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Sound the Alarm: A Complete Guide to Commercial Fire Alarms
(Saesneg yn unig)
Fires can be unpredictable and detrimental to any business or commercial property. Staying safe and protected is the best way that you can look after your property and keep your occupants safe. Our blog is here to help you understand the importance of fire alarm installations, and the most common types of fire alarms out there. To find out more, and which fire alarm system could be best for your property, keep on reading!
The Importance Of Commercial Fire Alarms
Read below to learn more about the importance of having fire alarms installed on your commercial property!
Safety
Safety is one of the key reasons why fire alarms are so essential. Any occupants on your premises need to be alerted in the event of a fire so that they can safely evacuate the building. Failing to do so can result in serious injuries and problems if people are not alerted about the fire. Ensuring that any occupants are safely out of the building is the most important safety measure.
Depending on the nature of your work, there may be specific inventory or specialised items that need to be recovered in the event of a fire too. Being alerted of the fire gives individuals plenty of time to get any sensitive or essential documents and possessions. It should be noted that personal belongings and other items should be left in the event of a fire, and individuals should prioritise getting themselves out of the building first.
Laws & Regulations
Many areas have laws and regulations in place that mandate the installation of fire alarms in commercial buildings. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations can result in serious consequences for your business. It is essential for buildings to comply with these legislation and rules for safety reasons.
Insurance
Depending on your insurance coverage, this may vary. But, on the whole, many insurance policies will require you to have working fire alarm systems installed, and maintained to provide full coverage. If there was a fire that occurred, and there was not a working fire alarm system in place, your insurance provider may not be able to provide you with any compensation as you may be liable.
What Happens If I Don’t Have Commercial Fire Alarms?
Because it is a legal requirement for businesses to have fire alarms installed, there can be serious consequences if buildings are found without fire alarms, there could be serious consequences. Fire alarms need to meet specific standards and requirements so that any occupants of the building can be alerted and evacuated safely. Regular maintenance of these fire alarms is also required to ensure that they are working properly.
Failure to comply with regulations and fire alarm requirements could result in a business being fined or penalised. This can seriously damage the reputation of a business and be costly. To be on the safe side, be sure to have regular fire alarm testing and the correct systems installed.
Types Of Commercial Fire Alarms
There are a range of different commercial fire alarms with different benefits. Read below to learn more about the different types of fire alarms that might be used in a commercial setting.
Conventional Fire Alarms
To start things off, we’ve got our conventional fire alarms. A number of call points, and or detectors, are connected to the fire alarm control panel in different zones. These zones are circuits that are typically linked to a single floor, or fire compartment at a time, which allows them to give a general idea of where the fire is located.
These are one of the simpler fire alarm systems, with each alarm point and detector individually wired to the control panel. Conventional fire alarm systems are a cost-effective and uncomplicated safety measure, but they do require each component being individually wired in. For small premises with basic floor plans, conventional fire alarm systems work well, as fewer points and detectors will be needed.
Analogue Fire Alarms
Analogue fire alarm systems, also known as intelligent fire alarm systems, have various systems available. Typically, they have a single cable running through all the detection devices that have been installed. Analogue systems receive a signal which is transmitted through this cable. These systems can pinpoint exactly which detector has been triggered and where the fire is located.
One of the great things about analogue fire alarm systems is that the sensitivity of these systems can be adjusted. In areas where detectors may be easily triggered or quite hard to trigger, sensitivity can be changed to accommodate different areas of your building.
Addressable Systems
Addressable fire alarm systems are not dissimilar to conventional fire alarms, but the control panel is able to show you which device the fire, or smoke, triggered. For larger buildings, addressable fire alarm systems are great, as they can help to identify exactly where the fire was coming from! A building can be evacuated safely, and the fire can be handled effectively.
The detection circuit in these systems is in a loop, which can hold up to 99 detection devices. These detection devices are also similar to conventional detectors. Additionally, you can find other detection devices that will attach to this loop, such as more detectors or fire sprinklers.
Addressable systems have a lower risk of false alarms and require minimal cabling, unlike conventional systems, making them perfect for larger commercial properties.
Wireless Fire Alarms
A wireless fire alarm, also known as a radio alarm, uses radio frequencies to control the detectors in a building, meaning there are no cables to install! For buildings that are impractical to run a lot of cabling through, wireless systems are perfect! They can also help to keep the appearance of your building intact too.
All of the detectors and call points in the wireless system are in contact with the main control panel through radio connectivity. The strength of the signal is preserved through a number of frequencies. This means you never have to worry about your wireless system being blocked, weakened or interfered with.
While these systems are much simpler to install, and are great for larger, awkwardly shaped buildings, wireless fire alarm systems come at a slightly higher cost than other systems.
Gas Suppression Fire Alarms
Last, but certainly not least are gas suppression fire alarm systems. In areas where it is best to avoid using water, or sensitive areas of your building, gas suppression systems are often used. You might use these systems in areas of your building that are unoccupied, or at the greatest risk from a potential fire. The gas suppression fire alarm system can detect a fire, monitor the area, and release suppressants when a fire is detected.
This is a good safety measure, as it protects people as soon as a fire is detected and helps it to stop spreading. Rooms with a lot of sensitive or electrical equipment, where water is not the best solution, will be the types of environments where a gas suppression system is used.
These systems are easy to maintain, install and are relatively non-invasive.
Snowdonia Fire Protection: Fire Alarm Testing, Security Systems & More
Established in 1974, Snowdonia Fire Protection has been taking care of people and buildings for many years. With years of experience under our belts, we are a trusted and reliable fire protection company. We take our role seriously, and are committed to providing fire protection services that work. From fire safety services to security measures, sprinkler systems to alarm installations, we are proud to keep people safe.
Our emphasis on customer satisfaction is also something we are proud of here at Snowdonia Fire Protection, and we want to help our customers feel as heard as possible, before offering seamless, quality solutions. To learn more about any of our fire protection services, or how we can help you, head to our website to read more. Or, to speak to one of our team members today, get in touch!
