Fire Alarm Buyer's Guide

What is a fire alarm system?
Fire alarm systems provide a reliable safety presence for your home or office, giving essential advance notice during a fire emergency. A fire alarm system is made up of detectors, sounders, and other equipment to alert building occupants of a possible fire. The system may several types of audible and visible indicators to signal a problem.

These systems are connected to a central monitoring station, which provides 24/7/365 surveillance of your fire alarm. The monitoring station will have all of your contact and location information saved into their system. Once your fire alarm is triggered, the control panel (the "brains" of the system) sends the relevant details to the central monitoring station and authorities are called to the scene.

Basics of a fire alarm system

Here are some of the most common components of a fire alarm system:

• Control panel: The central component of a fire alarm system -- connected to all other components, as well as the central monitoring station.
• Detectors: Smoke detectors send the control panel a signal when smoke levels reach a certain point; heat detectors indicate when the temperature gets too high. Other types of detectors are tripped by noting smoke particles (photoelectric) or presence of chemical reactions (ionization).
• Manual signal boxes: Installed in easily-accessible areas of commercial buildings and used with detectors. People can pull a handle (which may require breaking a glass casing) to signal a potential fire outbreak in the area.
• Emergency battery: Included so alarm system operates in the event of a power outage
• Audible and visual alerts: Strategically placed bells and horns to alert people to vacate the premises. Flashing lights are used for the hearing impaired.
• Transmitter: Optional portable device for the elderly and those with health problems to get immediate medical attention in case of a fire or smoke.
• Sprinkler system: Limits size and impact of fire in small areas. It reacts immediately to the presence of severe smoke and initial flames by lowering the air temperature and dousing the flames. This is required for commercial offices, but an option for residential fire alarm systems.

How to buy a fire alarm system
Despite the millions of businesses throughout the country that have a monitored fire alarm system, there are fewer than 10 companies that actually manufacture the monitoring equipment. These companies provide the equipment for the thousands of fire alarm system dealers that sell and install the systems.

These dealers range from large corporations who maintain their own sales forces and local offices to smaller resellers that work as authorized third-party installers for the large corporations or as independent security companies. Regardless of whether you decide to go large or small, alarm installers typically provide all-inclusive services that include equipment and monitoring service.

When you're ready to buy a monitored fire alarm system:

• Talk to a few different companies before having anything installed.
• Always meet the fire alarm company in person - never exclusively by phone - to determine the best system for you.
• Obtain quotes from three to four different installers and make sure you get all pricing quotes in writing - including setup, equipment, monthly monitoring fees, and warranties.
• Get references from each provider and find out how quickly they installed the equipment, how available they were to answer questions and address problems, what kind of training they offer, and how accurate the contracts were.

Fire alarm system purchasing checklist

The following are some things to keep in mind when searching for a fire alarm system for your home or office:

• What can I do to prevent false alarms?
• Is my central monitoring station certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL)?
• How many units do I need throughout my business or home?
• Should I purchase or lease my fire alarm equipment?
• Will I require both audible and visual warnings?
• Does my fire alarm system vendor comply with all federal regulations?
• Do I have evacuation routes planned out in case of a fire?
• How much square footage do I need to cover?

Fire alarm system pricing
Fire alarm systems for commercial business need to meet NFPA-72, the national code for commercial fire regulations. Unlike a residence, commercial fire alarms require specific control panels and smoke detectors. Businesses also need sprinkler systems installed by a licensed plumber.

For businesses, the initial setup fees vary based on the type of equipment installed, the number of individual fire alarm devices included, and the size of the company. Some companies may actually include basic equipment for free as long as you agree to a long-term monitoring contract. Otherwise, expect to pay $100 to $2,500 for installation and equipment, with the higher end being for more comprehensive security systems. Monthly monitoring fees are $20 to $35 per month.

If you wish to install a fire alarm system for your home, you'll pay $1,000 or more for equipment and installation. You can also purchase self-install kits from $20 to $150, but you may want to consider hiring a professional fire alarm installer to ensure it's done properly. Monthly monitoring service runs about $15 to $20 per month with an additional $5 to $10 per month for an extended warranty that covers repairs, maintenance, and trip fees. The good news is if you have a burglar security system, your vendor can add fire prevention capabilities for a few hundred dollars extra and $0 to $5 per month added to your current fees.

As a homeowner, you can also consider a sprinkler system as an added benefit to your monitored fire alarm. It costs about $1.50 per square foot for new homes and $2.50 to $5.00 per square foot for existing homes; the pricing depends on the level of difficulty involved with connecting the sprinklers to the existing pipes.

Monitored fire alarm contracts can be month-to-month, but the standard is contract carries a three-year obligation. The contract will guarantee that your fees will not increase and indicate what your rights are. Keep in mind that breaking the contract before it expires will result in hefty penalties - from 75 percent of the fees due to the full amount.

Fire alarm system tips

• Plan of action. It's important to map out your escape route in case of a fire or excessive smoke: how you're going to get out, what to do for the disabled or elderly, and where to stay while you wait for help to arrive.
• This is a test. Always test your fire alarm system frequently - at least every two to three months - to ensure that everything is working properly.
• Strobe lights. For visual detectors, consider high-intensity xenon strobe lamps. Note that white light strobes are most effective and you should avoid colored lights such as red.
• Avoid trunk slammers. Trunk slammers sells fire alarm systems out of their cars for a very low price simply to sign you up for a long contract with a monitored alarm provider. The dealer is rarely heard from after the sale and you won't know whom to turn to for assistance.
• Sights and sounds. Make sure that visual devices light up at 75 candelas or above. Horns and sirens should exceed background noises by a minimum of 6 decibels.