BUILDING AUTOMATION

For Clients
 Energy costs
 Operation costs
 Retrofit costs

For Occupants
 Productivity – services like HVAC, telephone, lighting, power
& data
 Flexibility – air conditioning, lighting, access
 Quality building environment – temperature, humidity, air
quality, lighting levels, noise levels.
Integrated Building Management
Systems (IBMS)
Fire life safety system
 Fire detection & alarming systems - Active system against Passive
systems
 Fire hydrant management systems -Water , FM200 etc
 Fire smoke management systems – Staircase, lift lobby and duct
pressurisation

Energy management system

 HVAC control systems – occupancy based systems
 Mech & Elec utilities management system
 Lighting control systems – occupancy based systems, Digital
Addressable Light Index
 Indoor air quality management systems – Fresh air level, energy
recovery wheel
 Vertical transportation systems - occupancy based systems
Integrated Building Management
Systems (IBMS)
Security Management system
 Access control systems – handshake systems
 Intruder alarm systems
 CCTV surveillance systems
 Outdoor security system like perimeter security, IR beams etc

Communication system
 EPABX based communication network
 LAN & WAN environments
 Paging systems
 Public address, Video conferencing systems
Monitoring or Monitoring + Control
IBMS system wise
 Chiller plants sequence, VAV systems, VFD of AHUs, AHU fan
duty modulation as per space program, Fresh air damper
modulation, space occupancy interlinked with time program, fire
interlocks in AHUs, predictive maintenance, priorities etc
 Ventilation systems – regular as well as emergency situations
 Boiler monitoring – steam temperature, steam modulating
valves etc
 BTU metering – for energy monitoring versus cooling
 Water treatment plant – status of filters, pumps etc
 Water pumps – VFDs
 Sewage treatment plants
 Fire detection & Alarm systems – Integration with fire alarm
control panels over BACnet, Mod bus TCP/IP etc, integration
with access control system, AHU, public address and
evacuation system.
 Fire fighting systems – tank level, hydrant pressure etc.
 Access control systems – door status, access based on
integration etc.
Fire alarm mode
 Shut off AHUs, dampers blocked
 Alarming with PA system
 Emergency lighting + Directional sounders
 Pressurised systems
 Access doors unlocked
 Communications sent to fire dept, concerned persons.
Components
 PC Hardware
 Fieldbus I/O or similar distributed controller system
 Programmable Logic controllers (PLCs)
 Standard programming softwares
 3rs party systems as required

A complex automated industrial system — such as manufacturing assembly line — usually needs
a distributed control system—an organized hierarchy of controller systems—to function. In this hierarchy,
there is usually a Human Machine Interface (HMI) at the top, where an operator can monitor or operate the
system. This is typically linked to a middle layer of programmable logic controllers (PLC) via a non-time-
critical communications system (e.g. Ethernet). At the bottom of the control chain is the fieldbus that links
the PLCs to the components that actually do the work, such as sensors, actuators, electric motors, console
lights, switches, valves and contactors.
CCTV Surveillance System
  A CCTV camera is an analog video camera that transmits
signals via coaxial cable to a single central location for
monitoring, recording, and video analysis.
 The two main categories of CCTV cameras are fixed
cameras and pan/tilt/zoom models which can rotate
horizontally and vertically to cover more area.

Source: https://www.videosurveillance.com/cctv-technology/intro-to-cctv.asp
Types of Video surveillance

 Analog System
Wired (co axial) from camera to a port in PC (BNC Connector) – Homerun
DVR (dedicated appliance)
Max DVD quality

 IP based system
IP camera (can include a webserver, storage etc.)
TCP/IP
NVR – Network Video Recorder
Mega pixel cameras

 Hybrid systems
 Pros of Analog CCTV

 Lower initial cost - In most cases, analog cameras cost less up front
than IP network cameras.
 Wide-spread compatibility - Mixing and matching camera models and
surveillance equipment form different manufacturers is easy with an
analog CCTV security camera.
 Lower initial cost - Analog cameras tend to handle low-light situations
better than IP cameras on average, though IP camera technology is
improving in this regard.

