Fire alarm control panels (FACP) are systems, which receive information from input devices (smoke detectors, heat detectors, etc.), process the information, and trigger an output device (audio or visual alarm).  A conventional control panel is an alarm system that can only detect on/off signals.  Conventional systems use separate wiring circuits called zones to relay information to the panel regarding the condition of the initiating devices. The panel monitors the condition of the detection devices throughout the whole system, with separate zones used to help pinpoint the location of the alarm. These systems allow the use of inexpensive detection devices and fire alarm control panels.  An addressable control panel is a system using a signaling technique, which allows a control unit to identify a specific initiating device or group of devices by location.