Fire Alarm Systems
Professionally designed fire alarm and detection systems play an important role in commercial premises. When correctly designed, installed, tested and maintained, a fire alarm system can provide early warning of fire and support appropriate emergency and evacuation arrangements for building occupants.
The right approach to commercial fire alarm systems depends on the building, its occupants and its use. As part of our wider fire protection services, Pedris can help businesses consider fire detection as part of a considered approach to building safety.
Commercial Fire Alarm Systems
Requirements for commercial fire alarm systems can vary considerably depending on building size, building layout, occupancy, building use, the number of areas involved, operational activities, existing fire-protection arrangements and applicable requirements.
There is no single business fire alarm system suitable for every commercial property, and fire alarms for businesses should always be considered around the individual premises rather than a generic standard arrangement.
Types of Fire Alarm Systems
Fire alarm systems and their components come in a number of forms, and the right choice depends on the building and its detection requirements.
Addressable Fire Alarm Systems
Can identify individual devices or locations within the system, often suited to larger or more complex premises.
Conventional Fire Alarm Systems
Devices are wired in zones, and can be suitable for certain commercial premises depending on the building and system requirements.
Aspirating Smoke Detection
A specialist form of detection that continuously samples air for smoke particles. See our aspirating smoke detection page.
Fire Detection Devices
Appropriate detection devices help identify signs of fire within relevant areas of the premises.
Manual Call Points
Allow occupants to manually initiate a fire alarm at appropriate points around the premises.
Fire Alarm System Design
Fire alarm system design needs to reflect the individual premises, taking account of building layout, occupancy and how different areas are used. Entrances, exits, circulation areas and escape routes should all be considered alongside the areas requiring detection.
Alarm notification, system complexity, any existing systems and future changes to the premises should also be considered at the design stage. Appropriate system design depends on the individual property and applicable requirements, rather than a single standard approach being suitable for every building.
Fire Alarm Installation
Commercial fire alarm installation starts with assessing the premises and understanding the building layout, including determining appropriate detection requirements for different areas. Equipment can then be positioned appropriately rather than fitted to a generic pattern.
Fire alarm installation typically involves installing detection devices, manual call points, alarm notification equipment and control equipment, before the system is configured and tested. Appropriate system information should be provided once installation is complete. Every premises is different, so installation should be planned around the specific building.
Fire Detection and Alarm Equipment
A commercial fire alarm system can bring together a number of components, including fire alarm control panels, smoke detection, heat detection, manual call points, sounders, visual alarm devices where appropriate, specialist detection and alarm interfaces.
The equipment used depends on the individual system design and the premises it serves, and there is no fixed combination of equipment suitable for every building.
Aspirating Smoke Detection
Aspirating smoke detection is a specialist form of fire detection that works by continuously sampling air from the protected area, drawing it through a network of pipework to a detection unit. This can support early detection applications in certain specialist environments, including some areas where conventional detection may not be the preferred approach.
Aspirating smoke detection can be integrated with wider fire alarm arrangements as part of a complete system. For more detail on air sampling systems and where they may be appropriate, visit our aspirating smoke detection page.
Fire Alarm Systems for Different Commercial Environments
Fire alarm requirements can differ between offices, retail premises, hospitality venues, warehouses, industrial buildings, logistics facilities, education and healthcare settings, construction sites, government and public-sector buildings, and managed commercial properties.
Occupancy, building use, layout and operational conditions can all influence the appropriate system for a given premises. To find out more about how requirements vary across different environments, visit our sectors page.
Upgrading Existing Fire Alarm Systems
An existing fire alarm system may require assessment where the building has been extended, internal layouts have changed, the use of the premises has changed, equipment has become outdated, faults have developed, additional areas need detection, or the business wants to expand its security or fire-protection arrangements.
An existing system should be properly assessed before deciding whether repair, modification, expansion or replacement is the most appropriate route. Not every existing system can be upgraded in every way.
Fire Alarm Testing and Maintenance
Installed fire alarm systems require appropriate ongoing testing and maintenance. This includes checking system operation, detection devices, manual call points and alarm notification devices, identifying faults, addressing issues, checking control equipment and maintaining appropriate records where required.
Testing and maintenance is a dedicated service, separate from initial fire alarm installation. Pedris offers fire alarm testing and maintenance to help keep installed systems reliable over time.
Fire Alarm Systems and Wider Fire Protection
A fire alarm system forms one part of a wider fire-protection arrangement. This can include fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems, emergency lighting, ongoing fire alarm testing and maintenance and the wider emergency procedures in place at the premises.
A fire alarm does not replace other fire-protection measures, and businesses should consider their complete approach to fire safety through our fire protection services.
Related Fire Protection Services
Fire alarm systems can work alongside other fire-protection services Pedris provides.
Fire Extinguishers
Appropriate first-response equipment for identified fire risks. Visit our fire extinguishers page.
Fire Suppression Systems
Automatic systems designed to help control fire in suitable environments. Visit our fire suppression systems page.
Aspirating Smoke Detection
Specialist early detection through continuous air sampling. Visit our aspirating smoke detection page.
Fire Alarm Testing & Maintenance
Ongoing testing and maintenance to help keep systems reliable. Visit our fire alarm testing and maintenance page.
Benefits of a Suitable Fire Alarm System
Early Warning
Helps alert building occupants to potential fire events at an early stage.
Supporting Evacuation
Supports evacuation arrangements by notifying occupants throughout the premises.
Integrated Detection and Alarm
Brings together different detection and alarm devices to support wider fire-protection arrangements.
How to Get Started
1
Discuss Your Premises
We take time to understand your building, occupancy, layout, existing fire alarm arrangements and requirements.
2
Plan the Fire Alarm System
We determine an appropriate fire detection and alarm arrangement based on the individual premises and requirements.
3
Install, Test and Maintain
We install and configure the system, test its operation and arrange appropriate ongoing testing and maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fire alarm system?
A fire alarm system is an arrangement of detection and alarm devices used to identify signs of fire and alert occupants of a commercial premises.
What does a commercial fire alarm system include?
It typically includes detection devices, alarm sounders, manual call points and a control panel, configured according to the building's requirements.
What is the difference between addressable and conventional fire alarm systems?
Addressable systems can identify the individual device or location involved in an alarm event, while conventional systems indicate the general zone. The right choice depends on the building.
What is aspirating smoke detection?
Aspirating smoke detection continuously samples air through a network of pipework to detect smoke particles, and can suit certain specialist environments. See ouraspirating smoke detectionpage for more detail.
Can an existing fire alarm system be upgraded?
Existing systems may be able to be repaired, modified or expanded depending on their condition and the requirements of the premises. An assessment is needed before deciding on the appropriate route.
Do commercial fire alarm systems require regular testing?
Yes, regular testing and maintenance helps keep a fire alarm system reliable. Pedris offers dedicatedfire alarm testing and maintenanceservices.
How are commercial fire alarm systems installed?
Installation involves assessing the premises, positioning detection devices and call points appropriately, then configuring and testing the completed system.
What type of fire alarm system does my business need?
This depends on the building, its occupancy, layout, use and applicable requirements. Discussing your premises with us is a useful starting point for determining the right system.
Discuss Your Fire Alarm System Requirements
If you would like to discuss your premises, existing fire alarm arrangements and requirements, our team is happy to help. Get in touch to talk through your building and how a fire alarm system might fit alongside your wider fire extinguishers and fire alarm testing and maintenance arrangements.