Table of Contents
In the year ending March 2020, the Fire and Rescue Services attended 557,299 incidents out of which 153,957 were fire-related.
Precious lives were lost and substantial damages were incurred which just shows how serious of a threat fire is to any kind of property and how important early detection and action is to prevent it.
There are legal requirements for all commercial buildings including offices, shopping malls, hospitals, schools, cinemas, hotels, and warehouses to assess and address the threat of fire.
As a commercial building owner, you are responsible for fire safety on your property and your responsibilities include:
Let’s look at how commercial fire alarm systems work, the different types to choose from, and why they are so important.
A commercial fire alarm system is made up of various components such as:
The control panel is the heart of the fire alarm system. It connects and coordinates all the components to respond swiftly to triggered initiating devices such as sensors.
Sensors can be found in a variety of forms such as heat, ionization, and photoelectric that are designed to pick up irregularities such as smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide.
When these sensors are triggered, a notification device such as a bell, horn, or lights alerts the occupants about the threat so that they can take the required action and get to safety ASAP.
Some commercial fire alarm systems also incorporate professional monitoring services that link the system with a professional Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) that constantly monitors it.
Monitoring works by the fire alarm sending a signal to a professional monitoring centre via landline or 3G/4G network and the monitoring centre receiving the signal and notifying the fire department and named keyholders of the property for the necessary action to be taken.
There are several types of commercial fire alarm systems and the one that you choose for your commercial building depends on various factors such as:
Here are all the different commercial fire alarm systems to choose from:
Automatic fire alarms deploy warnings of risk via the sensors automatically picking up any unusual activity. As soon as a fire is detected, the system sends an audio or visual alert to notify the occupants of the danger.
On the other hand, manual fire alarms are simpler and do not use any sensors. Common types include pull stations and break glass stations, and are triggered by occupants of the building when a fire is suspected.
Conventional fire alarms are the traditional automatic fire alarms that are widely found in most small buildings, whereas their counterpart, the addressable fire alarm system is more suited for larger buildings.
The main difference between the two systems is that of scale. Conventional systems divide the property into zones that are a bit vague, while addressable systems are more precise and enable the identification of the exact place where the fire erupted.
A wired fire alarm system uses wires to transmit signals between the system’s devices and the control panel, whereas a wireless system uses radio frequency to make the connection.
Wired systems come with cheaper components, have a reliable power source if coupled with a backup battery, and have no signal interference, whereas wireless systems are quicker and cheaper to install, and are more flexible.
Wireless systems are more suited for larger commercial buildings where the signals need to travel over long distances and where hardwiring is not possible and impractical.
VESDA is a laser-based smoke detection system that involves the sensors continually sampling the air for even the slightest sign of a fire. These are highly sensitive systems and are used for places where evacuation might take longer such as jails and cinemas.
According to BS 5839, commercial fire alarm systems fall under different categories depending on the type and level of protection they offer. They are:
Let’s look at each one in detail:
Category P fire alarm systems are made purely for the protection of property and are divided into two sub-types; P1 and P2. Their objective is to minimize loss to property by detecting the earliest possible signs of a fire.
Category P1 fire alarms are designed to protect all areas of a building and require Automatic Fire Detection (AFD) throughout the property with detectors installed in every room to cover all potential risks. However, since their focus is to protect property, the alarm notification devices such as bells and sounders are placed in only certain areas like the on-site security office.
Category P2 fire alarms are used in conjunction with a life protection system (other than Category M) with AFDs required only in high-risk areas such as the server room. An example of this would be a building having a Category L3 protection with escape routes for protecting lives, with an additional AFD in the high-risk server room.
Category L fire alarm systems are made purely for the protection of life and are divided into five sub-types; L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5. Their objective is to minimize loss of life by detecting the earliest possible signs of a fire.
Category L1 fire alarms are the highest form of life protection since they recommend the use of both Automatic Fire Detection (AFD) and Manual Call Points (MCPs) throughout the premises. The sensors for the AFDs must be chosen wisely according to not only the fire risk present in the area but also with the people and valuable lives at risk. For example, a heat detector would not be the wisest choice here since it would not provide a quick enough warning to protect lives.
Category L2 fire alarms require a thorough Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) to be carried out which is very helpful in designing the system. It is performed by a competent person to identify areas of high-risk and where AFDs must be installed to aid protection of life against fire.
Category L3 fire alarms specify that AFDs be installed in all areas of the building that open into escape routes, in addition to MCPs throughout the premises. Appropriate detectors must be chosen based on their purpose and if special ones such as flame detectors and video are used, they must be done so in addition to common detectors.
Category L4 fire alarms have MCPs installed throughout the premises for occupants to manually trigger the alarm in the event of a fire, and with AFDs installed along the escape routes. The specific type of AFDs used in L4 is smoke detectors – optical point detectors or aspirating smoke detectors (ASDs).
