Wireless fire alarm system

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peter d

peter d

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New England
Does anyone have any experience with Honeywell/Ademco commercial wireless fire alarm systems?

They were legalized here in the last year or two and are steadily gaining popularity.

I worked for a contractor that was subbed to an alarm company to do all the hardwired and hardware portions of these systems like mounting the control panel cabinet, running and wiring the NAC's, the keypads, the line voltage supply, etc.

Then the alarm company sent in their guys to install all the wireless devices, install and wire the brain in the control panel, and program.
 
I should clarify that I'm curious about the performance of the system, battery life of the wireless devices, and any pros/cons.
 
Well I have worked with Honeywell wireless motion detectors, I imagine they are similar technology and can only say they keep us fairly busy with low battery calls. The ones I work with have two lithium batteries that can be found at Radio Shack for about $7.00 each, which is handy as many of these calls are at malls.

It seems as soon as one battery gets week it sends out a low battery signal, I assume it would run for a while on the second battery.
 
I think it's the same technology. In fact, the wireless receiver for the FA systems looks identical to the burglar systems.


That was my thought as well, that these systems would generate nice service and maintenace work down the road.
 
wireless fire alarm

wireless fire alarm

Wireless fire alarm devices are a NIGHTMARE.....False alarms and nasty looks from the local Fire Dept. are a sure bet. I had a system in Florida that constantly went into alarm at all hours of the night....Finally traced the problem to a local HAM radio operator who was over powering his system to get a little more range.I recommend getting rid of it as soon as possible
 
Like any other wireless devices they have their limitations. However I have used them with overall success as long as they pass the "go/no-go" tests and are installed to the recommended guidelines.

Average battery life 3-5 years. (we generally replace battery's upon yearly inspections at the 2 or 3 year mark). They will send a low bat signal well before detection performance is affected.

They require similar maintenance as regular smokes, test like regular smokes, and are an excellent way to solve wire issues.


On another note, wireless motions, aren't good on battery's, in retail locations or other areas with heavy activity. I would always recommend wired units for those areas... (same applies for door contacts on heavily used doors!)

Jim
 
Security101 said:
On another note, wireless motions, aren't good on battery's, in retail locations or other areas with heavy activity. I would always recommend wired units for those areas... (same applies for door contacts on heavily used doors!)

Jim
Click to expand...

Yeah, I have an office building with a door to the warehouse that I have to replace the battery on about every month or so. Maybe I should tell them they can replace it themselves? Nah...;)
 
Security101 said:
On another note, wireless motions, aren't good on battery's, in retail locations or other areas with heavy activity. I would always recommend wired units for those areas... (same applies for door contacts on heavily used doors!)

Jim
Click to expand...

We don't spec the equipment but we do make money changing batteries.:cool:
 
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