SDM - May 2008 - (Page 70)

FIRE ALARM ADDRESSABLES New modules make panels such as this one from Potter Electric Signal easier to install and troubleshoot. is synchronization to meet requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). “NACs [notification appliance circuits] can drive synchronized strobes,” Eisner says. “ADA buildings require strobes to all flash at the same rate, and many addressable panels include those protocols.” Frankenberg adds that more manufacturers are including synchronization protocols, which makes them easier to install. Maintenance also can be smoother using addressable technology. “In general, addressables are easier to troubleshoot,” Eisner maintains. “The addressable gets you indications of wiring or device faults down to the point, whereas conventional is just j down to the zone.” Features like a two-line display indicating the source of a signal, such as ‘Kitchen on 4th floor,’ are available in less expensive panels, she points out. “It was often lengthy and tedious to maintain conventional systems,” Frankenberg says. “You didn’t necessarily know where a wire ran.” SMARTER SYSTEMS One of the features making servicing and installing smarter is the integration of IP features into addressable systems. “Something that is getting a lot of attention lately is IP DACTs [digital alarm communicator transmitters],” Frankenberg says. “It has to do with the reporting, how the panel communicates with the outside world. “With the IP DACT, there is less cost for the installer to run phone lines,” Frankenberg asserts. “For long-term use on the end-user side, monthly charges are reduced, which makes an easier sale for the installer.” Laskoski notes that IP is being incorporated in newer panels. “That is becoming a trend, with smarter panels,” he says. “You might be able to take one device off the system and it will recognize that particular device. It is that continued intelligence and smarts that will further the trend to the IP networking world.” PHOTO COURTESY OF POTTER ELECTRIC SIGNAL This has been an expectation at the high end of the market for a while. “There, IP is well-used,” Laskoski says of the high-end. “But what we are seeing is similar addressables replacing conventionals at the lower end. If we were to have this discussion two or three years from now, it would be all about smaller addressable networks in the marketplace.” IP systems make installation and maintenance even more seamless. “On the installation side, it allows programming remotely, which means much faster uploading on the job site,” Laskoski says. “On the servicing side, it means the ability to get more information faster from the panel. If you can get a lot of information remotely, you can arrive onsite with the correct part in hand. There is a much greater ability to do diagnostics.” Another advantage to these communications options is they allow more constant and reliable contact with central monitoring stations, Eisner says. “With the addressable system, since you know the exact point, that information can be sent to the central monitoring system,” she notes. “Panels in general are going to be more connected with central monitoring going forward.” WHAT’S NEXT? Smaller and smaller applications will become the norm, and the increasing march of Internet-based features can only benefit the fire industry. “Our view is that the current bunch of conventional panels being launched will probably be the last round of new conventional panels to ever hit the marketplace,” Laskoski maintains. “There will be this continued trend towards addressable panels in smaller and smaller applications. And they will continue to get smarter, especially on the installation side. “I think anyone that is a major player will have entry level addressables,” he continues. “You will see less and less conventional systems. And I wouldn’t be surprised if you don’t start to see smaller and smaller networked systems. That is the next trend in addressables.” Frankenberg thinks the Internet is the next big thing. “We are just beginning to broach the idea of the Internet interfacing with addressables,” Frankenberg declares. “The fire alarm industry is slow to change, but as more manufacturers start to break that ice, we will see an increasing ability to look at these systems online and track what is going on that way. It is just getting better and better.” ■ 70 May 2008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of SDM - May 2008

SDM - May 2008 Contents Editor’s Angle Exclusive ISC West Coverage Stanley Convergent’s Newest Acquisition Cisco Introduces New IP Cameras, Expands Physical Security Solution Portfolio Ionit Technologies Partners with Walgreens; Places DVR Systems in Stores Nationwide Pennsylvania-Based Security System Providers Merge Custom Home Electronics Distributor Inks Distribution Agreement Security and the Law Integration Intelligence 18th Annual SDM 100: Double Digits Fire Systems: State of the Market Addressable Fire Control Systems Storage: Where Can We Put All This? Central Station Managed Access Technology at Work 5-Minute Tech Quiz Technology Solutions & Skills Security NetWorkings SDM Marketplace Classifieds

SDM - May 2008

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