An addressable system is much more advanced than the non-addressable system. The addressable system has a higher degree of programming flexibility and single – point detection. Addressable fire alarm systems provide all the functions provided by the non-addressable conventional systems.
The addressable system allows installation of more devices, providing greater coverage. There is no restriction on the amount of programming features to be implemented in the system. Some of the more common programming features include fire door release, door access control override to assist in evacuation, time delay activation, phased evacuation for multi – level buildings, signaling to all other types of fire equipment such as sprinkler systems, monitoring station alert, and smoke damper shutdown, etc.
The wiring diagram of an addressable fire alarm system is displayed in the following figure.
Addressable fire alarm systems offer benefits in speed of detection, identification of the location of the fire and easier maintenance. The location of the fire alarm is automatically isolated in the building control panel, which enhances the response time of the system. Addressable building fire alarm systems also incorporate intelligent field devices that are more sensitive and accurate than most device in place today. For example, intelligent smoke detectors can distinguish between smoke and common causes of false alarms, such as dust. Therefore, false alarms have been reduced by more than 50 percent with the use of intelligent addressable systems. Addressable fire alarm system allow a single pair of wires to be used to connect up to 200 devices, which provides cost savings in the wiring of large systems.
Fire suppression and detection systems in today’s building are innovative and highly effective only if they are periodically inspected, tested and maintained. Those who own, manage , or are accountable for the building have joint responsibility. They can fulfill this responsibility by working closely with experts, including local fire departments, insurance risk control consultant, and engineers to make sure they are ready if and when a fire breaks out.
