Why Wireless Fire Alarms are a Perfect Fit for Historic and Listed Buildings

Traditional fire alarm systems, with their reliance on extensive cabling, can pose a significant threat to the very fabric of these buildings.

This is where wireless fire alarms emerge as a game-changer. By eliminating the need for intrusive drilling and channeling, wireless systems offer a safe and effective solution for safeguarding historic and listed buildings.

Preserving the Past, One Alarm at a Time

The beauty of historic buildings often lies in their intricate details – decorative coving, ornate cornices, and original wooden features. Traditional fire alarm installation methods often necessitate drilling holes through these very elements to run cables. This not only compromises the aesthetic integrity of the building but can also potentially damage irreplaceable historical features.

Wireless fire alarms, on the other hand, require only simple surface fixing. Detectors and sounders can be strategically placed without causing any structural alterations, and for discrete placements. This ensures the preservation of the building’s historical character, allowing future generations to appreciate its beauty in its entirety.

The Power of Wireless Mesh Networks

Gone are the days of the need for complex wiring layouts. Wireless fire alarm systems utilise a mesh network, where each detector and sounder communicates with the control panel and with each other over a secure bluetooth connection. This creates a robust and reliable communication system. If one device encounters an issue, the signal can still be relayed through other devices, ensuring the entire system remains operational.

Wireless fire alarms are hence more durable in the event of a power failure at any point of the system, and can provide security as well as unrivalled flexibility.

Battery Power: Untethered from the Mains

Traditional fire alarm systems typically require each detector and sounder to be connected to the building’s mains power supply. This necessitates additional electrical work, which can further disrupt the historic fabric of the building.

Wireless fire alarms operate on long-lasting batteries. This eliminates the need for extensive electrical modifications and ensures the system remains functional even in the event of a power outage. Regular battery maintenance is crucial, but it’s a far less invasive process compared to dealing with complex electrical wiring. Typically batteries need changing every four years, which is a simple and cost effective solution which can be planned far in advance.

[Aaron and Breon fitting a wireless fire alarm to a listed museum in Grimsby]

Speedier Installation, Minimised Disruption

Installing a traditional fire alarm system in a historic building can be a time-consuming and disruptive process. The drilling, channeling, and rewiring involved can significantly impact the building’s operations and visitor experience for buildings with this purpose.

Wireless fire alarms offer a significant advantage in this regard. Since they require minimal installation work, they can be deployed exceptionally quickly and efficiently. This translates to less downtime for museums, visitor attractions, and other historic buildings, minimising inconvenience for both staff and visitors.

Beyond the core advantages mentioned above, wireless fire alarms offer several additional benefits for historic and listed buildings:

Scalability: Wireless systems are easily scalable. As the needs of the building evolve, additional detectors and alarms can be seamlessly integrated into the existing network. Connecting different outbuildings such as stables, kitchens and office buildings to one complete system. Easy to manage and maintain.
Flexibility: Wireless systems offer greater flexibility in placement compared to wired systems. Sensors can be strategically positioned to ensure optimal coverage, even in hard-to-reach areas. Important when listen buildings have to consider everything when it comes to building renovation.
Easy Maintenance: Wireless systems are very easy to maintain, along with testing sounders, detectors and call points, engineers have to test the battery levels. If there’s any issues, wireless fire alarms are a lot easier to fix as units can be swapped out in minutes.
Modern Aesthetics: Wireless systems often feature sleek and unobtrusive designs that blend seamlessly with the aesthetics of historic buildings. Too often you see trunking down the side of churches and stately homes, an eyesore for visitors and residents of listed buildings.