We know from experience how choosing the correct fire system for your organisation can be a bit of a minefield, from knowing why you need one to which category of system is required and choosing a quality and reliable company to fit it.
Why do I need a new System?
You will need to determine why you need a new system. Is it an insurance requirement? Or maybe the fire brigade has told you to get one? It could also be a new building or a system upgrade.
Fire Alarm Categories
There are many types of fire alarm systems, each suited to different building types and building applications. Your fire risk assessment will state which category standard your fire alarm system should be fitted to.
Below is a brief description of the category types:
Category M systems are Manual.
Category “M” system 
M systems consist of manual call points and therefore incorporate no automatic detection. They rely on the occupants of the building to discover the fire and activate the system.
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Category L systems are for the protection of life.
Category “L1” system
L1 systems include manual detection at defined positions and automatic detection in all areas of the protected premises.
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Category “L2” system
L2 systems include manual detection at defined positions and automatic detection in all escape routes, rooms which open onto escape routes and high risk or fire hazard areas of the protected premises.
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Category “L3” system
L3 systems include manual detection at defined positions and automatic detection in all escape routes and rooms which open onto escape routes of the protected premises.
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Category “L4” system
L4 systems include manual detection at defined positions and automatic detection in all escape routes of the protected premises.
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Category “L5” system
L5 systems have manual detection at defined positions and automatic detection in areas designed to satisfy a specific fire risk.
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Category P systems are for the protection of property.
Category “P1” 
P1 systems include automatic fire detection fitted in all areas of the building.
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Category “P2” 
P2 include automatic fire detection fitted in defined areas of the building, where there is a high risk of fire or where disruption must be minimised.
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X/M Category
MCPs added to L5, P1 + P2 creates a X/M Category
Who Should I use to fit my system?
Selecting the right company to design, install and maintain your fire systems is an extremely important decision and one that should not be taken lightly.
Choosing the right fire alarm contractor can make the whole process go smoothly, efficiently and with the least amount of disruption to your business.
When choosing the right company, you should consider using someone who is registered by “British Approvals of Fire Equipment” (BAFE) accredited.
BAFE registered companies are inspected every 6 months to determine that they are maintaining and installing fire systems to the recognised standard. By choosing a BAFE registered company you are covered legally if anything goes wrong because you will be able to prove that you considered competence.