Cons of Analog CCTV

 Expensive cabling - For large-scale surveillance applications, analog

cameras require complicated cabling schemes that can be quite
expensive and also challenging to install.
 Limited features - Many of the advanced features now available with
IP cameras (for instance: megapixel resolution, digital zoom, and video
analytics), aren't available in analog CCTV models.

Source: https://www.videosurveillance.com/cctv-technology/intro-to-cctv.asp
 FPS – frame per second
 Real time – 30, perceived -15
 Live view
 Recorded view
 Resolution
Components of a CCTV Video
Surveillance System

 Cameras - Security cameras – everything from fixed models designed

for monitoring very specific locations, to day/night cameras, and
powerful PTZ domes for patrolling large areas.
 Monitor - In a traditional CCTV security camera setup, operators view
footage from a central location on a monitor very much like a TV, but
with higher lines of resolution for better picture quality. Monitors can be
dedicated (meaning they display video from a single camera), or call-up
(meaning operators can access multiple cameras at the same time).
 Cable - With an analog system, coaxial cable is required for transmitting
video footage from the CCTV security cameras.
 DVR - enable operators to reap some of the benefits of a network-
based surveillance setup. DVRs convert the analog footage to digital,
which helps to extend storage capacity, makes it much easier to search
archived footage, and also allows users to stream video over a network
for remote viewing from multiple locations.

Source: https://www.videosurveillance.com/cctv-technology/intro-to-cctv.asp
CCTV Image Quality

 Understanding TVL Resolution

The image detail of an analog CCTV surveillance camera is usually
conveyed in a form of measurement called TVL (or TV Lines). Most
standard CCTV cameras offer a TVL resolution of around 380, while high-
resolution cameras will deliver something closer to 540 TVL.

 Effects of Digital Conversion on Image Quality

Most analog CCTV systems today use a DVR as the recording medium.
This allows the analog signals to be digitized for recording and for
delivery over the network -drop-off in image quality.
Cabling distance also plays a role, as the further the video signals travel,
the weaker they become.
Types of Cameras

 Fixed CCTV surveillance cameras

Fixed security cameras point in a single direction, which makes them
perfect for monitoring very specific areas of interest. They're also
preferred for applications where it's beneficial to install cameras in clearly
visible locations. The direction of the camera is set during installation.

PTZ - PTZ cameras are ideal for wide-area surveillance. They give
operators the ability to remotely control pan, tilt, and zoom functions to
follow activity and to zoom in for detailed monitoring. This is an area
where analog CCTV security cameras fall behind their IP camera
counterparts. With IP cameras, the pan/tilt/zoom functions are controlled
manually or automatically and delivered over a single network cable, while
analog cameras require additional wiring to perform similar functionality.

Source: https://www.videosurveillance.com/cctv-technology/intro-to-cctv.asp
Types of Cameras

 Bullet camera
 Dome camera
 Box camera (without lens & mount)
 Vandal proof dome
 Low light cameras
 Infra red cameras
IP Video Surveillance
 IP video technology provides flexible, scalable, and cost-
effective surveillance solutions suitable for a wide range of
industries and applications. With an IP-based video
surveillance setup, users can monitor and record video
remotely using an IP network as the system's backbone.
Benefits of Network Video
 Remote Video Monitoring
With IP surveillance cameras, users can view live network camera feeds in
real-time from any computer with Internet access. Network cameras can
capture and transmit high-quality video images over any IP network or the
Internet, where the footage can be viewed remotely using a computer or, in
some cases, cell phones and other handheld devices. Additionally, the
recorded surveillance footage can be stored at remote locations.
 Scalability
Expanding a network surveillance system is as simple as connecting additional
Internet security cameras to the IP network. An IP surveillance camera can be
placed anywhere along the network, and there's no need for expensive and
complicated cabling.
 Improved Storage Capabilities
Since network cameras capture digital video images, large amounts of footage
can be stored on servers and network video recorders, where archived video
can be quickly accessed and searched.

