Fire alarm control panels (FACPs) are the brains behind any building's fire protection system. For facility managers, safety officers, and building maintenance personnel, knowing how to identify your specific FACP model is crucial for proper maintenance, troubleshooting, and documentation. This comprehensive guide will help you identify common fire alarm control panels from major manufacturers.
Why You Need to Identify Your FACP
Before we dive into identification methods, let's understand why knowing your exact FACP model matters:
- Access to documentation – Each panel has specific installation, programming, and operation manuals
- Maintenance requirements – Different panels have varying testing and service schedules
- Compatibility issues – When adding devices or upgrading components, compatibility is essential
- Code compliance – Ensuring your system meets current fire codes and standards
- Replacement parts – Sourcing the correct components when repairs are needed
Where to Find Your FACP
Fire alarm control panels are typically located in:
- Main building entrances or lobbies
- Security offices or guard stations
- Mechanical/electrical rooms
- Facility management offices
- Service corridors
The panel is usually mounted on a wall at eye level and is often in a red or beige metal cabinet. Panels may be locked, requiring a key for access.
General Identification Methods
Once you've located your panel, here are some universal ways to identify it:
1. Look for Manufacturer Branding
The manufacturer's logo or name is typically visible on the outside of the cabinet or on the main display. Common manufacturers include:
- Notifier
- Simplex (Johnson Controls)
- Edwards (EST)
- Siemens (Cerberus Pyrotronics)
- Silent Knight
- Fire-Lite
- Gamewell-FCI
- Honeywell
2. Check the Model Number
The model number is usually found:
- On a label inside the cabinet door
- On the main circuit board
- On the panel display interface
- Within the system menu (for digital displays)
3. System Age Indicators
The age and generation of your system can be determined by:
- The display type (LCD screens vs. LED indicators)
- Cabinet design and construction
- Manufacturing date on labels (often format MM/YYYY)
- Software version (for programmable systems)
4. Panel Type Distinctions
Fire alarm panels generally fall into these categories:
- Conventional panels – Use zones rather than individual device identification
- Addressable panels – Each device has a unique address for precise identification
- Analog/intelligent panels – Advanced addressable systems with additional monitoring capabilities
- Hybrid panels – Support both conventional and addressable devices
Identifying Panels by Manufacturer
Let's explore how to identify panels from the major manufacturers:
Notifier Panels
Notifier, a Honeywell company, is one of the largest fire alarm system manufacturers globally.
Common Models:
- NFS-320 – Mid-sized addressable system, single cabinet design with red door
- NFS-640 – Larger addressable system, expandable with multiple cabinets
- NFS2-640/NFS2-3030 – Newer generation with enhanced features and color display options
- FireWarden – Smaller addressable systems for mid-sized applications
- AFP-200/AFP-400 – Older addressable panels (many still in service)
- SFP-series – Conventional zone-based panels
Identifying Features: Notifier panels typically have a distinctive red/black interface, often with the Notifier logo prominently displayed. Newer models feature LCD displays, while older models use LED indicators.
Simplex Panels
Simplex (now part of Johnson Controls) is known for their robust commercial fire alarm systems.
Common Models:
- 4100ES/4100U – Enterprise-level panels with touch-screen interfaces
- 4010ES/4010 – Mid-range addressable panels
- 4020/4100/4120 – Older generation panels still common in many buildings
- 4006/4008 – Smaller conventional and addressable systems
Identifying Features: Simplex panels often have a beige/gray cabinet with a distinctive interface design. Many Simplex panels feature a key-operated enable switch and use the "TrueAlarm" branding for their sensors.
Edwards (EST) Panels
Edwards Systems Technology (EST), now owned by Carrier, produces advanced fire detection systems.
Common Models:
- EST3/EST4 – High-end networked systems with modular design
- EST2 – Previous generation networked system
- iO/iO64/iO500/iO1000 – Compact intelligent panels for small to mid-sized applications
- QuickStart – Entry-level addressable panels
- FireShield – Conventional zoned panels
Identifying Features: EST panels often have a distinctive blue interface on newer models, with clear LED indicators and LCD displays. The EST3 platform has a modular design with multiple display options.
Siemens (Cerberus Pyrotronics) Panels
Siemens fire panels, previously under the Cerberus Pyrotronics brand, are common in commercial and industrial settings.
Common Models:
- FireFinder XLS – Advanced networked system with voice capabilities
- MXL/MXL-IQ – Older but still widely used addressable panels
- Cerberus PRO – Newer generation intelligent fire panels
- FC901/FC922 – Compact addressable panels
- FS-250 – Conventional panels
Identifying Features: Siemens panels often have a distinctive layout with clear labeling. The FireFinder series typically has a gray/black interface with an LCD display and membrane keypad.
Silent Knight Panels
Silent Knight (a Honeywell brand) focuses on cost-effective systems for small to mid-sized applications.
Common Models:
- 6000 Series – Addressable panels with varying capacities (6700, 6808, 6820, etc.)
- 5700/5800 Series – Previous generation addressable panels
- SK-5208 – Conventional panel
- Farenhyt Series – Integrated fire/security systems
Identifying Features: Silent Knight panels typically have red cabinets with simple, functional interfaces. Many models feature illuminated pushbuttons and clear status indicators.
Tips for Accurate Identification
- Take photos of the panel exterior, interior, and any labels or markings. These will help when researching or consulting with professionals.
- Look for service stickers from maintenance companies, which often note the panel model and installation date.
- Check for revision numbers on circuit boards or firmware version in digital menus.
- Note any network components like annunciators, which can provide clues about the main panel.
- Consult building documentation – As-built drawings or maintenance records often specify the exact model.
How to Find Manuals for Your Panel
Once you've identified your panel, finding documentation is the next step:
- Manufacturer websites – Most manufacturers provide documentation online (may require registration)
- FACP Manuals Directory – Our website offers a comprehensive collection of fire alarm control panel documentation
- Contact your service provider – They should have access to manuals for systems they maintain
- Online forums and communities – Fire alarm professionals often share resources and expertise
Conclusion
Identifying your fire alarm control panel is the first step to proper system management. By understanding your specific model, you gain access to the right documentation, maintenance procedures, and replacement parts.
Remember that fire alarm systems are life safety equipment, and most modifications or repairs should be performed by licensed professionals. This identification guide is meant to help you better understand your system, not to encourage unauthorized tampering or modifications.
For building managers and safety officers, knowing your panel is an essential part of effective emergency preparedness and safety planning.