Selecting the right fire alarm system is one of the most important safety decisions you can make for your building. Whether you manage a school, hospital, office block, or historic cathedral, the right system doesn’t just protect property—it saves lives.
At ARC Fire Safety & Security, we’ve spent decades designing, installing, and maintaining fire alarm systems across the South of England. Here are seven key factors to consider before choosing yours:
1. Third Party Requirements – Insurers, Fire Risk Assessors, Fire Officers etc
Before making any decision, it’s essential to establish whether there are specific third-party requirements for your fire alarm system. Insurers, fire risk assessors, or local fire officers may set conditions that directly affect your choice.
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Does the system need to meet a particular grade or level of protection?
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Are certain areas of your building required to have coverage?
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Must the system be monitored for automated fire brigade response and/or keyholder response?
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If so, what grade of equipment is necessary to ensure compliance?
Clarifying these requirements early ensures your system is not only compliant but also accepted by all relevant stakeholders.
2. Your Building Type and Layout
Every property is different. A large warehouse, a small office, and a Grade I listed cathedral all require very different approaches. Consider the size, number of floors, occupancy type, and complexity of the layout. This will influence whether you need a simple conventional system, a more advanced addressable system, or even a wireless radio fire alarm system.
3. Legal and Regulatory Requirements
UK fire safety regulations require that all non-domestic premises have “appropriate fire detection systems.” Depending on your building use, you may need to comply with British Standards such as BS 5839-1:2025, as well as health and safety legislation. Ensuring compliance protects your people, meets insurance conditions, and avoids costly fines.
4. Future-Proofing and Scalability
Think beyond today. If your business grows, will your fire alarm system grow with it? Modern wireless and addressable systems can be expanded and adapted without significant rewiring. This flexibility helps ensure your investment remains effective for years to come.
5. Wired vs. Wireless Systems
While traditional wired systems remain popular, wireless radio fire alarm systems offer unique benefits: quick installation, minimal disruption, and suitability for heritage sites where cabling is restricted. At ARC, we specialise in wireless solutions that are ideal for sensitive or complex environments like cathedrals and listed buildings.
6. Integration with Other Safety and Security Systems
A fire alarm system should never work in isolation. Many organisations integrate alarms with emergency lighting, CCTV, access control, or nurse call systems. This joined-up approach strengthens safety and ensures a coordinated response during an emergency.
7. Ease of Maintenance and Servicing
Regular servicing is a legal requirement and essential for system reliability. When choosing a system, consider how easy it will be to maintain, test, and service. Working with a trusted provider—preferably accredited to BAFE SP203, SSAIB, and ISO 9001 standards—gives you peace of mind that your system will always perform when it’s needed most.
8. Choosing the Right Provider
The technology is only half the story—the people behind it are just as important. Look for a provider with proven experience across a variety of buildings, from schools and hospitals to heritage sites. At ARC Fire Safety & Security, our family-run team combines technical expertise with a personal, client-first approach. Many of our customers, including Winchester Cathedral, have trusted us for decades.
Investing in the right fire alarm system is about more than ticking a compliance box—it’s about protecting lives, preserving property, and ensuring business continuity. By considering your building type, legal obligations, third-party requirements, and long-term needs, you’ll be able to make a confident, informed decision.
At ARC Fire Safety & Security, we design, install, and maintain fire alarm systems tailored to your exact requirements. Whether you’re managing a modern office, a school, or a listed building, our expert team can help guide you to the best solution.