Source:https://www.videosurveillance.com/ip-video/intro-to-ip-video.asp
IP Cameras
 An IP camera captures and sends video footage over an IP
network, allowing users to view, record, store, and manage
their video surveillance images either locally or remotely over
the network infrastructure. This IP security camera can be
placed wherever there's an IP network connection. It has its
own IP address and unlike a webcam, doesn't require a
connection to a PC in order to operate.
 Along with streaming video footage, IP network cameras can
include a number of additional functionalities, such as
pan/tilt/zoom operation, motion detection, audio surveillance,
integration with alarms and other security systems,
automated alerts, intelligent video analytics, and much more.

Source:https://www.videosurveillance.com/ip-video/intro-to-ip-video.asp
Source: https://www.brickhousesecurity.com
Networking requirements
 Min bandwidth - 2mbps upload speed
 Parallel network
Wireless Video-Surveillance

 Wireless video-surveillance systems are today a

common and reliable tool in security, safety and law
enforcement.
 Most are based on IP and Ethernet radio technology and are
designed to stream video from remote IP cameras through a
wireless network operating either using license-free
frequencies or licensed frequencies

Source:https://www.fluidmesh.com
Wireless Video-Surveillance
 Point-to-point wireless links are the simplest wireless network
architecture. Used in straight forward scenarios where two locations
need to be connected to each other, such as when you have a remote
camera in a parking lot that you’d like to connect to the main network of
a building, or to backhaul a larger wireless network to the main control
room site.

 Point-to-multipoint wireless networks are used when there are

multiple remote cameras that need to be connected to a central
location. A directional wireless device, typically called a CPE, is installed
next to each camera and then a radio base station with a sector
antenna with a beam width between 90 and 120 degrees is installed on
a high point, such as a tall building.

 Wireless Mesh Networks are the most reliable architecture for wireless
video-surveillance because each wireless device in the mesh network is
a router (often called a wireless node) capable of establishing wireless
links with multiple devices and then selecting the optimal path to reach
the head end.

Source:https://www.fluidmesh.com
Wireless Video-Surveillance
Applications
 Large-scale, outdoor video-surveillance systems - the
costs of trenching and wiring can be avoided.
 Projects to protect and secure critical infrastructure, such
as airports, seaports and industrial plants, employ outdoor
wireless technology to stream most of the perimeter
cameras.
 Campuses - wireless links help to cover the last few hundred
yards and allow for a straightforward installation and
connection to the main fiber backbone.

Source:https://www.fluidmesh.com
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF A
WIRELESS SECURITY SYSTEM

Advantages
 1. No Wires - The most distinct advantage provided by wireless
cameras is the fact that the technology does not include cables.
Breaking into establishments that have fully wired business security
systems only needs a pair of wire cutters.
 2. Flexibility - Wireless cameras come with an increased amount of
flexibility since the lack of wires allows you to place the cameras in
any desired location.
 3. Secured Footage - Apart from the fact that wireless cameras
usually come with alarm monitoring services, most of the wireless
surveillance systems currently available save data directly to the
cloud, which helps to keep the recordings completely safe.
 4. Easy Accessibility – range of options to access

Source:https://www.aeonsystems.net/
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF A
WIRELESS SECURITY SYSTEM

Disadvantages
 1. Cost - Wireless security systems are technologically advanced and
are new in the market. Because of these factors, their demand is higher
than the traditional security systems. The radio transmitters and other
features that make wireless systems advanced come at a cost, which
makes the cost of the entire alarm system more than the same wired
systems.
 2. Interference - In wireless alarm systems, individual sensors and
some of its other components communicate with the control panel using
radio waves. Other systems using microwaves can interrupt
communication between these components and expose your business
security risks.
 3. Security - Since wireless security systems integrate radio signals,
they can expose you to great risk through technical advancements like
hacking.
 4. Batteries - Many components of the control panel such as sensors
and motion detectors operate on battery power. Batteries can become
weak and render the system ineffective as it ages. A failed sensor can
leave your business vulnerable until you have the chance to replace the
batteries.
Source:https://www.aeonsystems.net/
Video /Sound Data Recording/Recovery
Systems

