From the 2016 edition of nfpa 72.
Fire alarm annunciator panel location.
1 is deemed to satisfy the requirement for an annunciator provided all indicators required for an annunciator or trouble signal device are included on the control unit.
3 3 100 fire alarm control unit facu.
There are 2 buttons on the panel one of which is used to acknowledge the alarm and automatically notify the fire department via a phone line attached to the computer.
Keep in mind this is not intended for lobbies or offices where there are occupants coming and going throughout the day.
7 a fire alarm control unit installed in close proximity to a building entrance that faces a street or an access route for fire department vehicles that complies with sentence 3 2 5 5.
Don t worry the other button is used to silence the alarm in case of a false alarm.
The annunciator panel will indicate the zone and approximate physical location of the source of a fire alarm in the building.
National fire alarm and signaling code the national fire protection association provides a broad definition of these devices known in this code as a fire alarm control unit facu.
The term fire alarm control unit facu does not include annunciators or addressable devices.
Fire alarm control panels may connect many devices and addressable panels are designed to manage them.
The location of the fire alarm control unit facu and when required the remote annunciator panel are located near the main entrance or as approved by the ahj 4 4 6 3.
If the area where the facu is located is continuously attended a smoke detector is not required.
When an annunciator signals a problem the user can pinpoint the malfunction almost instantly because each element constantly relays information to the central panel.
Most fire alarms have the segment location of the alarm showing on the screen.