Where should a fire alarm control panel be installed?
The simple answer is: “Someplace warm and dry”. Fire alarm panels are usually located in a central INDOOR location so that the building occupants and first responders can easily access the various control functions such as exhaust and pressurization fans, elevator recall, door holders and release mechanisms, etc. In large buildings, it helps to have this at or near the main entrance so that the TROUBLE, SUPERVISORY, or ALARM information can be quickly discerned and the appropriate response or action(s) determined. Many common controls are located in the main electrical room in which case they would employ some form of remote annunciation at or near the structure’s main entrance. In all cases, access to the control functions must be restricted to authorized personnel through the use of cabinet locks or (for some of the higher level functions) passcodes.
