Wireless Fire Alarm Systems

Wireless fire alarm systems have a lot of benefits and are becoming increasingly popular.

Every building is different and has its own unique set of characteristics. This is also precisely why an individual approach and tailor-made solutions are simply a must – you shouldn’t settle for anything less.

And that’s exactly what you can expect with Surrey Fire & Safety.

We offer a comprehensive wireless fire alarm service, including design, installation, commissioning, certification, and repairs and maintenance in London, Surrey and across the South-East.

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Quick to install, highly reliable, flexible and suitable for any property type, wireless systems offer reliable protection without all the wiring-related hassle.

What You Get:

Free site survey to assess your building and professional advice;
3-year guarantee, which includes a 3-year warranty on all parts (except batteries) and a 1-year full parts and labour warranty on the installation itself;
Full service with end-to-end survey, design, installation, commission, and BAFE certification;
Qualified staff with NICEIC-certified electrical engineers for all electrical installation work, and BAFE-certified engineers for all fire alarm works.
Monitoring service also available separately for continuous protection;
Flexible cooperation, which means no-contract maintenance agreements to suit your needs;
Manufacturer-certified team of experts to ensure top-quality service and installation;
Expertise in all property types, including HMOs, stately homes, offices, factories, and more;
Access to the latest technology with the most up-to-date software and test kits.
Years of knowledge and experience we’ve managed to gather and absorb throughout over a decade of market presence – now we’re happy to share it with you.

Read on to find out if a wireless system is the right fit for your business.

Short history of Wireless Fire Alarm Systems

Wireless fire alarm systems might sound a bit new-fangled but they actually first appeared in the 1980s.

Because the early technology experienced a few issues (mainly with battery life and radio transmission), wireless fire alarm systems gained a reputation for unreliability. However, this is no longer true today.

In the same way that 21st-century mobile phones and computers are light years ahead of their 1980s ancestors, so are wireless fire alarms.

Today’s systems are generally fully compliant with British Standards (BS 5839) and European Standards for fire alarms (EN54), and there are many reputable wireless fire alarm manufacturers to choose from.

If you decide that a wireless fire alarm system is right for your business, our expert team is able to fit, test and commission all types of wireless fire alarm system, in London, Surrey and throughout the South-East.

Book a FREE site survey from an expert fire alarms engineer in London, Surrey & surrounding areas – 0800 157 1113

How do wireless fire alarm systems work?

There’s no prizes for guessing that a wireless fire alarm system has no wires. Instead, a radio signal is transmitted from the call points and smoke or heat detectors to the fire alarm control panel, or wireless infrastructure (the call point is the red box on the wall where you can raise the alarm if you spot a fire).

From the point of view of anyone using a building fitted with a wireless system, it works in exactly the same way as a ‘normal’ hard-wired system – you spot a fire, you break a call point; a call point breaks, the alarm sounds.

There’s no special training required and you’re protected in exactly the same way.

The benefits of wireless fire alarm systems:

– As reliable as a wired system and certified to British and European standards
– Quick to install and can be fitted with minimum disruption to your business
– No need to shut down areas of the building or be open out of hours for the installation to take place
– No ugly cables or damage to your walls – the only cables are from the control panel to the mains power, and if required, from local supplies to boosters
– Can be easily installed in buildings where there is limited access e.g. due to high ceilings
– Layout is easily modified if something in your building changes e.g. you extend or alter the layout
– Will save you money on labour, making good, and decorating costs
– Will still work even if the power goes out as they are battery operated
– Can be used as a temporary system in locations where a wired one can’t be installed e.g. building sites
– Can be used to extend existing wired system

So, should you get a wireless fire alarm?

