Conventional vs Addressable Fire Alarm Systems

What Are They?

Fire alarm systems are essential for ensuring the safety of buildings and occupants. In Malaysia, the two primary types of fire alarm systems commonly used are conventional and addressable. These systems fall into distinct categories, each designed to meet different building requirements. Conventional systems are ideal for smaller spaces with simpler layouts, as they indicate the zone where fire or smoke is detected. In contrast, addressable systems offer advanced monitoring and pinpoint accuracy, making them well-suited for larger, more complex buildings. Both systems provide unique advantages to meet specific safety needs.

What Are their Differences?

The main difference between conventional and addressable fire alarm systems is their ability to pinpoint the location of a fire. Another distinction is how the field devices communicate with the fire alarm panel. Addressable fire alarm systems provide a more advanced and precise detection method by identifying the exact device which alarms or triggers, hence providing the exact location.

Conventional Fire Alarm System

In a conventional fire alarm system, a building is divided into separate zones, each linked to a dedicated circuit from the main control panel. These circuits, called "radials," connect to various devices like smoke detectors, manual call points, and sounders. When a device detects smoke, heat, or is manually activated, it sets off the alarm for the entire zone. However, the system cannot determine the specific device that triggered the alarm. It only determines the zone or area where the fire or smoke occurred.

How a Conventional Fire Alarm System Works

Each radial circuit originates from the fire alarm control panel and extends outward to connected devices. If a fire is detected, the system identifies the affected zone. Conventional alarms cannot pinpoint the exact device or area as they can only identify the affected area or zone. Conventional fire alarm system is also typically more cost-effective than addressable fire alarm system, as well as provides easier installation. 

Addressable Fire Alarm System

Addressable alarm system is more technologically advanced, as devices such as smoke detectors and heat detectors have their own unique addresses for each activated unit, allowing precise location identification and enabling faster emergency response. This is crucial in a complex and huge buildings where more time is needed to reach the area where the alarm is triggered or the fire occurs.

How an Addressable Fire Alarm System Works

Addressable fire alarm systems interconnect detection and notification devices, linking them to a control panel through digital communication. Detection devices include smoke detectors and heat detectors, while notification devices are sirens or buzzers, strobe lights, voice evacuation system, as well as fire alarm control panel display. Each device has a unique address, enabling precise identification of the location of smoke or fire. This advanced communication method enhances reliability, improves response times, and significantly increases safety. Every device in an addressable system is connected and communicates continuously with each other and a central monitoring station.

Addressable fire alarm systems also provide detailed information, such as the density of smoke and heat intensity, through advanced sensors. This data helps firefighters and building personnel assess the level of danger more accurately, allowing them to make better-informed decisions on evacuation strategies and emergency response.

Devices in Conventional Fire Alarm Systems

• Smoke Detectors: Senses presence of smoke in the affected zone. 
• Heat Detectors: Detects changes in temperature, ideal for environments prone to natural dust or high humidity.  
• Manual Call Points: Allow manual alarm activation in emergencies. 
  
• Sounders/Buzzers: Audible alarm to signal and alert occupants.
  
• Strobe Lights: Provides visual alerts, this is for noisy environment.
  

Devices in Addressable Fire Alarm Systems

• Addressable Smoke Detectors: Advanced detection of presence of smoke in the affected zone. 
• Addressable Heat Detectors: Advanced detection of changes in temperature, usually for dusty or humid areas.  
• Manual Call Points: Each unit detects and gives information on precise location when activated. 
  
• Addressable Sounders/Buzzers: Able to program to have different alarm tones based on severity.
  
• Voice Evacuation System: Provides clear, audible instructions during emergencies, instead of just sounding a siren or alarm.
  

Snapshot Reads

• Conventional fire alarm system is suitable for smaller buildings, while addressable fire alarm system is suitable for big and complex buildings.
• Conventional fire alarm system determines the zone where the fire occurs, and addressable fire alarm system provides a more accurate and precise detail of the fire location, and where the alarm triggers.
• Conventional fire alarm system is typically more cost-effective than addressable fire alarm system. 

References

“Addressable or Conventional Fire Alarm System?” Protec Fire and Security Group Ltd, 15 July 2021, www.protec.co.uk/latest-news/addressable-or-conventional-fire-alarm-system/.

“How Do Fire Alarm Systems Work?” SMG Security, 17 Aug. 2023, www.smgsecurity.com/news/how-do-fire-alarm-systems-work/. Accessed 8 May 2025.

Reid, Judy, and Judy Reid. “Addressable vs. Conventional Fire Alarm Systems: Understanding the Importance, Benefits, and Usage in Malaysia.” KDU Management Development Centre (KMDC) - Professional Education & Training Provider, 12 July 2023, kmdc.com.my/addressable-vs-conventional-fire-alarm-systems-understanding-the-importance-benefits-and-usage-in-malaysia/. Accessed 9 May 2025.