Still Think an Addressable Fire Alarm System Costs More? Data Says Otherwise.

An independent study finds TrueAlert ES outperforms non-addressable fire notification appliances at a lower overall cost.

Building owners, facility managers, contractors, architects and engineers are always looking for ways to improve the operation and safety of their buildings while lowering costs.

A study from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute shows that TrueAlert ES addressable appliances offer advanced performance and safety with an overall cost lower than non-addressable appliances.

The study used a 12-story hotel layout to compare the two types of system, with each design using an optimal wiring layout based on notification type.

Using the hotel drawings, a third-party electrical contractor estimated total installed costs, which included wire, conduit, labor and the system equipment for both system types.

About the wiring

Non-addressable appliances must be installed in a series arrangement and do not support “spur” or “T-Tapped” wiring. All appliances on a single circuit operate as one group throughout the building, and the configuration is fixed unless the building is rewired.

Addressable appliances can be installed in many configurations that optimize wiring design. They can be programmed individually or as a “virtual” group, regardless of how they are physically wired. Future modifications can often be made through programming without the cost or complexity of rewiring.

What did the study uncover?

• The total cost to install a fire alarm system using TrueAlert ES addressable notification was estimated to be at least 10% less than a traditional non-addressable notification system.
• Decreased wire lengths in the addressable system offset the higher price of the appliances.
• Labor hours decreased significantly due to simplified addressable system installation.

Together, these findings confirm that addressable notification systems can create meaningful savings for installation and long-term maintenance.

5 ways you can benefit from Autocall TrueAlert ES

1. Easier, low-cost installation

In an addressable fire alarm circuit, you don’t need a continuous path between the control unit and end-of-line resistors because the control unit supervises each appliance. With this flexibility, many designers and installers choose “T-tapping,” a wiring method that reduces wiring and labor while allowing more flexibility during installation.

2. Fewer disruptions with self-test

With UL Verified self-testing capabilities, TrueAlert ES appliance notification can be tested during off-peak hours, minimizing disruption. Testing can be performed as often as desired and helps comply with testing requirements and improve maintenance.

3. Accurate troubleshooting

Each addressable appliance has a unique address and a location description label. This clear identification supports faster troubleshooting and more targeted maintenance.

4. Groundbreaking flexibility

Circuits can be designed to go further with less wire, creating a system that allows easier future expansion. Appliances can also be controlled individually or programmed into groups to send messages to selected areas of the building without limitations created for physical routing.

5. Transformative efficiency

In an addressable fire alarm circuit, you don’t need a continuous path between the control unit and end-of-line resistors because the control unit supervises each appliance. With this flexibility, many designers and installers choose “T-tapping,” a wiring method that reduces wiring and labor while allowing more flexibility during installation.

With a lower power consumption and smaller gauge wiring, TrueAlert ES can support up to 30% more appliances than non-addressable circuits and save on energy costs. Every device on the circuit can exchange data with the control unit to support efficient operation and better system performance.