Open Protocol vs. Closed Protocol Fire Alarms (2024)

FAQs

Open Protocol vs. Closed Protocol Fire Alarms? ›

Open protocol systems are generally preferred for larger or complex installations where compatibility with a wide range of equipment and long-term cost considerations are important. Closed protocol systems may be chosen for simpler installations or when a particular manufacturer's features and technology are preferred.

When talking about circuits or zones on an alarm panel, "normal" indicates the normal state of the opening being protected. For doors and windows, this is usually closed. Fire devices are normally open. For the most part, normally closed contacts are used on normally closed protection points, such as doors and windows.

Organisations with closed protocol fire systems are a captive market and so can endure poor service, slow response times and uncompetitive ongoing maintenance costs.

Open Protocols

Open protocol fire safety systems offer customers a greater degree of flexibility, and this is one of their main benefits. As a result, customers can choose from a variety of different suppliers, allowing them to install components which are completely suited to their specific circ*mstances.

Open Protocol Systems - An Explanation. Generally Open Protocol systems allow fire detection equipment and control panels to be compatible between a greater selection of manufacturers, offering you more freedom of choice when sourcing products and installation companies.

Open protocol systems are generally preferred for larger or complex installations where compatibility with a wide range of equipment and long-term cost considerations are important. Closed protocol systems may be chosen for simpler installations or when a particular manufacturer's features and technology are preferred.

A normally open switch remains open in its resting state, completing the circuit only when actuated. Conversely, a normally closed switch maintains a closed circuit at rest, breaking the circuit upon activation.

The main past disadvantages of old-fashioned closed Loop Production Control Systems were: Required heavy documentation or spreadsheets management. Software solutions were expensive and exclusive. Required costly and intensive training for employees.

Closed-circuit systems are also tripped if the burglar cuts the power, as the circuit is broken. The difference in utilizing an open-circuit system design, electricity only flows when the trigger is activated; opening the window, for example and completing the circuit sets off the burglar alarm.

The benefits of open circuit fire alarm systems lie in their straightforward setup and low initial costs. Their design inherently includes a failsafe action, leading to increased reliability in certain situations.

What are the advantages of open fire alarm systems? ›

In conclusion, while both closed protocol and open protocol fire alarm systems serve the same purpose, open protocol systems offer several advantages over closed protocol systems. Open protocol systems are more flexible, cost-effective, and scalable, making them the ideal choice for modern buildings.

R.A.C.E.: Remove, Alarm, Confine and Extinguish or Evacuate

R.A.C.E. stands for 'Remove, Alarm, Confine and Extinguish or Evacuate.

In a Closed Protocol System, the panel and devices are manufactured by the same company. Engineer functions can only be worked on by the manufacturer. System modifications or fault repairs would need to be carried out by the manufacturer directly.

An open (nonproprietary) protocol is one that is not owned by any particular company and not limited to a particular company's products. The protocols in the Internet stack are open so that any computing device can follow the protocol to join the global network.

When there is no fire, all fire alarm input devices do not conduct electricity; their contacts are open. When there is a fire, fire alarm devices close the circuit; when there is a fire, the devices short out the wires of the circuit. That is how a fire alarm input device sends an alarm.

The "Open Circuit" or "Open Loop" trouble code indicates that there is a break in the circuit or loop of the fire alarm system. This can happen due to a loose wire connection, a faulty device, or a damaged cable.

NC stands for 'Normally Closed' and this term is used to denote the state of the switches when they remain closed in their resting state, allowing electricity to flow until they are activated. On the other hand, NO stands for 'Normally Open.

Relay A rules: Common and Normally Open relay contacts are used to supply a CLOSED circuit to keep safety equipment operational. This relay's wiring is “Fail-Safe,” since loss of power to the relay coil will cause the fire-safety function to be performed.

If a hardwired CO detector has an option to wire either Normally Closed or Normally Open, choose the Normally Open wiring option. Be sure to wire the resistor, if required, in parallel. You should not use a hardwired CO sensor with a wired to wireless converter.

Emergency stop buttons used normally closed switches for safety reasons. It is a safety device that will power down machines instantly in the case of an emergency.