FIRE ALARM DESIGN
Ensuring that your fire alarm system is designed to meet the specific needs of your premises is critical to protecting lives and property. No two fire alarm designs should ever be identical, as each building presents unique challenges and requirements. Poorly positioned detectors or the installation of the wrong type of system can lead to false alarms, reduced efficiency, and increased safety risks.
At Infinite, we prioritize precision and compliance, ensuring all fire alarm designs are tailored to the specific layout and function of your building. All our design staff are professionally trained by the British Fire Protection Systems Association (BFPSA) and the Fire Industry Association (FIA) to guarantee the highest standards of fire safety solutions.
Types of Fire Alarm Systems
There are several different types of fire alarm systems, each suited to different environments and levels of complexity. The most common include:
1. Non-Addressable Fire Alarm Systems (Conventional)
Best suited for smaller buildings, non-addressable systems provide essential fire detection and warning capabilities. These systems typically consist of 10 to 25 detection devices, such as smoke detectors, heat sensors, and manual call points, which are all connected to a central control panel.
While cost-effective and straightforward to install, these systems do not provide specific location data for the triggered alarm. Instead, they indicate which general area or “zone” the fire is in, allowing for a quick response but with some limitations in pinpointing the exact location.
Ideal for:
✔️ Small offices
✔️ Retail stores
✔️ Community centres
2. Addressable Fire Alarm Systems
Designed for larger and more complex buildings, addressable systems provide a higher level of control and functionality. Each device (smoke detector, heat sensor, etc.) has a unique address, allowing the system to pinpoint the exact location of a fire or fault.
These systems are capable of complex programming and can be integrated with additional safety features, such as:
- Automatic fire door closures to prevent fire spread
- Ventilation control to reduce smoke buildup
- Lift management to safely direct occupants away from danger zones
Their flexibility makes them suitable for buildings with multiple floors, sections, or high-occupancy areas requiring precise monitoring and emergency response planning.
Ideal for:
✔️ Large office buildings
✔️ Hospitals, care homes & schools
✔️ Hotels and high-rise apartments
3. Radio (Wireless) Fire Alarm Systems
Wireless fire alarm systems use radio signals instead of traditional wiring, making them an excellent choice when installing cables is impractical or not allowed. This type of system is often recommended for heritage or listed buildings, where preserving the architecture is a priority.
Benefits of radio fire systems include:
- Minimal disruption during installation
- Reduced need for drilling or wiring work
- Easy expansion if additional devices are required
- Reliable communication between devices, even in complex building layouts
These systems are commonly used in environments where aesthetics and preservation are important.
Ideal for:
✔️ Churches
✔️ Stately homes and historic buildings
✔️ Museums and galleries
Choosing the Right Fire Alarm System
Selecting the correct fire alarm system is crucial for safety, legal compliance, and minimizing the risk of false alarms. Key considerations include:
- Building size and layout – Larger buildings require more advanced detection and monitoring systems.
- Occupancy type – Schools, hospitals, and care homes may have different requirements than commercial offices.
- Building regulations and compliance – Systems must adhere to BS 5839 (British Standards for fire detection and alarm systems).
- Potential fire hazards – Understanding the risks within a building (e.g., kitchens, flammable materials) helps determine the best alarm system.
- Insurance Requirement – Some insurance companies will stipulate what level of system is required for the building.
By carefully assessing these factors, we ensure that your fire alarm system is not only compliant but also offers the highest level of safety and reliability.
FIRE ALARM INSTALLATION
We provide professional fire alarm installation services, ensuring that all our systems meet the strict requirements of British Standards BS5839. Our fire alarm solutions are designed to enhance safety while minimizing the risk of false alarms, providing your business with a reliable and efficient system tailored to your specific needs.
Our Commitment to Quality
All our fire alarm equipment is of the highest quality, sourced from reputable manufacturers, and designed to provide reliable detection and response in the event of a fire emergency. Our expert team ensures precise installation and testing to confirm optimal functionality.
System Layout and Documentation
Upon installation, your company will be provided with a detailed drawing of the fire alarm system layout. This document is essential for future system expansion, maintenance, and troubleshooting. It serves as a reference guide, ensuring that any modifications can be efficiently integrated while maintaining compliance with safety regulations.
