What are the types of fire alarm and detection systems?

Fire alarm systems are classified according to NFPA 72 and the Quebec Construction Code:

System types:

• Conventional system: Defined zones (illustrative example: 8 zones). When a detector activates, the zone is identified but not the exact device. Used in small buildings.
• Addressable system: Each detector has a unique address. The panel indicates exactly which detector activated.

What the Code requires: the Quebec Construction Code, Chapter I – Building (B-1.1, r. 2), incorporates the National Building Code of Canada 2020 by reference. It requires a fire alarm system in every building with a sprinkler system (Sentence 3.2.4.1.(1)) and in a building that is not sprinklered throughout and that is more than 3 storeys in building height, including the storeys below the first storey (Sentence 3.2.4.1.(4)(c), consulted October 18, 2026). The Code does not require addressable technology: it requires installation in conformance with CAN/ULC-S524 (Sentence 3.2.4.5.(1)) and a single-stage or 2-stage system depending on the occupancy (Article 3.2.4.3.). Whether a system is conventional or addressable is a design decision, not a Code obligation. Installation cost depends on the number of zones and devices, the floor area covered and the wiring work.

Detector types:

• Ionization smoke detector: Detects invisible particles (fast-flaming fires). Prone to false alarms in kitchens
• Photoelectric smoke detector: Detects visible particles (smoldering fires). Best for corridors and bedrooms
• Heat detector: Activates at a fixed temperature (57 °C or 90 °C, i.e. 135 °F or 194 °F depending on the model) or at a rapid temperature rise (rate-of-rise) (System Sensor Canada, notice I56-2494-000, consulted October 18, 2026)
• Carbon monoxide (CO) alarm: required in buildings that contain a dwelling unit or a care occupancy with suites and that contain a fuel-fired appliance or a parking garage (NBC 2020, Sentences 6.9.3.1.(1) and 9.32.3.9.(1)); in an existing building, in every dwelling unit that contains a fuel-fired appliance or direct access to an indoor parking garage (Safety Code, s. 359)

Fire alarm systems must be inspected and tested annually by a qualified person in conformance with CAN/ULC-S536 (NFC 2020, Sentence 6.3.1.2.(1)), which the Safety Code makes applicable to existing buildings through its section 370. In a dwelling unit, a smoke alarm must be replaced 10 years after the date of manufacture shown on the unit (Safety Code, s. 358).