1. What Is a Fire Alarm Terminal Box? (Signal Transfer Box)
A fire alarm terminal box is thefield signal collection boxin a fire alarm system, installed on a floor or inside a fire compartment. Functions: ① collect signals from all detectors, manual call points and modules in that area; ② send them over the bus to the fire alarm control panel; ③ during maintenance, measure signals at the terminal box and isolate the faulty section.
2. What a Fire Alarm Terminal Box Does (3 Key Functions)
| Function | What it should show |
|---|---|
| Signal Collection | Collects smoke, heat and manual call point signals from the local area |
| Branch Isolation | Isolates a fault in that area without affecting other areas |
| Maintenance & Testing | Measure signal voltage at the terminal box, perform short-circuit tests, replace devices |
3. How Fire Interlock Signals Travel (3-Layer Architecture)
Fire Interlock Signals 3-Layer Architecture:
- Field Device Layer: smoke detectors / heat detectors / manual call points / fire hydrant buttons → via RVS cable to the terminal box.
- Terminal Box Layer: signals collected at the floor fire alarm terminal box → via fire-resistant bus to the fire alarm control panel.
- Panel Layer: the fire alarm control panel receives the signals → interlocks start sprinkler pumps / smoke exhaust fans / sound and strobe alarms / elevator homing.
4. Fire terminal box wiring requirements (GB 50116)
GB 50116 Requirements:
① Fire terminal boxes shall be installed inthe floor's low-voltage room or within the fire compartment, surface-mounted, 1.3–1.5 m above floor level;
② UseFire-resistant cable / fire-resistant wirefor incoming and outgoing lines (NH-BV/NH-RVS);
③ Terminal block numbers correspond to circuit numbers, with clear labeling;
④ Bus terminals and interlock terminalsseparate zones, separated by a partition.
5. Fire terminal box selection (by number of circuits)
| Circuit Count | Terminals | Enclosure size | Installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 16 circuits | 2 rows × 8 positions | 300×400×150 | Surface mount |
| 16–32 circuits | 4 rows × 8 positions | 400×500×200 | Surface mount |
| 32–48 circuits | 6 rows × 8 positions | 600×600×200 | Surface-mounted / floor-standing |
FAQ FAQ
What is the purpose of a fire terminal box?
It collects fire alarm device signals in the area (smoke detectors / manual call points / modules) and forwards them to the fire alarm control panel, providingbranch isolation and maintenance testingfunctions.
What wire is used for a fire terminal box?
You must useFire-resistant cable / fire-resistant wire(NH-BV/NH-RVS), which maintains power supply without interruption during a fire.
Where is a fire terminal box installed?
In the floor's low-voltage room or within the fire compartment, surface-mounted, 1.3–1.5 m above floor level for easy maintenance access.
Can a fire terminal box share a cabinet with a standard terminal box?
No. Fire terminal boxes must be installed independently, with a red enclosure and fire-resistant cable.
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