Addressable fire alarms

The main purpose of a fire alarm is to detect a fire at the earliest stage and alert everyone on the premises of the threat. Not only does it give ample time for people to safely evacuate but also a chance to stop the fire from spreading further.

The key to an efficient and reliable fire alarm system that works without fail is to choose the right system for your needs. It is crucial for protecting your business, your property, and the people in it.

With so many different types of fire alarms available in the market, it may seem overwhelming to search for the perfect one for your needs.

There are three main types of commercial fire alarm systems: conventional, addressable, and wireless.

Addressable fire alarms are a relatively new technology with a few unique features and are the ideal choice for larger properties and multi-storey businesses.

Read on to find out all about addressable fire alarm systems, what they are, where they are used, how much they cost, what their installation entails, and much more:

WHAT ARE ADDRESSABLE FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS?

Addressable fire alarms are systems where the fire and smoke detectors are connected to and communicate with each other as well as the control panel.

Each device on the system uses a system-wide protocol, which is a language used by the control panel to communicate with the devices.

The control panel allocates each device with a unique location or “address” based on where the initial detection occurred. During installation, the device’s address is logged in the control panel, in addition to the real-world location where the device is placed.

This level of interconnectivity and communication allows the control panel to identify exactly where the detection occurred, aka, where the fire is.

This not only helps direct the emergency response team to the precise location of the fire but also helps report system faults and false alarms in a matter of seconds.

By design, addressable fire alarm systems are intelligent and can be programmed to take a specific action following an alarm activation. This is commonly known as “cause and effect” where, for instance, the system can be programmed to evacuate certain zones following the activation of multiple detectors.

In addition to that, addressable control panels individually monitor each device on the system, allowing it to make a decision based on the data that it gathers.

Addressable fire alarms are both digital and analogue. You will see analogue addressable, digital addressable, or just addressable fire alarm systems in the market. There is no difference between them and they all are the same.

The detectors in addressable systems use analogue sensor technology to detect changes in the environment that could be a sign of a fire. Before being sent to the control panel, this analogue data is converted to digital data since the control panel processors only understand binary code.

WHERE ARE ADDRESSABLE FIRE ALARMS USED?

Addressable fire alarms are complex systems better suited to businesses that span over a large area. This is mainly due to their ability to determine the exact location of the fire instead of just identifying a zone.

No law states whether you should install an addressable fire alarm or one of the other types. It all depends on factors such as the size of your property, the nature of operations, the level of risk involved, and how much you are willing to spend.

Ideal for larger properties, the following are some of the places where addressable fire alarms are used:

• Large offices
• Multi-storey buildings
• Warehouses
• Schools and university campuses
• Care and nursing homes

BENEFITS OF ADDRESSABLE FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

There are several advantages of using an addressable fire alarm system on your commercial property:

Reduced installation cost

Since addressable systems are wired in a loop technology, they require less cabling, which results in a time and cost reduction during installation.

Flexible wiring

Addressable systems offer the option between loop or bus wiring topology, which offers higher flexibility while wiring new systems or upgrading/modifying existing ones.

Exact location of the fire

The ability of the system to identify the exact location of the fire is possibly its biggest advantage. This enables the fire and rescue services to locate the fire and extinguish it without losing any time and risking the loss of life.

Increased flexibility

The complex cause-and-effect programming allows the devices to be programmed independently, which increases the flexibility of the system.

Better maintenance

The ability of the system to pinpoint the exact location of the trigger allows not only to know where the fire is but also helps with the precise location of faults and maintenance of the system.

DRAWBACKS OF ADDRESSABLE FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

The only drawback of addressable fire alarm systems is that they are more expensive than conventional systems. However, keeping in mind the level of protection that they offer, it makes them worth the investment.

Addressable fire alarm systems offer reliable and precise fire detection and are ideal for large business complexes, or even small offices for that matter.

ADDRESSABLE FIRE ALARM INSTALLATION AND COST

When it comes to installing addressable fire alarms, they are the most cost-effective for scaling and cheaper to install compared to other types of fire alarms such as conventional systems. Since the devices on these systems are connected in loops, they use less wiring.

The panels, however, are generally more expensive, which is why they are best suited for larger premises.

According to the UK fire alarm regulations, all fire alarm systems must be installed in line with BS 5839 (British Standards) by someone competent and reliable. The individual(s) must:

• Understand the various types of fire alarm systems and be familiar with all the different models.
• Be able to identify which grade and category of the fire alarm system are required.
• Have good knowledge of the British Standard BS 5839.

ADDRESSABLE FIRE ALARM MAINTENANCE

For a fire alarm system to be considered reliable, it needs to be maintained regularly to make sure it is working as it should in providing the quickest detection and immediate response.

All fire alarms are prone to wear and tear and may develop issues over the years. Dust, dirt, and other obstructions may cause them to malfunction and, while some issues might be obvious, some require professional services and a thorough maintenance check.

A fully functional and properly maintained fire alarm is a regulatory requirement, making regular testing an integral part of fire safety. The inability to do so may result in heavy penalties in the form of fines of up to £5,000 and up to 2 years in prison.

As per the British Safety Standards BS 5839, fire alarms must be tested every week and fully serviced every six months.

This duration, however, isn’t set in stone and may vary depending on the size and complexity of the system. For large and high-risk properties, it might be best to have the systems serviced every four months instead of the recommended six.

