What Is a Fire Alarm Control Panel?

A fire alarm control panel is an electric panel that displays the location of fire equipment throughout a building. This includes the locations of smoke detectors, fire alarm switches, and sprinkler systems. The control panel is an advanced form of fire protection that is often used in commercial buildings or hotels.

It is important to have adequate fire protection in a home. This typically includes smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Commercial buildings also use sprinklers and fire alarms to help protect the occupants. The fire alarm control panel is a centralized panel that monitors the fire alarms and safety equipment throughout a building.

A control panel is a moderately priced security device for a home or building. This device can also be used as a main security panel to detect open doors and windows in a structure. The control panel is the main hub for all security devices connected throughout a building.

Commercial buildings use a fire alarm control panel to determine where a fire is in a building. This panel is a large map of the building that uses flashing lights to represent fires. When a fire alarm is pulled or a fire is detected, the control panel lights up at the area of the fire. This helps management and first responders determine where to send emergency personal. The control panel is also useful to help an ensure an evacuation route is clear of fire.

Several types of control panels are available. These range from simple smoke detector panels to more advance multiplex systems that can automatically phone the fire department when a fire is detected. The most advance systems are typically used in large malls, commercial buildings, and department stores. These complex modules must comply with the safety rules required for public buildings.

The fire alarm control panel is normally located in an area of the building that is closely monitored by security and building management. This helps ensure alarms are reported to the necessary personnel as quickly as possible. Once an alarm is confirmed, the building management executes the necessary notification and evacuation procedures.

A qualified professional typically installs this equipment. The fire alarm control panel is connected to the alarms and smoke detectors in a building through special switches and wires. These switches send off electric signals to the control panel when a fire is detected. Installing this device requires experience with electronics and basic fire alarm switches.