Abstract: A plurality of detectors can be evaluated to determine if more than one has been assigned the same address. Responsive thereto, such detectors could be identified for follow-up maintenance, or service.

Abstract: A plurality of detectors can be evaluated to determine if more than one has been assigned the same address. Responsive thereto, such detectors could be identified for follow-up maintenance, or service.

Abstract: An event detection system has a control element coupled to a plurality of detectors, such as smoke detectors. The control element can be implemented with a programmed processor. The detectors can include a base which removably receives a separable detector housing and electronics. Group boundaries can be specified by incorporating boundary defining electrical elements, such as switches or resistors, into either a respective detector base or into the detector itself. The control element can include instructions for carrying out an automatic addressing process with respect to the detectors. Topology information obtained during the automatic addressing process in combination with the location of the boundary defining elements specifies one or more groups for the control element. In an alternate embodiment, groups can be defined based exclusively on the topology information. In this embodiment, boundary defining electrical elements are not needed.