Considerations Before Selecting a Fire Alarm System for a Commercial Property

Before selecting a fire alarm system, it is important to understand the fire risks within the premises and the level of protection required.

Consider:

• The findings of your fire risk assessment
• The building’s use and occupancy
• The people who may be at particular risk
• Existing fire protection measures
• Relevant fire safety legislation and guidance
• The appropriate recommendations of BS 5839-1 for non-domestic premises

The required level of fire detection and alarm provision will depend on the individual premises rather than a single solution being suitable for every commercial building.

2. Building Size, Layout and Use

The physical characteristics and use of the building will influence the design of the fire alarm system.

Factors can include:

• The size of the premises and number of floors
• Escape routes and compartmentation
• The number and location of occupants
• Areas that may be unoccupied for periods of time
• The activities taking place within the building
• Any specific or higher-risk areas

Warehouses, offices, industrial facilities, retail premises and other commercial buildings can all have different fire detection requirements.

3. Choosing the Appropriate Fire Alarm System

Different premises require different approaches to fire detection and alarm.

Conventional or Addressable Systems

A conventional system divides a building into detection zones and can provide an effective solution for smaller or less complex premises.

An addressable system identifies individual devices within the system, helping to provide more precise information about where an alarm has originated. This can make addressable systems particularly suitable for larger or more complex commercial premises.

Wired or Wireless Systems

Wired fire alarm systems provide a permanent solution and are widely used across commercial properties.

Wireless systems can provide greater flexibility where running cables would be difficult or disruptive, including certain existing, refurbished or heritage buildings.

The right option will depend on the premises, fire risk assessment and system design requirements.

4. Detection, Warning and System Integration

The type and location of detection devices should reflect the risks within the building. Depending on the premises, a system may incorporate smoke detectors, heat detectors, manual call points and other appropriate detection technology.

The method used to warn occupants is equally important. This may include audible alarm devices, visual alarm devices or, where appropriate, voice alarm systems.

Fire alarm systems may also need to interface with other building systems, such as:

• Door access and locking systems
• Smoke control systems
• Lifts
• Other fire protection systems
• Building management or security systems

Government guidance notes that fire alarm systems in many buildings can cause other systems to operate, change state or shut down, making the correct operation and ongoing testing of these interfaces important.

5. Accessibility and the Needs of Building Users

Fire alarm provision should take account of everyone who may need to respond to an emergency.

Depending on the premises and its occupants, additional warning methods may be required for people who are deaf or hard of hearing or who may otherwise need assistance responding to an alarm.

These requirements should be considered as part of the overall fire risk assessment and evacuation strategy rather than treated as an afterthought.

6. Installation, Maintenance and Ongoing Support

Choosing a fire alarm system is not only about the initial installation. The system needs to remain effective throughout its working life.

Consider:

• Routine testing
• Planned preventative maintenance
• Access to replacement parts and technical support
• Changes to the building or its use
• Future expansion requirements
• False alarm management
• Ongoing compliance with relevant standards

Government fire-safety guidance emphasises that fire alarm systems should be regularly tested and maintained and that associated system functions should also be checked for correct operation.

Working with an experienced fire alarm provider can help ensure these requirements are considered from initial design and installation through to ongoing servicing and maintenance.

7. Why Choose SS Systems?

At SS Systems, we understand that no two commercial properties are exactly the same. Our approach is to assess the requirements of your premises and provide a fire alarm solution appropriate to your building, its occupants and the risks identified.

Our team provides support from initial site survey and system design through to installation, commissioning and ongoing maintenance, helping businesses protect their people and premises while meeting their fire safety responsibilities.

We are CHAS accredited, BAFE registered and SSAIB certificated, with BS EN ISO 9001:2015 and Constructionline approval, giving our customers confidence that their fire, security and safety systems are delivered and maintained to recognised standards.

Whether you are considering a new commercial fire alarm system, replacing an existing system or reviewing whether your current protection remains suitable, contact SS Systems to discuss the requirements of your premises.

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