Building automation systems (BAS)/ building management systems (BMS): Integrating Addressable Fire Logic with Facility Management
Topics in this article:
What are building automations
Why automated building systems need location-specific IO modules
Building automations integration with location-specified IO modules
What are building automations
Building automations bring together multiple systems and automations integrated into a system, so that they communicate and work as one. This integrated approach allows for more efficient, secure, and easier facility management.
A building automation system (BAS) link a fire alarm system to various other autonomous systems, such as:
- Fire extinguishing system
- HVAC(Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)
- Evacuation lighting
- Building Access
- Ventilation
- Lifts And Escalators Management
Why automated building systems need location-specific IO devices/modules for efficient fire security
The fire alarm system typically includes fire detectors, a fire alarm panel, and input/output devices. An addressable fire alarm system benefits building management with location-specific modules. These allow the system to detect the exact location of a fire early, activating the specific alarm sounders or strobes, smoke ventilation, evacuation routes, and other fire extinguishing automations precisely where they are needed.
Why automated building systems need location-specific IO modules
Automated systems in intelligent buildings, typically include:
1. Safety & Security Systems
2. Energy & Environment Control
3. Integrated Smart Building Platforms
4. Connectivity & Communication
5. User Comfort & Experience
Each of these systems benefits differently from the installation and integration of addressable I/O modules. DMTech’s addressable modules are engineered to integrate with various Building Management Systems, such as: Safety & Security Systems and Energy & Environmental Control Systems.
Building Management Systems
1. Safety & Security Systems
Fire alarm system – Fire detectors, Fire Alarm Panels and IO Modules
Fire extinguishing system
Facility Access control
2. Energy & Environment Control
HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)
Automated lighting, incl. evacuation lighting
Elevator/lift monitoring
3. Integrated Smart Building Platforms
Centralized control dashboards
Systems Maintenance Software (detecting issues before they happen)
4. Connectivity & Communication
Network infrastructure
Remote monitoring
Cloud‑based management
5. User Comfort & Experience
Temperature and lighting adjusted automatically
Customizable environment control
M9000A IO 1/0 addressable module provides an interface for one-way communication in residential settings as part of the User Comfort & Experience Automated System. It can be used to signal the Safety and Security Systems for person in emergency situation in a specific building location. It can also be applicable in industrial buildings to supervise a Manual Call Point or Emergency Button installed in technical rooms or other factory spaces, and secure the rest of the facility. Furthermore, it can communicate the status of Sprinkler Switches, Pressure Switches and ensure the reliability of a Fire Extinguishing System.
| Feature | Specification |
| Communication | Addressable / One-way |
| Application | Residential, Commercial & Technical Rooms |
| Monitored Devices | Manual Call Points, Sprinkler Switches, Pressure Switches |
| System Integration | Safety & Security, User Experience Automation |
The M9000A IO 3/0 addressable module integrates three supervised inputs—for example, three Manual Call Points from the Fire Alarm System—or communicates with the HVAC System to ensure smoke control and ventilation in a fire event.
| Feature | Specification |
| Communication | Addressable / One-way |
| Application | Industrial & Large Scale Facilities |
| Monitored Devices | Manual Call Points, Smoke Dampers, Flow Switches |
| System Integration | Fire Alarm & HVAC Systems |
M9000A IO 0/1 EXT 24V addressable module is engineered to drive one relay output device with a load capacity of 24VDC/2A. This could be a fire extinguishing valve from the Fire Extinguishing System that needs 24V power supply to be opened, an emergency door opening from facility’s Access Control System or to drive additional smoke ventilation from the HVAC System.
| Feature | Specification |
| Communication | Addressable / One-way |
| Application | High-Security & Critical Infrastructure |
| Monitored Devices | Fire Extinguishing Valves, Emergency Door Openers, Smoke Vents |
| System Integration | Fire Extinguishing, Access Control & HVAC Systems |
M9000A IO 0/4 addressable module monitors and controls four relay outputs simultaneously—for example, multiple fans, dampers, and lighting circuits. It is perfect for multi‑stage actions and complex building automation integration. In a fire event, the Fire Extinguishing System opens a fire damper, the HVAC system starts an additional fan to extract smoke, and the Automated Lighting System activates emergency lighting, while the Access Control opens fire doors to ensure a clear evacuation route.
