A Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP), or Fire Alarm Control Unit (FACU), is the controlling

component of a fire alarm System. The panel receives information from sensors designed to detect
changes associated with fire, provides automatic control of equipment, and transmission of
information necessary to prepare the facility for fire based on a predetermined sequence. The panel
may also supply electrical energy to operate any associated sensor, control, transmitter, or relay.

Fire Alarm Control Panels

Fire alarm control panels (FACPs) relay fire detection and response communications between detectors,
alarms, suppression systems, and monitoring stations.
Traditional FACPs are hardwired to each device in the system. The panel recognizes when the current or
resistance on a circuit increases from the activation of a detection appliance, such as a smoke, heat, or
flame detector or a manual call station. Wireless panels and accompanying devices are radio-linked.
A panel accordingly triggers visual, auditory, and occasionally other types of notification devices to alert
inhabitants of an emergency situation; this most often results in the building's evacuation. Important and
invaluable structures will have a fire suppression system consisting of water sprinklers, dry or
wet chemical dispersal systems, or a gas blanketing system. Simultaneously the panel informs a
monitoring center of the alarm status and individuals at the receiving location determine ensuing
procedures. The panel can also control HVAC systems, building automation controllers, access points,
and elevators to isolate the fire or route personnel during an emergency.

Components
Interface: Provides keys so operators can input commands to the FACP, often in response to updates
supplied by an integral display.
Battery: Used as a short-term power supply in the event the main power supply is interrupted.
SLC loops: Provides communication to addressable input and output alarm appliances.
Notification appliance circuits (NACs): Circuits explicitly used to initiate auditory and visual alarms.
Relays: Typically used to interface the FACP with other building systems, but can also be used to link
appliances.
Phone jacks: Links the FACP to a digital communicator which will sever all phone connections not
related to the FACP.
Power conditioner: Protects the FACP from electrical surges, spikes, sags, over-voltages, brownouts,
and electrical noise.
Cabinet: This mounted, metal casing shields internal components but typically allows access to the
display, and possibly the keypad. The cabinet is easy to visually identify and protects the FACP from
tampering and mild environmental threats (dust, moisture, etc.).
Main circuit board: Consists of the FACP's microprocessor, power supply, primary components, and
wiring connections.

The following fire alarm system components are typically linked to a fire alarm control panel via
SLC loops, NACs, and relays: detectors; heat; smoke detectors (ionization, photoelectric, etc.); CO
detectors; fire sprinklers; radio repeaters; signal translators; node panels; and fire suppression
systems. Emergency call systems are usually hardwired via phone lines.

Modern FACPs are distinguished by how fire alarm devices are wired to the
panel, which also indicates how the panel identifies the location of a fire.

Addressable FACPs
This type of FACP terminal pinpoints which component or components of the fire alarm system have
been activated, significantly narrowing the probable location of the fire and providing responders a better
chance to extinguish the fire before it spreads. Addressable FACPs connect all system appliances using
a signaling line circuit with both ends terminating at the panel. It is more reliable than a conventional
FACP due to the fact that if one side of the wire is severed, loop isolation modules ensure the device can
communicate with the control panel. Addressable FACPs are more expensive but are easier to install,
and their complete versatility may prove efficient in the long run, especially for medium- to large-sized
buildings.

Wireless FACPs
Wireless FACPs are short range devices that are a common, modern, and credible alternative to
hardwired FACPs. Panel and appliances communicate at a low transmission power level in accordance
with legislation. This communication can be unidirectional (transmitterreceiver) or bidirectional
(transceiver). System appliances are typically battery powered, and there is a low chance FACPs will
create or receive RF interference. The most common modulation schemes and data transmission
protocols are amplitude shift keying (ASK), frequency modulation (FM), and frequency shift keying (FSK).
Wireless detection and alarm devices have a maximum range of 250 m, but signal repeaters, networked
panels, and additional nodes extend this matrix. Several hundred devices can be uniquely identified by
some wireless FACPs.

Conventional FACPs
Also known as collective FACPs, this type of control panel sections the structure into zones. Each zone
has devices wired in parallel, and therefore the panel serves to identify which zone of detection
equipment has been triggered; the panel only displays the alarm or fault status of the circuit, but this type
of protection is usually sufficient for smaller-sized buildings. Since each zone is individually wired to the
panel, if the circuit is broken integrated devices will become unresponsive. Conventional FACPs have
less capital expense than the addressable variety, but have longer and more costly installations.

Networking
The principle of networking involves connecting several panels together to form a system. Inputs on
one panel may activate outputs on another, for example, or the network may allow monitoring of
many systems. Networking is often used in situations where one panel is not large enough, or in
multiple-building situations. Networking is also an effective way to decouple systems to reduce the
risk of a large portion of a facility going offline at any time due to system failure or maintenance
requirements. Sub-Networks can be created using either hardware or software architectures.
Networked systems normally are more costly and involve additional training and system
configuration for successful implementation.
Large buildings and campuses are best protected by multiple panels that have been linked within a local
area network and communicate via a proprietary protocol (BACnet, Arcnet, etc.). All integrated detection
systems can be addressed and monitored from a single panel or monitoring station. The redundancy
prevents system downtime from failures or maintenance. Network hierarchies determine which panel has
priority during an alarm.
Wireless panels are often linked via mesh networking, a system where each appliance is outfitted with a
transceiver and can communicate with other local devices. This is useful in complex, large, and
unpredictable environments. Hardwired panel networks must determine with which layout topography to
wire panels.

Monitoring
An essential component to most commercial, networked, or large-scale FACPs is a centralized
monitoring station where the FACP reports its operational status. This station can be an on-campus
security or management office; a contracted third-party monitoring center; or, rarely, municipal emergency
services. Furthermore, the panel can be operated from this remote location. This operational redundancy
ensures that the alarm panel can be addressed even if inaccessible due to smoke or flames, and that
appropriate individuals are notified. Older-style FACPs and those located in rural settings typically link to
control centers via POTS (plain old telephone service). More recent FACPs link via web access, cellular
networks, or RF transmission.

Standards
Local and regional governments often adopt codes that have been outlined by trade and standards
organizations as official policy, such as the International Building Code or National Building Code of
Canada. Fire alarms and associated instruments are typically regulated by a specialized body or panel,
and the aforementioned codes utilize National Fire Protection Association 72. Underwriters Laboratories
evaluates fire alarm products and records conclusions in an effort to provide code-making bodies with the
most relevant and up-to-date data regarding life safety code.
As a result, there are several important documents to reference when considering fire alarm control
panels, and they have been listed according to priority.
- International Building Code Dominant building code in the United States
- National Building Code of Canada Construction regulations in Canada
- Approved Document B Fire safety regulations for buildings in England, Wales
- NFPA 72 Regards all aspects of fire alarm performance (composed for North America)
- ISO 7240 Fire safety standards developed by ISO (used in Australia, China, Russia)