Category L5 fire alarms are designed and installed based on the findings of a thorough Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) where the need is clearly specified. In case it is not, the systems must not be installed. L5 are focused on meeting specialist fire safety objectives, often with varied recommendations where adhering to a particular one would not be possible.
Category M fire alarms are manual systems that have call points on all exits and corridors for occupants to trigger the system in the event of a fire. These call points are placed in a way that the person would not have to walk more than 45 meters to activate one. All categories of life protection fire alarms (Category L) have a category M installed as well.
Here are all the reasons why you should install a fire alarm system in a commercial building:
Safety is one of the most fundamental functions of a fire alarm system with it protecting both life and property.
A good fire alarm system is quick to detect even the slightest warning sign and alert the occupants of the impending danger. The faster that people are made aware of the danger, the faster they can move to safety and protect themselves. Some advanced systems come equipped with one-way or two-way communication where the occupants are guided during an evacuation.
Also, the faster the authorities are informed of the fire, the faster they can arrive at the scene to stop it from spreading and causing damage to the building, documents, and other valuable assets. Professional fire alarm monitoring is a great way to ensure that the authorities are informed on time to take the necessary action, especially when the property is uninhabited.
Due to the chaos that ensues in the event of a fire, unless the occupants are properly trained on how to deal with such situations, people sometimes forget to inform the authorities giving more time for the fire to spread.
Modern fire alarm systems linked with professional monitoring services guarantee a quick response time with experts keeping an eye out for any threats and informing the occupants as well as the authorities if there is a fire. This takes away a lot of the stress and helps minimize damage to both life and property.
Some systems such as the addressable fire alarms tell the exact location of the fire, reducing the time to locate the fire and helping the authorities extinguish it on time.
A good fire alarm system can actually help minimize your costs and prove to be an investment well worth it for many reasons, easily covering the initial cost.
As mentioned earlier, an efficient fire alarm system speeds up response time and helps control the fire in time. As is obvious, a commercial building has a lot of valuable assets to look after and a fire detection system helps keep them safe from being damaged or burned. The cost to build everything from the ground up is a lot more than the cost of a good fire alarm.
A well-maintained fire alarm system can also help lower your insurance costs, and because all commercial properties must have a fire alarm system in the place, it can save you from heavy fines during inspections.
Commercial buildings generally employ the use of security systems such as CCTV and access control systems to maximize the safety and security of the occupants and assets. Advanced fire alarms can be integrated with these systems to work seamlessly in the event of a fire.
Fire alarm systems use special detectors to pick up any unusual activity that could lead to a fire. This could be taken up a notch by giving eyes to the system. A CCTV integrated with a fire alarm system would provide a clearer picture to the people monitoring the area giving them valuable information on how to deal with the situation.
Access control systems work on the principle of giving access to only authorized people by verifying their credentials. In the event of a fire, these systems could potentially slow down the evacuation process and put valuable lives in danger. However, if the fire alarm is connected to the access control system, the former could temporarily disable the latter helping people escape faster.
Fires are deadly and have the potential to destroy complete buildings if not properly controlled. The damage incurred could take months and a lot of money to repair, and for some businesses, the losses might be so substantial that they might not even see the light of day again.
A fire causing damage, injuries, and death doesn’t just equate to financial losses but also tarnishes the integrity of the business. Your property and its owners are seen as irresponsible and incompetent, unable to protect its people and assets from something that could have been easily avoided had there been a good fire alarm system in place.
Therefore, a fire alarm system not just protects everything inside your commercial property but also the business itself from all kinds of losses.
If you own a commercial building, you are required by law to conduct a risk assessment and have in place a suitable fire alarm that is fit for the purpose.
Our experts have been working in the industry for over 40 years and can provide you with a comprehensive solution for your fire safety needs which includes:
The proper installation of a fire alarm system is just as important as the quality of the system itself and is a complex task requiring expertise in the field.
We can survey your property and determine the best kind of system suitable for your needs and one that complies with the current standards and regulations. We can then plan and install your system to high standards using only the best quality equipment from our trusted suppliers.
We also offer after-sales care and an on-going maintenance package after the installation to ensure your fire alarm works in optimal condition providing you with a system you can depend and rely on.
Commercial fire alarms must follow strict regulations and guidelines to keep them in good working order and the best way to stay compliant is to have them serviced regularly.
We have a vast understanding of the regulations in force and can provide you with a high level of service to keep your system healthy and working all the time. According to the law, a fire alarm system must be maintained properly and depending on certain factors, it can be anything up to three times per year.
Contact us here or call us on 0800 612 9799 to speak with our representatives right away!
