Reliable Fire Alarm Communication: Modern Solutions for DACTs, Cellular Dialers, and IP Systems

Any building or facility equipped with a fire alarm system relies heavily on one critical factor: reliable communication to first responders. It doesn't matter how advanced your Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) is if it can't effectively relay alarms to your central monitoring station or the fire department.

That's where the placement and setup of Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitters (DACTs), cellular dialers, and other communication paths become mission-critical.

Consider all the trouble you can run into if your fire alarm signals aren't transmitted properly. You risk:

• Outdated POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) lines that fail or (increasingly) get phased out.
• Faulty or cut phone lines that prevent alarms from ever reaching dispatchers.
• Improperly installed cellular dialers that barely get a signal in the basement.
• Non-compliance with required fire codes like NFPA 72, leading to fines or liability.

In the next few minutes, I'll walk you through the essentials of fire alarm communication, show you how to integrate DACTs and cellular dialers, and help you avoid the pitfalls of old technology. By the end, you'll know exactly how to make sure your fire alarm system is well-monitored and compliant with the latest standards to ensure reliable communication.

Legacy Fire Alarm Communication Methods Have Challenges

Before we dive into the best practices for placing DACTs and cellular dialers, let's take a look at the elephant in the room: many buildings still rely on old-fashioned POTS-based DACTs. While these landline connections once felt like the gold standard for remote alerting, telecom providers are rapidly phasing them out. This creates some very real issues, like:

Service Disruptions

Landline infrastructure is aging - and many telcos are ceasing service entirely.

Increased Costs

Maintaining dedicated landlines for fire alarms can be expensive. As phone companies reduce landline availability, they may raise prices to encourage customers to switch.

Compliance Risks

Modern fire codes - especially NFPA 72 - often require dual-path communication. Relying on a single POTS line via a DACT doesn't cut it in many jurisdictions.

As these problems grow, plenty of building owners and facility managers are looking for advanced communication methods - particularly IP and cellular solutions - to replace or supplement DACT-based monitoring.

Where Should the DACT Be Installed?

A Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter (DACT) is the classic device that sends alarm signals from the FACP to your central monitoring station. It typically does this over a traditional phone line. The question of where to install a DACT is straightforward - until real-world constraints show up.

Standard Installation: Inside the FACP

Most of the time, you'll mount your DACT inside the enclosure of the FACP itself. There are a few reasons for this:

1. Reduced Tampering Risks
   Securing the DACT inside the FACP makes it less susceptible to vandalism or accidental damage.
2. Minimal Wiring Exposure
   When the DACT is enclosed with the FACP, your wiring is self-contained, less likely to get cut or snagged.
3. Manufacturer Compatibility
   Fire alarm manufacturers often design their FACPs with space and connection ports specifically for an integrated DACT. This makes the installation process straightforward.

From a practical standpoint, placing the DACT inside the FACP keeps the entire system organized, compliant, and easy to maintain - at least when there's enough space...

Installation Exceptions: External Mounting

In some scenarios, you can't house the DACT inside the FACP:

• Limited Space Inside the Panel: Smaller or older FACPs might be cramped, forcing an external enclosure.
• Distance Constraints: If the phone jack is far from the panel, adding a separate DACT enclosure might simplify wiring logistics.
• Environmental Factors: Extreme heat, humidity, or vibration inside the FACP enclosure can warrant placing the DACT in a climate-controlled area.

Be aware that relying solely on a DACT over a single phone line is less common these days. With POTS lines disappearing, it's vital to consider alternative or secondary communication options, such as cellular or IP.

Do You Need a Cellular Dialer?

Right about now, you might be asking: "Is a cellular dialer always mandatory?" Well, not always - but in most cases today, a cellular dialer is either required or strongly recommended.

A cellular dialer is best used when:

1. No Landlines are Available: If your building can't access a reliable POTS line, a cellular dialer is your best option.
2. You Need Code Compliance (NFPA 72 Requirements): NFPA 72 requires at least two independent communication paths for fire alarm monitoring. If you have a DACT on a landline, the second path could be a cellular dialer (or IP communicator).
3. You Want to Increase Reliability & Security: Landlines can be physically cut or damaged. A cellular dialer - especially one with a dedicated battery backup - offers a more secure and resilient path. If the power goes out or a phone line gets severed, your cellular path is still there.

You may not need a cellular dialer, however, if you have:

• An Existing Dual-Path Setup: You already have two compliant communication paths (e.g., IP and landline, or IP and radio).
• A Built-In Cellular Communicator: Your FACP might have a built-in cellular module, making an external dialer redundant.
• Direct IP Communication: If your panel supports direct IP networking, you may choose to skip cellular. Many experts still recommend it for backup, though.

Where Should a Cellular Dialer Be Installed?

Unlike a DACT, which is often tucked inside the FACP, a cellular dialer depends on wireless signal strength to & from the cellular network. That means location can make or break its effectiveness. Since location can vary, there are three common installation locations that exist. These locations include:

1. Inside the FACP (If Space Allows)
   • Pros: Equipment protected inside a single enclosure means fewer mounting headaches.
   • Cons: Metal panels can degrade cellular reception. Always test signal strength.
2. Mounted Near the FACP
   • Pros: Nearby mounting allows for short cable runs and straightforward wiring.
   • Cons: If the FACP is in a physically congested area with high-density building materials, you might still have reception problems.
3. In a Location with Better Cellular Signal
   • Pros: Ensures strong reception by placing the dialer near a window, a telecom closet, or even a rooftop.
   • Cons: Requires longer cable runs or a remote antenna to connect back to the FACP.

