Call our team for a personal consultation regarding your businesses fire and security needs on 01733 246 990
Nationwide Coverage
Fire Alarm Installation Contractors
Commercial Fire Alarm Installation
A commercial fire alarm has to work on the day, satisfy your fire risk assessment, and stand up to scrutiny from insurers and enforcing authorities. Britannia installs and commissions systems to BS 5839-1, with a dedicated project manager on larger jobs, and hands over with BAFE certification and a Fire Safety Log Book.
Fire alarm installation without the usual problems
Responsible persons need the alarm installed, signed off and documented without the business grinding to a halt. Principal and electrical contractors need a fire alarm package delivered alongside them and handed over cleanly. We work for both.
- One accountable team. Our engineers install the system, with a dedicated project manager on larger jobs.
- Detection suited to the space. Detectors are specified for the conditions in each area, because detection that ignores the environment causes nuisance alarms. That matters more now many fire services no longer attend unconfirmed automatic alarms at commercial premises.
- Integrated with the building. Lift and gas shutdown, shutters, BMS, PA, access control and sprinkler monitoring have all been linked to fire alarms on our projects.
- Gent specialists. As a Gent 24 Elite Technology Centre, our engineers are trained directly on the Gent product range, including industrial fire alarm installation with aspirating detection, from a 19-metre-high factory to a major retailer’s distribution centre.
- A clear handover. Staff shown how to use the system and carry out the weekly test, with a BAFE certificate and Fire Safety Log Book issued.
Installation requirements under BS 5839-1:2025
BS 5839-1:2025 has applied since 30 April 2025, and it raises the bar at installation and handover:
- new work should meet the current standard, including extensions to older systems
- where a storey has more than one zone, a zone plan is essential, and leaving it out is no longer an acceptable variation
- a cause and effect matrix, or a written description, should be provided at handover
- where there’s an automatic link to the fire service, a False Alarm Notice should be fitted at the panel, and users advised that every false alarm should be investigated
Under BAFE SP203-1, design, installation, commissioning and handover, and maintenance are separately certificated modules. When all are complete, a BAFE Certificate of Compliance is issued, showing the work was done to BS 5839-1 by third-party certificated companies.
Unwanted alarms now carry real consequences. London Fire Brigade doesn’t attend automatic alarms at most commercial premises between 07:00 and 20:30 unless a fire is confirmed, and Scotland, West Yorkshire, Hampshire and Dorset & Wiltshire have similar policies, some at any hour. The duty to provide appropriate detection and warning sits with the responsible person under the Fire Safety Order in England and Wales, and the dutyholder under the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 in Scotland.
Accredited fire alarm installers
- BAFE SP203 registered, registration 300175
- Gent 24 Elite Technology Centre and approved Gent system integrator
- FIA member
- NICEIC approved contractor
- ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001, CHAS and Constructionline, for public sector and main contractor supply chains
Case study: Elizabeth House Care Home, Enfield
T Clarke East Ltd invited Britannia to tender at the initial design stage for a residential care home in Enfield. We secured all five fire and security disciplines.
The fire alarm is a Category L1 Honeywell Gent system with automatic and manual detection. Through the fire alarm monitoring, it also watches the site-wide sprinkler system and BMS, giving staff advance warning of failures.
Alongside it we delivered the intruder alarm, site-wide access control with long-range readers for disabled residents, IP CCTV, and a C-Tec nurse call system covering 72 bedrooms. The installations came with Britannia’s one-year warranty, and our engineers provide ongoing maintenance.
Free site survey and installation quote
Send us drawings or your fire risk assessment if you have them. We’ll survey the building, confirm the category you need, and quote for design, installation, commissioning and handover.
Working to a principal contractor’s programme? Send us the details and we’ll price it. Call 01733 246 990 or email info@britanniaalarms.co.uk.
Our fire alarm installation process
- Brief and site survey. An initial assessment and on-site evaluation of your building.
- Design. The BS 5839-1 category determined, and wired or wireless chosen to suit the building.
- Installation. Our engineers install the system, with a dedicated project manager on larger jobs.
- Commissioning and handover. The system is commissioned and tested, staff are shown how to use it and carry out the weekly test, and we issue BAFE certification and set up your Fire Safety Log Book.
- Maintenance and support. Six-monthly servicing and 24/7 call-outs.
Commercial fire alarm installation across the UK
We install fire alarms across the UK from our base in Peterborough, with engineers covering Cambridge, Northampton, Leicester, Nottingham, Lincoln and Luton.
- Industrial and logistics: factories and distribution centres, including aspirating detection
- Healthcare and care homes: including a Category L1 system in a residential care home
- Offices and commercial buildings
- Education, leisure and local authority: schools, leisure centres, public buildings and a fire station
- Retail: stores and retail units
We work directly for building owners and alongside principal and electrical contractors.
"Britannia Fire & Security are a very approachable and knowledgeable company, proactive in giving quotations within timescales given, very professional on site and backed up with great office support."
"We really enjoy working with Britannia, we find them to be extremely helpful throughout the process from tendering, design, installation and right through to completion. They have been extremely supportive and most importantly in a professional and timely manner."
"Britannia have a vast and incredibly competent knowledge base, that has helped with many challenging issues with complex systems. Planned installation work has always been completed to a high standard and high level of professionalism, with the added reassurance of supportive after sales care."
"Having utilised Britannia for many years as part of our MEP supply chain, would highly recommend their services. Professional and knowledgeable team members complimented by an experienced and skilful engineering team they have assisted us in delivering some high quality projects."
"Concept-MEP carry out a large number of projects in conjunction with Britannia Fire & Security both in the UK & overseas. This has been a long-standing relationship due to the high quality of service and workmanship that they provide"
"More than happy to assist"
"I have used Britannia Fire & Security over the past 15 years at various company’s I have worked for. They offer a very professional service in all aspects of Fire and Security, and everyone in the business is aways willing to assist. I wouldn’t have an issue in recommending Britannia."
The Britannia Promise
Unrivalled Customer Service
Our service and maintenance capabilities and technical back up are second to none, ensuring that our customers have peace of mind using the best quality security system on the market.
Complete Security Solutions
From complex integrated intruder alarm packages to simple fire alarm detection systems, we can tailor any solution to suit your requirements. We provide the best class systems for your business.
Experienced Engineers
With more than 30 experienced engineers at Britannia Fire & Security we are able to provide nationwide coverage for clients in all areas of fire alarms, CCTV and security systems.
Commercial Fire Alarm Installation FAQs
Who is responsible for fire alarm installation in a commercial building? >
The responsible person, typically the employer, building owner, or facilities manager, is accountable for ensuring a suitable fire alarm system is installed and meets fire safety regulations.
Why is professional fire alarm installation important? >
Fire alarm systems must be installed correctly to meet legal standards and function as intended. Poor installation can lead to compliance issues, unreliable performance, or failed inspections.
Will installation disrupt day to day operations? >
What happens after the system is installed? >
Once installed, the system is tested, commissioned, and certified. You will also receive guidance on how to use it and the documentation needed for compliance and record keeping.
Do I need ongoing maintenance after installation? >
Yes, fire alarm systems must be regularly maintained to remain compliant and reliable. Most organisations choose a maintenance contract to ensure ongoing servicing, testing, and record keeping.
How do I know what type of system my building needs? >
This is determined through a site survey and fire risk assessment, which considers the layout, occupancy, and level of risk within the building before recommending the appropriate system design.
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