2-wire fire alarm systems are a type of conventional fire alarm system where all devices, such as smoke detectors, manual call points, and sounders, are connected using the same pair of two-core cables per zone. This means you don’t need separate wires for sounders, unlike traditional systems, which can save on cabling and installation time.
These systems are often chosen for smaller buildings or projects with budget constraints because they lower costs and speed up installation. They’re also flexible, with some offering features like alarm verification to reduce false alarms, which is an unexpected benefit for ensuring safety without unnecessary evacuations.
Infinity ID2
The Infinity ID2 is widely recognised as the leading 2-wire fire alarm system. It is the only system of this type to offer truly intelligent features such as identifying the exact device in fire or fault, removing the need for pesky end-of-line devices and flexible wiring (choice of wiring formats including the ability to spur). If you still need convincing, check out our Infinity ID2 vs other 2-wire fire systems breakdown.
What is the Infinity ID2
Zeta Alarm Systems is proud to introduce the most advanced 2 wire system on the market. We can now provide a system that gives all of the benefits associated with a ‘2 Wire’ installation (less cable, quicker installation, cost savings on labour/product) and has the facility to ‘I.D.’ the devices. The system is built on the proven communication protocol developed by Zeta Alarm Systems and shares the same platform as our largest, most powerful system. The Infinity ID2 can be used for new installations, as a retro-fit for any conventional system or as a replacement for existing 2 wire systems when the extra features are deemed to be desirable/necessary. This is possible because the Infinity ID2 devices sit on radial circuits, thus making it easy to ‘upgrade’ a system with the facility to I.D. devices without the need to re- wire.
Standards
The Infinity ID2 fire alarm system has been designed to meet the full requirements of BSEN5839 part 1 and BSEN5839 part 6.The control panel has been designed to meet EN54 part 2 and EN54 part 4.
Cabling
A single pair of wires is used from each zone terminal (radial circuit) which connects all detectors, call points, warning devices (sounders/ flashers) and interfaces. There is no requirement for an ‘End of line’ device. This will save a significant amount on the cost of traditional conventional or addressable systems (around 40% or more in the majority of cases).
Cable Break Protection
In the event of a cable break, the panel will report the break. The devices after the break will be lost, but will be listed one-by-one on the panel display to help locate the break.
Special Detector Bases
Our bases all come with both sounder and LED flasher as standard. This makes our system the only system available today with a sounder and flasher with every detector, improving the audibility and visual identification of an alarm.
Alarm, Fault & System History
The Infinity ID2 includes a 2048 event history that stores all alarm, fault and system events.
System Monitoring
Since every device is monitored constantly and communicates with the panel at a maximum interval of 4 seconds, any malfunction in any device will be reported by the panel. This of course will include the exact location of the device.
Cable Short Circuit Protection
Each zone is equipped with a short circuit isolator built-in to the panel, so any short circuit, no matter how severe, will not affect the electronics in the control panel.
Alarm Indication
Each device can be uniquely identified (I.D.) by the panel and a 20 character label set for each. In the event of a fire or fault the exact device that triggered the event will be shown.
Installation & Commissioning
In addition to the benefits already listed, once the panel has been connected a ‘Device Count Verification’ feature will confirm the number and type of every device. This can then be checked against the system specification.
Alarm Verification
Each smoke detector can be simply programmed to verify an alarm before a full evacuation. This gives the benefit of being able to operate an individual detector’s sounder/ flasher base and have a time period to clear the smoke/verify the alarm. This makes the Infinity ID2 perfect for HMO installations.
Zone Check – Cable Integrity & Zone Identification Facility
Our Zone Check facility allows you to illuminate the LEDs and flash the LED flashers of all devices contained within a zone. This has many benefits including identifying the location of a zone if you are visiting an installation for the first time and also checking the cable runs to all devices that should be contained in a zone. (It is also possible to narrow this down to an individual device if required).
Fike Twinflex
The Fike TWINFLEXpro² is an advanced two-wire fire alarm system designed for efficient installation and versatile application. By integrating the Multipoint ASD combined smoke and heat detector, which includes optional built-in sounder and strobe, the system allows all devices within a zone to operate over a single pair of wires. This streamlined approach reduces installation time and complexity.
Key features
- Multipoint ASD Detector: Offers seven modes of detection—three smoke settings, two fixed temperature heat settings, one rate-of-rise heat setting, and a combined smoke/heat mode. This flexibility ensures suitability across various environments and can be easily configured during commissioning.
- Integrated Sounder and Strobe: The detector can be equipped with a 90 dBA sounder and strobe, eliminating the need for separate alarm devices and further simplifying installation.
- Device Capacity: Supports up to 32 devices per zone, accommodating a range of detectors, call points, and sounder beacons on the same two-wire circuit.
- Advanced Monitoring: Features individual fault monitoring displays for each zone, enhancing system reliability and maintenance efficiency.
- Flexible Configuration: Zones can be set up without the need for additional resistors or capacitors, and the system can distinguish between call point and detector alarms.
- Input/Output Module: An optional module can be added anywhere on the zone circuit, providing interfaces for functions like plant shutdowns or door release mechanisms.
- Repeater Panels: Up to eight repeater panels can be connected to a single control panel via an RS485 data link, offering remote display and control capabilities at multiple locations within a building.
The TWINFLEXpro² system also incorporates Checkpoint Alarm Confirmation Technology, which helps reduce false alarms by verifying potential threats before initiating a full evacuation. This feature is particularly beneficial in residential settings, such as apartments and dormitories, where false alarms can cause significant disruption.
Overall, the Fike TWINFLEXpro² provides a reliable, cost-effective, and user-friendly fire detection solution suitable for a wide range of applications.
Apollo AlarmSense
The Apollo AlarmSense system is designed for simplicity and efficiency, making it a popular choice for smaller installations. It’s a conventional fire alarm system where all devices share the same pair of wires, which can save on cabling and speed up setup. This is especially useful for buildings like shops, offices, or residential properties, where budget and space are considerations.
This system isn’t just about cost; it also includes unexpected features like technologies to reduce false alarms and ensure the system works reliably. It also supports accessibility with products like beacons, which help meet DDA requirements for people with hearing or visual impairments.
It’s particularly suited for small to medium-sized buildings, and its flexibility means you can easily add to it later if needed, which is great for growing businesses or changing building uses.
Eaton BiWire Flexi
The Eaton BiWire Flexi system is a versatile fire alarm solution that integrates two-wire and conventional technologies, allowing each zone to be configured for either type of device. This flexibility makes it ideal for building extensions, retrofitting, or new constructions, especially where cost and time efficiency are crucial.
It reduces cabling needs by up to 50%, potentially saving significant costs, and cuts installation time by about a third. The system includes user-friendly features like fault-finding for wiring issues and a self-test mode to ensure detectors are working, which is an unexpected detail for enhancing maintenance ease.
It’s well-suited for small to medium-sized buildings like shops and offices, and is particularly useful for projects needing to integrate with existing systems or expand them without major overhauls.