Fire Alarm System Categories
Fire alarm systems are classified into different categories depending on their purpose—either for life safety or property protection. Below are the key classifications:
Category ‘M’ Systems (Manual Systems)
- These systems rely solely on manual call points, meaning there is no automatic fire detection.
- Activation is dependent on individuals manually triggering the alarm when they detect a fire.
- Commonly used in buildings where occupants are always present and can respond promptly to fire incidents.
Category ‘L’ Systems (Life Protection Systems)
Designed primarily to protect human life, these systems feature various levels of automatic detection combined with manual call points:
- L1 System: Provides the highest level of life protection. It includes manual call points at designated locations and automated fire detection throughout all areas of the building, ensuring early warning from the sounders, strobes and rapid response.
- L2 System: Comprises manual call points at defined locations and automatic fire detection on all escape routes, in rooms that open onto escape routes, and in high-risk or hazardous areas where fire is more likely to occur.
- L3 System: Features manual call points and automated detection installed on all escape routes and in rooms that open directly onto escape routes. This setup ensures early detection, facilitating a quick and safe evacuation.
- L4 System: Involves manual call points along with automated detection installed only on escape routes. It provides a basic level of protection, mainly focusing on safe evacuation.
- L5 System: A specialized system designed to meet specific fire safety objectives. It includes manual call points and automatic detection in targeted areas identified as high risk.
Category ‘P’ Systems (Property Protection Systems)
These systems focus on safeguarding property and assets, reducing fire damage, and protecting business continuity:
- P1 System: Offers full coverage, with automatic detection installed throughout the entire building. This ensures early fire detection and minimizes potential damage.
- P2 System: Provides automatic fire detection in specified areas of the building where the risk of fire is particularly high, ensuring localized protection while reducing costs compared to a full P1 system.
Why Choose Our Fire Alarm Installation Services?
- Free Expert Consultation: We assess your premises and recommend the most suitable fire alarm system based on your needs and regulatory requirements.
- Certified Compliance: Our installations fully comply with British Standards BS5839, giving you peace of mind regarding safety and legal compliance.
- Quality Equipment: We use state-of-the-art fire detection systems designed to minimize false alarms while ensuring rapid response to genuine fire threats.
- Professional Installation: Our highly trained technicians ensure precise and efficient installation, integrating the system seamlessly into your building.
- Ongoing Support & Maintenance: We provide regular maintenance and support services to keep your fire alarm system in optimal working condition.
Get in Touch
For more information about our fire alarm installation services or to schedule a FREE consultation, contact us today. Let us help you protect lives and property with a robust fire alarm system tailored to your specific needs.
Commissioning, Testing, and Handover
of the Fire Alarm System
Before we officially hand over the fire alarm system, our team conducts a comprehensive commissioning process to ensure every detail aligns with the specifications outlined in the approved plans. This meticulous approach guarantees that the installation meets all safety and performance standards.
Detailed Inspection and Testing
- Rigorous Inspections: Every component and installation detail is carefully examined to confirm that it complies with the project requirements. Our experts check the positioning, wiring, and integration of all system elements.
- Full System Testing: The entire fire alarm system undergoes a series of tests under simulated conditions to verify its proper operation. This includes ensuring that sensors, alarms, and control panels function correctly and respond appropriately in the event of an emergency.
- Compliance Verification: We ensure that the system adheres to all relevant codes and standards, providing you with a solution that is both reliable and compliant with industry regulations.
Handover Documentation
Once the inspections and tests confirm the system’s performance, the handover process begins. You will receive a complete set of documentation, including:
- Certificates: Official certificates verifying that the system meets all applicable safety and compliance standards.
- Operating Manual: A comprehensive manual detailing how to operate and maintain the system, ensuring smooth and effective use.
- Logbook: A logbook for recording routine tests, maintenance activities, and any updates, supporting ongoing system reliability.
- Additional Documentation: All necessary documents that provide further details on the installation, configuration, and long-term care of the system.
This thorough commissioning and handover process is designed to provide you with confidence in the fire alarm system’s reliability and performance, ensuring that it meets your safety requirements from the very first day.
