Fire alarm installation for businesses, landlords and communal buildings
We install new and replacement fire alarm systems, and extend or upgrade existing ones, working from a completed design and planning around how your building is used.
What fire alarm installation involves
Installation is the physical work of fitting the system: running cables, mounting and wiring detectors, sounders and manual call points, installing the control panel and connecting power. It also includes any agreed links to other building systems.
For non-domestic premises the work is carried out with reference to the design specification and the recommendations of BS 5839-1 (current edition BS 5839-1:2025). The electrical installation itself is carried out to BS 7671, the wiring regulations. Cable type and routing, fixing, protection against damage and the arrangement of the power supply are all part of what a good installation addresses.
Types of installation project
- New systems in new or newly fitted-out premises.
- Replacement systems where an existing system is obsolete, unreliable or no longer suits the building.
- Extensions adding devices or zones to an existing system when the building changes.
- Upgrades such as a new control panel, additional detection or replacing life-expired devices.
We also install domestic and HMO fire detection systems to BS 5839-6 where it applies. The applicable standard depends on the premises and the system, and not every HMO falls solely under BS 5839-6.
It suits businesses, landlords, managing agents, facilities managers, schools, offices, shops, warehouses, industrial premises, community buildings and the communal areas of residential buildings.
What information we need
- A completed design, or a request for us to design the system first
- Site address, postcode and the type of building
- Floor plans and any known hazards or restricted areas
- Access arrangements and working hours, including any out-of-hours requirements
- Details of the existing system if one is being replaced or extended
- Any requirements from your insurer, building control or an enforcing authority
How the installation process works
Confirm the design
We check the design against the building at survey and agree any changes with you before work starts.
Programme and access
We agree dates, access and any phasing so the building can keep operating where possible.
Containment and cabling
We install cable routes and cabling in line with the design.
Devices and panel
We fit detectors, sounders, manual call points and the control panel, and connect them.
Completion checks
We carry out completion checks and record any variations from the design.
Hand on to commissioning
The system is then commissioned, which is the stage where it is programmed and tested before handover.
Documentation you should expect
- As-installed drawings showing final device positions
- A record of any variations from the design
- Reports and supporting documentation for our scope of responsibility, recording results, variations, limitations and outstanding issues
- An installation certificate in the form recommended by BS 5839-1, where the installation is carried out under that standard
- Electrical certification for any associated electrical work, where applicable
Next step
Tell us about your premises and what is planned. We will let you know what we need to see and arrange a survey where appropriate.
Discuss a Fire Alarm Installation
Other fire alarm services
Fire Alarm Design
A written specification and drawings for a new, replacement or extended system, based on your building, its use and your fire strategy.
Read more →Fire Alarm Commissioning
Programming, testing and verifying that the installed system works as designed, with handover documentation.
Read more →Fire Alarm Servicing & Maintenance
Periodic inspection, testing, servicing and repair of existing systems, including taking over maintenance from another provider.
Read more →Areas we cover
Fire alarm enquiries are handled across the areas Omni3 currently serves. Choose your area for local detail.
Common questions
Can you install a system that someone else has designed?
Yes, where the design is complete and we can review it. If the design is incomplete or does not appear to suit the building, we will raise that with you before we start rather than install something we have doubts about.
Will the building be disrupted while the system is installed?
Some disruption is normal, because cabling and devices go in throughout the building. We plan the work around how the premises are used and agree access in advance. Where the premises require it, out-of-hours working can be discussed and agreed in advance. Where an existing system is being replaced, we discuss how fire detection is maintained during the changeover.
Do I need building control or insurer approval?
It depends on the building and the work. New buildings and some alterations involve building control. Insurers sometimes have their own requirements. Check with them early and tell us what they require so it can be reflected in the design.
Is installation the same as commissioning?
No. Installation is fitting the equipment. Commissioning is the separate stage of programming and testing the system and confirming it works as designed. Both are needed before the system is handed over.
Tell us about your premises
Give us a few details and we will come back to you. The more we know about the building and any existing system, the more useful our first reply will be.
- Telephone: 01798 263333
- Email: [email protected]
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