What Are The Types Of Wired Fire Alarm System Explain

The saying goes, "A stitch in time saves nine," and in no scenario is this truer than with fire emergencies. The often irreversible damages caused by fire disasters highlight the pressing necessity for effective early warning systems. This is where wired fire alarm systems play an invaluable role. These systems offer reliable and immediate alerts about potential fire threats, providing enough time to take remedial actions. As technological advancements continue, different types of wired fire alarm systems have come to the forefront. This article will delve into the various wired fire alarm systems, their working principles, and their suitability in different applications.

Different Types of Wired Fire Alarm Systems

The various types of wired fire alarm systems primarily differ in their alarm triggering mechanisms, system complexity, installation methods, and the degree of information they provide. Here's a closer look at the different types:

Conventional Wired Fire Alarm Systems

Conventional wired fire alarm systems, also known as zone-based systems, are the simplest and most economical wired alarm options. In these systems, various detection devices like heat and smoke detectors are wired into separate zones on a central control panel. When a detector in a specific zone is triggered, the control panel indicates the zone of the fire event. However, it doesn't specify the exact location of the fire within that zone.

Conventional wired systems are ideally suited for smaller properties or buildings split into distinct zones. These systems are user-friendly to install, troubleshoot, and maintain, making them an appealing choice for small-scale applications with limited budgets.

Addressable Wired Fire Alarm Systems

Addressable systems grant a unique identifier or 'address' to each detector and manual call point in the system. This means that the control panel doesn't merely indicate the zone of a fire event; it highlights the exact device that triggered the alarm. With this more accurate pinpointing of the alert source, addressable systems facilitate faster response and evacuation times.

Addressable fire alarm systems tend to be costlier than conventional systems. However, their precision, system flexibility, and limitless configurability offset the higher cost, making them suitable for larger, more complex buildings and high-risk locations.

Two-Wire (Twinflex) Wired Fire Alarm Systems

Two-wire fire alarm systems, also known as Twinflex systems, are a hybrid of conventional and addressable systems. They use the same wire for both power and data transmission, allowing an entire zone's devices to be wired on a single loop.

Their primary advantage is cost savings from fewer cabling requirements. What's more, Twinflex systems offer a larger zone capacity than conventional systems and the device pinpointing capability of addressable systems. Hence, they are an attractive choice for medium-sized properties and ones that anticipate future expansion.

Analogue Addressable Wired Fire Alarm Systems

Also known as intelligent alarm systems, these are the most advanced types of wired fire alarm systems. They allow two-way communication between the control panel and each device. They continuously monitor and assess the environment, using sophisticated algorithms to determine the difference between a real fire event and a false alarm.

Analogue Addressable Wired systems are the most expensive type of fire alarms. Still, they offer significant advantages, including prevention of false alarms, environmental analysis, and diagnostics reporting. This makes them ideal for large commercial and industrial premises where fire risks are high, such as factories, hospitals, and high-rise buildings.

Choosing the Right Wired Fire Alarm System

When deciding on the suitable wired fire alarm system, factors such as the size and complexity of the building, the budget, and the level of fire threat should be considered. All types mentioned have their advantages and are designed to cater to specific needs, thus a careful analysis is necessary. Consulting with a professional fire alarm installation company can provide expert advice to help you make the best decision.

Conclusion

Wired fire alarm systems are an integral part of a robust fire safety strategy. Understanding the different types of systems - from conventional and addressable to two-wire and analogue addressable - can aid in selecting the most apt system for different settings. While each system has its advantages and unique features, the common thread uniting them is their unrivalled necessity in safeguarding lives, properties, and assets against the devastating impacts of fire.