Basically, what you’re getting with a wireless fire alarm system is a quick, hassle-free installation that is easy on the eye and gives you maximum flexibility in the future:

On this basis, we’d recommend a wireless fire alarm for any of the following: – For anyone who wants a fire alarm fitted quickly, with a minimum of fuss
– For businesses where aesthetics are important, such as high-end retail outlets
– For businesses which would suffer disruption if they had to shut off areas of building, e.g. hotels
– For historic or listed buildings, or those with building restrictions (The Ritz & Windsor Castle are wireless)
– For buildings which are likely to be renovated or extended in the near future
– For buildings with difficult points of access such as narrow stairwells or high ceilings
– For complex sites with multiple buildings such as schools or colleges – networking of panels can also be wireless
– For protection of blocks of flats where there are compartmentation or cladding issues

So now you’ve got the facts, if you think a wireless system is for you, then please feel free to get in touch with us for your free survey and quote by calling us on 0800 157 1113, or emailing us at [email protected]. Our friendly team will be happy to help.

Wireless not for you?

Find out more about the different types of fire alarm system.

Wireless Fire Alarms – FAQs

If you have any more specific queries, we’re waiting for your call (0800 157 1113) or you can simply fill out the contact form and arrange a callback.

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There are, however, some things you might want to know beforehand to get a better understanding of what to expect and consider. To that point, we prepared a short compilation of some of the common questions regarding wireless fire alarms below:

Are wireless fire alarm systems worth it?

If they meet your needs – absolutely. They offer plenty of value, including easier installation without any wiring, which is great for historical buildings. There’s also better scalability to adapt to changing needs and flexibility in picking the spots and positions for specific parts of the system.

How reliable are wireless systems compared to wired ones?

Modern wireless fire alarm systems are just as reliable. They utilise robust communication protocols to ensure secure and consistent operation. You can use them for a wide range of applications – from small residential settings to large commercial complexes.

What should I consider before installing a wireless fire alarm?

Before installation, it’s necessary to consider factors such as building layout, potential signal interference, battery life, and compatibility with existing fire safety infrastructure. A site survey or a consultation with a professional can help address these considerations. If that’s what you need, you’re in luck – we offer both.

How often should I replace the batteries?

Battery life varies depending on usage and environmental factors. Typically, batteries in wireless systems are designed to last several years. Regular maintenance and battery checks are still recommended to ensure optimal performance.

Can these wireless fire alarms be integrated with existing fire safety equipment?

Yes, more often than not it’s possible to integrate with existing fire safety equipment, including addressable systems and conventional zoned systems. Compatibility and integration capabilities may vary, so it’s advisable to consult with a qualified fire safety professional. If you have any doubts or questions, call us on 0800 157 1113.

What can be done to prevent signal interference in my wireless fire alarm system?

To minimize signal interference, ensure devices are placed within recommended distances from each other and from potential sources of interference such as large metal structures or electronic equipment. Using quality components and conducting periodic signal strength tests can also help maintain reliable communication.

Are they compliant with fire safety regulations?

Yes, they have to be. Wireless systems were designed and installed to meet regulatory standards and requirements. The key focus here is to design a whole system that adherence to these rules and guidelines, which obviously differs depending on specific building characteristics and layout. It’s more than just picking the fanciest devices with flashy features, or installing them. For your fire alarm system to be effective, you need expert knowledge and comprehensive, end-to-end service – and that’s what you get with Surrey Fire.

How to service wireless fire alarms?

Start with a regular inspection, check all the devices for damage and make sure they’re securely fixed. Perform battery checks frequently. Use a signal strength tester to verify effective communication between various elements of the fire alarm system and the control panel. Test all alarms and sensors to confirm they respond correctly. Keep the system’s firmware updated to maintain optimal performance and security.

Is it possible to expand my system as my building grows or changes?

Wireless fire alarm systems are designed precisely for that purpose – scalability. Adding new devices or expanding coverage areas is easy and can be done as needed. Give us a call when it’s time to make some adjustments and we’ll be happy to assist you with the whole process, including consultation and planning stage.

Is there any maintenance required?

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the ongoing functionality and reliability of any fire alarm system. This includes testing devices, checking battery levels, updating software as needed, and conducting periodic inspections to verify system integrity.

What if I don’t know which system is right for my building?

That’s why we’re here. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how wireless fire alarm systems can enhance safety and protection for your property. We’ll be more than happy to answer your questions, provide expert guidance, and design a tailored solution.