Types of Fire Alarm Systems: Addressable vs Conventional | Queen

There are two main types of fire alarm systems, each suited to a different use. Choosing the right one saves cost and improves protection.

Conventional system

Divides the building into zones and suits small to medium buildings at an economical cost.

• Lower cost
• Good for smaller spaces
• Identifies the zone, not the exact point

Addressable system

Gives each detector an address to pinpoint the fire location; ideal for large facilities, factories and towers.

• Pinpoints the fire location
• Ideal for large facilities
• Flexible for expansion and maintenance

FAQ

Which suits my factory?

Large facilities usually prefer addressable systems for precision; Queen determines the best fit after a survey.

The main types, and where each fits

Choosing fire alarm systems starts with knowing the types rather than the brands. Each type was designed for a different situation, and matching the type to the situation matters more than the price. The wrong type in the wrong place is behind most systems that disappoint — not weak hardware.

The main types, and where each fits

Choosing fire alarm systems starts with knowing the types rather than the brands. Each type was designed for a different situation, and matching the type to the situation matters more than the price. The wrong type in the wrong place is behind most systems that disappoint — not weak hardware.

Before you decide

Ask for a survey before a price — a number given over the phone is a guess that changes on site. For this system in particular, confirm the design will pass Civil Defence inspection and that fire-rated cable is quoted, not ordinary cable substituted to cut the price. And ask what happens the day something fails: who responds, how fast, and whether the handover left you the documentation to let anyone service the system.