The fire alarm control panel sits at the centre of a fire detection system. It receives information from connected devices and gives users a clear view of alarms, faults and system status.The correct panel will depend on the size of the building, the type of detection system in place and the amount of detail required from connected devices. Kentec manufactures both conventional and analogue addressable equipment, with products suited to different fire alarm applications. Two examples available from Firesense are the Kentec Conventional 4 Zone Panel and the Kentec Syncro AS 1 Loop Panel.Kentec Conventional Fire Alarm SystemsConventional fire alarm systems divide a property into separate detection zones. If a detector is triggered, the control panel identifies the zone where the alarm originated. This helps users narrow down the affected area, although the panel does not identify the individual detector.Kentec's Sigma CP range includes conventional fire alarm control panels with 2, 4 and 8 zone options. These panels can form part of a wider conventional fire alarm setup and support equipment such as sounder controller units, repeaters, remote indicator units and ancillary boards.The Kentec Conventional 4 Zone Panel can be used alongside a Sigma CP system where additional fire alarm indication and control is required.The panel can connect with repeaters, sounder boards and ancillary boards, with up to seven of each type supported. Connected equipment can be given an address from one to seven using a binary coded DIL switch.Data cabling can extend for up to 1,200 metres. This can be useful on sites where an additional panel is required some distance away from the main fire alarm control point.What Is a Fire Alarm Repeater Panel?A repeater panel provides access to fire alarm information from another location within the building. It can be installed where staff need to view system activity without returning to the main control panel.For example, a larger property may have its main fire alarm panel in one part of the building and a repeater positioned near a reception desk or another staffed area. This gives personnel access to relevant alarm and fault information from more than one location.Kentec Syncro AS Addressable Fire Alarm PanelAddressable fire alarm systems provide information at individual device level. Each detector or compatible device is assigned its own address, allowing the panel to identify exactly which device has sent an alarm or fault signal.The Kentec Syncro AS 1 Loop Panel is an analogue addressable fire alarm control panel available with one or two detection loops.According to Kentec documentation, the Syncro AS supports Apollo, Argus Vega and Hochiki protocols. This allows the panel to work with a selection of compatible fire detection equipment.The panel is intended for systems requiring more detailed control, monitoring and evacuation options. It can also form part of a larger network. Kentec states that systems can include up to 64 networked panels.Kentec Syncro AS FeaturesThe Syncro AS includes a graphical display alongside buttons and indicators that provide access to key system information. This allows installers, commissioning engineers and authorised users to check system activity and access relevant controls.The panel includes two programmable sounder circuits, five programmable inputs and three programmable relays. An integrated 3A power supply is also included.Up to 500 recent system events can be retained within the event log. This provides a record that can assist with reviewing previous alarms, faults and other activity.Sensitivity adjustment and drift compensation are also supported. Syncro I/O modules can be added where a system requires extra programmable inputs or outputs.Kentec states that the Syncro AS is approved and certified to EN54-2 and EN54-4.Conventional or Addressable: Which Panel Is Suitable?The main difference between conventional and addressable systems is the level of information supplied by the control panel.A conventional system identifies the affected detection zone. This approach can suit buildings where zone-based fire detection provides enough information for staff to locate an alarm.An addressable system identifies the individual device responsible for an alarm or fault. This can be useful in larger buildings or fire alarm systems containing a greater number of detection devices.Other factors should also be considered, including system size, required detection loops, cabling arrangements, networking requirements and the need for additional programmable controls.View Kentec Fire Alarm EquipmentKentec manufactures fire alarm equipment for conventional and analogue addressable systems. Products such as the Conventional 4 Zone Panel and Syncro AS 1 Loop Panel show how different control and monitoring options can be used depending on the requirements of the installation.For further information about Kentec fire alarm panels and check here other fire detection products, visit the Firesense website.