Also, if you feel like your system is showing signs of damage or deterioration, it is advised to have a professional look at the issue and get it fixed ASAP before it affects the efficiency of the system.

OTHER TYPES OF FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

There are other types of fire alarm systems to choose from for protecting your commercial property from fires. They include:

Conventional fire alarm systems

Conventional fire alarm systems, also called non-addressable fire alarms, are the simplest and most common type of fire alarm systems suitable for use in commercial settings. Despite being an analogue system, they remain an ideal option for fire safety.

A series of initiating devices and notification devices work together to create different zones throughout the property, all of which connect to the alarm system’s control panel.

A conventional fire alarm system uses one or more circuits which are connected to the sensors in parallel. What this means is that each device on the system is connected to the control panel on its own wire.

If a sensor detects signs of a fire, it sends a signal to the control panel to set off the alarm. It uses increased electrical currents to notify the control panel of the changes that it picked.

Although conventional fire alarm systems can be used anywhere, they are ideal for small buildings, single-storey buildings, and buildings with an open layout where a few zones can cover the entirety of the building.

Wireless fire alarm systems

Wireless fire alarm systems are similar to addressable systems, except for the need for cabling. Instead of using wires to connect the detectors to the control panel, they use radio frequencies and provide the exact location of the fire.

They offer a quick and effortless installation process due to the absence of wires and are portable. Their uniqueness lies in the absence of visible wires, making them particularly suitable for properties that give importance to aesthetics and may not want visible wires on their premises.

Wireless fire alarms are more flexible as compared to their counterparts, can easily be configured to different devices, and can also be easily expanded. They are, however, a bit more expensive and are not the best option for businesses on a budget.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST FIRE ALARM SYSTEM FOR YOUR PROPERTY?

There is no one answer when it comes to choosing the best fire alarm system for your property. A fire alarm system that may be perfect for one property may be completely wrong for the other.

If you have a large property and have the budget to spend, an addressable fire alarm is the perfect choice for you. For smaller properties, conventional fire alarms are better suited.

The best way to determine your fire safety needs is to conduct a fire risk assessment.

WHAT IS A FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT?

A fire risk assessment is a requirement under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for all non-domestic properties. It needs to be carried out once a year by a competent person and includes measures to reduce or possibly eliminate the risk of fire.

You do not have to hire a professional fire risk assessor if you do not wish to, but you need to make sure that whoever carries it out is knowledgeable in fire safety and can easily identify and eliminate the risks.

A fire risk assessment is carried out in five steps:

Identifying the potential hazards

Start with making a note of things that could start a fire (such as faulty electrical equipment and cooking), anything that could allow it to spread (such as waste, paper, and flammable materials), and sources of oxygen other than the air around you (such as air conditioning systems and oxygen cylinders).

Identifying the people at risk

Think about all the people who work, visit, or stay in the building. Some may be more at risk than others depending on where they are and what they do.

Pay close attention to those who are at a higher risk of getting affected by a fire, such as people working with flammable materials, employees working in isolated areas of the building, people sleeping, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

Identifying the measures needed to keep people and property safe

Once the fire risks and those at risk have been identified, you need to look at ways to prevent fires from erupting and keep people safe in case there is one.

Start by removing the hazards you identified in step one. If you are unable to, look for ways to minimise the risk as much as possible to prevent a fire.

Next, use the information gathered so far to place measures to detect a fire as early as possible and allow people to safely evacuate in time. This includes installing a fire alarm system and other safety equipment for quick detection and action.

Recording the findings and preparing an action plan

You must record all major findings including the hazards and steps taken to limit the risks. An action plan must be put into place that could start with conducting fire drills and making evacuation plans.

Staff members could be assigned roles and delegated responsibilities, such as a Fire Warden, to help train the rest of the employees and act as guides during such emergencies.

Reviewing and updating the fire risk assessment

Risks do not stay constant and may change over time. This could be due to several factors and, to keep up with the changes, it is necessary to review and update your findings regularly. Make sure you inform your employees, as well as anyone using the premises, of any amendments.

If you are unsure about which type of fire alarm system is right for you, it is best to consult with a professional for expert advice.

CONTACT CALDER SECURITY

At Calder Security, we offer you a comprehensive solution for all your fire safety needs that include professional installation, maintenance, monitoring, and repair.

We understand that every property is different and the specification of the system depends on several factors including the type and size of the building, the number of occupants, and how high risk it is.

We can help you cut through all that and advise you on the best fire detection system for your building that complies with British Standards, HSE, Building Regulations, and Fire Officer Guidelines, in addition to meeting the requirements of business insurance.

We also understand fire regulations and provide professional maintenance checks and reminders for when the checks are due to help you stay compliant with the law. We work fast to restore your fire alarm system to excellent condition and always strive to meet your expectations.

We offer various levels of monitoring via a 24-hour monitoring centre using Dualcom and BT Redcare signalling, which is the most secure alarm monitoring system and the largest supplier of intelligent alarm signalling services in the UK.

If your system starts to malfunction, you can rely on our highly skilled engineers to restore your system to full working order in one visit. We offer a 24-hour call-out service for customers and can also repair fire alarms not installed by us thanks to our extensive knowledge and experience.

Contact us here or call us today free on 0800 612 9799 for more information on addressable fire alarm systems and whether or not they are the right fit for your property.

Photo by Daniele Levis Pelusi on Unsplash