The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 mandates that every non-domestic UK premises should have a suitable system of fire detection and warning in place, providing the appropriate level of protection for a building’s occupants, as well as minimising financial losses and ensuring business continuity.
The type and complexity of this system are typically determined during a professional fire risk assessment, with business and building owners often having to decide between wired and wireless fire alarm propositions. When designed and fitted by BAFE-approved installers, both systems comply fully with British Standards (BS5839) and have unique strengths and limitations, meaning the best choice often depends on specific business needs.
What is a Wired Fire Alarm System?
In a wired (or hardwired) fire alarm system, call points, detectors, sounders, and control panels are interconnected via physical fire-resistant cables. The fire alarm system is powered by the building’s main electrical supply, which ensures a more reliable, stable operation.
Advantages of Wired Systems
- Reliability: As they are connected to mains electricity, wired fire alarms are not at risk of wireless interference and signal loss. The addition of battery backup minimises the risk of system downtime during power outages.
- Interconnection: When one detector in the system is triggered by smoke or heat, every warning device will sound at the same time, quickly alerting people to danger. This is a desirable feature for larger buildings and high-risk sites that require comprehensive coverage.
- Lower maintenance costs: Unlike wireless systems, wired fire alarms do not run on batteries that need to be periodically checked and replaced. As a result, opting for a hardwired system should lead to reduced maintenance costs.
Disadvantages of Wired Systems
- Installation complexity: The installation of a wired system is typically complex and time-consuming, and may involve a significant amount of heavy installation work that can be disruptive to business operations.
- Higher costs: While wired system hardware is often cheaper than wireless alternatives, businesses should also consider the cost of the labour involved in installing the fire cables through walls and ceilings, as well as the cost of restoring the building’s décor, especially when having a new system installed in an older building.
- Less flexibility: Once installed, moving or making changes to a wired system can prove complex, costly, and labour-intensive.
What is a Wireless Fire Alarm System?
Instead of physical wires, wireless systems operate by using radio signalling. In this type of system, detectors and call points signal alerts to a central control panel via radio waves, activating the system’s alarm-sounding devices to encourage evacuation.
Advantages of Wireless Systems
- Quick to install: With no need for extensive cabling, wireless systems can be quickly installed in buildings of any age or complexity. This generally makes the labour cost of the installation less expensive.
- More flexibility: As its components communicate wirelessly, this type of system can be reconfigured at any time to align with changing business needs.
- No damage or disruption: Wireless systems can be implemented without drilling into walls, leading to faster, disruption-free installation.
Disadvantages of Wireless Systems
- Risk of signal interference: Metal structures, thick walls, or other electronics may disrupt or block signals, which can result in false alarms and, ultimately, unrelayed fire detections if left unaddressed.
- Higher maintenance costs and requirements: All radio system fire detection and alarm devices will require batteries to power their wireless capabilities. Although automatically monitored, the batteries must be replaced regularly (every few years), which can incur significant long-term costs because the batteries are very specialised regarding power and longevity.
- Potential reliability issues: When considered in tandem, the risks of signal loss and battery degradation may compromise the reliability of wireless systems in supporting safe evacuation, particularly in larger buildings. These can also occur as a result of significant changes to building layout or business activities, so expert advice should always be sought in advance.
When You Should Choose a Wired System
If you are in charge of a large, multi-storey building, it is advisable to opt for a wired system for maximum reliability. The same is true for new builds, where wiring can be easily integrated during construction. Additionally, even though a wired fire alarm system installation generally carries higher upfront costs, reduced maintenance requirements can lead to considerable long-term savings.
When You Should Choose a Wireless System
Wireless solutions are often better for smaller or older buildings, due to easier, more flexible installation. Opting for this type of system guarantees minimal disruption to everyday business operations and allows you to add or remove components later down the line without worrying about the costs of rewiring.
Need Help Selecting a Commercial Fire Alarm System?
Clear Sound Fire & Security has over 40 years of experience advising business owners across Coventry and the West Midlands on the most appropriate fire detection and warning solution for their requirements. As BAFE-approved installers of commercial fire alarm systems, we undergo rigorous assessments and regular audits to ensure that we:
- Uphold strict industry standards
- Demonstrate competence in fire safety services
- Help businesses comply with BS 5839 and other UK fire safety regulations
Contact us on 024 7666 8366 or fill out our contact form for more information about our wired and wireless fire alarm system installation services and how we can help you make the best choice for your business.
