Types of Fire Detection Systems For Commercial Properties

February 28th, 2025

Last updated: February 28th, 2025

Fire safety is a crucial aspect of running a commercial property. No business can ignore its responsibilities, and the same applies to all business types including offices, retail stores, warehouses, or industrial sites, having the right fire detection system in place is a legal requirement and an essential step in protecting people and property. There are various types of fire detection systems available, each suited to different environments and levels of risk.

The right choice depends on the size of the premises, the nature of the business, and the level of fire risk present. This is why businesses need to undertake fire risk assessments and establish the right steps for their customers and employees.

Types of Fire Detection Systems

Let’s delve into some of the fire detection system types and what they offer for businesses. Some are suitable for bigger buildings while some are more suitable for small buildings.

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are one of the most widely used fire detection systems in commercial buildings. They work by sensing smoke particles in the air, triggering an alarm when levels reach a dangerous threshold. There are two main types of smoke detectors:

• Ionisation Smoke Detectors – These are highly sensitive to fast-burning fires that produce minimal smoke. They contain a small radioactive source that detects tiny smoke particles, making them effective for areas where fires could spread rapidly, such as offices and storage rooms.
• Optical (Photoelectric) Smoke Detectors – These use a light beam to detect smoke, responding more effectively to slow-burning, smouldering fires. They are commonly used in areas like corridors, where smoke is more likely to build up gradually.

Smoke detectors are a requirement in many commercial settings under UK fire safety regulations, with placement determined by risk assessments.

Heat Detectors

Unlike smoke detectors, heat detectors respond to significant increases in temperature rather than airborne particles. They are often used in areas where smoke or dust may be present in normal conditions, such as commercial kitchens, garages, and workshops.

• Fixed Temperature Heat Detectors – These activate when the surrounding temperature reaches a pre-set level.
• Rate-of-Rise Heat Detectors – These respond to rapid increases in temperature, even if they don’t reach a specific threshold.

Heat detectors are useful in environments where false alarms from smoke or steam need to be avoided, while still providing reliable fire detection.

Flame Detectors

Flame detectors are more advanced fire detection systems that use infrared or ultraviolet technology to sense flames directly. They are commonly used in high-risk industrial sites, chemical plants, and fuel storage facilities where fires can ignite suddenly and spread quickly.

These detectors offer rapid response times and are highly effective in environments with combustible materials. However, they tend to be more expensive than standard smoke or heat detectors and are not typically required in lower-risk commercial properties.

Aspirating Smoke Detection Systems (ASD)

For buildings that require early fire detection, aspirating smoke detectors are an excellent choice. These systems continuously sample air through a network of pipes and can detect even the smallest traces of smoke, often before it is visible.

ASD systems are commonly used in environments where traditional smoke detectors may not be reliable

Multi-Sensor Detectors

Many modern commercial buildings opt for multi-sensor fire detectors, which combine smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide detection in a single unit. These devices reduce false alarms by analysing multiple factors before triggering an alert, making them particularly useful in public buildings where unnecessary evacuations can be disruptive.

By using multiple sensors, these systems offer a more reliable and comprehensive approach to fire detection, ensuring that genuine threats are identified while preventing false activations caused by steam, dust, or cooking fumes.

Fire Detection Regulations and Business Responsibilities

Fire safety laws for commercial buildings fall under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This legislation requires businesses to carry out fire risk assessments, install appropriate fire detection systems, and maintain them regularly to ensure they remain in good working order.

Some key responsibilities for commercial property owners include:

• Carrying out a fire risk assessment – This helps determine the level of fire risk in a building and what measures need to be in place.
• Installing suitable fire detection systems – The type and number of detectors required depend on the building’s layout, occupancy, and potential fire hazards.
• Regular maintenance and testing – Fire alarms and detectors must be checked routinely to ensure they function correctly. In many cases, weekly tests and annual inspections are recommended.
• Providing fire safety training – Staff and occupants should be familiar with fire evacuation procedures and how to respond in an emergency.

Get In Touch

Trust Robinsons Facilities Services to keep your fire detection systems compliant and effective, so you can focus on what you do best—running your business.

Contact us today on 01423 226578 or send us an enquiry—we’re looking forward to hearing from you.