Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP)
The central hub of a fire alarm system that receives signals from detection devices, activates notification, and communicates with monitoring.
In Detail
The Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) is the brain of the fire alarm system. It receives signals from initiating devices (smoke detectors, pull stations, waterflow switches, etc.), processes them according to programmed logic, activates notification appliances (horns, strobes), controls building systems (elevator recall, HVAC shutdown, door release), and communicates alarm signals to the central monitoring station. FACP inspection and testing per NFPA 72 includes verifying all programming, testing each zone and circuit, verifying backup battery capacity (24 hours standby + 5 or 15 minutes alarm), testing communication paths to the monitoring station, and documenting all test results. The FACP is the most critical single component of the fire alarm system — a malfunctioning panel can render the entire system inoperative. Annual FACP testing requires coordination with the monitoring company to avoid false dispatch.
Related Terms
NFPA 72
The National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code — the standard for fire alarm system installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance.
Fire Alarm Testing
Periodic functional testing of fire alarm system components to verify proper detection, notification, and monitoring.
Smoke Detector
A fire detection device that senses smoke particles in the air, triggering the fire alarm system to alert occupants.
AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction)
The organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing fire codes and approving fire protection systems in a given jurisdiction.