Fire Alarms
The type of alarm or alarm system you use for your business will depend on your type of premises. It is likely that the larger or more complicated your premises, the more sophisticated the alarm and warning system you will need.
The Government Fire Safety Risk Assessment Guidance contains information about the alarm system required for your type of premises. Simply go to 'Choose your business type' using the button below. From there you can select your type of premises and access the appropriate government Guidance.
What type of alarm system will you need?
There are lots of things to consider when deciding what type of alarm system you will need for your business premises.
The first place to start is the government Fire Risk Assessment Guidance for your type of premises,(see above) where you will find information about fire-detection and warning systems and an outline of what you will need for your premises.
The different types of fire-detection and warning systems (fire alarms) ranging from a simple system where an alert is given, to different types of electrical systems. You will find an overview of each of these types of system below.
Types of systems
Simple systems
Each type of premises will have different requirements. In general some simple premises such as those that are small, open plan, and single storey where it would be obvious to everyone as soon as a fire started, may use a manual warning system. This would a simple warning such as someone shouting 'fire', a whistle or horn which everyone can hear. You must also consider where fire exits are situated and how far people have to travel to get to them.
However, a simple system such as this is unlikely to be adequate for many types of premises, in which case you will need an electrical fire warning system.
Electrical fire warning systems
Electrical systems should be installed in premises that are more complex than those referred to above. This can include premises with more than one floor and/or where it is likely an alarm will not be heard throughout the building, and where all parts of the building are occupied simultaneously.
If there are parts that are unoccupied or common spaces where a fire could affect escape routes, you may need an automatic electrical fire system (see below)
Electrical systems typically include the following:
Manual call or break-glass points
These are used to raise the alarm. They should be placed at exits that people would be likely to use in a fire - not just fire exits.
'No one should have to travel more than 45 metres to the nearest alarm point' - less for hazardous areas and/or if you have people in the building with limited mobility
They should be red, fixed at a height of approx 1.4 metres and unobstructed
Electronic sounders - siren or bells
A siren or bell provides an early warning of fire and the need to evacuate the premises. Often referred to as fire alarm 'sounders' these provide a high decibel sound.
Some may also incorporate a beacon, for example where some building occupants have hearing difficulties.
'Voice alarm' - sounders which give a message to evacuate - should be designed and installed by a person with specialist knowledge.
Sounders should be in all common areas of a building.
Automatic fire detection
Dependent on your Fire Risk Assessment, your premises may need an automatic fire detection system. Automatic fire detection systems include a control panel, which may differ in the functions offered.
Learn more on our Automatic fire detection system page (where you can also find information about false alarms).
