# Install the Fire Alarm Interface

Verkada Access Controllers include a built-in Fire Alarm Interface (FAI) that links your fire alarm control panel (FACP) to the controller, automatically unlocking doors during an emergency. The FAI supports both **Normally Open (NO)** and **Normally Closed (NC)** wiring.

The Fire Alarm Interface (FAI) is designed to:

* **Automatic door release** – When the FACP signals an alarm, the FAI immediately deactivates connected lock ports so doors can open for safe evacuation.
* **Fire-fighter latch** – A latch keeps all doors unlocked until first responders finish their inspection. Authorized personnel can reset the latch manually once the building is cleared.

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Complete the [Verkada Certified AC Partner](https://www.verkada.com/partners/trainings/) training to understand the proper wiring configuration.
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* FACP is only supported on the AC62 and AC42.
* If you have an AC41, see this [article](https://help.verkada.com/access-control/hardware-installation/fire-alarm-control-panel-with-ac41).
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### Before you begin

Before you begin the installation, familiarize yourself with these terms:

* **Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP):** The central hub of the fire alarm system. It monitors and manages inputs from initiating devices like smoke detectors, heat detectors, and manual pull stations.
* **Relay Module:** A bridge between the FACP and the access controller. It receives alarm signals from the FACP and forwards them to the access control system to trigger an emergency response.
* **Access Controller:** Manages entry to secure areas in a building. It includes an integrated Fire Alarm Interface (FAI) that responds to signals from the relay module by powering down lock ports and triggering the door latch during a fire event. FAIs can be daisy-chained across multiple controllers for broader emergency coverage.

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## Fire alarm interface

The FAI has a total of 5 ports that can be wired - **FAI +, FAI -, FAIP,** and 2 **L** ports. The first 3 ports (FAI -, FAI +, and FAIP) are used to take input from the **FACP**. The **L** ports are mainly used for latching, along with these **NO, NC** relays are included in the interface.

### Fire alarm control panel

The FACP is the device that takes input from various fire alarms. The FACP sends a signal to the access controller’s FAI input to indicate that a fire alarm has been triggered. The exact location and functionality of the FACP varies.

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For assistance with FACP wiring and other related issues reach out to your FACP manufacturer.
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#### NO input from FACP

![](https://134288481-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FaaHs5RfKqv9Z49mi02cC%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-6abd636d420c1752561433c96b7f02efa2ff1f3e%2Ffd230c8d3f7f52f2aaad1931009b7c2e24a9dc46.png?alt=media)

For fire alarms that provide a NO signal, the inputs can be wired to the **FAI +** and **FAI-** ports. The **FAI** is not activated when the circuit is open, but triggers once the circuit closes.\
​\
When the circuit closes effectively, it disables power for all 16 relays for 12V/24V. Wet locks effectively turn into dry locks.\
​

#### NC input from FACP

![](https://134288481-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FaaHs5RfKqv9Z49mi02cC%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-4eb63cff7625b42d3f0ef13ad546fa886071f34a%2F8fe157760e9103c66848f9c497b978c76870fe1d.png?alt=media)

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FAI+ and FAIP must be locally jumped in this configuration.
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For NC inputs coming from the FACP, the inputs should be wired to **FAI -** and **FAIP**. In this setup, when the circuit is closed, the FAI remains deactivated. But when the contact opens up, breaking the circuit, it causes all 16 relays to disable power for 12V/24V.\
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#### Latching

![](https://134288481-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FaaHs5RfKqv9Z49mi02cC%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-6292d7d528648f100bdd4a8e1536b3fe4255b7c0%2F0792dc30e2d9d0d6e3f33bc020ac8240bfb32a62.png?alt=media)

An optional latching input from the FACP may be connected in a normally closed configuration across L and L. When latching is enabled, FAI is active; it remains active until reset. A reset is achieved if FAI is deactivated and the latching input is temporarily open.\
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#### Daisy chaining ​

![](https://134288481-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FaaHs5RfKqv9Z49mi02cC%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-95cb85e3ecfab264f0708cd59b5d670c12c07005%2F0e8392a3bf341002603f3fc3dc019a1854930939.png?alt=media)

Two access controllers’ FAI can be daisy-chained. The FAI (and latching states) from the primary access controller are repeated on the secondary (daisy-chained) unit.

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## Best practices

* **Wiring**: Use appropriate wiring to establish connections between the FACP, the relay module, and the access controller. Verkada provides a list of [recommended wires](https://help.verkada.com/access-control/hardware-installation/recommended-wires-for-access-controllers) for access controllers.
* **Test connections**: Test the relay module connections to ensure proper communication between the FACP and the access controller and any additional daisy-chained units.
* **Verify Operation**: Conduct a functional test by triggering the fire alarm system to confirm that the FAI is operating as intended, powering down lock ports, and activating the door latch during a fire emergency across all daisy-chained units.

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## Emergency features

### Latch release

Firefighters (or other authorized personnel) can manually release the latch holding the doors open. This allows for better control over access to the building once the situation is under control and ensures that the doors can be closed and secured, as needed.

### External power controllers

If someone is running all locks off external power controllers, they need to determine their own solution for integrating the FAI and powering down the lock ports during a fire emergency. Consult with a professional for the best approach in this scenario.

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**Need more help?** Contact [Verkada Support](https://app.gitbook.com/s/NRq5qDDjsYNxwNzF1bcB/need-help/contact-verkada-support).
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