Image by Raw2Jpeg from Pixabay
In the year ending March 2020, the Fire and Rescue Services attended 557,299 incidents out of which 153,957 were fire-related.
Precious lives were lost and substantial damages were incurred which just shows how serious of a threat fire is to any kind of property and how important early detection and action is to prevent it.
There are legal requirements for all commercial buildings including offices, shopping malls, hospitals, schools, cinemas, hotels, and warehouses to assess and address the threat of fire.
As a commercial building owner, you are responsible for fire safety on your property and your responsibilities include:
Let’s look at how commercial fire alarm systems work, the different types to choose from, and why they are so important.
A commercial fire alarm system is made up of various components such as:
The control panel is the heart of the fire alarm system. It connects and coordinates all the components to respond swiftly to triggered initiating devices such as sensors.
Sensors can be found in a variety of forms such as heat, ionization, and photoelectric that are designed to pick up irregularities such as smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide.
When these sensors are triggered, a notification device such as a bell, horn, or lights alerts the occupants about the threat so that they can take the required action and get to safety ASAP.
Some commercial fire alarm systems also incorporate professional monitoring services that link the system with a professional Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) that constantly monitors it.
Monitoring works by the fire alarm sending a signal to a professional monitoring centre via landline or 3G/4G network and the monitoring centre receiving the signal and notifying the fire department and named keyholders of the property for the necessary action to be taken.
There are several types of commercial fire alarm systems and the one that you choose for your commercial building depends on various factors such as:
Here are all the different commercial fire alarm systems to choose from:
Automatic fire alarms deploy warnings of risk via the sensors automatically picking up any unusual activity. As soon as a fire is detected, the system sends an audio or visual alert to notify the occupants of the danger.
On the other hand, manual fire alarms are simpler and do not use any sensors. Common types include pull stations and break glass stations, and are triggered by occupants of the building when a fire is suspected.
Conventional fire alarms are the traditional automatic fire alarms that are widely found in most small buildings, whereas their counterpart, the addressable fire alarm system is more suited for larger buildings.
The main difference between the two systems is that of scale. Conventional systems divide the property into zones that are a bit vague, while addressable systems are more precise and enable the identification of the exact place where the fire erupted.
A wired fire alarm system uses wires to transmit signals between the system’s devices and the control panel, whereas a wireless system uses radio frequency to make the connection.
Wired systems come with cheaper components, have a reliable power source if coupled with a backup battery, and have no signal interference, whereas wireless systems are quicker and cheaper to install, and are more flexible.
Wireless systems are more suited for larger commercial buildings where the signals need to travel over long distances and where hardwiring is not possible and impractical.
VESDA is a laser-based smoke detection system that involves the sensors continually sampling the air for even the slightest sign of a fire. These are highly sensitive systems and are used for places where evacuation might take longer such as jails and cinemas.
According to BS 5839, commercial fire alarm systems fall under different categories depending on the type and level of protection they offer. They are:
Let’s look at each one in detail:
Category P fire alarm systems are made purely for the protection of property and are divided into two sub-types; P1 and P2. Their objective is to minimize loss to property by detecting the earliest possible signs of a fire.
Category P1 fire alarms are designed to protect all areas of a building and require Automatic Fire Detection (AFD) throughout the property with detectors installed in every room to cover all potential risks. However, since their focus is to protect property, the alarm notification devices such as bells and sounders are placed in only certain areas like the on-site security office.
Category P2 fire alarms are used in conjunction with a life protection system (other than Category M) with AFDs required only in high-risk areas such as the server room. An example of this would be a building having a Category L3 protection with escape routes for protecting lives, with an additional AFD in the high-risk server room.
Category L fire alarm systems are made purely for the protection of life and are divided into five sub-types; L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5. Their objective is to minimize loss of life by detecting the earliest possible signs of a fire.
Category L1 fire alarms are the highest form of life protection since they recommend the use of both Automatic Fire Detection (AFD) and Manual Call Points (MCPs) throughout the premises. The sensors for the AFDs must be chosen wisely according to not only the fire risk present in the area but also with the people and valuable lives at risk. For example, a heat detector would not be the wisest choice here since it would not provide a quick enough warning to protect lives.
Category L2 fire alarms require a thorough Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) to be carried out which is very helpful in designing the system. It is performed by a competent person to identify areas of high-risk and where AFDs must be installed to aid protection of life against fire.
Category L3 fire alarms specify that AFDs be installed in all areas of the building that open into escape routes, in addition to MCPs throughout the premises. Appropriate detectors must be chosen based on their purpose and if special ones such as flame detectors and video are used, they must be done so in addition to common detectors.