There are several causes for loss of CCTV/DVR footage that gives
rise to DVR/CCTV data recovery. Some of them are:
 CCTV/DVR hard drive failure
 Failure of CCTV/DVR systems
 Power outage circumstances
 Damaged firmware on hard disk drive
 Fire at the place where CCTV/DVR is installed
 Formatted, damaged or corrupt memory cards
 Inaccessibility of videos due to unknown video format
 Deletion of CCTV/DVR videos accidentally
 Video invisible due to attacks by malicious codes
 Mechanical issues leading to unusual noises of clicking and ticking
 Overheating of processing chips that can damage CCTV/DVR system
 Exposure of CCTV/DVR device to heat, dust, moisture, rain and smoke

Source:https://www.stellarinfo.co.in/services/cctv-footage-recovery.php
Video /Sound Data Recording/Recovery
Systems
 Avoid using the CCTV DVR after you encounter any error or other issues with it
 Consult technicians who have in-depth knowledge of the intricacies of CCTV
 Use a result oriented CCTV recovery software in case of logical damage
 Go for proven DVR recovery service provider in case of physical damage

 Do not format the CCTV hard drive

 Do not delete any video file or overwrite the hard drive
 Do not try repairing the CCTV DVR without consulting professionals

Source:https://www.stellarinfo.co.in/services/cctv-footage-recovery.php
Video Enhancement techniques
A variety of enhancement techniques can be employed on video evidence. It is important
that the best video recording be submitted to obtain the best enhancement results.
Limitations on the enhancement process may exist if an analog copy or digital file that has
undergone additional compression is submitted for analysis.
Techniques can include:
 Sharpening - Makes edges of images in the recording become more clear and distinct.
 Video stabilization - Reduces the amount of movement in the video, producing the
smoothest possible playback.
 Masking - Covers the face or areas of the video that may protect a witness, victim or
law enforcement officer.
 Interlacing - In an analog system, interlaced scanning is used to record images (a
technique of combining two television fields in order to produce a full frame of video). A
process called de-interlacing may be used to retrieve the information in both fields of
video.
 Demultiplexing - Allows for isolation of each camera. In CCTV systems, a device called
a multiplexer is used to combine multiple video signals into a single signal or separate a
combined signal. These devices are frequently used in security and law enforcement
applications for recording and/or displaying multiple camera images simultaneously or
in succession

Source:http://www.forensicsciencesimplified.org/av/AudioVideo.pdf
Audio Enhancement techniques
For audio recordings, a variety of filters can be applied to enhance the material, bringing
out specific aspects or events contained in the recording.

 Frequency Equalization - Highly precise equalizers can be used to boost or cut specific
bands of frequencies. To help make speech more intelligible, the frequency band
containing most speech content, 200Hz–5000Hz, can be amplified or isolated. If
amplification is applied to a frequency range, other information residing in this frequency
range will be boosted as well. If noise resides in this same range, this noise will also be
increased, limiting the ability to clarify voices.
 Loud background noises may be analyzed by a spectrum analyzer and the
corresponding frequencies reduced so that these noises are less noticeable.
 Compression - Faint sounds in the recording can be boosted by compressing or leveling
the signal so that the dynamic range of the material is reduced, making soft sounds
more apparent.

Source:http://www.forensicsciencesimplified.org/av/AudioVideo.pdf
 AUTOMATION IN HVAC SYSTEMS

Overall goal for the control system - to establish a method, or a

system, of operating and controlling one or more processes by
automatic means, using various devices that reduce the need for
human intervention.
A control system to regulate the operation of a heating and/or air
conditioning system. Usually a sensing device is used to compare the
actual state (e.g. temperature) with a target state. Then the control
system draws a conclusion what action has to be taken (e.g. start the
blower).

