Conventional fire alarm systems
In a conventional system, detectors are wired in zones. The panel knows that a fire condition exists somewhere in a zone, but not which specific detector triggered. This makes diagnosis slower and limits maximum building size. Conventional is cheaper per device and remains appropriate for small buildings (< 20 detectors), single-zone retail units, or low-occupancy facilities.
Addressable fire alarm systems
In an addressable system, every detector, sounder, and call point has a unique digital address. The panel reports the exact device that triggered, with descriptive text ("Smoke detector in 3rd floor corridor north"). Loop topology means a single cable serves dozens of devices, with short-circuit isolators (EN 54-17) preventing a single fault from disabling the whole loop. Addressable is the standard for any modern medium to large building.
BS 5839 Category designations
The British Standard BS 5839 classifies fire alarm coverage by category. Category M: manual call points only, no automatic detection. Category L1: full automatic detection in every room. Category L2: detection in escape routes plus higher-risk areas. Category L3: detection in escape routes only. Category P1: full property protection (insurance-driven). Category P2: detection in defined high-risk areas. Most commercial projects in Iraq target L2 or L3 as a minimum.
What TSB Smart Tech installs
TSB Smart Tech is the exclusive Detectomat distributor for Iraq. Detectomat addressable panels (DC3500 series, DC9000 series), DO1100 series detectors, and DM3000 manual call points all carry EN 54 certification. We design to BS 5839 categories L2/L3 as standard and L1 for high-risk facilities (hospitals, data centres, oil & gas).