When it comes to the security of a building or home, having the right measures in place for fire safety is a requirement. Not only do businesses need it in place, but it is a legal requirement. However, the guidance for fire safety for businesses has changed, and these businesses are continuously finding ways to stay more compliant. In this regard, switching to an automatic fire system from a manual fire alarm system can help businesses cope with the advanced challenges. In this article, we will provide you with important information about the manual and automatic fire alarm system and how can you keep your property safe efficiently.

Why are fire alarm systems required in the UK?

All the businesses in the UK are responsible by law for providing a secure environment to their employees. The security includes the right fire systems and reliable fire detection systems. The requirements are governed by the RRFSO. Besides the businesses, efficient Domestic fire alarm systems are also very important. The British standards for the designing, installation, and maintenance of the fire alarm system and fire detection systems are vital for both domestic and business use. Before installing any fire alarm system on your property, you should be aware of all types of fire alarm systems on the market.

The two popular types of fire alarm systems are conventional and addressable alarm systems. The components that make these systems are either manual or automatic. Let’s discuss the manual and automatic systems in detail to help you decide what type of fire alarm system will work best in your area.

What are the manual fire alarm systems, and how do they work?

A few years back, the fire detection and alarm systems in certain buildings may have used manual fire alarm systems. This system comes with Manual Call Points devices. This system may have been installed after a sufficient risk assessment arranged by the responsible person of the premises. The manual alarm system category may also have been determined based on the insurance guidance. For many commercial properties, a manual fire alarm system has been sufficient for the protection from fire. The manual fire alarm boxes are not required to get installed in the buildings equipped with automatic sprinkler systems. Also, the manual fire alarm system is not required in the buildings not having interior corridors and is protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed.

What is Automatic fire alarm systems, and how do they work?

Automatic fire detection is also very common in the UK. It helps to reinforce the protection provided by the manual fire alarm system. With the automatic detection systems, the detectors will send the signals to the monitoring center through the fire alarm system control panel. In the monitoring center, the professional security service providing team can quickly respond to the signals. After receiving the notification from the place, the team will provide fire and rescue services in a short time. When the signals are direct to the Alarm Receiving Centre ARC, there are various fire alarm management systems available to send the complementary signaling. In the situation of an emergency, the responsible person decides what to do.

Conclusion

Fire alarm systems are important equipment for businesses and homes as mishaps can take place anywhere. Now that you know how the manual fire detection system and automatic alarm system work, it is up to you to decide whether your place requires more protection. First, you need to understand whether your premises require a 24/7 monitoring service from ARC.