Basic elements of a control system

 A process variable to be controlled
 A desired control set point for the variable
 A controlled device
 A controller that coordinates decision making
 A sensor to provide some type of feedback for a directed change
Source:http://www.csemag.com/single-article/automation-and-controls-for-hvac-
systems/fc7b589226235d36348345cf47df6409.html/
 AUTOMATION IN HVAC SYSTEMS
Controls included in the BAS
 Off-hour controls on HVAC systems with automatic shutdown of HVAC systems for start/stop
under different time schedules, or based on occupancies, or for life safety and security
reasons.
 Setback or other controls on heating and cooling systems with optimum start, which will also
prevent mixing or simultaneously supplying air that has been previously mechanically heated
or cooled, either by mechanical cooling or by economizer systems.
 Motorized shutoff damper controls for outdoor air intake and exhaust systems, so they can be
automatically opened or closed when the systems or spaces served are not in use and/or to
reduce energy costs or meet code requirements.
 Ventilation fan controls for fans with motors greater than 0.75 hp shall have automatic controls
capable of shutting off fans when not required.
 Controls to prevent simultaneous operation of humidification and dehumidification equipment.
 Ventilation controls for high-occupancy areas using demand control ventilation (DCV).
 static pressure control setpoint(s) are modulated to the lowest operable pressure to control the
VAV terminal unit damper positions in the system, thus reducing fan power requirements.
 multiple-zone HVAC systems must include supply-air temperature reset controls to respond to
building loads, or outdoor air temperatures depending upon the existing climate zone.
 pump-pressure optimization in systems where the total pump-system power exceeds 10 hp.
This reduces pump energy by varying control valve positions in a hydronic system, thus
providing variable fluid flows.
 should have the ability to monitor energy usage including the ability to meter electric, gas,
water, steam, hot water, chilled water, and fuel oil services.
 should offer the ability to send alarms via email, pager, or telephone to alert building
managers and/or technicians of developing problems and system failures.

Source:http://www.csemag.com/single-article/automation-and-controls-for-hvac-
systems/fc7b589226235d36348345cf47df6409.html/
 LIGHTING CONTROLS
An intelligent network based lighting control solution that incorporates communication
between various system inputs and outputs related to lighting control with the use of one
or more central computing devices.
 To maximize energy savings
 Satisfy building codes
 Comply with green building and energy conservation programs

Lighting control - stand-alone control of the lighting within a space. Include occupancy
sensors, time clocks, and photocells that are hard-wired to control fixed groups of lights
independently.

&

Lighting control system - An intelligent networked system of devices related to lighting

control. These devices may include relays, occupancy sensors, photocells, light control
switches or touchscreens, and signals from other building systems (such as fire
alarm or HVAC). Adjustment of the system occurs both at device locations and at central
computer locations via software programs or other interface devices.

Source:http://www.csemag.com/single-article/automation-and-controls-for-hvac-
systems/fc7b589226235d36348345cf47df6409.html/
 LIGHTING CONTROLS
Advantages of Lighting control system –

- ability to control individual lights or groups of lights from a single user

interface device.
- allows complex lighting scenes to be created. A room may have multiple
scenes pre-set, each one created for different activities in the room.
- reduced energy consumption
- Longer lamp life is also gained when dimming and switching off lights when
not in use.
- reduced installation costs and increased flexibility over where switches and
sensors may be placed.

Source:http://www.csemag.com/single-article/automation-and-controls-for-hvac-
systems/fc7b589226235d36348345cf47df6409.html/
 LIGHTING CONTROLS
Lighting control systems based on –

 Chronological time (time of day)

 Solar time (sunrise/sunset)
 Occupancy using occupancy sensors
 Daylight availability using photocells
 Alarm conditions
 Program logic (combination of events)

Source:http://www.csemag.com/single-article/automation-and-controls-for-hvac-
systems/fc7b589226235d36348345cf47df6409.html/
 LIGHTING CONTROLS
Types

 Analog – eg: 0-10V, 1-10v, AMX192

etc.
a dc voltage is sent to the driver, which
dims the LEDs in response to the
voltage.

 Digital - eg: DALI, DMX, KNX etc

the driver receives a digital signal which
tells it how to respond. The advantage
of digital dimming is that fixtures are
addressable.

 Wireless – eg: MIDI, Bluetooth mesh

etc.

