Fire Alarm Terms and Definitions(Rev. a)

7/26/2019 Fire Alarm Terms and Definitions(Rev. a)

1/5

Common Fire Alarm Terms and Definitions

AcknowledgeTo confirm that a message or signal has been received, such as by thepressing of a button or the selection of a software command.Note:Term is often abbreviated/displayed as Ack.

Addressable Control DeviceA signaling system output device that, when operating with a compatiblecontrol unit, is used to control individual preselected electrical circuits suchas audible or visible alarm signaling appliances, fan circuits, and doorrelease circuits.

Addressable DeviceA fire alarm system component with discrete identification that can have itsstatus individually identified or that is used to individually control otherfunctions.

Addressable Initiating DeviceA signaling system data input device that, when communicating with acompatible control unit, can have its status individually identified by thecontrol unit.

Alarm Indicating ApplianceAn appliance that produces an audible or visible alarm signal, or both, inresponse to a fire emergency.

Alarm Initiating Device

A device which, when actuated initiates an alarm. Such devices,depending on their type, can be operated manually or actuatedautomatically in response to smoke, flame, heat, or water flow.!amples include pull stations, smoke sensors, and heat sensors.

Alarm SilencedA visual indicator showing that the audible signals are now "uiet.

Alarm Verification FeatureA feature of automatic fire detection and alarm systems to reduce

unwanted alarmsfor smoke detectors/sensors only. The first device

(detector/sensor) that activates is ignored for 30 seconds (verification

started). If a second device is activated during the ignore time, an alarm is

initiated. If the 30 second ignore timer expires without a second device

activating the system is reset. If after the reset the same device (or any

other device) is still activated an alarm is initiated. Once the verification

process has started it cannot be started again for 120 seconds.

#


2/5

Analog Initiating Device Sensor!An initiating device that, when used with a compatible control unit,transmits a signal that permits a system to measure how much ofsomething e!ists at the initiating device location as contrasted with theconventional initiating device which can only indicate an $%/$&& signal.

AnnunciatorA unit containing two or more indicator lamps, alpha'numeric displays, orother e"uivalent means in which each indication identifies the circuit, orlocation.

A"#Authority "aving #urisdiction ( responsible for enforcing codes andstandards. Note: The A)* is often the residing &ire +hief.

Class A

A circuit with a redundant return path. very device must continue tooperate with a single open or ground present within the circuit.

Class $A circuit that does not have a redundant return path. f an open occurs, alldevices beyond the break will not operate.

Class %An S-+ circuit with a redundant return path. very device must continueto operate with a single open, a single ground, or a single wire'to'wireshort.

FAC&Fire Alarm Control &anel. A device with the control circuits necessary to# furnish power to a fire alarm system0 1 receive signals from alarminitiating devices and transmit them to audible and visual alarm indicatingappliances and accessory e"uipment0 and 2 electrically monitoring thesystem installation wiring and power.

'eneral AlarmAny nitiating 3evice pull station or smoke sensor that activates turnson all %A+s horns, strobes, and speakers and relays.

IA(Individual Addressable (odule. A device that makes a singleconventional device e.g., a 144 degree heat detector a point on anaddressable system 5A6%T or 3%et.

IDCInitiating Device Circuit sometimes called a 7one containing pull stationsand smoke sensors.

1


3/5

IDNetIndividual'Device N)Twork. An S-+ that supports up to 184 addressabledevices.

IsolatorA device that provides separation of shorted wiring and allows other

devices to continue to operate. solators are available for 5A6%T,3%et, power and TrueAlert S-+.

(A&N)T(ulti'Application &eripheral N)Twork. An S-+ that supports up to #19addressable devices.

(cCullo* +oopvery device must work with a single open or ground see +lass A,Style 3, Style :, or Style ;.

(iniple,A


4/5

SilenceAlarm Signal 3eactivation. A means for turning $&& activated alarmnotification appliances. This may silence audible devices and turn $&&visual devices.

S+C

Signaling -ine +ircuit. A circuit that provides power and data over thesame wires.

St/le $nitiating circuit. See +lass >.

St/le Dnitiating circuit. See +lass A.

St/le 0ndicating circuit. See +lass >.

St/le 1ndicating circuit. See +lass A.

St/le 2An S-+ circuit. See +lass >.

St/le 3An S-+ circuit. See +lass A.

St/le 4An S-+ circuit. See +lass .

SupervisionSupervision is to ensure that the field wiring has not been compromised.+onventional circuits use an end of line resistor where S-+ circuits usecommunications with the devices to accomplish the task of ensuring thatthe wiring is intact.

Transponder=sed in a distributed system architecture where all cards are not at onelocation. Signals and wiring are gathered at the transponder and thenmultiple!ed via an ?= communications line that connects to the mainpanel.

T5TapA method of wiring where two or more branch circuits may be wired fromthe main circuit. This method of wiring is only allowed for addressablesystems as T'Tap wiring on a conventional system would compromise thesupervision. TA6 is not allowed on a +lass A circuit.


5/5

6alkTest

A test mode the panel may be put into. This test mode allows one person

to test the system. WalkTest choices are: mode ON/OFF, Log/No Log,

Signal On/Silence, and Print/ No Print

1A(

1one Adapter (odule. Takes a conventional circuit e.g., 3+ circuit andmakes it a point on an addressable system.

8

Documents

Fire Alarm Terms and Definitions(Rev. a)