Fire alarms save lives and reduce the risk of extensive property damage. State law requires them in most buildings, so there’s a good chance a commercial property needs fire alarms. When you’re choosing a system, you have the option of meeting the bare minimum or opting for more advanced technological equipment that often comes with more features. As you decide which choice makes the most sense for you, you’ll likely find yourself choosing between wired and wireless fire alarms. Which one is better? There’s no clear “best” option. Your needs will determine which system is optimal for your building, but there are key differences you should know.
Wired Fire Alarms
Wired fire systems use low-voltage cabling to connect equipment to a master panel. If the system detects that an alarm or pull station has been triggered, it can send an alert to a monitoring service, which then sends first responders to the scene to make sure everything is okay. Some systems show you which part of the building the activation originated from, while newer systems can show which specific device was triggered.
Wireless Fire Alarms
Wireless alarms are still linked to a master panel, but there’s a key difference. Instead of relying on cabling, these systems use radio frequency signals to connect alarms to the panel. These alarms are also monitored in case anyone tries to tamper or the battery gets low. Wireless systems are often more modern than their wired counterparts, making them an attractive pick for any organization interested in the most up-to-date technology.
Which Option Is Best For You?
When deciding whether to choose a wired or wireless system, your budget, your property, and your fire security needs should all be taken into account. If your building is a new build, wired is almost always the recommended pick because of how reliable these systems are, given that the connections are permanent. However, installing a wired system into an existing building, especially one you don’t own, may not make the most financial sense.
Wired systems have numerous benefits, including a high compliance level that inspectors prefer. Still, plenty of businesses opt for wireless fire alarm systems and are happy with their choice. Labor costs are significantly lower when installing wireless systems. Additionally, the secure connections that these alarms use can be just as dependable as wired systems. It’s worth noting that wireless systems have batteries that need to be replaced.
Finding A Fire Security Partner
Regardless of the type of service needed, you need someone you can rely on to handle the project. As a business owner, you’re juggling a lot at once — let us handle your fire concerns. Whether you want a basic system or something more complex, Integrated Security Consultants is here to help. Our experienced team specializes in Tampa commercial fire alarms, along with video surveillance, access control, and intrusion detection. We work with you to find vulnerabilities. Then, we create solutions. It’s one less thing for you to worry about. Are you interested in learning more? Call 813-254-0033 or contact us online.