| Feature | Specification |
| Communication | Addressable / One-way |
| Application | Large Commercial & Industrial Complexes |
| Monitored Devices | Fans, Dampers, Lighting Circuits, Fire Doors |
| System Integration | HVAC, Lighting Control & Access Control Systems |
M9000A IO 1/1 addressable module provides two-way logic for the Fire Security System, allowing it to connect multiple Building Management Systems through the Fire Alarm Panel. Most commonly, it is used to enable two-way system logic between the detection layer of a Fire Alarm System and an output device that is part of the HVAC, Facility Access Control, Elevator Control, or Fire Extinguishing System.
| Feature | Specification |
| Communication | Addressable / Two-way Logic |
| Application | Integrated Smart Buildings & Critical Infrastructure |
| Monitored Devices | Detection Sensors, Dampers, Elevator Controllers |
| System Integration | Fire Alarm, HVAC, Elevator & Access Control |
M9000A IO 1/1 250V-5A addressable module is engineered to supervise a location-specific input signal and to safely and reliably handle a relay output with a voltage rated at 250V / 5A. It can directly control an actuator without the need for an external power relay, connecting the Fire Alarm System with other high-voltage building systems, such as HVAC and Automated Lighting from the facility’s Energy & Environmental Control. This is crucial for providing evacuation route signaling and extracting smoke from the zone where a fire event has occurred.
| Feature | Specification |
| Communication | Addressable / Two-way Logic |
| Application | High-Voltage Actuators & Lighting Control |
| Monitored Devices | Input Sensors, High-Power Actuators, Fans |
| System Integration | Fire Alarm, HVAC & Energy Control Systems |
M9000A IO 2/2 addressable module enables two separate input/output to be interfaced simultaneously and achieve one complete sequence from the Fire Security System. It provides paired-logic and parallel control of multiple Building Automation Systems in the location of a fire. This could be a component from the Fire Alarm System activating the Automatic Emergency Lighting, while a component of the Fire Extinguishing System as an input to activate a fan from the HVAC.
| Feature | Specification |
| Communication | Addressable / Two-way Logic |
| Application | Complex Industrial & Smart Building Logic |
| Monitored Devices | Emergency Lighting, HVAC Fans, Extinguishing Sensors |
| System Integration | Fire Alarm, HVAC & Lighting Control Systems |
M9000A IO 3/5 addressable module provides complex logic and addressability for large, high-risk buildings. It integrates Fire Security Systems with Energy & Environmental Control Automated Systems—such as automated lighting (including evacuation lighting) and elevator/lift monitoring. It enables multiple supervised conditions from the Fire Alarm System to drive sequential actions from other building management systems, where the most important feature is the location-specific input activation of a location-specific output device.
| Feature | Specification |
| Communication | Addressable / Multi-way Logic |
| Application | High-Risk Buildings & Large Infrastructure |
| Monitored Devices | Elevators, Lift Controllers, Complex Lighting Grids |
| System Integration | Fire Security, Elevator Control & Lighting Systems |
Building Automations are planned to be easily integrated, scaled and innovated.
Therefore, a growing facility should easily upscale the existing fire alarm systems.
The M9000A ACZ addressable module integrates and provides addressability for conventional lines within an addressable fire alarm installation.
| Feature | Specification |
| Communication | Addressable / Conventional Interface |
| Application | Retrofitting & Hybrid Fire Alarm Systems |
| Monitored Devices | Conventional Detectors, Manual Call Points |
| System Integration | Conventional Zones into Addressable Loops |
The ML9000A1 module expands the capability of the FP9000A-2(6) Fire Alarm Panel with an additional loop and up to 250 addressable devices.
| Feature | Specification |
| Communication | Loop Expansion / Addressable |
| Application | System Scaling & Large Capacity Projects |
| Supported Devices | Up to 250 Addressable Detectors or Modules |
| System Integration | FP9000A-2(6) Fire Alarm Control Panels |
All DMTech’s addressable IO modules are EN 54 certified, and can be programmed via Fire Alarm Panel or DMProg programmer. They are also available in a sealed box for reliable installations outdoors or in environments with high levels of dust and water splashes.
Learn more about the M9000A addressable modules.