Best Practices for Installing a Cellular Dialer

• Test Signal Strength - Don't guess. Use the dialer's built-in indicators or a cellular signal tester to find the sweet spot.
• Battery Backup - Fire code demands continuous operation, so use a strong power supply with backup batteries.
• Follow NFPA 72 and AHJ Requirements - Always consult local codes to confirm placement, wiring types, and enclosure standards.

NFPA 72 Compliance Affects Your Fire Alarm Communication

Communication paths must meet the requirements outlined in NFPA 72. These requirements specify:

1. Two Independent Communication Paths
   NFPA 72 typically mandates redundancy, so you can't rely on one line of communication. Using two head-ends, such as the System 3505 Prism LX, can create this required redundancy.
2. Approved Transmission Methods
   • DACTs (over landline)
   • Cellular dialers
   • IP-based communicators
   • Radio-based solutions
3. Supervision & Signal Transmission Time
   Alarms must reach the central station within 90 seconds. Modern IP- or cellular-based methods often deliver signals faster than POTS lines.

If you adhere to these guidelines, you're far less likely to face fines, system failures, or delayed emergency responses. By complying with required codes and guidelines, you can be sure your system is performing at its best.

Avoid These Common Installation Mistakes

Even the best equipment will fail if installed incorrectly. There are a few common errors we see, including:

1. Installing a Dialer in a Weak Signal Area
   • Make sure to always test or survey cellular strength. Consider a high-gain antenna if needed.
2. Skipping Battery Backup
   • Have a dedicated, supervised power supply with battery backup to meet fire codes and prepare for an emergency outage.
3. Improper Wiring
   • Double-check the manufacturer's instructions, and ensure compliance with NFPA 72.
4. Not Verifying Dual-Path Functionality
   • Conduct real signal transmission tests to confirm both paths work independently.

A little upfront planning saves you from a lot of headaches - whether it's an AHJ inspection or an actual emergency.

Your AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) Has a Role in Fire Alarm Monitoring

Before installing or upgrading any fire alarm communication device, you must consult the AHJ. The AHJ is the local regulatory body - fire marshal, city inspector, or another code enforcement official - that approves or denies your setup.

Why Does the AHJ Matter?

Your AHJ plays a significant part in verifying the reliability of your system. The AHJ will:

• Ensure Local and National Standards: NFPA 72 might be the blueprint, but local codes can have additional requirements.
• Verify Dual-Path Compliance: They'll ensure your system has enough redundancy.
• Approve Alternative Methods: If you're going fully IP or cellular, the AHJ must green-light your plan.
• Conduct Final Testing & Certify: The AHJ will often run final acceptance tests to confirm everything works as intended.

If you engage with the AHJ early, you'll save yourself from rework or - worse - failed inspections.

Fire Alarm Communication for Large-Scale Facilities

It's one thing to manage a small office building. It's another to handle a sprawling university campus, a major hospital, a military base, or a multi-building industrial complex. Here are some extra considerations for these large-scale operations:

Use a Networked Fire Alarm System

Instead of deploying individual DACTs for each building, consider a central IP-based monitoring platform that unifies alarms from multiple FACPs. You'll get a single-pane-of-glass overview of all alarms across campus.

Implement Redundant Communication Paths

Reliability is non-negotiable. Large facilities typically need more layers of redundancy. Using IP, cellular, and radio solutions - as well as two head-ends - can help create this redundancy.

Choose a Centralized Monitoring Station

A large facility often benefits from a command center that tracks alarms from all sites. This drastically improves response times and coordination compared with a third-party central station. It just requires a campus with at least a small collection of buildings to justify the infrastructure investment. Head-ends like the System 3505 Prism LX are great for these kinds of applications.

Conduct Routine Testing and Maintenance

Big systems are more complex. Schedule consistent tests and maintenance to be sure alarms are getting through. A single broken link in a large network can create huge blind spots. Taking the time to be prepared far outweighs the risk of a faulty system.

The Ideal Fire Alarm Communication Setup

So, what does an optimal fire alarm communication system look like in 2025 and beyond?

Plan Your Setup for New or Upgrading Facilities

• Primary Communication Path: IP-based reporting to a central station.
• Backup Path: Cellular dialer for redundancy.
• Equipment Choice: A good solution like the Digitize Prism LX, with integrated IP and cellular options - eliminates the need for older DACTs and expensive (and vanishing) POTS lines.

Plan Your Setup for Legacy Systems Using DACTs

• Primary Path: DACT on a landline (if still available).
• Backup Path: Cellular dialer for redundancy.
• Equipment Choice: A DACT that supports a compatible cellular communicator. Install near or inside the FACP (space and signal permitting).

If you're still using old phone lines, remember that landlines are on their way out. Build a plan now to adopt IP or cellular solutions to stay ahead of the curve.

Modernize Your Fire Alarm Communication for Reliability

Don't wait until your local phone company terminates your landline or the AHJ flags you during an inspection.

Call Digitize to learn how IP-based and cellular monitoring solutions can elevate your fire alarm reliability - as well as protect your facility and everyone who depends on it.

Phone: (973) 663-1011
Email: info@digitize-inc.com

Let's work together to protect your fire alarm monitoring - so you can focus on what matters most: the safety of your building, your staff, and the people you serve.