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In dealing with such a broad range of businesses – both large and small - we see the challenges, at first hand, that many enterprises face during this time of economic uncertainty.

In terms of financial commitment, much of the work we undertake cannot be classed as deferrable, “nice to do” projects. It’s here-and-now expenditure. The protection of commercial property is fundamental – premises can’t be left unalarmed and unsecured.

Integrating all types of alarm systems and associated equipment Commercial Intruder Alarms | Justice Security Systems within a building’s infrastructure are absolute necessities – and especially so where it concerns fire safety.

On this last point, you can’t operate a business from commercial premises without being regulated by the fire authorities. This means it’s essential to have a fully functioning, well-maintained fire alarm system in place Essential Fire Safety Checklist for Commercial Buildings.

And, yes, of course it all comes at a price…

Cost comparisons between wired and wireless fire alarms

This brings us on to one of the current hot discussion topics in our industry: the cost comparisons and relative benefits of wired fire alarm systems versus their wireless equivalents.

We may well be reaching a turning point.

Until now, wired fire alarm systems have tended to be cheaper than their wireless counterparts. But in recent times, cable and labour prices have been increasing, closing the price disparity between the two.

Why are cabling costs for fire alarms becoming expensive?

There are a number of reasons for this.

Technology

The technology behind fire alarms is becoming increasingly sophisticated Why Care Homes & HMOs Must Upgrade to Addressable Fire Alarms. As tech has advanced, standard cabling has become less suited to today’s installations. Even where it might seem sensible to use wiring, the emergence of smart systems has rendered cabling obsolete in certain situations.

Increased Labour Costs

Putting in cabling takes time, especially on large scale projects, and the labour costs involved can start to look quite punchy when compared to wireless installations, which are often quicker to implement and commission.

Regulation and Compliance

There are a number of additional costs to consider. Regulation plays a big part, whilst compliancy requirements relating to fire safety have undoubtedly added expense to fit outs. Up-to-date cabling now needs to contain fire-resistant materials, like halogens and mineral insulation, which is more expensive and not always readily available.

The Advantages of Wireless Fire Alarm Systems

Like wired fire alarms, wireless systems are suitable for both large and small projects. But wireless can have the edge because it:

• Removes complexity
• Speeds up deployment time
• Delivers scalable protection across large, complex sites
• Allows for easier retrofits in already occupied premises or buildings with challenging configurations

The Advantages of Wired Fire Alarm Systems

• Consistent and Reliable Power Supply: Wired systems are connected to the mains, providing an uninterrupted operation, which is not subject to interference or signal loss associated with wireless.

• Comprehensive Coverage: If a detector is activated, all warning devices sound simultaneously, to ensure rapid response.

• Reduced Maintenance Costs: Because wireless systems require battery changes every 2-5 years, this leads to increased maintenance costs – making wired systems less expensive to maintain.

Choosing the appropriate Fire Alarm System for your Business

There are many important points to consider when weighing up the investment implications for having either a wired or wireless fire alarm system Fire Detection System Categories | Commercial | Security.

Above all, every customer deserves to have a reliable, cost-effective system that is fit-for-purpose and capable of lasting the course.

It’s fair to say, however, that the fire safety industry is changing. Cabling costs continue to fluctuate and increase, along with installation pressures. This is largely being driven by the emergence of ever-more sophisticated technology. In time, this may make cabled systems less attractive – but we aren’t there just yet.

At Justice Fire & Security, we are already embracing this change, to ensure we continue to offer the most competitively priced projects – to suit all budgets - based on complexity and compliance, as well as effective service delivery.

Our range of fire detection and life safety systems Fire & Life Safety Systems for Commercial Buildings are designed to cover all bases – for installations which are best suited to either a wired or wireless system, or where a mix and match hybrid approach offers the most practical solution.

Whatever the chosen route, rest assured, we’ll make sure it works out to be the most economical result for your business.  

Next Steps

If your building requires a new fire alarm system or the existing system needs updating, Justice Fire & Security is at your service Service & Maintenance | Commercial | Fire Alarm Systems. We’ll work with you to plan the optimum system for your premises (wired or wireless) or, equally, we can take-over your current equipment if it is no longer being maintained or requires upgrading.

Call us on 0845 468 9077 and we’ll arrange a free, no-obligation site survey of your home and to discuss the best options to meet your requirements.

Justice Fire & Security have been established for over 40 years and handle all manner of fire safety systems for businesses throughout Birmingham, the wider West Midlands and Warwickshire, along with Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire Contact Us | Security Systems | Justice Fire & Security