Fire Detection & Alarm Systems
Fire alarm systems are designed to detect fire alarms early, alert building occupants and ensure a safe and efficient evacuation. They play a critical role in protecting people, property and operations.
Choice Fire & Security have extensive industry experience in all things fire protection, including the engineering, design, installation, servicing and management of detection and alarm systems.
Staying safe and protected
Protection is paramount, which is why we only use the highest-quality, advanced technology to protect businesses and other premises. Our fire detection and alarm system service is built on professionalism, developing a relationship with the customer to help protect assets and deliver a service that is truly bespoke to them.
Compliant Installations
Our compliant installations satisfy the National Security Inspectorate (NSI), utilising the skills of our vastly experienced engineers to complete quality installations that meet our incredibly high standards. We take safety seriously and understand the responsibility that is placed on us to keep people and property safe. This ensures every system not only meets regulations but provides our customers with lasting peace of mind.
Understanding Risk
We understand risk profiles and work to deliver a bespoke service with a level of customer service that gains respect and acknowledgement from our customers. Every project starts with understanding the property’s unique environment and potential risks, ensuring that the system design is both precise and practical. We use proven equipment from trustworthy manufacturers to meet our requirements of guaranteeing safety.
Bespoke Systems
We’re able to install different forms of fire detection and alarm systems. For each customer, we survey the premises and design a bespoke solution that is tailored exactly for them. We’re believers in going the extra mile, which is why our installations are chosen to satisfy specific needs and requirements.
How We Stand Out
Hard-Wired Fire Systems
Hard-wired fire systems contain detectors, call points and alarms that are all linked physically with cables. Once smoke or heat is detected, a signal is sent through the wires to trigger alarms across the premises. Hard-wired fire systems also have the ability to alert emergency services once triggered, if the system is set up to do so.
Hard-wired systems use stable and mature technology to operate, presenting a very reliable solution. Maintenance is minimal – regular testing and servicing keep the system operating reliably over its long lifespan, making it ideal for commercial and industrial settings.
No call point or detection device battery replacements are required in hard-wired systems due to being connected to the mains, however systems are installed with a backup battery in case of any power failures.
Hard-wired systems are perfect for new builds with integrated cabling, and for any properties where safety regulations require a permanent fire system. Our team’s experience in planning and installing integrated systems ensures they’re implemented efficiently and in full compliance.
Conventional vs Analogue
With hard-wired systems, you have two options: conventional and analogue.
With conventional systems the premises is split, with detectors and call points being wired into designated zones. If the alarm sounds, the control panel will tell you what zone triggered the alarm, but not the exact detector that caused the alarm to sound. Conventional hard-wired systems are simple and reliable solutions for smaller buildings, where zones will give you a comprehensive idea of the location of a fire.
Analogue systems are smarter and more advanced, suited for larger and more complex properties. Each detector and call point have their own unique address, meaning that the control panel shows the exact location that triggers the alarm. Analogue Addressable systems are able to detect faults and maintenance issues more precisely, helping to stay on top of maintenance of the equipment. For properties that need fast alerts to precise locations, analogue systems are the better choice, also being more flexible and easier to expand if the building grows or changes.
Etchingham Barns School & Community Facilities
For Etchingham Barns, we delivered an analogue addressable system across their three connected barns. With 34 smoke detectors, four heat detectors, 21 call points, 44 alarm sounders and six fire door holders, the system we installed works perfectly for Etchingham Barns’ new property.
Wireless Fire Systems
Wireless Fire Systems utilise radio-based technology rather than cables to create a cleaner look and faster installation process. Installation is quick, with no drilling or wiring in walls required. It’s for this reason that wireless fire systems are great solutions for listed or heritage buildings, as it causes no distress or disruption to the structural integrity of the property.
Wireless fire alarm systems still include a control panel that connects everything wirelessly. With each device being battery powered, the control panel monitors battery levels automatically to check if one needs to be replaced.
When a wireless detector is triggered, a signal is sent to the main panel, which then activates all alarms across the site. The equipment in connected using reliable means, with modern systems using secure, interference-free radio technology. With long lasting batteries lasting several years, these installations suit premises where permanent cabling isn’t a desired option.
The Hungry Guest Café – Market Town Developments
Wireless system for Grade 1-listed building
With the property dating back to the 1400s, installing cabling wasn’t possible. Keeping the sensitivity of the property in mind, we installed a wireless fire detection and alarm system including a control panel, 10 smoke detectors, two kitchen heat detectors, eight alarm sounders and four call points.
Hybrid Fire Systems
Hybrid fire systems present a solution that combines hard-wired and wireless devices in one setup. This approach is particularly useful for buildings that are part new build, part refurbishment, or where flexibility for future expansion is key.
The main control panel is able to connect to every device, communicating with wireless equipment by radio signal and hard-wired equipment by cables. This solution is ideal for premises that may have existing wiring but require extra coverage or flexibility within their fire detection solution.
By benefitting from the reliability of hard-wired systems and the flexibility of wireless solutions at the same time, core parts of the system are wired in with additional detectors and alarms being linked wirelessly. Everything works seamlessly and communicates as one to the control panel.
Hybrid fire systems are a cost-effective and performance-optimised solution for new builds, refurbishments or site extensions. Flexible designs allow for easy upgrades, only using cables where possible to have the biggest saving on cost. With minimal disruption without the need to rewire the whole building, hybrid fire systems remain fully compliant and are able to be scaled in the future.
Applications
For hard-wired, wireless and hybrid fire systems, the right solution is chosen based on the property and what would work best. The Choice team evaluate compliance, building structure and risk profiles to determine what equipment and solution will be most efficient, with every property having different requirements.
In new builds, our fire detection systems are designed with a modern, minimalistic approach to complement the look and feel of the development. Our team at Choice are able to carry this across multi-building campuses, enabling systems to work in perfect harmony.
We also have experience in refurbishments, taking every aspect into account to deliver a system that respects the needs, requirements and sensitivity of the property. We’ve carried out fire detection and alarm system refurbishments in the following properties:
- Schools
- Care homes
- Hotels
- Heritage buildings
- Building sites
Sussex Coast College – Hastings
Fire alarm system restoration
During the upgrading, extending and maintenance of the Sussex Coast College, we discovered 147 faults within the existing fire system cause by the sea air corroding equipment. By installing new control technology, improved fire alarm performance is monitored remotely, identifying issues as they occur.
Fire Detection & Alarm System Vacancies
If you envision the next step of your career featuring working with leading technological fire alarm and detection systems, Choice Fire & Security is the right place for you.
With focus on your development, custom career path and involvement in the company, we lean on your expertise to provide the highest standard of customer experience possible, building relationships and delivering top-quality installations.
Browse our current vacancies, including those including the responsibility of fire detection and alarm system installations.
Get in touch
If you want to further understand our experience in fire detection and alarm systems, feel free to get in touch with our team who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
If you’d like to learn more about our fire detection and alarm system expertise, our friendly team will be happy to help.