Fire Alarm Systems Conventional

A conventional fire alarm system is a traditional fire detection solution widely used in buildings where simplicity and cost-effectiveness are priorities. Here are the key aspects of conventional fire alarm systems:

Zone-Based Detection: The protected area is divided into zones, with each zone typically covering a specific floor or section. All initiating devices (like smoke or heat detectors and manual call points) within a zone are connected in parallel and wired back to a central control panel. When an alarm is initiated, the panel shows which zone is in alarm but not the precise device or location.

Core Components

• Fire Alarm Control Panel: The main ‘brain’ of the system, monitoring all zones for alarms and faults.
• Initiating Devices: These include smoke detectors, heat detectors, and manual call points, set up to signal when they detect smoke, heat, or are manually activated.
• Notification Devices: Sounders and strobes alert occupants during an emergency, and some systems include interfaces for auxiliary functions (e.g., controlling fire doors).
• Operation Principle: When a detector senses smoke or heat above a set threshold, it increases current on its zone circuit, triggering an alarm at the control panel and activating notification devices. The system’s zone indicator helps responders identify the affected general area.

Typical Applications

• Small to medium buildings, such as offices, retail shops, residential blocks, schools, and warehouses.
• Buildings with simple layouts where a few zones can adequately cover the entire area.

Advantages

• Lower equipment costs compared to addressable systems.
• Simple installation and maintenance, with wide compatibility across device brands.
• Reliability—robust and proven technology for basic fire safety.