Many larger fire alarm installations use individual fire alarm system control units that may interface with one main control unit. For example, in a large, campus-style setting, fire alarm units may be provided in individual buildings, able to operate independently, as each is an individual system. These can all be interconnected at a main fire alarm office, if desired.

There are no requirements that a large system made up of many smaller systems has to be powered from a single primary power supply connection. In fact, good engineering practices indicate that multiple feeds are a better idea. That way a single feed cannot compromise the entire system.

Keep in mind also, as the system expands, so do the standby power requirements.

NOTE: This is an unformatted excerpt from our online fire protection training library.