Replacing existing conventional fire alarm panel with addressable type

[katwalatapan]

Hello,

I have a query concerning replacement of an existing conventional fire alarm system control panel with an addressable type. The existing building with conventional panel has conventional smoke detectors, pull stations, etc. and class B wiring. It is not possible to add additional zones in the panel because it is at capacity. Due to an additional renovation in the building it is required to add some additional fire detection devices and concerned zones.

As an alternative if we decide to consider an addressable panel, then we may have to change the wiring as well unless an addressable panel compatible with existing type of wiring is available. Also the conventional type smoke detectors, pull stations, would also have to be replaced.

I would appreciate your comments on the following queries:

1. Considering the above scenario, is it cost-effective to replace a conventional type fire alarm control panel with an addressable type?

2. Is it required to change the existing type of wiring and field devices to addressable type or are addressable panels available that may be compatible with the existing conventional type devices?

3. Does it have any monetary effect on annual maintenance and inspection if the panel is changed to an addressable type? Also does addressable panels have any proprietary protocols that limits maintenance and inspection to only few or single provider?

Thank you.

 

[jmbelectrical]

1. It can be, depending on which fire alarm control panel manufacturer you end up using (See #2 below).

2. This depends on the manufacturer. Silent Knight/Honeywell is one manufacturer that has no special cabling/conductor requirements. I know a few contractors who often reuse the existing wiring (Usually THHN in metallic conduit) when performing fire alarm system retrofits.

3. I would imagine that maintenance and inspection would be easier on an addressable system since each signaling line circuit device has its own unique identifier (A three digit number and room name) associated with it. Issues with proprietary protocols and maintenance stem from specific manufacturers. I've heard horror stories about Simplex, but have not had any experience with them first-hand.

 

[katwalatapan]

Thank you very much for the response.

Would existing signaling devices such as bells or peizo buzzers (in-suite) on conventional zones would have to be replaced with addressable ones, if a hybrid-addressable panel is installed?

 

[jmbelectrical]

Only certain devices are addressable: smoke detectors, heat detectors, manual pull stations, input monitoring modules (Used primarily on fire sprinkler flow switches, tamper switches, and interfacing with other fire suppression systems), relays (Used to control dampers, perform elevator recall/shutdown functions, etc.).

Notification devices, such as horns, horn/strobes, and strobes, are not addressable. The same notification device can often be installed in a conventional or addressable system.

Having said that, modern fire alarm control panels usually serve notification circuits at a voltage of 27.4V DC or FWR (Full-wave rectification). If your existing notification devices are designed to operate at a different voltage, then they'll require replacement.