ADDRESSABLE vs CONVENTIONAL

Fire alarm systems generally fall into one of two categories; addressable and conventional. Addressable systems, also known as intelligent systems, enable each and every initiating device (smokes, heats, pulls, etc.), to have an individual address, or zone identifier. This is most beneficial for servicing the system. If a detector is faulty, the technician knows exactly which device is at fault. Other benefits include less cabling for the installer. The addressable devices all connect to a single loop that runs through the premises. Different types of devices can hang on the same loop. Conventional systems are set with a certain number of zones that are hardwired to the control panel or zone expander. Smoke detectors must be run on a separate zone from pull stations, etc. There may be a dozen detectors on a single zone and if one is faulty, the technician is tasked with finding which one. More cable is required because instead of having multiple device types wired to the same loop, a separate cable run for each type of device is required for these conventional system