Fire Detection System Design
Expert design solutions tailored to your property's unique requirements, ensuring optimal protection and compliance for both commercial and residential premises.
Commercial Premises Design
Comprehensive fire detection systems designed for offices, warehouses, retail spaces, and industrial facilities. Fully compliant with BS 5839-1:2025.
- Addressable & conventional systems
- Multi-zone detection coverage
- Integration with building systems
- 24/7 monitoring capability
Residential Building Design
Tailored fire alarm systems for houses, apartments, and HMOs. Designed to meet BS 5839-6:2019+A1:2020 for maximum safety and peace of mind.
- Grade A, B, C, D & F systems
- LD1, LD2, LD3 protection levels
- Wireless & hardwired options
- Smart home integration available
Our Design Process
Site Survey
Comprehensive assessment of your premises
Risk Analysis
Identify fire hazards and protection needs
Design
Create bespoke detection system plans
Installation
Professional implementation and testing
Understanding Fire Alarm Systems
Comprehensive information to help you choose the right fire detection system for your property
Norfolk Fire Group designs, supplies, installs and maintains commercial and residential fire detection and alarm systems.
Serving Norwich · Dereham · Kings Lynn · Swaffham · Great Yarmouth · Thetford · Wymondham · North Walsham · Downham Market · Attleborough · Fakenham · Sheringham · Cromer · Holt · Aylsham · Diss · Loddon · Bungay · All of Norfolk
What is a Fire Alarm System?
A fire alarm system is a network of devices that work together to detect and warn people about fire, smoke, or carbon monoxide. These systems are designed to provide early warning, allowing occupants to evacuate safely and emergency services to respond quickly.
Modern fire alarm systems consist of detection devices (smoke detectors, heat detectors), alarm sounders, manual call points, and a control panel that monitors the entire system. They can be standalone or connected to monitoring stations for 24/7 surveillance.
BS 5839-1:2025
Commercial & Non-Domestic Premises
This British Standard provides recommendations for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in non-domestic premises. It covers automatic fire detection systems (Categories L1-L5) and manual fire alarm systems (Category M).
BS 5839-6:2019+A1:2020
Domestic & Residential Premises
This standard covers fire detection and fire alarm systems for dwellings. It specifies different system grades (A, B, C, D, F) and categories of protection (LD1, LD2, LD3) to suit various domestic requirements, from basic battery-operated systems to sophisticated monitored installations.
What System Do I Need?
Automatic Fire Detection Systems (BS 5839-1:2025)
Category L1
CompliantInstalled throughout all areas of the building for the earliest possible warning
Category L2
CompliantInstalled only in defined parts of the escape routes and specified areas of high fire risk
Category L3
CompliantDesigned to give a warning of fire at an early enough stage to enable all occupants to escape
Category L4
CompliantInstalled within escape routes only
Category L5
CompliantDesigned to satisfy a specific fire safety objective other than life protection
Category P1
CompliantSystem installed throughout all areas of the building for property protection
Category P2
CompliantSystem installed only in defined parts of the building for property protection
Domestic Fire Alarm Systems (BS 5839-6:2019+A1:2020)
Grade A (LD1)
CompliantProfessional fire alarm system installed throughout the home
Grade B (LD2)
CompliantProfessional system with detectors in circulation spaces and high-risk rooms
Grade C (LD3)
CompliantProfessional system with detectors in circulation spaces only
Grade D
CompliantBattery-powered detectors in defined areas
Grade F
CompliantFire detection and fire alarm system using radio-linked smoke and heat alarms
Types of Fire Detectors
Optical Smoke Detectors
Detect visible smoke particles using a light beam. Best for slow-burning fires that produce large smoke particles.
Best for:
Living rooms, hallways, bedrooms
Ionisation Smoke Detectors
Detect invisible smoke particles from fast-flaming fires using ionised air.
Best for:
Areas where fast-flaming fires are likely
Heat Detectors
Respond to increases in temperature rather than smoke. Ideal for areas where smoke detectors may cause false alarms.
Best for:
Kitchens, garages, boiler rooms
Multi-Sensor Detectors
Combine optical smoke and heat detection technology for improved detection and reduced false alarms.
Best for:
All areas, especially prone to false alarms
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Detect the presence of carbon monoxide gas, a colourless and odourless toxic gas.
Best for:
Near boilers, gas appliances, fireplaces
UV/IR Flame Detectors
Detect flames using ultraviolet and infrared sensors. Provide rapid detection of hydrocarbon fires with minimal false alarms.
Best for:
Industrial areas, aircraft hangars, fuel storage