10 Advantages
10 Advantages of Addressable Over Conventional
1. Reduced installation cost
Addressable technology allows the use of 2 wires instead
of 4. Furthermore,as addressable systems are wired in
a loop topology, less cabling is required when compared with
conventional systems. The result is a time and cost reduction.
2. Flexible wiring topology
Addressable systems offer the option between loop or bus
topology. This offers high flexibility to the installer in wiring
new systems and modifying or upgrading existing systems.
Input /Output modules can be located next to the device they
monitor or control resulting in a reduction of the wiring and
installation cost.
3. Better false alarm management
Detection algorithms are built in to the Tyco addressable panel
as standard to offer a high immunity to false alarms along with
a robust digital protocol to reduce the risk of electromagnetic
interference from external sources (for example, high
voltage cabling).
4. Early detection. Reduced damage
to property
Triple technology detectors are available in the FireClass
range. Three detection technologies in a single device means
early detection and higher protection for the property.
5. Pin point location of the fire
When a fire occurs, the system identifies the exact location.
This enables the local fire service to save time locating the fire
and extinguish it faster reducing damage to the property and
risk of loss of life.
6. Increased flexibility
Addressable technology allows complex cause and effect
programming to be implemented for any addressable point.
Detector settings can be programmed independently for any
device, increasing the flexibility of the system. Addressable
modules, designed for specific functions (e.g. door monitoring,
gas detection, etc.) are available in FireClass range.
7. Ease of use
Auto addressing, on screen help and a USB interface make the
FC501 even easier to be programmed and operated.
8. More effective maintenance
Precise location of faults, detectors dirtiness monitoring,
location of loop faults and single point disablement simplify
the maintenance of the system.
9. Increased reliability
Addressable technology provides increased reliability. Using
short circuit isolation it is possible to isolate a short circuit in
the loop, minimising the effects of a fault.
10. Remote control with graphic maps (via IP)
The addressable FC501 panel can be remotely controlled
and monitored via IP. This allows the user to monitor the
analogue values of smoke, temperature, CO at any point on
the system. The user can also be immediately informed about
any event and to silence/reset the panel from any location
in the world. The graphical map software provides a quick
and easy identification of the position where any fire, fault or
disablement occurs.
 Addressable System Myths Busted by the FC501
1. Addressable systems are expensive
The FC501 is one of the cheapest addressable panels in the
market, offering an unrivalled price. The reduction in the
wiring cost offsets the slightly higher product cost compared
with a conventional panel and brings an overall cost reduction
for a complete system.
2. Addressable systems are difficult
to program
Addressable systems can sometimes require complex
configuration. The FireClass FC501 has been designed to be
easily programmed in few quick steps. Auto addressing,
Intelli-zone mapping, USB interface and the ease of
configuring the panel via integrated keypad are only
some of the features that make FC501 one of the easiest
addressable panels in the market.The configuration software
is extraordinarily user friendly and provides a very nice
graphic interface.
“The Installer commented on the looks and ease of installation
of the panel praising it highly and the commissioning engineer
found it extremely easy to commission and program. All in all
the feedback was as positive as you can get.”
Mr. Brendan Stamp,
Managing Director, Guardian Fire & Security
3. Addressable systems require special tools
and a PC to configure the system
The FC501 is an “out of the box” panel, fully programmable via
the on-board keypad. Auto addressing programs all the loop
devices without need for an electronic hand held tool.
The USB interface allows the installer to configure the system
at the office and go to the site only with a USB memory stick.
4. Addressable systems are difficult to use
FireClass Console, the configuration software used by FC501
is extremely intuitive and user friendly. An on screen help
function guides installer and user step by step and a detailed
help function is available on the configuration software
as well. All loop devices manuals can be consulted during
programming phase by just clicking on the manual icon in
FireClass Console software.
5. Addressable systems have to have wiring
length and loop load calculation completed
This could actually be said for any system, addressable or
conventional.Generally, however, addressable systems
requiremore complex loop load calculation and length
calculations. The FC501 Software Console contains
a section that calculates automatically loop load and total load
according to the loop devices that are selected. A dedicated
utility will provide battery recharge time and will advise on the
battery size according to the stand-by hours selected or vice
versa. The installer can also create a database of preferred
cables for the loops wiring. When the loop length is entered,
the software suggests automatically the cable that should be
used. All these features are included in a single configuration
software package so that there will be no need to use more
than one software and to repeat data entry.