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Fire Alarm

Fire Alarm

Fire alarm system form a key part in the building fire strategy. Since fire alarm system has a few devices working together to detect and warn people through visual and audio appliances when smoke, fire, carbon monoxide and emergencies are present.

Why Install A Fire Alarm

A fire alarm system is a base point for all businesses. The damage a fire alarm can transmit to both people and property can be devastating. Fire alarm are responsive to smoke as well as heat and can be triggered both manually and automatically. In order to comply with insurance requirements, businesses need to have suitable fire alarm. This is dependent on the individual business criteria.

Why Choose GreenLight

GrreenLight has qualified and highly trained engineers who are experts in fire alarm installations. We will review your fire alarm requirements in line with your business operations, insurance coverage, and provide you with a personalised solution.

Types Of Fire Alarm

There are 3 main types of fire alarm system: conventional, addressable, and wireless:

Conventional Fire Alarm

  • Divides your premises into broad regions
  • In the event of fire, the fire alarm panel identifies the place, but not the exact areas
  • Most suitable for smaller or lower risk environments

Addressable Fire Alarm

  • Each device has its own unique electronic address
  • If one activates, the fire alarm panel tells you exactly where to locate the problem
  • Most suitable for larger or higher risk environments. For examples, schools, care homes and hospitals

Wireless Fire Alarm

  • Uses a secure wireless link between the sensors and the fire alarm panel
  • Typically works like an addressable system, just without the wires
  • Most suitable for premises which don’t want lots of cable. For example, churches and historic buildings.

The UK fire alarm legislation have not written down exactly which types of fire alarm system should be used in premises. Getting a fire alarm depends on what is appropriate for your business. However, to get the right fire alarm system to meet UK fire alarm regulations, it is recommended that you use a reputable fire safety company.

Fire Alarm Grades & Categories

Grades and categories show how your fire alarm system should be constructed (grades), and which areas of your building it should cover (categories).

Grades

Fire alarm grades run from Grade A through to Grade F, with Grade A the highest and F the lowest.

Residential Buildings

Residential premises should usually meet UK fire alarm regulations with a lower-grade system (D-F). However, businesses generally need a more substantial system to comply with UK fire alarm legislation. Usually Grade A through to C.

To simplify this, higher grade systems are wired into a central fire alarm panel which is connected to the main power supply, and have a back-up power supply.

Categories

There are 2 main categories:

Category P systems – protect property
Category L systems – protect life

Faulty Fire Alarm

If your fire alarm goes wrong, for example:

  • An alarm is sounding but there is no evidence of a fire
  • A light on your fire alarm panel identify there is a fault
  • Your fire alarm panel is beeping
  • There is no power going into your fire alarm panel

Then you must report it immediately to your fire protection company and your fire alarm company will visit you.

Servicing Your Fire Alarm

UK fire alarm regulations only state that your fire alarm system must be adequately maintained.  However, BS 5839 recommends that a fire alarm system should be inspected by a skilled person at least every 6 months and the government recommends following this standard. If you work on large premises, it is advised to have a quarterly service, as there are many more components to your fire alarm system and there are more chances for something to go wrong.