The best solution for a fire breakout is to detect its early signs and put it out immediately as it starts. However, there are many challenges to doing it so efficiently with speed. That’s why large office buildings and societies use fire alarm systems that help prevent the danger of fire automatically.
A fire alarm system helps suppress a fire breakout in just a few seconds by using a collection of reliable devices. These devices can detect fire and alert the occupants about it to evacuate the building in a timely manner.
However, to install a fire alarm system in your place, you should have a proper understanding about how many types of devices used and their working. In this blog, we will discuss in detail about various types of fire alarm systems and detectors.
Five Most Reliable Types of Fire Alarm Systems
1. Two-Wire Fire Alarm
These types of fire alarms use two-wire systems, where one connects with all the detecting devices and the other connects with all the notification devices. The detectors include smoke detectors and heat detectors, whereas the notifications are sent using loud alarms, mobile phones, and more.
Where they are used:
These fire alarm systems are used in small to medium-sized spaces like small offices and houses.
Benefits:
- Simple wiring and easy to install
- Requirements have low maintenance costs and are needed.
- Use the same wiring to share power, making the system energy-saving.
2. Four-Wire Alarm System
The four-wire fire alarm system is a bit more complicated than the two-wire system, which uses a set of multiple devices, like detection devices, notification devices, and control panels. These devices use separate wiring for detecting and notifying the occupants. Also, devices like smoke detectors are connected to control panels to alert the system about a fire breakout.
Where they are used:
Four-wire alarm systems are also best for small to medium-sized buildings with fewer chances of false triggers. They can be used in schools, small societies, and offices.
Benefits:
- Have fewer chances of false fire alarm triggers.
- Cost-effective, with low maintenance needs and easy installation
- Have all the parts and devices easily available in the market, as they are used widely.
3. Wireless Fire Alarm
As the name hints, wireless fire alarm systems have each device installed without wires, and they communicate with each other using radio frequency. These devices are more advanced and don’t require wire installation, which saves more cost.
Where they are used:
These fire alarm systems are best for spaces where wiring cannot be installed, like large complexes and historical buildings.
Benefits:
- Easy to install with no need for wire installation.
- Cost savings with no requirement to pay for labor charges.
- Easy to scale with wireless devices.
4. Addressable Fire Alarm
The addressable fire alarm system has all the devices with unique traceable IDs. They can be easily tracked by the control panel as soon as they trigger the fire signals. You cannot only track the area where fire has ignited, but also the exact location of the installed device. It helps to take prompt actions to suppress fire damage.
Where they are used:
These fire alarm systems are very reliable and efficient for detecting and suppressing fire instantly. Because of this reason they are used in large buildings and corporate spaces. Even the industrial facilities use these devices for their easy traceability.
Benefits:
- Make the fire breakouts easy to trace with precise location.
- Require minimum installation of wiring.
- Easy to use and troubleshoot the errors.
5. Hybrid Fire Alarm
Hybrid fire systems use the devices of both addressable and wireless fire alarm systems. It makes the system more reliable and efficient to alert about the fire and take instant action to suppress it.
Where they are used:
These systems are best used in spaces that are expanding or adding more area. Further, they are installed in the places where both wired and wireless devices are installed.
Benefits:
- These types of fire alarm systems are very reliable and efficient for large spaces.
- Highly scalable by combining both wired and wireless devices.
- Cost-effective with low-cost maintenance needs.
Factors You Should Consider Before Installing a Fire Alarm System
Size of Building or Space
You can choose which type of fire alarm systems you require based on the size of the property or building. The size of the space shows how many detectors will be required to install and whether you will require wired or wireless devices.
Business Type
Another important factor is which type of business you do. It’s all about the type of materials you use and the products you make that can light the fire. If you work with flammable items, then it is essential to install multiple detectors throughout the space.
Budget
Both wired and wireless fire alarm systems have different types of installation requirements and devices. This directly affects their installation and operational costs.
