6 Factors You Should Look for When Buying a Fire Alarm System  

Fire safety is one of the key components of building security. These alarm systems are designed to ensure residents’ safety from fire or related dangers. They are available in four variants on the market.  

Fire alarm systems detect fire, smoke, or any other fire-related emergencies and alert the building’s occupants. They are installed as a part of any building’s security apparatus. They may include smoke detectors, heat detectors, and manual fire alarm activation devices (pull stations).  

In this blog, we will list all the factors you must consider while choosing the right fire alarm system.  

Let’s get started! 

Points to Consider while Choosing the Right Fire Alarm System  

Having a fire alarm system is important as it will help save lives in case of any fire or related emergency. You must ensure that the system is robust enough to handle all fire emergencies.  

These factors will help you to understand the basic requirements of a fire alarm system. We also recommend you consider the fire alarm technicians’ advice.  

1. Thorough Risk Assessment  

A fire alarm system must perform multiple actions simultaneously like prompting occupants to evacuate, sending information to the monitoring center, dispatching emergency teams, and activating the sprinkler system or other extinguishing systems. 

Some common fire hazards include: 

• Kitchen fires from unattended cooking, grease, and chip pan fires 

• Electrical systems that are overloaded, poorly maintained, or defective 

• Combustible storage areas with insufficient protection 

• Combustibles near equipment that generates heat, flame, or sparks 

• Candles and other open flames 

• Smoking (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, etc.) 

• Equipment that generates heat and utilizes combustible materials 

• Flammable liquids and aerosols 

• Flammable solvents (and rags soaked with solvent) placed in enclosed trash cans 

• Fireplace chimneys not properly or regularly cleaned 

• Cooking appliances, stoves, ovens 

• Heating appliances, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, furnaces, boilers, portable heaters, solid fuels 

• Household appliances, clothes dryers, curling irons, hair dryers, refrigerators, freezers, boilers 

• Electrical wiring in poor condition 

• Leaking and defective batteries 

• Personal ignition sources, matches, lighters 

• Electronic and electrical equipment 

• Exterior cooking equipment, barbecue 

2. Size and Purpose of the Building 

A commercial place will require an advanced fire alarm system while for your home you can choose a more conventional fire alarm system. But the size of the area is a key determining factor.  

Larger spaces, such as warehouses, hospitals, or schools, require addressable systems for precise detection and response. Whereas, in residential settings, standalone or mains-powered alarms might be enough. 

3. Know about the Types of Fire Alarm System  

Some of the most common types of alarms are conventional, addressable, hybrid, and automatic/manual systems.  

• Addressable fire alarms: In case of a fire an addressable system sends digital signals to a connected device. These sophisticated alarms can pinpoint and track down the exact site of a fire.  They are expensive and suitable for big buildings like corporate offices.  

• Conventional fire alarms: Conventional systems were the first fire alarm system that came to the market. They are suitable for a smaller space.  

• Hybrid fire alarms: Hybrid fire alarms work by combining both wired and wireless components to detect fire.  

• Automatic / Manual fire alarms: Automatic fire systems detect and respond to fires without human intervention, while manual fire systems rely on people to activate them. 

4. Consult Fire Safety Professionals and Fire Alarm Technicians  

Firemen and fire alarm technicians can give you valuable advice about which system will suit your building’s needs. Before you buy and get the system installed, we recommend getting an inspection done.  

Professionals have practical knowledge and experience about the various kinds of fire alarm systems. They can understand the technicalities like system capacity.  

5. Consider Maintenance  

Fire alarms require proper and timely maintenance. Choose a system that fits your ability to maintain. For instance, automatic fire alarms are more expensive to maintain or repair than manual fire system alarms.  

6. Your Budget 

Budget is a big factor in buying any commodity. Your budget must depend on the size of the building.  

Conventional systems are more expensive to install as each device that is being connected requires its wire. The installation requires a lot of wiring and more working hours. 

Addressable systems, though expensive, are simpler to install and offer a range of features like panels to monitor the airflow through smoke detectors to prevent false alarms. 

Read More: The Smart Choice for Building Owners: Upgrading to Edwards LED Fire Alarm Devices

Conclusion 

A fire alarm system is an integral part of a building’s security frame.  It saves lives by alerting and performing many other actions in case of a fire emergency. While choosing a fire alarm system remember to assess all risks, consider the size and purpose of the building, and learn about the different types of fire alarm systems.  

Before buying and installing the system consult a fire person or a fire alarm system technician.