Conventional Initiating Devices

Conventional initiating devices are initiating devices that signal their activation to the FACP by drawing an abnormal amount of current. Conventional devices may be directly connected to conventional panels through their IDCs, or to addressable panels using monitor modules or zone interface modules.

The following conventional devices are commonly used in buildings:

• Pull stations
• Smoke detectors
• Heat detectors
• CO detectors

Of course, there are other devices out there. Most of which work by creating a short circuit. This includes water-flow detection, which will cause a short circuit when water is flowing. And tamper switches, which can cause an open circuit (or short if tied to a supervisory zone) when activated. There are many more out there, but most of the time the panel is just looking for a short circuit.