Fire ALarms
We Take Fire Alarms SERIOUSLY.
False Alarms
Ballum Security, as well as any other reputable fire alarm company, aims to reduce false alarms. However, they could still occur. What do you need to do when a false alarm has happened?
Establish the cause of the false alarm
Record the false alarm in the Fire Alarm Log Book
If it happens regularly, take action – call Ballum Security
By recording the false alarms in the logbook, you are not only creating a record for the next maintenance engineer, but you are also creating legal evidence, should the worst happen.
London Fire Brigade announced in January 2014 that it was to start charging businesses for call outs if they attend more than ten false alarms in a twelve month period. They issued 100+ invoices within the first 120 days of the new regime (fia.uk.com)
False Alarms in 2021 (gov.uk)
IF PEOPLE BECOME TOO USED TO THE FIRE ALARM FALSE ALARMING, THEY MAY NOT ACT WHEN THE ALARM IS REAL.
1 fire engine is called every 12 minutes in London, due to a false fire alarm
Over one-third of all emergency calls are false alarms
10% of systems cause 80% of false alarms
WHY CHOOSE US
Design
Ballum Security can design a suitable fire system for your premises and protection type.
Installation & Commissioning
We specialise in commercial fire alarms and follow the recommendations of BS5839-1:2017.
Maintenance
It is imperative that fire alarms are serviced, at least, every 6 months.
Emergency Help
As a fire alarm customer, you have access to our emergency 24/7 call-out.
Advanced Technology
We install the latest - proven technology within the industry.
Monitored Systems
Our systems can be connected directly to the fire brigade to ensure you are protected 24/7
Fire Alarm categories
P1 protects the whole building.
P2 is installed in defined parts of the building only.
L1 provides for Automatic Fire Detection (AFD) to be installed into all areas of a building.
L2 provides Automatic Fire Detection (AFD) as defined in L3 as well as high risk or hazardous areas. Examples of this could be kitchens, boiler rooms, sleeping risk, storerooms if not fire-resistant or if smoke could affect escape routes.
L3 Automatic Fire Detection (AFD) with smoke detection should be installed on escape routes with detection in rooms opening onto escape routes.
L4 provides Automatic Fire Detection (AFD) within escape routes only.
L5 is installed in a building with a specific risk that has been identified. An example of this would be if there was an area of high risk that requires detection the category would be L5/M.
M Fire Alarm System is a manual operation only system which has call points on all exits as well as corridors where persons are not expected to walk any more than 45m to operate one.
A fire risk assessment should be carried out to ensure the right category is selected.
Types of Fire Alarm
Addressable Fire Alarms
Each device has its own address, allowing the user, fire marshal, or fire brigade to quickly identify where the potential fire is.
Usually used in large buildings
Conventional Fire Alarms
Devices are split into zones, detectors and sounders are run on separate cables.
Usually used in medium-sized buildings.
- Bi-Wire Fire Alarms (2-Wire or Sav-Wire)
Fire Alarms are split into zones, detectors and sounders are run on the same cable.
Usually used in small buildings.
Maintenance
It is imperative that fire alarms are serviced, at least, every 6 months. The fire alarm panels contain backup batteries that, depending on the category of the system, will keep the panel online for a specified time, with enough power to sound the alarm.
Systems have to be checked to ensure the devices are all still working correctly, as any faulty devices must be replaced immediately.
The service will also help identify the cause of any false alarms, which in turn, can then be modified. Reducing false alarms should be the goal of any company.
The fire alarm system should also be tested weekly by the fire alarm users, by activating a different call point, each week and ensuring the fire alarm is working correctly.
We install and service the following:
- Addressable Systems
- Conventional Systems
- Hybrid Systems
- C-Tec
- Advanced
- Morley
- Fike
- Kentec
- ESP
- Wireless Alarms
- Interlinked Alarms
- Aico Alarms
FAQ
Do I really need a log book?
If the worst happens, the logbook will serve as vital evidence to ensure that the responsible person has carried out their job correctly. If false alarms are not recorded and this meant that an evacuation was not staged, the implications could fall onto their shoulders.
How often Should my Fire Alarm be Serviced?
No less than 6 months.
How often do i need to test the alarm?
Once a week. The test should be carried out by activating a call point. A different call point should be used each time until they have all been tested at which point you can start from the beginning again.
Do I NEED a fire alarm?
Legally, you are not required to have a fire alarm on your premises. However, current UK fire alarm regulations state that all business premises must have an ‘appropriate fire detection system‘ in place.
So no. In some cases, a fire alarm is not required. However, a Fire Risk Assessment is a legal requirement.
How often do i need to carry out a fire drill?
You should carry out a fire drill (a full evacuation) at least once a year.
What else should I check?
You could also take this opportunity to inspect and note any build-up of flammable materials, and check that all fire escapes are clear, and all fire doors operate and are not blocked.
