Fire Alarm System Guide

The Two Main Types

There are two main types of fire alarm systems, the two types are conventional fire alarms and addressable fire alarms. The main difference between the two is that conventional fire alarms are all wired to a single fire alarm control panel which will show an alert when there is a fire, whereas addressable fire alarms have a number of unique components, each of which may be triggered when there is a fire.

Below you will find more detail about the main types of fire alarm systems in the UK which are available commercially.

Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

Commercial fire alarm systems have been created specifically for use in a commercial setting such as offices and factories, since they have to cover more ground they are typically much more complex than the average home fire alarm system.

Conventional Fire Alarms

Conventional fire alarms are great for use in smaller commercial buildings like small offices or corner shops. As mentioned above, they are typically connected to one central fire alarm control panel by a single cable. They are extremely affordable and can work well in small spaces, but they have one big drawback in that they are unable to pinpoint the exact location of a fire in the building – something that addressable fire alarm systems are perfectly able to do.

Monitored Fire Alarms

Monitored fire alarms automatically connect your fire alarm system to an external alarm receiving centre, which means they can act swiftly and alert the emergency services without delay. They are ideal for use in locations that need to be monitored for fire risk 24/7.

Wireless Fire Alarms

Wireless fire alarm systems are great because they use radio signals rather than cabling to communicate. This makes them basically plug and play. if you’re looking for an alarm system that offers a minimum of disruption in your building, they are ideal.

Notifier Fire Alarms

Notifier Fire Alarm systems are ideal for large workplaces. They offer smart technology and a modular design that can be configured for your own specific needs.

Aspirating Fire Alarms

Aspirating fire alarms draw air up through their pipework to detect smoke fast. Highly sensitive, they will notify you of a fire in lightning time.

Addressable Fire Alarms

Addressable fire alarms are one of the two main types of fire alarm systems. They comprise of multiple system components that, when one of them activates, will show the exact location of the problem on the fire alarm panel. This will enable you to find the source of the fire, and deal with it, fast, great for larger buildings.

Gas Suppression Fire Alarms

Gas suppression fire alarm systems are waterless systems that, instead, release a potent mix of gases into the air in order to extinguish fires or prevent them from spreading further.

If you’re still unsure which types of fire alarm systems in the UK are best for you, get in touch with the expert team at Britannia Fire and Security Ltd – we’re here to help.