Fire Alarm Monitoring for Northamptonshire Buildings
A fire alarm is fitted to many buildings but left with no monitoring. This means that when the alarm is activated and the building is unoccupied, nothing will happen.
What Monitoring Actually Means
A monitored fire alarm system is linked from your alarm panel to a 24 hour manned Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). Your system will be monitored seconds after activation 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year including weekends and Bank Holidays.
How the Signal Gets Through
Most systems use a digital communicator over the phone lines; however, many are now using IP-based systems that transmit over the building’s broadband connection. This form of transmission is very fast and is becoming more popular. In addition, many systems now use a GSM module which communicates via the mobile network. This can be used as a backup should the primary path of communication fail, perhaps during a power cut or line fault.
How the Centre Responds
When a signal is received by the alarm receiving centre (ARC the operator will refer to the site details on file for your monitored premises and attempt to contact your nominated keyholder(s). Once contact has been made with your keyholder(s) the operator will confirm receipt of the alarm signal with them. If after attempting to contact all nominated keyholders the operator is unable to make contact then the fire and police services will be alerted and sent to the premises. The speed at which the operator is able to contact your nominated keyholder(s) will depend upon whether the monitoring company holds up to date contact details for your keyholders.
Buildings That Typically Need It
Care homes, schools, warehouses and other similar unoccupied premises are examples of where Fire Alarms Northamptonshire engineers can install monitored fire alarm systems. Many unoccupied commercial properties also have monitored fire alarm systems fitted. In many cases, the insurance policy for unoccupied or high value properties will require a monitored fire alarm system to be installed and maintained.
Choosing a Monitoring Provider
When choosing a monitoring centre look for a company that is NSI certified for monitoring fire alarms or SSAIB approved. Check how quickly they can respond to an activation and whether they can hold details of multiple keyholders for your building.
A monitored fire alarm system is only as good as the up to date information held by the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) regarding your sites keyholders, this information should be checked and updated at least annually.
