Need to protect your building or business from fire hazards? In that case, you might consider installing a fire alarm system. But modern technology means you don’t have to stick with a traditional wired system; wireless fire alarm systems might be better choices overall depending on your needs.
Today, let’s take a look at what fire alarm systems are, how they work, and why you might consider installing one.
What is a Wireless Fire Alarm System?
A fire alarm system uses electrical signals to trigger anti-fire countermeasures, like sprinklers, as well as trigger alarms to tell people to evacuate the building. Most firearm systems include triggers to send emergency signals to local firefighting stations, too.
But not all fire alarm systems are wired or require phone lines. Many modern fire alarm systems are wireless!
The best wireless fire alarm systems have a single control unit that acts similar to a cell phone. Wireless fire alarm systems use radio frequencies to transmit signals from smoke detectors or other devices. Once the system receives a signal, it can send a response signal to sprinklers, to emergency services, and more.
More importantly, modern wireless fire alarm systems are reliable and robust. Their signals can be relied on to transmit clearly, thanks to improvements in technology and the widespread use of Wi-Fi networks.
Learn more about Multi-Family Fire Alarm Systems
Types of Fire Alarm Systems
Wireless fire alarm systems come in the same major types as wired fire alarm systems. You can install three different broad system types, each of which offers different fire alarm services, functionality, and affordability.
Automatic Fire Alarm Systems
Automatic fire alarm systems are the most common; they’re activated automatically, as their name suggests, thanks to fire detectors. Many automatic fire systems are designed with manual alarms, too. This allows people who see smoke or a fire to begin a quick response.
However, automatic fire alarm systems usually trigger their sprinklers or other countermeasures indiscriminately.
Conventional Fire Alarm Systems
Conventional fire alarm systems are also basic and relatively affordable. They work as a single collective unit, so they also spray sprinkler water indiscriminately. They also can’t usually pinpoint where the system was activated with any specificity. That can make it tough for operators or system administrators to know where a fire started or where smoke was detected.
One-Stage/Two-Stage Fire Alarm Systems
One-stage wireless fire alarm systems quickly send a signal to tell everyone in a given building that a smoke detector or other sensor was activated. Two-stage firearm systems, in contrast, only warn authorized individuals that a fire or smoke signal was detected. This gives administrators the chance to assess the threat and determine whether a second-stage response, like sprinkler activation, is necessary.
Why Go with a Wireless Fire Alarm System?
Simply put, because wireless fire alarm systems allow greater control and administrative flexibility without sacrificing quality or response time!
Unlike wired alarm systems, wireless fire alarm systems can be overseen from a distance. For example, you can set up a wireless firearm system for an entire university campus or large public area and have a team of professionals monitor the system from a few blocks away.
Previous wired fire alarm systems required operators to be closer or required phone lines to be constructed around the system so signals could transmit clearly. Naturally, this also limited where fire alarm systems could be installed in the first place; many rural areas or historical buildings were left out.
Benefits of Wireless Fire Alarm Systems
There are many advantages to installing a wireless fire alarm system in your business, public building, apartment complex, or elsewhere. For example:
- Wireless fire alarm systems are usually simpler and faster to install. That’s because they require less construction work
- These systems also require minimal downtime and are easier to maintain overall. Typically, administrators just need to change device batteries every once in a while
- Most modern wireless fire alarm systems are more reliable than their wired counterparts. This is even truer in big cities where there are lots of Wi-Fi networks and wireless infrastructure to utilize
- Wireless firearm systems are aesthetically pleasing since they don’t require bulky phone cables or interior cables. This makes them perfect for out-of-the-way or historical buildings or locations
- Many administrators find wireless firearm systems to be more cost-effective in the long term
- It’s easier to relocate wireless fire alarm systems when necessary
Downsides of Wireless Fire Alarm Systems
That all said, there are some potential downsides to keep in mind before installing a wireless firearm system. These include:
- The initial cost of installing a wireless firearm system can be higher. Initial setup fees might be pricier than you expect
- You have to regularly check and replace wireless fire alarm batteries, as well as go through annual inspections
- Depending on the system you choose, your wireless fire alarm system may use bespoke batteries. These can also be more expensive in aggregate
When Should You Get a Wireless Fire Alarm System?
Wireless fire alarm systems can fit a wide range of businesses and buildings. For example, a historical building that you want to preserve might benefit from a wireless firearm system since you won’t need to tear up the walls or install ugly phone lines to protect it from fire hazards.
Wireless fire alarm systems can also be excellent for businesses or areas with a lot of public space. If you need to protect or receive fire alarm signals from a wide area, wireless transmission is just as reliable as wired transmission. But it lets you leave more space open for the public, businesses, or other purposes.
Wrap Up
Overall, wireless fire alarm systems have come a long way since their initial inception and implementation. They’re now just as reliable, if not more, than wired systems, and they offer additional advantages and flexibility that can’t be ignored. Consider your options carefully when deciding whether to use a wired or wireless fire alarm system!
