Smart Buildings Systems for Architects, Owners and Builders

to ensure proper system operation. Most alarm system devices must be cabled
so that there is a redundant wiring path from the control panel to ensure that
the device will function in the event that the cabling is damaged. Survivability
is critical.
Cabling between control panels may be standard structured cable, such as
twisted pair or fiber optic, allowing the parts of the fire alarm system to use
the same structured cable infrastructure that is used by other smart building
systems.
The communications protocols used by major fire alarm systems manu-
facturers typically conform to a BAS protocol such as BACnet or LonTalk
while some have introduced use of the IP protocol between major components
(Fig. 9.1).

Heat Detectors

Smoke Detectors

Fire Alarm

Control Panel

Connections to

Other Systems

and LAN

Power and

Emergency Power

Initiating Devices Indicating Devices

Water Flow

Switches

Manual Fire Alarm

Zone

1

Zone

2

Zone

3

Annunciator

Horns

Bells

Chimes

Flashing

Lights

HD

SD

FIRE

HD

SD

FIRE

HD

SD

FIRE

Figure 9.1 Basic fire alarm system.

Fire Alarm and Mass Notification Systems 105