In a fire alarm system, which describes the primary difference between conventional and addressable networks?

• A. Addressable shows zones; conventional identifies each device.
• B. Conventional shows zones; addressable identifies individual units.
• C. Conventional detects heat, addressable detects smoke.
• D. There is no difference.

Answer: (B)

The main concept is how the alarm panel identifies triggering devices. In a conventional system, devices are grouped into zones, and the panel reports which zone alarmed rather than showing the exact device that fired. In an addressable system, each device has a unique address, so the panel can pinpoint the exact unit that activated the alarm.

So, the primary difference is that conventional systems show zones, while addressable systems identify individual units. It’s not about the type of sensor (smoke vs heat); detectors of various types can be used in either system. There is a real difference between the two, and the statement that there’s no difference isn’t correct.