The “brain” of the system. Receives signals from detectors, decides alarms, drives outputs (sounders, relays), logs events and communicates with BMS or monitoring. Choose addressable for precise location reporting.
Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) — Conventional
A remote display (LED/map) that shows alarms & zones at a reception/security desk. Lets staff quickly see where the alarm came from.
Special panel that controls releasing clean-agent (FM-200/Novec/CO₂) or flooding agents. Handles countdown, abort, and interlocks to ventilation and access doors.
Detection & initiation devices
Detect smoke particles. Photoelectric = good for smoldering fires; ionization = fast flaming fires; multi-sensor combines heat+smoke; aspirating (VESDA) pipes air continuously and detects very early.
Note: Aspirating systems are used in data centres / clean rooms for earliest possible detection.
Heat Detectors (Fixed-temp & Rate-of-Rise / Combination)
Detect high temperature or rapid temp rise; used where smoke detectors give false alarms (kitchens, dusty areas).
Manual Call Point (Break Glass / Push Button / Addressable MCP)
Human-operated alarm initiator (break glass). Usually mounted near exits and lift lobbies.
Beam Detectors
For large open areas (warehouses) — a transmitter/receiver pair that detects smoke across long distances.
Linear Heat Cable / Linear Heat Detector
A cable that senses temperature along its length — good for conveyors, cable trays, tunnels.
Flame Detectors (IR/UV/IR-UV combo)
For high-risk areas (hydrocarbon fires, fuel storage) detect flame signatures quickly.
Gas Detection Sensors (Combustible / Toxic / O₂ sensors)
Detect presence of flammable or toxic gases (for plant rooms, engine rooms) and interface with FACP or control systems.
Notification & evacuation
- Sounders / Sirens / Hooter (with/without strobe)
Audible alarm devices to warn occupants. Different tones for evacuation vs alert. Volume measured in dB(A).
Visual Indicators / Strobe Lights / Beacon
Flashing lights for deaf/HOH persons and noisy environments.
Voice Evacuation / Emergency Voice Alarm (EVAC) System
A voice system that plays prerecorded evacuation instructions and live voice announcements, often higher priority than simple sounders. Usually includes microphone console and amplifier(s).
Evacuation Control Panel / Emergency Microphone
Allows live paging and pre-recorded message selection for staged evacuation.
Fire suppression / sprinkler system components
- Sprinkler Heads
The pressure-activated nozzles installed on sprinkler networks that activate individually when their temperature rating is reached.
Sprinkler Heads
The pressure-activated nozzles installed on sprinkler networks that activate individually when their temperature rating is reached.
Wet / Dry / Pre-action / Deluge Valves (and Valve Supervisory Switches)
Valves that control water flow into the sprinkler network. Pre-action/deluge are used with special detection sequences (e.g., to avoid accidental discharge).
Sprinkler Pump Set (Fire Pump) — Electric + Diesel + Jockey Pump + Pump Controller (ATS/VFD optional)
Provides required pressure & flow to sprinklers/hydrants. Jockey pump maintains pressure, diesel provides backup during power loss, controllers handle sequencing and auto start.
Pressure Switch / Flow Switch / Pressure Gauge / Flow Meter
Detect water flow (sprinkler activation) and pressure change to generate alarm and to supervise pump operation.
Fire Hydrants / Hose Reels / Landing Valves / Hydrant Cabinets
External/internal hydrant points with hoses for firefighters and staff.
Fire Department Inlet (FDI) / Siamese Connector
Enables fire brigade to pump water into the building system.
Extinguishing systems (gaseous / clean agent / foam)
- Clean Agent Cylinders (FM-200 / Novec 1230 / Inergen)
Cylinders and piping that store and discharge gas for extinguishing in protected rooms (server rooms). Controlled by release panel with time delay & abort switch.
CO₂ Flooding System
For industrial areas (not occupied during discharge). Requires safety interlocks and ventilation shutdown.
Foam Proportioning System + Foam Tank / Skid
For flammable liquid hazards (fuel depots). Mixes foam concentrate with water and injects to nozzles/monitors.
- Nozzles / Discharge Fittings / Piping for Agent Distribution
Designed to distribute suppressant evenly and reach all protected zones.
Interface, relays & I/O modules
- Relay Modules / Output Modules
Allow the fire panel to switch external devices: fans, dampers, elevator recall, door release, gas shutoff, starter for pumps, etc.
Input Monitoring Modules (Tamper / Supervisory / Zone Interface)
Accept dry contacts from third-party systems (e.g., sprinkler valve tamper switches, door contacts) and report to FACP.