Automatic configuration of initiating devices

A method for reporting a fire alarm event in a fire alarm system, the method comprising:

• receiving an indication of a fire alarm event from one or more initiating devices;
• determining grouping information for the one or more initiating devices;
• organizing presentation of the indication of the alarm event based on the determined grouping information;
• and
• presenting, on an output device, the organized presentation of the indication of the fire alarm event.

An initiating device for use in a fire alarm system, the initiating device comprising:

• a communications interface configured to communicate with a fire alarm control panel in the fire alarm system;
• a grouping input device configured to receive operator input grouping information, the operator input grouping information indicative of at least one grouping for the initiating device in the fire alarm system;
• and
• a controller in communication with the grouping input device, the controller configured to:
• in response to receiving a command from the communications interface to send grouping information to the fire alarm control panel, determining the operator input grouping information;
• and
• sending a response to the command, the response including an indication of the operator input grouping information.

A fire alarm control panel comprising:

• a communications interface for communicating with one or more alarm devices;
• and
• a controller in communication with the communications interface, the controller configured to:
• generate communications with the one or more alarm devices in the alarm system;
• and
• automatically determine at least one grouping for the one or more alarm devices based at least in part on responses to the communications with the one or more alarm devices.