Fire alarm systems.
The systems we install: conventional, addressable, wireless and domestic. What each does, and which one a building calls for.
Four kinds of system. One question decides.
Almost every fire alarm falls into one of four groups: conventional, addressable, wireless and domestic mains-powered detection. They all do the same job: detect a fire early and warn the people inside. They differ in how they are wired, how much information they give you and what they cost to install and maintain.
The question that decides which one suits a building is usually its size and layout, not its sector: how many areas does it have, and how useful is it to know exactly which device has activated?
At a glance
| System | How it works | Usually suits | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional | Detectors are grouped into zones. The panel shows which zone has a fire. | Small to medium buildings with a simple layout | Tells you the zone, not the exact device |
| Addressable | Every device has its own address. The panel shows exactly which one activated. | Larger, multi-floor or multi-tenant buildings | Higher installation cost; much faster fault finding |
| Wireless | Devices communicate by radio, so there is little or no cabling. | Occupied, listed or historic buildings; quick retrofits | Needs a radio survey; batteries need managing |
| Domestic mains | Interlinked mains smoke and heat alarms with battery back-up. | Homes, flats, small lets | Not designed for commercial premises |
The detail on each: conventional, addressable, wireless and domestic.
The parts you will see.
Whatever the type, a system has the same building blocks: detectors that sense smoke, heat or both; manual call points that people break to raise the alarm; sounders and visual alarm devices that warn occupants; and a control panel that monitors everything and tells you what is happening.
The panel is the part of the system you will deal with most. Its zone plan, logbook and status lights are how your staff, and any engineer, understand the state of the building at a glance.
How to choose
Three questions get most buildings to the right answer:
- How big and how complicated is the building? More floors, tenants or separate areas favour addressable.
- Can the building be disturbed? Occupied, historic or listed premises often favour wireless.
- What does the fire risk assessment require? The assessment, not the product, sets the level of coverage. A system is then designed to that standard. See BS 5839 explained.
If you are unsure, a fire safety check will look at the premises and recommend a system that fits, rather than the most expensive one.
Common questions.
Which type of fire alarm is best?
None is best in general. The right system depends on the size and layout of the building, how it is used and what the fire risk assessment requires. A small shop is often well served by a conventional system; a multi-floor office or a building with several tenants usually benefits from addressable.
Do I need a fire alarm in my business?
Fire safety law in England and Wales requires the responsible person to carry out a fire risk assessment and to provide appropriate fire safety measures, which includes a suitable fire detection and warning arrangement where the assessment shows one is needed. GOV.UK states businesses must have a fire detection and warning system. See your responsibilities.
How much does a fire alarm cost?
It depends on the size of the premises, the type of system and how difficult the building is to wire. We price each job after a visit. See what affects the cost.
Speak to a fire engineer.
Call, message or send the form. We reply the same working day wherever we can.
