Common Fire Alarm Terms and Definitions

Acknowledge
To confirm that a message or signal has been received, such as by the
pressing of a button or the selection of a software command.
Note: Term is often abbreviated/displayed as Ack.
Addressable Control Device
A signaling system output device that, when operating with a compatible
control unit, is used to control individual preselected electrical circuits such
as audible or visible alarm signaling appliances, fan circuits, and door
release circuits.
Addressable Device
A fire alarm system component with discrete identification that can have its
status individually identified or that is used to individually control other
functions.
Addressable Initiating Device
A signaling system data input device that, when communicating with a
compatible control unit, can have its status individually identified by the
control unit.
Alarm Indicating Appliance
An appliance that produces an audible or visible alarm signal, or both, in
response to a fire emergency.
Alarm Initiating Device
A device which, when actuated initiates an alarm. Such devices,
depending on their type, can be operated manually or actuated
automatically in response to smoke, flame, heat, or water flow.
Examples include pull stations, smoke sensors, and heat sensors.
Alarm Silenced
A visual indicator showing that the audible signals are now quiet.
Alarm Verification Feature
A feature of automatic fire detection and alarm systems to reduce
unwanted alarms for smoke detectors/sensors only. The first device
(detector/sensor) that activates is ignored for 30 seconds (verification
started). If a second device is activated during the ignore time, an alarm is
initiated. If the 30 second ignore timer expires without a second device
activating the system is reset. If after the reset the same device (or any
other device) is still activated an alarm is initiated. Once the verification
process has started it cannot be started again for 120 seconds.
1

Analog Initiating Device (Sensor)

An initiating device that, when used with a compatible control unit,
transmits a signal that permits a system to measure how much of
something exists at the initiating device location as contrasted with the
conventional initiating device which can only indicate an ON/OFF signal.
Annunciator
A unit containing two or more indicator lamps, alpha-numeric displays, or
other equivalent means in which each indication identifies the circuit, or
location.
AHJ
Authority Having Jurisdiction responsible for enforcing codes and
standards. Note: The AHJ is often the residing Fire Chief.
Class A
A circuit with a redundant return path. Every device must continue to
operate with a single open or ground present within the circuit.
Class B
A circuit that does not have a redundant return path. If an open occurs, all
devices beyond the break will not operate.
Class X
An SLC circuit with a redundant return path. Every device must continue
to operate with a single open, a single ground, or a single wire-to-wire
short.
FACP
Fire Alarm Control Panel. A device with the control circuits necessary to
(1) furnish power to a fire alarm system; (2) receive signals from alarm
initiating devices and transmit them to audible and visual alarm indicating
appliances and accessory equipment; and (3) electrically monitoring the
system installation wiring and power.
General Alarm
Any Initiating Device (pull station or smoke sensor) that activates turns
on all NACs (horns, strobes, and speakers) and relays.
IAM
Individual Addressable Module. A device that makes a single
conventional device (e.g., a 200 degree heat detector) a point on an
addressable system (MAPNET or IDNet).
IDC
Initiating Device Circuit sometimes called a zone (containing pull stations
and smoke sensors).
2

IDNet
Individual-Device NETwork. An SLC that supports up to 250 addressable
devices.
Isolator
A device that provides separation of shorted wiring and allows other
devices to continue to operate. Isolators are available for MAPNET,
IDNet, power and TrueAlert SLC.
MAPNET
Multi-Application Peripheral NETwork. An SLC that supports up to 127
addressable devices.
McCulloh Loop
Every device must work with a single open or ground (see Class A,
Style D, Style Z, or Style 6).
Miniplex
A 4100 term for Transponder.
NAC
Notification Appliance Circuit (signal circuit).
PDI
Power Distribution Interface. A board that mounts to the back box which
4100U style cards plug into. Its purpose is to distribute Power,
Communications and other signals to the cards eliminating the need for
hardwire connections.
PDM
Power Distribution Module. Contains connections for incoming AC Power
and Battery terminations. The PDM provides four-plug connections for
outgoing AC Power and Battery to the power supplies.
RISER
Riser or Electrical Riser - a vertical harness or cable that carries a voltage
or a signal from a source to other locations within a system (box to box) or
within a building (floor to floor). Examples: An audio riser, a telephone
riser, an AC riser.
Reset
A control function that attempts to return a system or device to its normal,
non-alarm state.
RUI
Remote Unit Interface. Communications path that talks to transponders
and annunciators. One is provided on the Master Controller
Motherboard. RUI communications can talk to up to 31 devices.
3

Silence
Alarm Signal Deactivation. A means for turning OFF activated alarm
notification appliances. This may silence audible devices and turn OFF
visual devices.
SLC
Signaling Line Circuit. A circuit that provides power and data over the
same wires.
Style B
Initiating circuit. See Class B.
Style D
Initiating circuit. See Class A.
Style Y
Indicating circuit. See Class B.
Style Z
Indicating circuit. See Class A.
Style 4
An SLC circuit. See Class B.
Style 6
An SLC circuit. See Class A.
Style 7
An SLC circuit. See Class X.
Supervision
Supervision is to ensure that the field wiring has not been compromised.
Conventional circuits use an end of line resistor where SLC circuits use
communications with the devices to accomplish the task of ensuring that
the wiring is intact.
Transponder
Used in a distributed system architecture where all cards are not at one
location. Signals and wiring are gathered at the transponder and then
multiplexed via an RUI communications line that connects to the main
panel.
T-Tap
A method of wiring where two or more branch circuits may be wired from
the main circuit. This method of wiring is only allowed for addressable
systems as T-Tap wiring on a conventional system would compromise the
supervision. TAP is not allowed on a Class A circuit.

WalkTest
A test mode the panel may be put into. This test mode allows one person
to test the system. WalkTest choices are: mode ON/OFF, Log/No Log,
Signal On/Silence, and Print/ No Print
ZAM
Zone Adapter Module. Takes a conventional circuit (e.g., IDC circuit) and
makes it a point on an addressable system.