There is no fire alarm system that is 'one size fits all', and whilst a lot of premises can be similar, a good fire alarm installer would consider the requirements of the individual. Fire alarms come in 'grades' and 'categories', the 'grade' describing the hardware, and the 'category' informing the amount of coverage. For instance, an owner owned three bed semi detached property would likely benefit from a Grade D Category LD3 system, which comprises of a mains supplied smoke detector with battery back up in the hallway and staircase landing, accompanied by a mains supplied heat detector with battery back up in the kitchen. A large heritage site with conservation status would require a Grade A system (an intelligent analog-addressable system with control and indicating equipment or 'fire alarm control panels) to Category P1, the highest category of property protection, likely incorporating alarm monitoring and a large amount of standby battery time. Housing in multiple occupation or HMO's can vary greatly dependant upon size, layout and usage.
The process should follow accordingly; design, install, commission & maintenance. The design process should begin with consultation, which would include a fire risk assessment, drawing up a specification to meet the the requirements of all stakeholders such as the end user, insurer, freeholder, fire and rescue service, responsible person and building manager. It should then be installed by a competent fire alarm engineer or electrician to the agreed design. A fire alarm commissioning engineer shall then prove that the system has been installed to and operates in accordance with the design. The system should then be maintained thoroughly, with daily checks, weekly testing, and 100% of the system servicing by a competent fire alarm maintenance company each year, across a minimum of two yearly visits.
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