Loop capacity

[Guest Brad]

Hi,

Is there a 'standard' percentage for loop capacity for addressable fire alarm panel / loops? i.e. Kentec/Apollo 126 unique address numbers available _ 10% left off at installation (for future modifications etc.) = approx. 113 devices to be installed, with 13 'spare' spaces.  I hear 10%, 15% & even 20% space 'requirements' for future expansion.

Thanks,

Brad.  

 

[AnthonyB]

It's usually down to any recommendations by the manufacturer and the designer. Completely filling a loop is frowned upon by some. At the end of the day a judgement needs to be made as to the potential need for expansion and to what extent when determining if you use a panel with a spare unused loop card, or various percentages of spare space per loop.

In a building with an L1 system you may be able to safely load a loop to 95% as there is little scope for alteration (unless it has large open plan areas that could be heavily subdivided in future) where as a building with an L4 system may end up in future having additional detection in future for property protection or change of use.