What does it mean when a fire alarm system is operating in “degraded mode”?
This refers to when the interconnection between the individual fire alarm panels on a networked system is broken (or interrupted) so that the panels are functioning in “stand alone” mode. This is a key test to ensure that the fire alarm panel servicing an area of the building will still perform its programmed functions (sound local signals, home elevators, shut down fans, etc.) should an interruption of the intercommunications loop occur. If a Class “A” circuit is employed this test will ensure that the individual fire alarm panels on the network are still able to communicate with each other on “both sides” of the loop.
