No products in the cart.
Comprehensive Fire Alarm Solutions
Expert Design, Installation, and Maintenance Tailored to Your Needs.
Fire Systems Ltd has over 25 years of experience in designing and installing fire alarms. As independent installers, we can choose from a variety of fire alarm manufacturers, allowing us to select the best system that suits the specific needs of our clients without being tied to any single supplier.
This flexibility ensures that we provide balanced solutions that meet the required specifications and budget constraints. We offer various types of fire alarm systems, including both conventional and addressable options, and we also handle both wired and wireless systems.
Our services extend beyond installation; we also provide comprehensive maintenance and repair services for all types of fire alarms, available any time, day or night. If you need your fire alarm system looked after, whether it’s installation, maintenance, or repair, Fire Systems Ltd is here to help.
What's the right system for you?
Discover the video below to find out more.
For inquiries about our products or services...
Ready to enhance your fire safety with a reliable and experienced partner? Whether you need a new fire alarm system, maintenance, or repair services, we're here to help. Contact Fire Systems Ltd today to discuss your specific needs and get a tailored solution.
Comprehensive Guide to Fire Alarms
Understanding the Importance, Types, and Requirements for Optimal Fire Safety.
What is a Fire Alarm?
A fire alarm is a device used to alert people of a fire, coming in various forms. It can be as simple as a bell or as advanced as an addressable intelligent system.
Do I need a Fire Alarm?
Many factors determine whether a fire alarm system is required. These include the size of the property, the risk of fire, the speed at which a fire could spread, high fire risk due to site activities, and whether people are sleeping on the property. So, how would the owner or the responsible person ultimately know if a system is required?
In many buildings, the awareness that a fire has started may be obvious to those inside, such as in a simple open-plan office or hall. In such scenarios, where escaping the building is straightforward, a shout of "fire" or a basic device like a manually operated bell that can be heard by everyone from a central point may suffice.
However, if an alarm given from a single point is unlikely to be heard throughout the premises (minimum sound level of 65 decibels), a fire alarm system with sounders and manual call points is likely necessary.
Another scenario involves unoccupied areas or escape corridors in occupied buildings where a fire could start and progress, compromising and making escape routes impassable before the fire is discovered. In this case, an automatic fire detection system with zone or area identification of the activated detector is required.
Fire Risk Assessment
A Fire Risk Assessment needs to be undertaken to determine whether a fire alarm system is required. The person chosen to carry out the assessment must be competent, typically proven by using a registered assessor from an authorized scheme. The assessor will conduct a comprehensive survey of the building, identify any fire risks, and produce a report. This report will recommend the necessary works or procedures to implement.
Function of a Fire Alarm
Fire alarm and detection systems have two primary functions: to safeguard life inside the building and to protect the structure and its contents. There are three main types of systems:
- Systems designed to safeguard life are classified as Category L systems.
- Systems that protect property by summoning the Fire and Rescue Service without delay are classified as Category P systems.
- Manually operated systems, where the fire alarm is activated by manual call points and similar devices, are classified as Category M systems.
Fire Alarm Category
Fire alarm systems could possibly be installed in properties in order to meet one, or both, of two important factors, which is life protection and that of the property.
The reasons may vary with time or place. Alternative probable reasons can be found, for instance, safeguards against company disturbance and safety of the environment; these will probably be satisfied with the recommendations within the fire code BS5839-1:2013 to safeguard of properties.
As a result of a huge assortment of programs for systems discussed within the fire code BS 5839, the types of systems are separated into several different Categories.
The assessor will confirm which fire alarm design is necessary for the risk involved. For the protection of Life, one of the following categories will be selected:
L1 – Highest coverage all areas of the building
L2 – Escape routes, Rooms off of the escape routes and areas of high risk
L3 – Escape routes and rooms off of the escape routes
L4 – Escape routes only
L5 – A mixture of the above
M – Manual call points only
Wired or Wireless?
