How Do Commercial Fire Alarm Systems Work?
Curious to know how a commercial fire alarm system works and which one you need for your business property? We’re here to scratch that itch.
Commercial fire alarm systems are a legal and practical necessity for the majority of workplaces. Found everywhere from offices to warehouses, these systems will detect and warn against fire, supporting evacuation and working hard to protect your property and staff. But how exactly do they work? In this blog, we’ll break down how commercial fire alarm systems operate, and why professional installation and maintenance by a fire alarm company like Midland Fire is key.
So let’s get into it.
What Is a Commercial Fire Alarm System?
Simply put, a commercial fire alarm system will detect signs of fire, be that smoke, heat or flames, and then sound an alarm to alert anyone present.
Saying that, a commercial fire alarm system can be far from simple! Unlike domestic systems, commercial setups tend to be more complex, comprising many different components depending on the size, layout, use and risk level of the building. You could be looking at multiple detectors, call points and sounders installed in different positions throughout your premises, all connected and working together, sometimes between different buildings.
The first thing you’ll need to do is book yourself a fire risk assessment, in which your engineers will decide what kind of system you need, and then professional design and commercial fire alarm system installation is a must. This will ensure that your building is fully covered and also that you’re complying with current UK legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and BS 5839 standards.
What Components Make Up a Fire Alarm System?
Whether you need a basic system or a more complex one, every commercial fire alarm system will be made up of the following components:
Control panel: The “brain” of the system, the control panel monitors inputs, triggers alarms and keeps on top of system health.
Initiating devices: Either manually or automatically activated, these devices act as inputs to the control unit. Examples include manual call points and smoke and heat detectors.
Notification devices: Devices with audible or visual alerts that prompt evacuation.
Power supply: Mains power with battery back-up to ensure continued operation in case of a power cut.
There’s also a whole range of advanced features designed to control fires, limit the damage they can cause and help you manage your system more easily. Examples include self-testing devices, voice alarm systems, automatic sprinklers and remote monitoring.
How Do These Systems Work in Practice?
Let’s go through it step by step…
- Help, there’s signs of a fire! The first step will be a detector or manual call point being activated and sending a signal to the control panel.
- The control panel then processes the signal and triggers alarms across the site.
- Depending on the system, this may also alert the fire brigade or a monitoring centre.
- The system may isolate certain zones (eg. lifts) or trigger automatic fire suppression.
- In the meantime, occupants will evacuate while the alarm sounds, ideally supported by emergency lighting and signage.
- The fire is dealt with, a fire alarm log records the incident, and the system is reset by a qualified engineer once the building is safe.
Types of Commercial Fire Alarm Systems
Here’s an overview of the three main types of commercial fire alarm systems, all of which we’re fully qualified to install at Midland Fire:
Conventional Fire Alarm System
Ideal for smaller businesses with straightforward building layouts, this cost-effective system divides your premises into zones, allowing it to identify the general area where an alarm’s been triggered.
Addressable Fire Alarm System
This one’s better for larger spaces with more intricate layouts. All the devices in an addressable system are connected and continually communicating with each other, meaning that when an alarm is activated, the precise location of the fire can be pinpointed, speeding up response times.
Wireless (Radio) Fire Alarm System
Wireless systems are great if you’re looking for minimal installation disruption or your business is based in an older building where running cables could be tricky. Though typically more expensive and requiring regular battery maintenance, they provide the same pinpoint accuracy as addressable systems, as well as being quick and simple to set up.
Who Monitors the System?
So, how does system response work and who’s notified in the event of an emergency? Two very important questions when it comes to fire alarm systems. It’s all well and good that the alarms are set off, but how does the fire get dealt with?
That all depends on the system you have installed and how complex it is. Normally, systems can be configured so you can choose which keyholders and services are alerted. Larger sites may opt for their systems to be connected to a 24/7 Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC), meaning that if a fire occurs, professional operatives and the emergency services are automatically notified of alarms being triggered, allowing for speedy response times. Many systems also offer app-based monitoring, so you can be in the know at all times.
Whichever system response you go for, your engineers will always ensure that your business is kept the safest it can be whilst also adhering to insurance requirements and fire safety regulations.
The Importance of Professional Fire Alarm System Installation and Maintenance
As mentioned before, it’s so important that you choose a professional fire safety specialist to design and install your commercial fire alarm system. Going for a BAFE-accredited contractor like Midland Fire will make all the difference, ensuring your system works correctly and is in line with BS 5839 standards.
Professional engineers will plan and design your system according to the results of your fire risk assessment, and after install they will complete a full commission including system testing, and providing documentation and training on system use.
Keeping your commercial system correctly maintained is also a legal requirement and will ensure your insurance is satisfied, as well as helping to prevent faults and extend the system’s lifespan. You need a full service every six months by a qualified engineer and weekly in-house testing is also crucial, with all your services and test results being recorded.
Install and Maintain Your Commercial Fire Alarm System with Midland Fire
We’re a BAFE-accredited fire safety contractor, specialising in commercial fire alarm systems. Whether you need an inspection, installation or ongoing maintenance, our fully qualified engineers are here to help.
We’ll guide you through each stage of the process, helping you decide which system you need and how best to get it installed with minimal disruption to your business. We have extensive experience working with businesses of all sizes across all industries, so whatever you do, get in touch.
At Midland Fire WE PROTECT. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Your Burning Questions Answered
What’s the difference between a domestic and commercial fire alarm system?
Commercial systems are more complex, tailored to larger or higher-risk environments, and must comply with additional safety regulations like BS 5839.
Can I install a commercial fire alarm system myself?
No, you can’t. Commercial systems must be designed, installed and commissioned by a competent, qualified engineer. It’s best to choose a BAFE-accredited contractor like Midland Fire, so you can be sure that your fire alarm system is correctly installed and complies to all the safety standards.
What does it mean to be BAFE registered?
It means that Midland Fire has been independently assessed for competence in fire alarm installation and maintenance, and can confidently deliver specific fire safety services, giving you total peace of mind. BAFE is the independent registration body for Third Party Certificated fire safety service providers across the UK, holding a national independent register of quality fire safety companies.
How often do commercial fire alarms need to be maintained?
You should test your fire alarms weekly and carry out a full system inspection at least twice a year as per the BS 5839 standards.
How do I know which type of fire alarm system my building needs?
A fire risk assessment will determine the correct type, grade and layout of your fire detection system. Our engineers are on hand to help assess and advise.
