Responding quickly and effectively to fire emergencies poses unique challenges in care homes where residents frequently face mobility, sensory or cognitive challenges.
In recognition of this, the UK Government has introduced a significant regulatory change aimed at improving fire safety in new care homes across England.
Since 2nd March 2025, it is mandatory for all newly built care homes to be fitted with sprinkler systems. The move reflects mounting evidence, including data from the BRE (Building Research Establishment), that shows automatic fire suppression systems like sprinklers can dramatically reduce the spread and severity of fire incidents, allow crucial time for evacuation and minimise the risk of injury or death.
This legislation forms part of a wider package of reforms, including the planned move from BS 476 to the EN 13501 classification system. With these changes now in force, fire safety professionals must be equipped not only to install compliant systems, but also to manage and monitor them as part of a joined-up fire protection strategy.
A Smart Way to Monitor Sprinklers with MxPro 5
At Advanced, we’re helping care home providers meet these new sprinkler requirements with confidence. Our industry-leading MxPro 5 fire panel range offers a proven solution that can be easily adapted to include sprinkler monitoring, whether for new developments or upgrades to existing installations.
Thanks to its robust performance and exceptional flexibility, MxPro 5 is already widely used across the UK in healthcare and residential care environments. MxPro 5 is capable of supporting dedicated sprinkler indication and monitoring through the addition of an ‘MXP-513L-050CRY’ display card, a feature that can be added to any large panel currently installed or specified for new builds.
The panel is capable of monitoring up to 254 sprinkler flow switches per loop and offers up to 50 assignable sprinkler zone indicators for fire/sprinkler activated and fault. These can be programmed using our intuitive configuration software. MxPro 5 is also available in semi-flush or surface-mount metal enclosures with special colours and finishes on request, making it ideal for blending seamlessly into care home interiors.
For customers with more specific requirements, our AdSpecials team can provide fully customised fire panels tailored to their exact needs. From dedicated sprinkler indication panels and specialist control interfaces to bespoke enclosures, layouts and finishes, we offer a complete design-to-delivery service. Whether you’re upgrading an existing system or working on a complex new-build project, our AdSpecials team ensures you get a solution that’s not only compliant but perfectly suited to your site.
Of course, compliance is key. Our next-generation MxPro 5 is EN54 Parts 2 and 4 approved, open protocol, and supports leading wired and wireless device ranges, offering maximum design freedom and futureproofing in one. And, with powerful networking capabilities, an improved power supply unit, quicker, more intuitive programming, and Ethernet on board, MxPro 5 continues to set the benchmark for panel performance.
Enhanced Oversight with AdvancedLive
Modern fire safety strategies are increasingly focused on prevention, insight and control, all of which are made easier through real-time system visibility. That’s where AdvancedLive comes in.
AdvancedLive is our smart, secure platform for remote fire system monitoring and control. Seamlessly integrated with next-generation MxPro 5 panels, it enables facilities teams to access a real-time view of their fire system from anywhere using a laptop, tablet or smartphone.
From the central dashboard, users can monitor live status, receive instant alerts to any activations or faults, and track detailed device history to support predictive maintenance. Named user logs help build accountability across the team, while live views in list or map format enable faster responses and more informed decisions, reducing the cost and disruption of unplanned site visits.
For care homes, AdvancedLive offers a simpler, safer way to manage fire systems, providing a clear, real-time view of what’s happening across a single building or an entire group of sites. And, for care providers with multiple sites, AdvancedLive makes it easy to remotely monitor multiple buildings from one secure platform.
Reducing False Alarms with AlarmCalm
Unwanted alarms can cause significant distress in care settings. Disruptive and potentially dangerous, false alarms can desensitise staff, create confusion during genuine emergencies, and unnecessarily disturb residents, particularly those with dementia or sensory sensitivities.
AlarmCalm, available as standard with MxPro 5, is our intelligent false alarm management solution. Using a combination of alarm verification and investigation delay technology, AlarmCalm allows staff time to assess and acknowledge an activation before the system goes into full alarm mode.
Virtual ‘building areas’, which operate independently of detection zones, allow you to program delays and verifications in a highly targeted way, reflecting the unique layout and routines of your care home. And in certain settings, an optional AlarmCalm button can be installed to give designated users the ability to acknowledge an alarm before evacuation is triggered, reducing unnecessary disruption while maintaining safety and compliance.
Helping You Stay Compliant
With sprinkler systems now a mandatory requirement in new care homes, fire system design and specification must evolve to meet these demands. Effective integration of sprinkler monitoring, reliable false alarm reduction and real-time system oversight are key to delivering safe, compliant care environments.
At Advanced, we have a trusted reputation for robust engineering, straightforward installation and lifetime support, our solutions provide everything you need to ensure compliance, and peace of mind.
Whether you’re looking for a smart, EN54-approved fire panel that can handle sprinkler monitoring, a real-time platform for safer system management, or a reliable way to cut false alarms, we’re ready to support your journey to safer, more compliant care environments.
To discuss your needs, contact your regional sales manager or email: enquiries@advancedco.com