Fireco Explains the Different Fire Alarm Systems – Conventional & Addressable – to help you choose the right type for your building
When you’re investing in a fire alarm system for a commercial building, choosing the right type is vital in protecting people, assets and staying compliant with NZ fire safety & building standards.
At Fireco we supply, install and maintain both conventional and addressable systems, and here’s what you need to know to pick the one that’s right for your building.
Are there different types of fire alarm systems?
Yes, there are different types of fire alarm systems – addressable and conventional.
Both types of system start with the same objective: to detect fire (via smoke, heat, manual call points etc.), alert occupants, and link into any suppression or Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF) requirements.
The difference lies in how the devices communicate with the fire alarm control panel and what that means for performance, cost and suitability.
Conventional systems – the fundamentals of fire alarm safety
A conventional fire alarm system uses zones or circuits. Multiple devices (smoke detectors, manual call points etc.) sit on a zone‑circuit and communicate in bulk to the panel.
Key characteristics:
- On alarm the panel will show “Zone 2”, “Zone 3” etc, it tells you which area but not exactly which detector.
- More wiring may be required: each zone has separate wiring and devices may need individual connections or separate circuits.
- Lower upfront equipment cost in many small installations.
- Often suitable for smaller buildings, simple layouts or where the fire risk and occupancy are straightforward.
Considerations / limitations:
- You’ll need to physically inspect the zone to find the device in alarm: you know the area, but not the exact point.
- As buildings grow larger, more complex or change usage, conventional systems may struggle to keep up.
- Maintenance and expansion (adding devices, wiring) may become more burdensome.
Addressable systems – the modern fire safety solution
An addressable fire alarm system assigns a unique “address” or identifier to each device. Each detector or manual call point communicates individually with the fire alarm control panel.
Key characteristics:
- On alarm, the panel will display exactly which device (e.g., Detector 023, 1st Floor Corridor Room 102) triggered. That means faster response, clearer info.
- Wiring tends to be more efficient for larger systems: devices on loops, less duplication of circuit wiring.
- Suitable for large, complex buildings: multi‑storey, mixed‑use, facilities with critical operations or multiple occupancy types.
- Can support advanced functions: self‑diagnostics, device health monitoring, integration with building management systems, networked panels across multiple buildings.
Considerations:
- Higher specification equipment and programming required – so greater upfront investment in many cases.
- The benefits really shine in larger, multi-storey buildings. In a small single‑storey shop for instance, the added value may be limited.
Which type of fire alarm should your building use?
Here are some guiding questions for you (and of course Fireco can help inspect your building and advise):
- How large is the building? How many floors? Are there multiple zones, varying occupancy types, or areas of higher risk (plant rooms, server rooms, storage etc)?
- Do you need pinpoint device‑level location information (for fast evacuation, first responder access, minimised damage)?
- How complex is your wiring or building layout? Is rewiring costly or disruptive?
- Do you anticipate expansion, changes in building usage or future integration with other systems (BMS, suppression, monitoring)?
- What is your budget and lifecycle expectation? A system is an investment, not just for install, but for maintenance and upgrade over time.
If the building is smaller, simpler and the fire risk moderate, a conventional system may suffice and be cost‑efficient. If the building is large, complex, or you want the extra clarity, control and scalability then an addressable system tends to be the right choice.
Why Fireco is the right choice for alarm system installation
At Fireco we supply, install and maintain fire alarm systems. That means when you choose us you get:
- A full site visit and inspection before quote so we can assess your building’s unique layout, risk areas, regulatory compliance and future plans.
- A recommendation of the right system type (conventional or addressable) based on your building and budget – no “one‑size fits all” solutions.
- Professional certified installation under current NZ standards (for example NZS 4512:2021 which governs automatic fire alarm systems).
- Ongoing maintenance and support, because having a good system installed is only part of the story – ensuring it continues to perform, remains compliant and keeps your people safe is equally important.
Make the smart choice for your fire alarm system with Fireco
When your fire report or compliance schedule asks for a fire alarm system, or you’re upgrading your current one, don’t just pick the cheapest. Think about how the building functions, what risks you have, how much you value precision, and what the future might bring.
Fireco is ready to assist you. From the initial inspection, system design, installation through to maintenance, we’ll help you choose the system that fits your building’s needs today and into the future.
Get in touch today to get started.
