Choosing the right fire alarm system is a critical decision for any building, whether it’s a commercial space, residential complex, or public facility. A well-designed system not only protects lives and property but also ensures compliance with safety regulations and supports operational efficiency. Here are the top 10 things to consider when selecting a fire alarm system.
1. Type of fire alarm system
The first decision you’ll need to make is the type of fire alarm system you require:
Conventional systems: Best for smaller buildings with straightforward layouts and simple requirements
Addressable systems: Ideal for larger or more complex buildings
Wireless systems: Can offer more flexibility, especially in buildings where cabling might be challenging, such as heritage sites
Choosing the right type depends on your building’s size, layout, and specific safety needs. Want to learn more about system types? Click the button below to read our deep dive into conventional and addressable systems.
2. Compliance with regulations
Fire alarm systems must comply with fire safety standards, which vary depending on location. Compliance ensures legal protection, insurance validity, and peace of mind. Always consult with a certified fire safety professional to ensure your system meets all necessary requirements.
3. Support and training
Even the most advanced system is only effective if people know how to use it. When choosing a fire alarm system, make sure the supplier offers comprehensive training and ongoing technical support. This ensures you can get the most out of your equipment’s features and maintain the system correctly, and most importantly, respond appropriately in an emergency.
4. User-friendly interface
Most people interacting with a fire protection system on a day-to-day basis are unlikely to be trained engineers. With that in mind, it’s important that it’s easy to operate, especially in high-pressure situations. A user-friendly interface ensures that anyone, from facilities managers to building occupants, can understand and respond to alerts quickly and confidently. Look for a fire alarm system with an intuitive control panel featuring clear displays, simple navigation and minimal training required to operate. Clear status indicators are also important, providing quick visual cues for faults, alarms and system health.
5. Integration with other systems
Modern fire alarm systems are no longer standalone – they’re part of a broader ecosystem of building safety and management. Choosing a solution that can integrate with other building systems enhances functionality, streamlines operations and can improve emergency response. Here are some examples:
Security systems: Fire alarms can trigger access control systems to unlock doors for safe evacuation or lock down areas to contain hazards.
Environmental controls: When integrated with an HVAC system, the fire panel can shut it down or redirect airflow to prevent smoke spread.
Energy management: In emergencies, integrated systems can isolate power to affected areas, reducing risk and aiding first responders.
Emergency lighting and PA systems: The system can be programmed to activate emergency lighting and public address systems to guide occupants safely. Some systems also offer zoned messaging, allowing targeted announcements based on the location and severity of the incident.
Sprinkler and suppression systems: Fire detection can trigger suppression systems in specific zones, reducing damage and improving safety.
6. Scalability
Building needs may change over time. On sites where future expansion or changes are possible, choosing a system that can be easily adapted to suit evolving needs ensures your investment remains valuable long-term.
Look for a fire alarm system with modular components for easy expansion, software updates and hardware compatibility, and flexibility to adapt to new building layouts or uses.
7. Installation and commissioning
Proper installation and commissioning are critical stages in the lifecycle of any fire alarm system. Poor setup can lead to false alarms, missed detections, or even system failure in an emergency. However, the time and cost of installation can significantly impact your project timeline and budget. Equipment that is complex to install and commission may require extended downtime, specialist labour and higher upfront costs. Look for systems that are easy to fit and offer intuitive software and setup tools to ensure your fire protection is up and running without unnecessary delays.
8. Maintenance
Ongoing maintenance is essential for legal compliance, reliability, safety and cost control. A well-maintained system is less likely to trigger false alarms or fail during a real emergency. Systems with in-built diagnostics features make it easier to identify and investigate issues, detect faults before they become critical and can reduce maintenance costs and site downtime.
9. Budget
When choosing a fire alarm system, it’s important to look beyond the initial setup cost and consider the full financial picture. A system that seems affordable at first may end up costing more over time if it’s difficult to maintain, prone to faults, or lacks the flexibility to grow with your needs.
Ongoing costs like routine maintenance, repairs, and software licensing fees can add up quickly, especially if the system requires frequent servicing or specialist support. Operational efficiency also plays a role. For example, systems that consume more energy or demand regular staff training can increase running costs, while false alarms caused by poor detection accuracy can lead to business disruption.
It’s also worth checking how long the system will be supported by the supplier. If updates or parts are discontinued too soon, you may face unexpected replacement costs. Investing in a scalable, well-supported system may cost more initially but offers better long-term value.
10. Remote monitoring
Today, people expect quick and easy access to their fire alarm system from any device, whether they’re on site or not. Remote monitoring platforms enable real-time insight into system status, delivering instant alerts when issues occur and tracking events as they unfold – supporting faster, safer responses during emergencies. These tools are also valuable for maintenance teams, helping them identify problems before arriving on-site, which can reduce both time and costs.
When choosing a fire alarm system, check whether remote monitoring is included or available as an optional feature. Look for platforms that offer secure access, customisable notifications, and diagnostics to track performance and ensure reliability.
Learn more about fire alarm systems
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Conventional and addressable systems
Discover the key differences between conventional and addressable fire alarm systems.