Fire alarm systems are incredibly important in any type of occupied building as its purpose is to alert the occupants of a hazard and the right system could potentially save lives. It’s also important to understand the differences between different fire alarm systems.

Automatic versus manual fire alarm systems

There are 2 different categories of fire alarms that you can have in a commercial space: manual or automatic. When automatic alarms detect heat or smoke, they send an audio-visual alert throughout the building to alert the occupants of danger. Manual fire alarms will have pull stations stationed around the building. When a fire is seen or smelled by one of the employees, they simply pull the leveller and alert the occupants. Manual alarms come in a variety of designs and colours.

Commercial fire alarm system types

There are different types of fire alarm as well as categories.

Conventional

Conventional fire alarms include several different “zones” that are hardwired to the central control panel. These systems allow you to be able to put separate fire alarms in each section of your building and helps to monitor if an alarm is broken.

Addressable fire alarms

These fire alarms can also be known as intelligent systems. This is because they monitor the fire alarms within your building. Addressable alarms allow you to choose between automatic and manual alarms. The alarms that are installed in this system have their own address, which allows visibility to see which alarm is working and which are failing. These fire alarms are more expensive due to the monitoring features.

Hybrid fire alarms

These alarms combine the hardwired zone features of conventional fire alarms with the addressable loops of the addressable fire alarms into a single panel. This combined technology fits some of the settings better than either the addressable or the conventional alarm.

If you have any questions regarding fire alarm systems, please get in touch.

SEE WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOUR BUSINESS

3D Printing in Construction: Revolutionising the IndustryApril 28, 2025 - 10:52 am
The construction industry is on the brink of a revolution, and 3D printing is leading the charge. This groundbreaking technology is transforming how structures are designed, built, and even maintained, offering unprecedented opportunities for innovation and efficiency. Here’s how it is reshaping the construction landscape and what it means for the future of the industry. […]
READ MORE
Sustainable Fire Protection: Eco-Friendly Solutions for Green BuildingsMarch 24, 2025 - 10:49 am
In the modern era of construction, sustainability is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. As the push for eco-friendly and green building practices gains momentum, fire protection systems must also evolve to align with these goals. Balancing safety with sustainability is essential for creating structures that are both secure and environmentally responsible. Here’s how sustainable […]
READ MORE