Fire detection and alarm systems explained

A fire alarm system consists of detection devices which are connected to a central fire alarm control panel. The system is always on and does not need to be turned on or off.

Detection devices can be connected to the alarm control panel either by a cable or wirelessly via a secure radio transmission path.

Manually operated switches, commonly known as Manual Call Points (MCP’s) can also be used to raise the alarm before any automatic detection devices have detected a sign of fire.

Upon the activation of a detection device or MCP, the system will operate sounders and, in some instances, flashing beacons. Beacons are a great addition and are usually specified in areas that are subject to noise interference.

Where the need for a fire alarm system has been identified the system should be installed by a competent company, it is also part of the requirements of the standards that the system is maintained annually to ensure that is always ready to operate in the event of a fire.

There are four essential stages that must be followed to establish and maintain a suitable fire detection and alarm system.

Fire alarm system implementation stages

System Design
The system should be designed in accordance with the appropriate British Standard together with the relevant system category. This process will usually be identified during a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) of the building. If a risk assessment is not available or has not been carried out, our surveyor will be able to offer guidance on an appropriate system category.
Speak to Absolute Security for advice on how to proceed with a Fire Risk Assessment.

Installation
The installation of the system can now follow the design specification and should be installed in accordance with the British Standards for Fire Alarms together with the requirements for Electrical installations.

Commissioning
The process of commissioning will involve thorough testing of the installed system to ensure that it operates correctly and in accordance with the standards and the design specification.

Maintenance
To ensure that the system remains in a fully operational condition, the Standards recommend that the system should be regularly tested a minimum of twice a year by a competent Company.

The system should also be tested on a weekly basis by a responsible person with all results being recorded in the site logbook.

Absolute Security will provide a planned maintenance schedule to ensure that the system is tested correctly in accordance with the standards. As part of our maintenance schedule, we will also ensure that the responsible person is confident of carrying out the weekly testing.

Accreditations

Absolute Security always ensure we have the highest accreditations with all the major fire associated professional bodies. We are a member of BAFE, The Fire Industry Association and Constructionline.

We are also proud to continue to hold our gold status as an NSI member. With our in house BAFE & NSI accredited design and commissioning team you are in safe hands.

Whether you need assistance for your commercial or domestic fire alarm system, we hold accreditations for both BS:5839 Part 1 (commercial) and BS-5839 Part 6 (domestic) system.

Contact us today to talk about your fire alarm requirements.

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