What is the term “Protocol” when referring to fire alarm systems? Basically, when talking about addressable fire alarm systems, it is the electronic language used to communicate between the fire alarm panel, detectors, interfaces and manual call points.
For example, when installing a fire alarm system, you have to ensure that the protocol for the fire alarm panel, detectors, interfaces and manual call points are the same. The two main protocols on the market are “Apollo” and “Hochiki”. Therefore, you would have to purchase a panel with “Apollo” protocol, detectors “Apollo” protocol and manual call points, “Apollo” protocol. If you made the unfortunate mistake of purchasing say “Hochik” protocol call points, for the system just stated, they would not work with the panel.
There are manufactures that only produce fire alarm panels, Kentec is an example. And there are manufactures tha only produce detectors, Apollo is an example. Purchasing a panel from Kentec and detectors from Apollo, as long as you have chosen the correct protocol the two will work together. If I require any technical data, software to programme the panels or spare parts, etc., it is freely available. This is known as “open fire alarm protocol”. This allows any competent fire alarm company to maintain and look after the system.
However, you can purchase all the equipment from one manufacture. The panel, detectors and manual call points. The problem occurs when this type of manufacture has its own service department or will only allow a selected few to have access to the programmable software, technical data or parts. This is known as “closed or “Managed” protocol fire alarms. This type of fire alarm protocol restricts who is allowed to service or maintain the system.
A closed fire alarm protocol system is installed by a number of large fire companies usually at a highly competitive price. The problem being, they are then usually the only company who have the parts, relevant codes and software to make changes to the system meaning you are tied into them for expensive service contracts and upgrades.
Fire Systems Ltd, only install open protocol systems (Apollo and Argus), which any company can maintain. That way, whether you require us to maintain the system, or choose somebody else, it will always be your decision, not ours.
