A Complete Guide to Commercial Fire Alarm Systems for Various Businesses!

A fire alarm system is an essential safety component of any commercial building. Its primary function is to ensure the safety and security of employees and customers, as well as the protection of property in the event of a fire outbreak or other emergencies that may endanger them. In today's market, a diverse array of systems is available, including conventional fire alarms, addressable alarms, and analog fire alarms. However, they all share the requirement for proper installation, which can only be fulfilled by a qualified professional offering a reliable commercial fire alarm service.

Commercial fire alarm systems serve a dual purpose: the early detection and management of fires and the safeguarding of individuals on the premises. These systems comprise several key elements, such as smoke detectors, heat sensors, sprinklers or firefighting equipment, manual call points, water flow alarms (wherever applicable), and voice evacuation systems, which can be seamlessly integrated into fire and life safety notifications.

Types of Commercial Fire Alarm System –

There are many types of commercial fire alarm systems available in the market, but the fundamental principle remains consistent for all commercial fire alarm systems. When a sensor detects signs of smoke elevated temperatures, or an individual activates a manual call point, the alarm sirens are triggered to alert occupants within the building of a potential fire, prompting them to initiate an evacuation procedure. At the broadest level, commercial fire alarm systems fall into three main groups –

Conventional Fire Alarm System –

A conventional fire alarm system relies on analog technology, with its components directly connected to the control panel through individual hardwiring. This configuration divides the structure into smaller detection areas, each connected to multiple sensors. In the event of an outbreak of fire, the control panel can pinpoint the general area associated with the triggering zone. Nevertheless, due to multiple detectors in each zone, this fire alarm system cannot precisely pinpoint the exact fire location, distinguishing it from more sophisticated fire alarm systems. This fire alarm system is mostly used in small facilities, such as –

• Restaurants.
• Retail Stores.
• Government Buildings.

Addressable Fire Alarm System –

An addressable fire alarm system uses digital technology to convey comprehensive data, representing a notable advancement in functionality compared to conventional systems. In this fire alarm setup, each component has an electronic address or a unique serial number, facilitating rapid and accurate malfunction identification.

This system's notable capability lies in its precision to precisely locate a fire within a building, a feature that can significantly lessen the response time of emergency services. Furthermore, various qualified professionals offering a reliable commercial fire alarm service for various commercial businesses can establish manual and automated alarms at specific points within the structure. It's essential to note that these fire alarm systems tend to come at a higher cost than conventional ones, primarily due to their enhanced complexity. This fire alarm system is mostly used in larger buildings, such as –

• Hospitals.
• Industrial and energy facilities.
• Schools, colleges, and universities.

Analogue Fire Alarm Systems –

This fire alarm system, often called an intelligent fire alarm system, comes in various types based on the communication protocol it utilizes. In various cases, most analog fire alarm detectors in the market are considered less intelligent since their outputs merely reflect the detected conditions. The responsibility of determining whether there is a fire, a fault, or a pre-alarm lies with the control unit. 

Each detector incorporates its built-in processor that evaluates the immediate surroundings and communicates with the control panel, conveying information about the presence of a fire, a fault, or a need for cleaning the detector head. In essence, analog fire alarm systems are significantly more intricate and offer a broader range of features compared to conventional or addressable systems. Their primary objective is to minimize the occurrence of false alarms.

Working of Commercial Fire Alarm System –

You likely recognize the crucial importance of fire protection for your commercial premises, so let's delve into the precise series of events that transpire.

Initiating the Fire Alarm System –

When the alarm sirens start sounding, it signifies the activation of a fire alarm device. This device could encompass various life safety components integrated into your commercial fire alarm system. It might involve someone intentionally triggering a manual pull station (the small red box usually situated near doors) or the activation of a smoke detector or heat sensor.

Transmission of an Alarm Signal via the Telephone Line –

In cases where your system is configured for phone line monitoring, a telephone line is linked to your commercial fire alarm system. Once the fire alarm system is activated, following the above-mentioned process, the control panel dispatches the alert signal through the telephone line, from where the 24-hour monitoring center subsequently receives it.

Alerting the authorities –

Upon receiving the fire alarm signal, the monitoring center contacts the relevant authorities, including the police, fire department, and others, to inform them of the alarm received at the specific address.

Informing the customer –

Following the notification of authorities, the monitoring center initiates contact with the location where the commercial fire alarm was triggered. They convey that they have received the signal and that law enforcement and the fire department have been dispatched to the scene.

So, those mentioned above are some information about commercial fire alarm systems. If you're in need of a dependable and budget-friendly service provider for your commercial fire system, whether it's related to commercial fire alarm installation or inspection, your search can end with FireServ. Contact our specialists at (800) 567-5740 or (718) 499-4805 for expert consultation and immediate assistance regarding all your commercial fire alarm service requirements.