Become an ESP Protocol Partner

We have developed a range of addressable fire equipment all of which has been designed to operate on our own open protocol called ESP (Enhanced Systems Protocol).

The technical parameters of an open protocol are shared with other manufacturers so that they can make compatible products, and this allows customers a greater degree of flexibility when buying components for their fire systems.

This is one of the main benefits of open protocols. But it also makes repairs and upgrades available from any trained engineer, allowing customers to take full advantage of an open market and choose a fire company who offers the most value for money and expertise.

For example, if an existing system’s fire control panel has come to the end of its lifespan, and requires upgrading. You could simply replace the old panel with any, new, ESP certified panel from one of Hochiki’s many panel partners, whilst keeping the existing Hochiki ESP devices and cabling in situ.

In summary, our ESP open protocol allows freedom of choice for the specifier, the installer and ultimately the end user of the fire detection system.

The protocol was originally developed from a BMS (a Building Management System Platform) so that the greatest flexibility in terms of integration was built-in from the start.

ESP therefore can be considered as a form of language that the control panel uses to speak to the addressable fire equipment and vice versa.

Customers are forced to use the same company when they require spare parts or repairs and with no competition forcing prices down, these services tend to be expensive. Components of the system could even become discontinued if the manufacturer decides to make that choice.

Upgrades are made when and if the manufacturer chooses to make them, and sometimes even maintenance is locked down to the original manufacturer, negating choice for the customer.

ESP offers a fully digital transmission method and has been designed specifically for fire alarm voltages, which tend to be around 24 volts.

It can transmit or receive at any point in time due to the transmissions being over 2 wire screened fire alarm cable. It takes approximately 7.5 seconds to communicate to all 127 devices on the loop.