Fire alarm control panels act as the main point of communication between detection devices and the people responsible for monitoring a building. They receive signals from connected equipment and display information relating to alarms, faults and system conditions.Kentec produces both conventional and analogue addressable fire alarm panels. The right option will depend on the size of the premises, the number of devices in use and the level of information required from the here system. Firesense supplies several Kentec products, including the Kentec Conventional 4 Zone Panel and the Kentec Syncro AS 1 Loop Panel.How Conventional Kentec Systems OperateConventional fire alarm systems split a building into separate detection zones. When a detector or call point is activated, the control panel identifies the zone linked to that signal.This gives users a clear indication of the area that needs to be checked, although it does not identify the exact detector responsible. This type of system is often used where zone-based identification provides enough information for the building layout.Kentec's Sigma CP range includes 2, 4 and 8 zone conventional fire alarm control panels. These systems can support equipment such as repeaters, sounder controller units, ancillary boards and remote indicator units.Kentec Conventional 4 Zone PanelThe click here Kentec Conventional 4 Zone Panel can form part of a Sigma CP fire alarm system where additional indication or control is needed elsewhere within the property.The panel can work with repeaters, ancillary boards and sounder boards. A maximum of seven of each device type can be connected. Each unit can be assigned an address from one to seven through a binary coded DIL switch.Data cabling from the panel can run for distances of up to 1,200 metres. This allows additional indication or control points to be positioned away from the main fire alarm panel where required.Why Use a Fire Alarm Repeater Panel?A repeater panel gives users access to fire alarm information at another point within the building. This can be useful where the main control panel is located away from reception areas, entrances or other staffed locations.Staff can view relevant alarm and fault information without travelling back to the main panel. This can be especially useful across larger premises where access to system information is required in more than one area.How Addressable Fire Alarm Systems DifferAn analogue addressable fire alarm system assigns a unique address to each compatible device. This allows the control panel to identify the exact detector or device that has generated an alarm or fault signal.This differs from a conventional system, which identifies the affected zone rather than the individual device. Addressable systems can therefore provide more detailed information across installations containing a greater number of detection points.Kentec Syncro AS 1 Loop PanelThe Kentec Syncro AS 1 Loop Panel is an analogue addressable fire alarm control panel available with either one or two detection loops.Kentec documentation states that the Syncro AS supports Apollo, Argus Vega and Hochiki protocols. This gives installers options when selecting compatible detection devices for the system.The panel can also be used as part of a larger network. Kentec states that up to 64 panels can be connected within a networked system, making the Syncro AS suitable for installations that require several control points.Syncro AS Controls and System FeaturesThe Syncro AS includes a graphical display with clearly arranged buttons and indicators. This gives installers, commissioning engineers and authorised users access to important system information and controls.The panel includes two programmable sounder circuits, five programmable inputs and three programmable relays. It also contains an integrated 3A power supply.An event log stores the latest 500 system events, allowing previous alarms, faults and other activity to be reviewed. This can help when checking system history during servicing or fault investigation.The Syncro AS also supports sensitivity adjustment and drift compensation. Syncro I/O modules can be added where further programmable inputs or outputs are required.According to Kentec, the panel is approved and certified to EN54-2 and EN54-4.Comparing Kentec Conventional and Addressable PanelsThe main difference between the two system types is how precisely they identify an alarm or fault.Conventional systems work on a zone basis. When an alarm occurs, the panel identifies the section of the building where the signal originated.Addressable systems identify individual devices. This allows users to see which detector or other connected device has sent the signal.Building size, device numbers, cabling, networking requirements and access to system information should all be considered when selecting a fire alarm panel.Find Kentec Fire Alarm Equipment from FiresenseKentec offers control panels for both conventional and analogue addressable fire detection systems. The Conventional 4 Zone Panel provides additional indication and control for compatible conventional systems, while the Syncro AS supports individual device identification and wider networking options.To view these products and other Kentec fire detection equipment, Kentec addressable panels visit the Firesense website.