Open and closed protocols - what does it all mean?

Here we explain the differences between open and closed protocol systems and outline the advantages and disadvantages of each and what this may mean for you, the customer.

What are protocols?

The term ‘protocol’, when used with reference to electronic products, refers to the way in which the products communicate with each other. People use ‘language’ to say things to each other; electronic products have a simplified ‘language’ which is termed ‘protocol’. Protocols are often referred to as ‘open’, ’closed’, ‘digital’ and ‘analogue’. It is important to be sure what each term means when comparing different types of analogue fire detection system.

Fire industry protocols

In the fire detection industry analogue addressable systems use control panels and detectors (and of course, devices such as interfaces) which communicate with each other by means of a protocol. Some manufacturers offer both panels and detectors. These companies have no obligation to disclose the nature of their protocol to anyone, since they offer all the elements needed to provide an analogue addressable system. No equipment supplied by other manufacturers is expected to be compatible with such systems, so the protocol used is said to be ‘closed’.

A number of manufacturers of detectors make no control panels; they have built up partnerships with independent panel manufacturers and, in some cases, companies who offer special equipment such as aspirating detection systems. The detector manufacturer determines the protocols used by the detectors and publishes the information and technical data required by panel manufacturers in order to design panels that will drive the detectors. Since all details of the protocol must be disclosed, it is referred to as an ‘open’ protocol.

Closed protocols

Manufacturers of equipment using closed protocols claim that all elements of their equipment (detectors, panels, call points, interfaces, special detectors such as beam detectors) will work harmoniously with each other, since it is all designed and made by the same company. The implication is that a system comprising detectors and interfaces from one manufacturer and panels from another cannot work as well with each other.

Open protocol

The manufacturers of the components of a system with an open protocol would reply that products from different manufacturers of fire equipment work just as well with each other. Indeed, there might even be an advantage in having different specialist manufacturers concentrating on their own skills.

After sales service

Open protocol systems may be serviced by most companies as there tends to be no restriction when testing and inspecting a system. The problem lies when both the addressable panel and detection devices are manufactured by the same company then the owner is dependant on just one manufacturer for all parts, servicing, modification and upgrade of the system, since no other manufacturer’s products will be compatible. If the supplier delivers poor service, or increases their prices, you are not free to take your business elsewhere without completely replacing your fire alarm system, a position no consumer would ever want to be in.

Chubb Fire’s policy

Chubb recommends open protocol fire alarm systems. Our pledge to our customers is that if we fail to deliver the highest standard of service you’d expect from the UK’s leading fire expert, you are free to choose a different company to service the system or to supply a different or an upgraded panel or other component, since any competent company (including even competitor companies) have access to the protocol and can make compatible equipment.