With technology becoming more and more advanced, fire alarm systems have also started becoming wireless. Using radio frequencies they can communicate effectively with various fire protection equipment including heat detectors, smoke detectors, sounders, and call points. 

Many residential communities, as well as commercial buildings, are replacing their old fire protection systems with new wireless fire alarm systems. That said not all kinds of buildings may benefit from wireless fire alarm systems. 

Like the other types of fire protection systems that you can find on aspirationsanlæg, wireless fire alarms also have their set of pros and cons. Here are a few advantages and disadvantages for you to consider before installing a wireless fire alarm system in your building:

Advantages of wireless fire alarm systems

Ease of installation

While hardwired fire alarm systems take weeks or even months to be installed, wireless alarm systems can be easily installed anywhere within a span of about 30 minutes. All that you need is a couple of screws, nuts, and bolts, and you can go about your business without any interruptions. These are ideal for construction sites and building complexes where the laying of cable might seem impractical.

Cost-effective

You get to save a lot of money on cabling and labor by opting for a wireless fire alarm system. In the long run you can also save on your electricity bills since these systems work mainly on batteries.

Flexible

Whether you need to update the layout of your building or move to another building altogether, wireless fire alarms can make your job a whole lot easier. You can move them around as you require without worrying about laying or removing any cables. 

Reliable

Wireless fire alarms are more reliable than their traditional counterparts as they don’t have to be connected to a power grid. Even if there is a blackout you will easily be able to detect and control fire with the help of a wireless alarm system. 

Disadvantages of wireless fire alarm systems

Batteries need to be replaced frequently

Since wireless fire alarms systems run on batteries, you need to have adequate stock of batteries with you. You will have to monitor these batteries and replace them whenever required so that there are no breaks in the functioning of the system.

Range restrictions

Since wireless fire alarms use radio frequencies to communicate with fire protection equipment, they come with certain range restrictions. If you have a large area to cover, you might have to invest in many wireless devices.

Not all wireless fire alarms are monitored

Although a few wireless fire alarms do come with a dialing system, they don’t have monitoring systems that can notify the fire department automatically upon the detection of a fire. Based on the audible alert that they provide, you will have to make the call to the fire department by yourself.

Wireless fire alarm systems do offer many advantages when compared to wired systems. But make sure you also consider the cons and weigh them against the advantages before deciding on the right fire alarm system.