Gamewell-FCI Develops Fire Alarm Upgrade Kit for Legacy Systems

Gamewell-FCI  by Honeywell (NYSE: HON) has developed a cost-effective kit for upgrading FCI 7200 Series fire alarm control panels to the latest, code-compliant technology of an E3 Series(r) fire alarm and emergency communications system.

The ease of installation provided by the 7200 Retrofit Kit, combined with the expandable capacity and backward compatibility inherent in E3 Series systems, can enable facilities to upgrade legacy systems to provide more sophisticated and reliable fire protection. The Retrofit Kit greatly minimizes costs by allowing the electrical components of a new E3 Series system to be installed within the existing 7200 panel's backbox, in addition to utilizing the existing detectors, strobes, speakers and other System Sensor devices.

"When changing out just the panel, we typically need two techs and an electrician onsite to mark wires, disconnect the panel, pull-off the cabinet, and then start the process of installing the new one," says Duane Hannasch of Fire Alarm Control Systems, Inc. in San Antonio, Tex., a Gamewell-FCI ESD (Engineered Systems Distributor). "Depending on the size of the job, this new kit could easily save the customer $500 to $1,500 or more, just in labor to switch out one panel."

The 7200 Series was introduced to the US market in the early 1980s and ceased production in 2005. Gamewell-FCI approximates more than 15,000 units were installed over its last eight years of production.

"It's a lot easier to expand the system and add more devices and capabilities when you're working with a scalable system like the E3 Series," says Hannasch. "And if you're re-using the wire and devices already there, it's easy to change out devices and add new features as budgets allow."

While many facilities are searching for a means to keep fire alarms compliant with codes and ADA (American's with Disabilities Act) requirements, others seek newer capabilities, such as gas detection and mass notification.

"Buildings with 7200s already in them have innumerable options when it comes to utilizing the latest technology to reduce false alarms, add voice evac and emergency communications capabilities, and improve the looks or aesthetics of the system," exclaims Gamewell-FCI Product Marketing Manager, Brian Carlson.

Numerous facility types across the US are ideal candidates for FCI 7200 upgrades utilizing the new Retrofit Kit. Gamewell-FCI ESD Advanced Safety Systems outside of Boston, Mass., has identified several potential sites that are looking to upgrade.

 "We have a number of hospitals and schools that can be easily upgraded, but the customer that needs it the most here is a temple that's looking to expand," says Mike Beatrice of Advanced Safety Systems. "They're maxed-out on capacity, which is common on these systems. And the voice evac is currently a separate system. Once upgraded, everything will be integrated into one system that can be added onto in stages."

Recent tragedies, such as the Colorado theatre shooting, have apparently placed more pressure on facility owners to consider adding or improving systems for sending emergency communications to people in and around a facility, according to Carlson.

"We're no longer seeing just larger facilities looking to communicate with occupants during an emergency. Smaller buildings of assembly need the same features, but in a tighter package," Carlson states. "This retrofit kit allows those older 7200 systems to jump light years ahead in technology to serve as both a fire alarm and emergency communications system within the same cabinet,"

 

Featured

  • The Key to Wellbeing in the Office

    A few years ago, all we saw in the news was the ‘great resignation.’ Now we have another ‘great’ to deal with. According to CBRE, 2023 was the start of the ‘great return’ as office workers returned to their normal offices after working from home. The data shows that two-thirds of all U.S office buildings were more than 90% leased as of Q2 2023. Read Now

  • Failed Cybersecurity Controls Costing U.S. Businesses $30 Billion Yearly

    Panaseer recently released ControlWatch and the Continuous Controls Battle: Panaseer 2025 Security Leaders Report examining the cost of cybersecurity control failures and the impact of growing personal liability for security failings on security leaders. The report analyzes the findings of a survey of 400 security decision makers (SDMs) across the US and UK. It shows that security leaders feel under increasing pressure to provide assurances around cybersecurity, exposing them to greater personal risk – yet many lack the data and resources to accurately report and close cybersecurity gaps. Read Now

  • The Business Case for Video Analytics: Understanding the Real ROI

    For security professionals who may be hesitant to invest in video analytics, now's the time to reconsider. In a newly released Omdia report commissioned by BriefCam (now Milestone Systems), the research firm uncovered a compelling story: more than 85% of North American and European organizations that use video analytics achieve a return on investment within just one year. The study, which surveyed 140 end users across multiple industries, demonstrates that security technology is no longer just for security — it's a cross-organizational tool that delivers measurable business value far beyond traditional safety applications. Read Now

  • Survey: 54% of Organizations Cite Technical Debt as Top Hurdle to Identity System Modernization

    Modernizing identity systems is proving difficult for organizations due to two key challenges: decades of accumulated Identity and Access Management (IAM) technical debt and the complexity of managing access across multiple identity providers (IDPs). These findings come from the new Strata Identity-commissioned report, State of Multi-Cloud Identity: Insights and Trends for 2025. The report, based on survey data from the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), highlights trends and challenges in securing cloud environments. The CSA is the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications, and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment. Read Now

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings. 3

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file. 3

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening. 3