Intelligent Addressable Fire Alarm Control System (IAFACS)
System Overview
Unlike conventional systems that detect alarms by zones, addressable systems identify the exact device (smoke detector, heat detector, or call point) that has triggered an alarm enabling faster response simplified maintenance and superior reliability.
Each device in the system has a unique digital address (ID) that allows the Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) to communicate, monitor, and control the status of every device individually in real time.
The IAFACS is ideal for large commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings such as airports, hospitals, high-rise towers, shopping malls, educational campuses, and data centers.
System Operation
The Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) continuously polls each device to verify its status (Normal, Alarm, Fault, or Pre-Alarm).
In the event of fire detection (by smoke, heat, or manual activation), the specific device address and location are displayed on the control panel LCD.
The panel then activates programmed responses such as audible/visual alarms, fire suppression release, or building management system (BMS) notifications.
Continuous self-monitoring ensures line integrity and fault reporting for open or short circuits.
System Architecture
Each loop supports a large number of devices (commonly 125–250 per loop, depending on the manufacturer).
The system can operate as:
System Components
|
Component |
Description |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Intelligent Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) |
Microprocessor-based control unit that communicates with all devices, processes events, displays device information, and controls alarm and auxiliary outputs. |
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Intelligent Smoke Detectors |
Photoelectric or multi-criteria sensors that detect smoke particles and transmit data to the panel for analysis. |
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|
Intelligent Heat Detectors |
Fixed-temperature or rate-of-rise type, programmable via software for sensitivity levels. |
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|
Manual Call Points (Addressable MCPs) |
Break-glass or resettable units with unique addresses for manual activation. |
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|
Sounder / Strobe / Beacon (Addressable or Loop-powered) |
Audible and visual alarm notification devices, individually controllable by the FACP. |
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Input/Output Modules |
Interface devices used to monitor and control external systems (e.g., sprinklers, elevators, ventilation, suppression release). |
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Loop Isolator Modules |
Protect the loop from total failure by isolating short-circuit faults automatically. |
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Power Supply and Battery Backup |
24V DC output with automatic charging, sufficient for 24 hours standby + 30 minutes alarm operation. |
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System Features
- Intelligent device communication– each device has a unique address for identification.
- Automatic and manual addressing options for easy commissioning.
- High-speed digital communication protocol ensuring fast response.
- LCD/Touch screen display for event details, location text, and system status.
- Event memory for logging up to 10,000+ historical events (Alarm, Fault, Test, Disable).
- Programmable cause-and-effect logic for customized alarm responses.
- Day/Night sensitivity modes for adaptive detection.
- Maintenance alert feature for dirty or degraded detectors.
- Built-in diagnostics and self-testing.
- Networking capability for multi-panel and multi-building systems.
- Graphic Monitoring Software (optional) for PC-based visualization, control, and reporting.
- Integration-ready – supports Modbus, BACnet, or proprietary interfaces for BMS and third-party systems.
Technical Specifications
|
Parameter |
Typical Specification |
|
|---|---|---|
|
System Type |
Intelligent Addressable, Loop-based |
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|
Loop Capacity |
125–250 devices per loop (depending on manufacturer) |
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|
Number of Loops per Panel |
1–8 loops (expandable) |
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Loop Voltage |
24V DC nominal |
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Loop Wiring |
2-core, twisted, shielded cable |
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Display |
4-line LCD / Touchscreen with LED indicators |
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Event Log |
Minimum 10,000 events |
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Power Supply |
220–240V AC, 50/60Hz input |
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Battery Backup |
24V sealed lead-acid battery |
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Communication Protocol |
Digital proprietary / open protocol |
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Network Connectivity |
RS-485 / Ethernet / Fiber optic |
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Alarm Outputs |
Programmable relays (Fire, Fault, Supervisory) |
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Operating Temperature |
0°C to 55°C |
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Relative Humidity |
Up to 95%, non-condensing |
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Compliance |
EN 54-2, EN 54-4, UL 864, LPCB Certified |
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Advantages
- Accurate fire location — identifies exact device and location of alarm.
- Reduced false alarms — intelligent discrimination between smoke, dust, and steam.
- Flexible system design — supports complex cause-and-effect programming.
- Scalable architecture — from single buildings to campus-wide networks.
- Easy maintenance — remote device diagnostics and event logging.
- Lower total cost of ownership — reduced wiring, faster commissioning.
- Seamless integration — compatible with suppression, HVAC, and access control systems.
Typical Applications
- Airports and transportation terminals
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Data centers and control rooms
- Industrial complexes and refineries
- Commercial towers and shopping malls
- Educational institutions and laboratories
- Hotels and residential high-rises
- Government and defense facilities
Standards and Compliance
The Intelligent Addressable Fire Alarm Control System and its components are designed and certified in accordance with:
EN 54-2
Fire detection and alarm systems: Control and indicating equipment
EN 54-4
Power supply equipment
UL 864
Control Units and Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems
NFPA 72
National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
BS 5839 Part 1
Fire detection and alarm systems for buildings