Source:http://www.csemag.com/single-article/automation-and-controls-for-hvac-
systems/fc7b589226235d36348345cf47df6409.html/
 LIGHTING CONTROLS
DALI – Digital Addressable Lighting Interface

 DALI is used mainly in general lighting applications like office lighting,

museum lighting and hospital lighting. DALI is a very flexible system and can
control lighting systems with only one controller and one luminaire, or
advanced systems with several lighting groups.
 Open IEC standard (IEC 62386) and can be used by anyone.
 DALI has an active organisation and DALI is constantly improved and
extended.
 Full digital control – group creation or individual control of fixtures.
 Bi-directional communication makes for easier commissioning and greater
flexibility in control gear.
 Polarity independent two wire control.

Source:http://www.csemag.com/single-article/automation-and-controls-for-hvac-
systems/fc7b589226235d36348345cf47df6409.html/
 LIGHTING CONTROLS
DALI – Digital Addressable Lighting Interface

 DALI is used mainly in general lighting applications like office lighting,

museum lighting and hospital lighting. DALI is a very flexible system and can
control lighting systems with only one controller and one luminaire, or
advanced systems with several lighting groups.
 Open IEC standard (IEC 62386) and can be used by anyone.
 DALI has an active organisation and DALI is constantly improved and
extended.
 Full digital control – group creation or individual control of fixtures.
 Bi-directional communication makes for easier commissioning and greater
flexibility in control gear.
 Polarity independent two wire control.

Source:http://www.csemag.com/single-article/automation-and-controls-for-hvac-
systems/fc7b589226235d36348345cf47df6409.html/
 LIGHTING CONTROLS
DMX

 Digital protocol typically used for dynamic colour lighting systems.

 Unidirectional protocol
 For stage lighting, colour architectural lighting, or all other projects with
dynamic coloured lighting.

Source:http://www.csemag.com/single-article/automation-and-controls-for-hvac-
systems/fc7b589226235d36348345cf47df6409.html/
ESSENTIAL READS
http://controlyourbuilding.com/blog/entry/the-ultimate-guide-to-
building-automation#automation
Common Components of a Security System
 Motion Sensors - Motion sensors are an essential part of any home
security system. They have a wide variety of uses: turning on indoor
and outdoor lights, activating cameras, setting off alarms, and more.

 Indoor and Outdoor Cameras - Security cameras, from doorbell

cameras that are all but invisible to smart cameras.

 Glass Break Detectors - Glass break detectors are handy sensors that
detect the frequency the sound of shattering glass makes and set off an
alarm. Typically, these small sensors are placed indoors near windows
or other glass you’re concerned about someone breaking.

 Door and Window Sensors - Door and window sensors detect when
the door or window they are attached to opens. These devices use two
sensors: one on the door or window, and one on the frame. When the
door is closed, the two sensors form a closed circuit. When the door is
opened, the circuit breaks, triggering a burglar alarm or text alert.
Common Components of a Security System
 Yard Signs and Window Stickers - One burglar alarm part that might
be easily overlooked is the signage that comes with it - the presence of
these signs and window stickers can deter would-be burglars from
entering a home.

 Smoke Detectors

 Carbon Monoxide Detectors - are less common than smoke

detectors, but they are just as important. Carbon monoxide is
odourless, tasteless, and colourless. Without a detector, there is no way
to know this gas is present.

 Control Panel - The control panel serves as the main hub for the
security system. It’s usually a touchpad that allows you to enter
passcodes for arming and disarming the system, and some have a
voice control feature. The control panel communicates with other
security system components, like motion sensors and cameras, and
ensures they all work together. It also connects you directly to your
alarm company’s monitoring system.
Common Components of a Security System
 Cellular Backup Unit - A cellular backup unit provides an alternative
method for your security system to notify the monitoring center of a
break in should someone cut your system’s wires or your traditional
infrastructure goes down. It works wirelessly, keeping you constantly
connected to the centre so they can detect any emergencies and send
authorities if needed.
 Electric Door Locks - Electric door locks provide you with a way
to ensure your doors are locked at all times, even when you’re not
home. Most modern security systems allow you to access these
remotely through your smartphone. The system also tracks whether the
door is locked and can notify when it is opened.
 Panic Pendant - A panic pendant is a small device worn on the
user and provides direct and immediate access to security specialists at
the monitoring company. When the pendant is triggered, a security
expert is notified and will respond to determine if you’re in need of
assistance.
 High-Decibel Alarm - If someone is breaking into your home, you want
your alarm to be loud enough for people to hear it. Not only can this
help notify your neighbours and emergency responders of the intrusion,
it could help drive the intruder away from your home.
Addressable & Conventional Fire Alarm Systems

