Monitoring a fire alarm system does more than just ringing a bell. It can send a signal to a human operator 24/7 to take action when no one else can.
Wait, let me fix that.
When a detector goes into alarm, a monitored fire alarm system’s panel sends a signal, via a digital communicator or GSM path, to an alarm receiving centre (ARC). The signal is confirmed by an operator who contacts the necessary emergency services. This is usually within a few seconds of the initial alarm.
What Monitoring Actually Does
When a detector triggers, it can automatically send a signal from the fire alarm panel in your premises to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC), via digital communicators or GSM paths. The alarm signal is then processed by an operator who verifies the alarm and contacts the relevant emergency services.
Monitored Versus Unmonitored Systems
An unmonitored fire alarm relies on someone being in close proximity to the installation for it to be heard and for999 to be called. This may not be the case out of hours when the premises are unoccupied, such as warehouses, care homes and commercial offices with overnight security.
Buildings That Benefit Most
Warehouses, residential care homes and commercial offices with security patrols overnight are typical examples of premises that gain most benefit from monitored fire alarms. Often fire alarm installers in Milton Keynes recommend monitoring for buildings that could suffer severe damage, or put people’s lives at risk, by the time an emergency response arrives.
What BS 5839 Says
BS 5839-1 sets out the advice for monitoring of fire alarm systems and gives standards for signal paths.
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Checking Your Monitoring Contract
Check that the ARC holds NSI Gold or SSAIB approval, details of the response time are agreed, and that both Transmission Failure Advice and regular line testing are covered within the agreement.
Legal Duties for Responsible Persons
Under the fire safety regulations the Responsible Person has a number of duties to ensure effective fire detection and alarm systems are maintained and are operating correctly.
A monitored fire alarm system is only as good as the contract behind it so make sure you read the small print before signing up to it.