Guide · Fire alarms
Addressable vs Conventional Fire Alarms
Both detect fire and sound the alarm. The difference is how much the panel can tell you about where.
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Conventional systems
A conventional system divides the building into zones. Each zone has several detectors on one circuit. When one activates, the panel shows which zone is in alarm, but not which detector.
- Lower equipment cost
- Simple to install and understand
- Suits small and medium premises with a few zones
Addressable systems
On an addressable system each detector and call point has its own address on a loop, so the panel identifies the exact device that has activated or developed a fault.
- Pinpoints the device, which helps larger buildings respond faster
- Easier fault finding and reporting
- More flexible to extend
- Higher cost, usually worth it in larger or more complex buildings
Which to choose
As a general rule, small shops, offices and holiday lets are well served by a conventional system, while larger premises, hotels, multi-tenant buildings and sites with many rooms benefit from addressable. We recommend on the survey, based on the building and the risk assessment. A third option, wireless, suits buildings where cabling is difficult.
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Questions we get asked
Before you call.
Is addressable always better?
It gives more information, but a conventional system is perfectly adequate for many smaller premises.
Can I upgrade later?
Often, but not always without replacing the panel. It is worth thinking about future extensions at the start.
Is addressable more expensive?
Equipment costs more, but fault finding and extensions can be quicker and cheaper over the life of the system.
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