Fire detection and emergency lighting engineers, ADS Group
Conventional systems
Devices are wired into zones and the panel shows which zone has activated. Someone then searches that zone to find the source. Practical in small, simple buildings where a zone is a small area.
Addressable systems
Each device has its own identity, so the panel names the exact device in alarm or in fault. That speeds up response and fault-finding considerably, and it is the usual choice for larger or multi-storey premises.
Wireless and hybrid systems
Radio-linked devices avoid extensive cabling. That matters in heritage buildings, occupied premises and phased works. Hybrid designs combine a wired loop with wireless spurs where cabling is difficult.
Wireless systems are designed and certified to the same standard as wired systems; they are not a lesser option, they are a different installation method.
How to choose
The decision is made at survey, against the building size, layout, occupancy and how disruptive cabling would be. A survey should produce a recommendation with reasons, not just a price.
References
- National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), Publisher of I.S. 3218, which governs all three system types.
This guide summarises publicly available information. It is general information, not legal advice, and it does not reproduce the text of any standard. For your own building, request a survey.