Category L4 fire alarms have MCPs installed throughout the premises for occupants to manually trigger the alarm in the event of a fire, and with AFDs installed along the escape routes. The specific type of AFDs used in L4 is smoke detectors – optical point detectors or aspirating smoke detectors (ASDs).
Category L5 fire alarms are designed and installed based on the findings of a thorough Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) where the need is clearly specified. In case it is not, the systems must not be installed. L5 are focused on meeting specialist fire safety objectives, often with varied recommendations where adhering to a particular one would not be possible.
Category M fire alarms are manual systems that have call points on all exits and corridors for occupants to trigger the system in the event of a fire. These call points are placed in a way that the person would not have to walk more than 45 meters to activate one. All categories of life protection fire alarms (Category L) have a category M installed as well.
Here are all the reasons why you should install a fire alarm system in a commercial building:
Safety is one of the most fundamental functions of a fire alarm system with it protecting both life and property.
A good fire alarm system is quick to detect even the slightest warning sign and alert the occupants of the impending danger. The faster that people are made aware of the danger, the faster they can move to safety and protect themselves. Some advanced systems come equipped with one-way or two-way communication where the occupants are guided during an evacuation.
Also, the faster the authorities are informed of the fire, the faster they can arrive at the scene to stop it from spreading and causing damage to the building, documents, and other valuable assets. Professional fire alarm monitoring is a great way to ensure that the authorities are informed on time to take the necessary action, especially when the property is uninhabited.
Due to the chaos that ensues in the event of a fire, unless the occupants are properly trained on how to deal with such situations, people sometimes forget to inform the authorities giving more time for the fire to spread.
Modern fire alarm systems linked with professional monitoring services guarantee a quick response time with experts keeping an eye out for any threats and informing the occupants as well as the authorities if there is a fire. This takes away a lot of the stress and helps minimize damage to both life and property.
Some systems such as the addressable fire alarms tell the exact location of the fire, reducing the time to locate the fire and helping the authorities extinguish it on time.
A good fire alarm system can actually help minimize your costs and prove to be an investment well worth it for many reasons, easily covering the initial cost.
As mentioned earlier, an efficient fire alarm system speeds up response time and helps control the fire in time. As is obvious, a commercial building has a lot of valuable assets to look after and a fire detection system helps keep them safe from being damaged or burned. The cost to build everything from the ground up is a lot more than the cost of a good fire alarm.
A well-maintained fire alarm system can also help lower your insurance costs, and because all commercial properties must have a fire alarm system in the place, it can save you from heavy fines during inspections.
Commercial buildings generally employ the use of security systems such as CCTV and access control systems to maximize the safety and security of the occupants and assets. Advanced fire alarms can be integrated with these systems to work seamlessly in the event of a fire.
Fire alarm systems use special detectors to pick up any unusual activity that could lead to a fire. This could be taken up a notch by giving eyes to the system. A CCTV integrated with a fire alarm system would provide a clearer picture to the people monitoring the area giving them valuable information on how to deal with the situation.
Access control systems work on the principle of giving access to only authorized people by verifying their credentials. In the event of a fire, these systems could potentially slow down the evacuation process and put valuable lives in danger. However, if the fire alarm is connected to the access control system, the former could temporarily disable the latter helping people escape faster.
Fires are deadly and have the potential to destroy complete buildings if not properly controlled. The damage incurred could take months and a lot of money to repair, and for some businesses, the losses might be so substantial that they might not even see the light of day again.
A fire causing damage, injuries, and death doesn’t just equate to financial losses but also tarnishes the integrity of the business. Your property and its owners are seen as irresponsible and incompetent, unable to protect its people and assets from something that could have been easily avoided had there been a good fire alarm system in place.
Therefore, a fire alarm system not just protects everything inside your commercial property but also the business itself from all kinds of losses.
If you own a commercial building, you are required by law to conduct a risk assessment and have in place a suitable fire alarm that is fit for the purpose.
Our experts have been working in the industry for over 40 years and can provide you with a comprehensive solution for your fire safety needs which includes:
The proper installation of a fire alarm system is just as important as the quality of the system itself and is a complex task requiring expertise in the field.
We can survey your property and determine the best kind of system suitable for your needs and one that complies with the current standards and regulations. We can then plan and install your system to high standards using only the best quality equipment from our trusted suppliers.
We also offer after-sales care and an on-going maintenance package after the installation to ensure your fire alarm works in optimal condition providing you with a system you can depend and rely on.
Commercial fire alarms must follow strict regulations and guidelines to keep them in good working order and the best way to stay compliant is to have them serviced regularly.
We have a vast understanding of the regulations in force and can provide you with a high level of service to keep your system healthy and working all the time. According to the law, a fire alarm system must be maintained properly and depending on certain factors, it can be anything up to three times per year.
Contact us here or call us on 0800 612 9799 to speak with our representatives right away!
