Addressable fire alarms are now required for care homes and HMOs, providing precise detector location, quicker emergency response and stronger compliance with UK fire safety regulations. This article explains why they’re essential, how they differ from conventional systems, and what to consider when upgrading.
Key takeaways:
Addressable fire alarms significantly improve accuracy and response times in multi-occupancy settings.
They help care homes and HMOs meet the latest UK fire safety standards (BS 5839-1:2025).
Upgrading from a conventional system is often straightforward — especially with modern wireless addressable options.
As effective as they are in certain circumstances, conventional fire alarms are no longer provide an appropriate level of safety for care homes and homes of multiple occupancy (HMOs).
Addressable fire alarms are now regarded as being essential for these types of property, to ensure the well-being of everyone in occupation.
Why conventional fire systems are no longer enough
It’s not just us saying it – UK fire alarm regulations, specifically BS 5839-1:2025 standard, stipulate that business and building owners must ensure that they have appropriate fire detection and alarm systems in place, based on the fire risk assessments which have been carried out.
For those with responsibility for these more extensive, multi-occupancy properties, they must ensure that the fire alarm system complies with these latest standards. If not, the property will be in breach of UK fire safety regulations. In order to comply, it is essential to have an addressable fire alarm system.
So, if you run a care home of any description (residential, nursing, sheltered or warden assisted) and it is currently fitted with a conventional fire alarm, then it’s now time for an upgrade to an addressable system.
What is an addressable fire alarm?
Put simply, an addressable fire alarm makes it much easier to pinpoint exactly where a fire alarm activation has occurred. This is because each detector on the system can be uniquely identified on the control panel, e.g., ground floor storage cupboard. Armed with this information, the person responsible for fire safety in the property or the emergency services, can isolate or reach the precise location where the activation has occurred.
Conventional fire alarms don’t provide such detailed information on the control panel. For example, it might indicate that a detector has been activated on the first floor or on a stair well, but it wouldn’t be more specific, necessitating a wider, more time-consuming search of the whole fire zone, in order to locate exactly where the fire or smoke event has occurred.
In contrast, addressable fire alarms can instantly establish where the emergency has arisen, potentially providing a life-saving advantage.
Conventional fire alarms still have a role but are best suited to smaller properties.
Are addressable fire alarms wired or wireless?
They can be both. However, depending on your preference and the configuration of the building, it may be more practical – and less intrusive – to have a wireless addressable system installed.
Are addressable fire alarms more expensive than conventional fire alarms?
Conventional fire alarms used to be a lot cheaper than their addressable counterparts, although with diminishing technology costs, the price differential between the two has been dramatically reduced.
Understanding your fire system
As with all types of commercial fire alarm, however, it’s vitally important that staff are properly trained, so that they have confidence to operate the addressable fire alarm system.
Being familiar with the way the system operates is essential. This is why regular fire safety practice, in the form of a weekly fire alarm test, is essential – not only to check that the equipment is correctly functioning but also to ensure that staff are familiarised with the procedure. Furthermore, do they know what to do in the event of an evacuation?
Is it easy to upgrade a conventional fire alarm to an addressable fire alarm?
Whilst there may be challenges removing an older wired fire alarm system, often the best option is to replace what’s there and start afresh with a wireless addressable system, which will be quicker and far less disruptive to install. We can offer the most practical solution for your premises.
System maintenance
If you operate a residential care home, nursing home or assisted and sheltered living accommodation, you have a duty of care to ensure that the fire alarm system is properly maintained. Are regular inspections of the equipment carried out and by whom? If the fire authorities visited the premises, would you be comfortable that the system was in order and that it would pass an inspection?
In summary
Whilst it can sound daunting keeping up to speed with the latest fire safety regulations, rest assured, if you are unsure about the efficacy of your current system, Justice Fire and Security can guide you through the whole process.
We have been installing, monitoring and maintaining addressable fire alarm systems for care homes and other types of HMO for many years. If your equipment is in need of an upgrade or a complete overhaul, or you are starting from scratch, we are ideally placed to assist you every step of the way with the installation of a modern, fit-for-purpose addressable fire alarm.
Fire System Installation in Birmingham and Beyond
To find out more about our high-quality range of addressable fire alarms, call us today on 0345 468 0927.
