What’s the Difference Between a Commercial Fire Alarm System and a Domestic One?

A fire alarm’s a fire alarm, right? Wrong. While the basics are the same – a fire is detected and an alarm sounds – there are several elements that make a commercial and a domestic fire alarm system very different from one another.

Luckily, you’re in the right place to find out what those differences are! Commercial fire alarm systems are far more advanced and regulated than a standard fire alarm system found in someone’s home. The risks at a commercial setting are often substantially higher than at a domestic one, meaning the level of protection needs to be more comprehensive and tailored to the business type and industry.

In this article, we’ll delve deeper into these differences, explore the benefits of a professionally-installed commercial fire alarm system, and tell you how Midland Fire can help get your business’s safety up to the level it needs to be.

What Is a Commercial Fire Alarm System?

Simply put, a commercial fire alarm system is designed to detect and control fires in the workplace, providing early warning of an emergency to help limit the potential damage that a fire can cause.

Unlike domestic systems, commercial setups tend to be more complex, and made up of many different components depending on the size, layout, use and risk level of the building. Depending on your business, there are a variety of fire alarm system types to choose from. Key components include smoke detectors, heat sensors, audible alarms, sprinklers, manual call points, control panels… the list goes on. The system will integrate all its components, for full coverage of the property in which it’s installed.

Key Differences Between Commercial and Regular Fire Alarms

Fire safety is of the utmost importance in both residential and commercial settings, helping to save lives, protect livelihoods and prevent property damage. Fire alarm systems are designed differently depending on where they’re situated, meeting different safety standards, regulations and functionalities depending on if they’re domestic or commercial. Understanding these differences can help you choose the one that’s most appropriate for you and your setting.

Let’s break down some of the key differences:

Their purpose

The most obvious difference is what they’re for. Domestic fire alarm systems are made for homes, flats and small buildings, whilst commercial systems are designed for the workplace. Often commercial settings will be larger – spaces like offices, warehouses and hospitals – so their fire alarm systems will need to protect more people across more complex areas.

System complexity

With that in mind, a large commercial warehouse will have a very different system installed to a small flat. Domestic fire alarms typically consist of interconnected smoke alarms and heat detectors placed in key areas. Commercial fire alarm systems can be much more sophisticated and include a range of components, and the system is often integrated with other life safety or security systems.

Monitoring & alerts

While domestic fire alarms will sound a loud noise to alert nearby people of a fire, commercial fire alarm systems can be connected to a central monitoring system that notifies the emergency services automatically when a fire is detected for a speedy response. In larger settings, commercial systems are also divided into multiple zones to help pinpoint a fire’s exact location.

Legal standards

In the UK, home fire alarms follow the British Standard BS 5839-6, which dictates where detectors should be located depending on the property type. For businesses, BS 5839-1 applies, with stricter rules covering system design, zoning, regular maintenance and evacuation plans to keep people safe in larger spaces. Businesses are also legally required to carry out regular fire risk assessments.

Maintenance

While homeowners are responsible for testing their fire alarm systems regularly, it’s a legal requirement for businesses to keep their systems correctly maintained. This maintenance consists of weekly and monthly checks, as well as a full professional service every six months. The results must be recorded as proof that the business is fully compliant.

Why a Commercial System is Essential for Business Compliance

Now that you know the differences, you’ll see that a domestic fire alarm system would probably be non-compliant, or even dangerous, when installed in a commercial premises.

Business fire safety in the UK follows The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and BS 5839 standards. These regulations state that all businesses must have ‘an appropriate fire detection system’ in place to keep staff, customers and assets safe. A fire risk assessment is also a legal requirement, along with keeping your fire alarm system properly maintained. Following these regulations will ensure you avoid legal fines, satisfy your insurance provider and – most importantly – keep your business safe.

Commercial Fire Alarm Installation: What to Expect

We highly recommend that when installing your fire alarm system, you choose a professional BAFE-accredited contractor (like us!) to make sure your system works correctly and is in line with the BS 5839 standards.

You can expect your expert engineers to take the following steps:

• Fire risk assessment: The starting point of your fire safety plan – identifying potential hazards and determining the safety measures needed.
• System design: Based on the FRA, a tailored fire alarm system will be designed to suit your business, budget and insurance needs. Where relevant, they’ll consult with the responsible person, insurer or fire brigade.
• Full installation: Installation, testing and integration of all components with existing safety systems, ensuring full compliance.
• Commissioning: You’ll receive a BAFE Certificate of Conformity, confirming the installation meets legal standards.
• Ongoing maintenance: You’ll test the system weekly, while your fire safety contractor will conduct a full inspection every six months.

Why Choose Midland Fire for Your Fire Alarm System Installation?

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.

Choose us for your fire risk assessment, and we also offer a range of security services, making sure your company is as safe and secure as it can possibly be.

At Midland Fire WE PROTECT. Contact us today for your free consultation.

 

Your Burning Questions Answered

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.

Can I install a commercial fire alarm system myself?

No, you can’t. Commercial fire alarm installers must be competent, qualified engineers. It’s best to choose a BAFE-accredited contractor like Midland Fire, so you can be sure your fire alarm system is correctly installed and fully compliant with 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 checked?

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.

Can I monitor my fire alarm remotely?

Yes, modern fire alarm systems offer remote monitoring giving you full control over your system from wherever you are. They can also alert emergency services instantly in case of a fire.