Choosing the correct fire alarm system can not be based solely on price and selecting the correct fire alarm system for your building is crucial to providing the best level of protection. The most important factor that will affect your choice of fire alarm system is the building itself and how it is used on a daily basis.
Start With a Fire Risk Assessment
A fire risk assessment is key to choosing the right fire alarm system. Most premises must carry out a workplace fire safety assessment under the UK law, and the results from this assessment should influence the choice of fire alarm system category and of fire detector types. Don’t be tempted to work from a product brochure!
Understand the BS 5839 Categories
BS 5839 categorizes fire alarm systems to help choose the most suitable. There are two main types, Life systems and Property systems. Life systems are further split into three sub-categories, L1, L2 and L3. These categories determine the amount of protection required for each area of the building and which fire detectors are required. Your fire alarm installer or fire risk assessor will be able to confirm the most suitable category for your premises.
Match Detector Types to Each Space
The appropriate choice of fire detector can make a massive difference to a fire alarm system. Smoke detectors are generally ideal for offices, corridors, and other locations where there is a moderate amount of smoke produced by a fire. Heat detectors are often preferred for use in kitchens and other locations where there is a large amount of dust in the air. They are less prone to produce false alarms for smoke, which can be extremely annoying and lead to them being ignored. Beam detectors are ideal for very large open plan locations with very high ceilings.
Think About Building Size and Occupancy
Detectors are grouped into zones for small single floor offices, however larger or more complex buildings are typically better protected by an addressable system where every detector, sounder and other device on the system is addressed and connected to the control panel and thus can be individually identified by the engineer when a fault or alarm is detected.
Choose an Experienced Local Installer
A well-chosen system is easier to maintain than one that has been chosen haphazardly.
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A well chosen system is easy to maintain and less likely to fail when you need it most.