A summary of the Pro’s and Con’s are as follows:
Wired fire alarms would be the preferred choice if the cable is easy to install, having some wiring or containment on display not being an issue, limited budget, lower maintenance cost
Wireless fire Alarms are the preferred choice for sites with limited access, aesthetics is an issue, minimal disruption, quick installation.
Manual Fire Alarms
Manually operated fire alarm systems are often adequate to meet legislation in workplaces where no one sleeps. However, fire legislation typically requires automatic fire alarms to complement the manually operated system in properties where people sleep.
Automatic Fire Alarms
Automatic fire alarms may also be required to meet regulations under the following conditions:
- When the automatic fire alarm is integral to a component of a fire engineering alternative.
- Where fire alarm systems, such as door shutting equipment or smoke vent equipment, need to be automatically controlled in case of fire.
- When the minimal occupancy of a property, or section of a property, could result in a fire blocking the means of escape before people become aware of it.
Additionally, automatic fire alarms are commonly used to safeguard properties by ensuring the quick presence of the fire brigade, either called by the inhabitants or through automatic signaling (RedCare) to an alarm receiving control center. Automatic fire alarms may also be required or advised by building insurance companies.
The quick detection of fire by an automated system and swift calling of the fire brigade is essential in properties where occupants cannot promptly evacuate (e.g., medical facilities). In some buildings of this kind (e.g., residential care premises), it is crucial to provide staff with precise details about the specific location of a fire. Generally, this section of fire code BS 5839 does not specify whether the fire alarm should be addressable; both addressable and non-addressable alarms can meet the recommendations in Section 2 of the fire code.
Fire Alarm Suppliers
As an independent installer, we have the flexibility to choose from a variety of fire alarm manufacturers, with no exclusive agreement to any single supplier. This allows us to design a fire alarm system that best suits our clients' needs.
There are many different types of fire alarm systems on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Our goal is to provide clients with a high-quality product that meets the required specifications within their budget.
In today’s economic climate, clients often choose the cheapest quote they receive. However, the cheapest system is not always the most cost-effective. Like most inexpensive products, these systems are more likely to fail, leading to additional costs over their lifetime due to parts and labor for repairs.
Closed Protocol or Managed Fire Alarms
However, when choosing a fire alarm company to install a system, the client should be aware of fire alarm manufacturers that have a restricted access policy to their software and parts. The fire alarm company will have an agreement with the manufacturer, in return for such an agreement, the manufacturer will only train and sell equipment to that particular group of companies. Or the manufacturer and the fire alarm company are one unit. Therefore, when the company installs the fire alarm system, they are the only ones who are able to carry out maintenance and repairs over the lifetime of the system. This usually leads to higher cost, due to limited or no competition. The term used in the fire industry for such systems is “Closed Protocol”. However, the true meaning is “Restricted Access”. So when inquiring about the system the company are proposing to install, make sure you ask the question.
Choosing the Right Fire Alarm System .
Selecting the appropriate fire alarm system for your needs and budget is crucial for effective fire safety. The type of system required will be influenced by the specific requirements and the fire alarm design code BS5839-1.
Have Questions?
Get In Touch with Fire Systems Ltd
For inquiries about our products or services...
What is a fire alarm system?
A fire alarm system is designed to detect fire and provide early warning to occupants, allowing for safe evacuation and prompt action to control the fire. Our systems include various detection and alert mechanisms to suit different environments.
Can I schedule a visit to your office? How do I get there?
Yes, you can visit our office for a consultation. We are located at 123 Safety Street, London, UK. Please contact us to schedule an appointment.
What are your main products and services?
We specialise in fire alarm systems, safety equipment, automatic opening vents (AOV), and advanced fire safety technology. Our services include installation, maintenance, and compliance testing.
What is an Automatic Opening Vent (AOV)?
An AOV system provides smoke ventilation in the event of a fire, helping to clear smoke from escape routes and making it easier for occupants to evacuate and for firefighters to enter.
How can I ensure my fire protection systems comply with regulations?
We provide comprehensive services to ensure your fire protection systems comply with all relevant fire safety regulations. Our team conducts thorough inspections, maintenance, and certifications to keep your systems up-to-date and compliant.