Fire is always faster than you’d think.
In some cases, it takes only 30 seconds for a small, manageable flame to turn into a fast-moving fire.
If the area contains wood, synthetic materials, and other flammable components, that window of time can be even shorter.
That’s why it’s crucial for your commercial building to have the right fire alarm system.
Reliable systems can detect fires quickly, pinpoint their location, and even alert the authorities on your behalf.
However, with so many options on the market, you might have found yourself wondering, “What are the different types of fire alarm systems, and how do I find the right one for my property?”
We’ve got you covered.
Let’s take a look at the main types of commercial fire alarm systems, the benefits of each, and how to find one that works for your company.
Manual vs. Automatic Fire Alarms
At the most basic level, there are two main categories of commercial fire alarm systems: manual and automatic.
As the name suggests, a manual system needs an occupant to activate it.
Often, these systems have different pull stations throughout the building so that a staff member or visitor can sound the alarm if they spot a fire.
With an automatic commercial fire system, no occupant needs to be present for activation.
This alarm takes action when its sensors detect heat or smoke.
These systems are ideal for fire safety, as they can catch fires that happen when a building is empty and can even notify the authorities.
Fire Alarm Detection Types
Automatic commercial fire alarm systems can be broken down even further, as they have several different sensor types.
Ionization systems have two charged plates that create a flow of shielded radioactive ions.
When smoke breaks this flow of ions, the fire alarm triggers.
Photoelectric systems use a similar mechanism.
Instead of a flow of ions, however, they aim a light source into a sensing chamber.
If smoke enters the chamber, disrupting the light pattern, the fire alarm triggers.
Heat systems detect fires in the way you’d guess: by monitoring the rising temperature around the flames.
When these systems detect a temperature beyond a set norm, they raise the alarm.
Heat-based fire detectors can generate false alarms in certain situations, so they aren’t ideal for commercial buildings that use high-heat equipment.
Combination systems include multiple detectors.
The most common types include a hybrid of ionization and photoelectric detectors.
These options are among the best fire alarms on the market.
Conventional Fire Alarm System
Conventional fire alarm systems have been in use for decades, and you can find both manual and automatic models.
These fire alarms use a central control board to monitor multiple parts of a building.
Wires link each analog device.
When someone triggers a fire pull station or an automatic sensor detects smoke or heat, the system identifies the zone of the fire.
Conventional fire alarm systems are affordable, and they’re great for smaller spaces that need fewer zones monitored.
They’re also reliable, though they can sometimes create inconvenient false alarms.
Addressable Fire Alarm System
Addressable fire alarm systems are a digital alternative to conventional systems.
These options are nicknamed “intelligent systems.”
Like the conventional system above, addressable systems have a central control board that monitors different detectors.
With addressable systems, however, it’s easier to tell which area of a building is under threat.
Where a conventional system splits a building into zones, addressable systems can pinpoint the location of a fire by noting the specific “address” of the device that triggered.
This saves critical time, allowing fire departments to find the fire fast.
Addressable systems are great for sprawling commercial properties that need many fire detectors.
Instead of using generalized zones, these systems provide specificity in a larger building.
In addition, most addressable systems don’t require much wiring.
Many are completely wireless.
They’re more expensive than conventional systems, however.
These systems may also be more reliable, as they create fewer false alarms.
Furthermore, these systems will still work if a wire gets damaged.
Hybrid Fire Alarm System
As you might guess from the name, hybrid systems combine the best of both systems above.
They come in a huge range of options, allowing commercial properties to use both wired and wireless systems in different parts of their buildings.
This is ideal for cost-efficiency and reliability.
What Are the Different Types of Fire Alarm Systems for My Brand?
How do you know which type of fire alarm is right for your commercial property?
We recommend automatic fire alarms and hybrid detectors for all brands.
These options offer the safest detection systems available.
When deciding between conventional, addressable, and hybrid models, however, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution.
The size of your building and your business type may help you decide.
Smaller buildings can often get by with a conventional system.
These are cost-effective for growing brands.
For larger buildings, an addressable or hybrid system is better.
This makes it easy to pinpoint and extinguish a fire without intensive searching.
These systems can also be easier to install and manage on a sprawling property.
However, we recommend doing your research before making a decision.
You’ll need to make sure your chosen system matches all fire codes for the type of property you own.
If you aren’t sure what type of fire system to choose, partner with a reliable fire safety company with local experience.
This ensures that you’re getting expert insights on options that meet all requirements in your area.
Partner With Certizona Fire & Safety
Now that you’ve stopped asking yourself “What are the different types of fire alarm systems?” it’s time to protect your commercial property.
Choosing the right system can offer great security and peace of mind.
If you’re struggling to find a commercial fire alarm system for your building, reach out to the seasoned team at Certizona Fire & Safety for insights.
With over 30 years of experience, we can help you enhance your property’s safety in no time.
We offer mobile service throughout the Phoenix, Prescott Tri-City, and White Mountain areas, so call us at (623) 227-2092 or request a quote today.
Looking for fire alarm inspection companies? Certizona Fire & Safety is here to serve you with high-quality fire protection and safety equipment services! Customer satisfaction is our top priority. Call (623) 227-2092 or request an online quote today!
