Fire and Security Alarm Systems
Fire and Security Alarm Systems have a different purpose.
Both fire and burglary systems can enunciate an alarm, activate a strobe light, and call the monitoring station.
Commercial fire alarm systems that transmit fire alarms signals typically don’t monitor for medical or burglary alarms. Fire alarm systems are designed for a specific purpose. They monitor input devices like smoke detectors, pull stations, duct detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors. When these input devices are violated, a fire alarm system will energize sirens and visual output devices known as “notification appliances” and call the monitoring station.
Residential alarms can monitor burglary, medical, and fire related devices. The input devices are assigned to zones. When a zone is violated, the alarm system knows what devices have been tripped. Although a smoke or carbon monoxide detector can be connected to a burglar alarm system, they are not considered fire alarm systems. They can not be used in commercial properties as a replacement for a fire alarm system. Fire system control panels and their power supplies are usually indicated in red.
