Kentec Fire Alarm Control Panels for Conventional and Addressable Systems
A fire alarm control panel is used to receive and display information from connected detection devices. Depending on the system, it can show fire alerts, fault conditions and other status information from different parts of the building.
Kentec manufactures equipment for both conventional and analogue addressable fire alarm systems. The choice between the two will usually depend on the size of the premises, the number of devices connected and how much detail is Kentec required when an alarm or fault occurs. Firesense supplies products from both ranges, including the Kentec Conventional 4 Zone Panel and the Kentec Syncro AS 1 Loop Panel.
Kentec Conventional Fire Alarm Systems
Conventional fire alarm systems separate a building into individual detection zones. Devices within each zone are connected back to the main control panel.
If a detector or call point is activated, the panel shows which zone has generated the signal. This gives staff an indication of the area that needs to be checked, rather than identifying one specific device.
Kentec's Sigma CP range includes conventional control panels with 2, 4 and 8 zone configurations. These systems can be used with supporting equipment such as sounder controller units, repeaters, remote indicator units and ancillary boards.
Kentec Conventional 4 Zone Panel
The Kentec Conventional 4 Zone Panel can provide additional indication and control within a compatible Sigma CP installation.
The panel can connect with sounder boards, ancillary boards and repeater units. Up to seven of each type can be connected to the system.
Each connected unit can be assigned an address between one and seven through a binary coded DIL switch. The panel also supports data cable lengths of up to 1,200 metres.
This can allow a repeater or other compatible unit to be installed at another point within the property where access to fire alarm information is required.
Where Can a Repeater Panel Be Used?
A fire alarm repeater panel can be positioned away from the main control panel to provide another location for viewing system information.
For example, the main panel may be located in a plant room or another controlled area, while a repeater is fitted near reception or another regularly staffed point. This can give authorised users quicker access to fire and fault information.
Addressable Fire Alarm Systems
Addressable systems identify devices individually rather than relying on zone information alone. Each compatible detector or device receives its own address within the system.
When an alarm or fault signal is generated, the panel can identify the device responsible. This can provide more precise information about the location of an incident or system issue.
This type of setup can be suitable for sites with a larger number of devices or buildings where more detailed monitoring is required.
Kentec Syncro AS 1 Loop Panel
The Kentec Syncro AS 1 Loop Panel is an analogue addressable fire alarm control panel available in one-loop and two-loop versions.
Kentec states that the panel supports Apollo, Argus Vega and Hochiki protocols. This gives installers a choice of compatible detection equipment when planning the system.
The Syncro AS can also be connected as part of a networked installation. According to Kentec documentation, a network can contain up to 64 panels.
Key Features of the Syncro AS
The Syncro AS uses a graphical display alongside buttons and status indicators to present system information. These controls can be used by installers, commissioning engineers and authorised users during setup, testing and day-to-day system checks.
The panel includes two programmable sounder circuits, five programmable inputs and three programmable relays. It also contains an integrated 3A power supply.
The event log can retain the most recent 500 system events. This allows previous alarms, faults and other activity to be reviewed during maintenance or investigation.
Other supported features include sensitivity adjustment and drift compensation. Additional Syncro I/O modules can also be added where more programmable inputs or outputs are required.
Kentec states that the Syncro AS is approved and certified to EN54-2 and EN54-4.
Choosing Between Conventional and Addressable Kentec Panels
Conventional and addressable systems provide different levels of information.
A conventional panel identifies the zone where an alarm or fault has occurred. This can suit properties where staff only need to identify the affected section of the building.
An addressable panel identifies the individual device responsible for the signal. This can be useful across larger or more detailed fire alarm installations where precise device information is required.
The number of detection devices, building layout, cabling requirements, system size and networking needs should all be considered when selecting a panel.
View Kentec Fire Alarm Products
Kentec provides fire alarm control equipment for both conventional and analogue addressable installations. Products such as the Conventional 4 Zone Panel and Syncro AS 1 Loop Panel provide different options for system monitoring and control.
To find out more about Kentec fire alarm panels and other fire detection equipment, visit the Firesense website.