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Fire Alarms

Fire alarms are safety devices with the sole purpose of alerting individuals to the presence of smoke or fire in their home or business. Ensuring you have reliable fire alarms installed and properly maintained could be the difference between safety and tragedy.

Fires can be unpredictable, starting suddenly and varying in intensity, which can lead to massively different outcomes. However, one factor remains consistent: a well-placed and efficient alarm system can play a critical role in both saving lives and mitigating impact.

At D.R. Electrical, we’re the experts when it comes to electrical safety, and we strongly recommend installing an effective smoke and fire detection system wherever you are. Below, we’ll share the types of fire alarms available, why fire alarms are so important, and provide some advice on keeping them maintained.

Types of Fire Alarms

Fire alarms were developed in the mid-1800s, and are staples in every household and business in the UK today. Once smoke or a fire is detected, the device follows with an alarm sound which acts as a warning to take action and get to safety. As fires can differ greatly, there are a range of compatible fire alarms to consider:

Heat Alarms: These types of fire alarms are ideal for the kitchen and can detect a noticeable increase in heat (typically caused by a fire). Heat alarms are unlikely to respond to smoke or steam, which again, makes them ideal for placement in the kitchen.

Ionisation Alarms: These fire alarms work by detecting any disruptions in small electrical current in the ionised oxygen in the chamber. When smoke from a fire enters, the flow of electricity is disrupted and it triggers the alarm. These alarms are ideal in hallways and exit routes. These alarms are ideal for fast developing and flaming fires.

Optical Smoke Alarms: These alarms are fitted with an LED that detects interruptions in the light frequency every 10 seconds. If smoke were to enter the chamber, the LED would become obstructed which triggers the alarm to sound. These alarms are suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, and areas with lots of furniture.

Combined Alarms: We also offer a range of combination fire alarms which merge carbon monoxide detectors for increased safety. We can also combine optical and heat alarms to reduce false alarms.

The Importance of Fire Alarms

Fire alarms are arguably one of the most important things you should have in your house or business. Fires can be extremely dangerous and are a serious threat to life. If other health and safety standards are compromised, the risk of a fire can increase.

Once a fire happens, what follows can be extremely unpredictable. However, with a fire alarm, you can plan quickly and make potentially life-changing decisions thanks to an early alert system.

A single fire alarm in an appropriate location can detect the signs of smoke and fire, which will give you enough time to either control the source of the fire (if safe to do so) or get to safety. The best advice depends on the type of fire, however the most important thing we believe is to invest in an efficient fire alarm system, with regular checks to ensure functionality.

Tips for Fire Alarm Maintenance

One of the biggest mistakes people can make is not testing their fire alarm regularly to ensure functionality. You should have a qualified electrician install your fire alarm device and employ an electrician to complete periodic checks and maintenance for you.

You can also follow these tips to ensure you’re prioritising safety:

  • Check your fire alarms functionality once a week.
  • Install a new fire alarm every 10 years.
  • Evenly distribute fire alarms across the property, ideally with at least one on each floor.
  • Replace the batteries in your fire alarm every 12 months.
  • Purchase backup batteries for your current fire alarm in case of failure.
  • Ensure fire alarms are installed in appropriate locations or key areas of the home/property.

Our Electrical Services at D.R Electrical

At D.R. Electrical, our goal is to ensure health, safety and efficient quality of electrical systems. Along with out team of qualified and highly competent electricians, we can offer electrical solutions like installs, health checks, and maintenance of the fire alarms on your Liverpool property.

We firmly believe that any electrical work on your property should be completed by professionals, this is especially important when it comes to fire alarm systems as we can make sure they’re safe and functional.

Get in touch for more information on the types of fire alarms that we install and an estimate on cost and installation dates.

Related Services

Along with fire safety, we offer multiple related services like burglar alarms and cameras.

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Our Fire Alarm FAQs

When it comes to fire alarms, we at D.R. Electrical are truly the experts. We’re here to provide you with clear and informative answers around fire safety; you can browse our FAQs below for the top things to consider about fire alarms.

Why are fire alarms so important for my home or business?

Fire alarms provide an early warning when smoke or fire is detected, giving you valuable time to act quickly and efficiently.

How many fire alarms should I have in my property?

The minimum recommendation is to install one fire alarm per floor of your property. However, larger spaces or high-risk areas like kitchens and living rooms may benefit from additional alarms to increase your safety.

How often should I test or replace my fire alarm?

You should ideally test your fire alarm at least once a week to ensure they’re functioning optimally. You should replace your fire alarm at least every 10 years.

Can I install a fire alarm myself?

Some fire alarms are designed for DIY installation, however, we strongly recommend having at least one professionally installed fire alarm on each floor of your property. We can ensure your alarms are correctly placed and compliant with safety standards.

Do fire alarms need regular maintenance?

Yes, you should ensure your fire alarms or fire alarm system is tested regularly and inspected by a qualified electrician. As mentioned above, testing at least once a week is ideal and you should aim to have yearly checks performed on the units by a qualified electrician.