 Every device connected to the

Addressable system has its own
unique address. When a fire is
detected, the device’s address shows
up on the main control panel, telling
you exactly which device has been
activated. This will enable you to find
the exact location of a fire and
extinguish them quickly.
 Addressable alarm systems connect
devices using a loop. This is where
one wire connects all devices to the
control panel. Both ends of the wire
loop connect to the control panel.
Addressable & Conventional Fire Alarm Systems

 With a Conventional system, there is

no way of pinpointing the exact
location of the fire. However, by wiring
your building into different zones, you
can get a general idea of where the
fire is.
 With a conventional alarm, each
device will be connected to the control
panel via its own wire, rather than a
shared one. One end of the wire will
be touching the device, and another
touching the control panel.
Addressable & Conventional Fire Alarm Systems

 Conventional alarm panels cost a lot less to buy but are more expensive to
install. This is because each device that is being connected needs its own wire.
 With addressable systems, one wire loop will connect several devices. This
means conventional systems require more wire and more man hours during the
installation phase.
 The addressable alarm panel is also the more reliable of the two. This is because
the wire connects to the control panel at both ends If one end of the loop
becomes severed, signals can still be sent to the control panel via the other end
of the loop.
 Functionally, the addressable fire alarm unit is superior, which can help prevent
costly activities and save time when detecting a fire. It’s also cheaper and easier
to install. But in terms of buying price, a conventional system is cheaper, and will
meet the functional needs of small premises where a sophisticated system is not
necessary.
 Conventional fire alarms are ideal for small buildings, such as individual offices or
retail shops. They go off individually when they detect smoke or heat and will
help everyone escape from your building safely and quickly.
 Addressable fire alarms are a necessity for large building complexes or
campuses.

Source: https://www.fire-magazine.com/which-is-better-a-conventional-or-
addressable-fire-alarm-system
Addressable & Conventional Fire Alarm Systems

Addressable fire alarm systems can be customized in a variety of ways

 Different devices having different alarm thresholds based on their location

 An enunciator panel in the front of your building to show exactly which
devices or zones are alarming
 Scalable networks that allow you to add zones with ease

Source: https://www.confires.com/faq/addressable-vs-conventional-
fire-alarms
Fire Detection & Alarm Systems
 Optical beam smoke detection is often used in large open spaces
because a few detectors can cover a large area. These detectors
send a beam of light between a source and a receiver. If the light
beam is obscured or otherwise broken, the detector will activate.
 Air sampling systems continuously test the air in a protected
space by drawing air through sampling ports in a tube or pipe. The
air is pulled back to a central detector to be analyzed for smoke.
These systems have a wide range of sensitivity and can be set to
be more sensitive than spot-type smoke detectors.
 Video image detection (VID) systems use cameras to detect
smoke and flames. The video images are processed to determine
whether smoke or flames can be identified.
Cabling & Conduiting for Automation
Wiring For Powerline Control Protocols
 Neutral Wire At Each Wall Switch - switches, dimmers, and keypads mostly
require a 3-wire (hot, neutral and load) connection.
 In-Wall Transmitters - a number of In-Wall Remote Control Panels throughout the
house may be required which control groups of lights or execute complex lighting
macros. With one touch, all the lights in a room can be quickly adjusted to match
the occasion or mood. These locations need to be planned and a hot and neutral
wire run to a J-box at these locations.
 Use Deep Junction Boxes - installation of deep junction boxes can accommodate
any switch size. The deep models have extra working space and make the
installation a little easier.
 Whole-House Surge Protection - Install a Whole-House Surge Suppressor to
protect your electrical appliances and home entertainment products.

Wiring For Data

 Data cabling will include more than the cat 5 or cat 5e for the Ethernet network. -
A/V, telephone, HVAC, and security systems. The first stage in planning is to
select the location of a central wiring hub location.

Source: https://www.smarthome.com/sh-solutions-how-to-wire-your-home-for-automation.html