.
Why are addressable systems often used in larger buildings?
Addressable systems provide more detailed information because each connected device has its own address. This can make it easier to identify the location of alarms and faults across larger premises.
Can Kentec panels show fire and fault signals?
Yes. Kentec fire alarm panels can display information relating to fire alarms and system faults. The exact information available will depend on the panel and system type.
What is a fire alarm detection loop?
A detection loop is the wiring path used to connect addressable fire alarm devices back to the control panel. Multiple devices can be connected along the same loop, with each device assigned its own address.
Find Kentec Fire Alarm Panels from Firesense
Kentec conventional and addressable panels provide options for a range of fire alarm installations. The correct choice will depend on the property, system layout and level of monitoring required.
For more information on Kentec Kentec addressable panels control panels and other fire more info detection equipment, visit the Firesense website.