Addressable systems
Each device reports its own location to the panel, so a fault or an alarm is pinpointed to a single device rather than a whole zone. Suited to larger buildings, multi-storey premises and sites where fast identification matters.
Service 01
Commercial Fire Detection & Alarm Systems
ADS Group designs, installs, commissions, certifies and maintains commercial fire detection and alarm systems to I.S. 3218. We cover conventional, addressable and wireless systems, from a single-zone retail unit to multi-loop networked systems across a campus, and we can take over a system installed by another contractor.
Who this service is for
- Building owners and landlords responsible for a commercial or industrial property
- Facilities and property managers maintaining occupied buildings
- Management companies responsible for common areas in apartment developments
- Main contractors fitting out new or refurbished commercial premises
- Organisations taking over a site with an existing system of unknown condition
Systems and options available
Conventional systems
Devices are wired in zones and the panel indicates the zone in alarm. A practical choice for smaller, simpler premises with a straightforward layout.
Wireless and hybrid systems
Radio-linked detection where cabling is difficult or intrusive, such as heritage buildings, occupied premises and phased works. Hybrid designs combine wired loops with wireless spurs.
Networked and multi-panel systems
Panels networked across buildings or floors with a common cause and effect strategy, graphics and repeat panels for larger estates and campuses.
Cause and effect programming
Programmed responses linking detection to sounders, door releases, plant shutdown, lift homing and interfaces with other building systems, agreed in writing before commissioning.
How a project runs, survey to handover
- 01
Site survey
An engineer walks the building, records the layout, occupancy and risk areas, and reviews any existing system and its documentation.
- 02
Design
A system design is prepared in accordance with I.S. 3218, setting out the category of system, detector types and positions, zoning and the cause and effect strategy.
- 03
Installation
Installation is programmed around your operation, including out-of-hours and phased working where the building stays occupied.
- 04
Commissioning
Every device is tested, the cause and effect is proven, and the system is handed over with the associated certification and as-fitted documentation.
- 05
Handover and training
The responsible person is walked through panel operation, silencing and resetting, weekly testing and the log book.
Servicing and maintenance
- Scheduled service visits programmed across the year so the system is serviced in line with I.S. 3218
- Device testing on a rotating basis so all detection is covered over the service cycle
- Panel, battery, sounder and interface checks at each visit
- Fault reporting with a written record of anything found and what is required to resolve it
- 24/7 emergency callout included on maintenance contracts
- Takeover of systems installed by other contractors following an initial inspection
Servicing for this system can sit inside a single fire and security maintenance contract covering every system in the building.
Applicable standards
- I.S. 3218
- The Irish Standard for fire detection and alarm systems for buildings, covering system design, installation, commissioning, servicing and maintenance. Systems are certified against the standard by a competent person.
- Building Regulations Part B
- Sets out fire safety requirements for buildings in Ireland, including means of escape and fire detection provisions.
Certification and reporting
- Certification issued following installation and commissioning
- Service and inspection records issued after each visit
- Annual certification for systems under a maintenance agreement
- A written record of any non-conformances, with the remedial works needed to close them out
More background on the Irish standards is set out in our fire safety compliance guide for Irish buildings.
Why ADS Group
ADS Group has worked in fire and life safety since 2003 and currently holds over 1,300 active maintenance contracts across Ireland and the UK. We are a PSA licensed security contractor and fire safety specialist, so fire and security systems can be designed, installed and serviced by one accountable contractor.
Sectors where we deliver this work
Frequently asked questions
- How often should a commercial fire alarm system be serviced?
- I.S. 3218 sets out a routine servicing regime carried out by a competent person, typically quarterly, alongside weekly testing by the building's own responsible person. ADS Group schedules the service visits and issues the records.
- What is the difference between conventional and addressable fire alarms?
- A conventional system tells you which zone is in alarm. An addressable system tells you which individual device is in alarm, so the source is located faster. Addressable systems are usual in larger or multi-storey buildings.
- Can wireless fire alarm systems be used in commercial buildings?
- Yes. Wireless and hybrid systems are used where cabling is impractical or intrusive, such as heritage buildings and occupied premises. They are designed and certified to the same standard as wired systems.
- Can ADS Group maintain a fire alarm installed by another contractor?
- Yes. We carry out an initial inspection of the existing system, report on its condition and any non-conformances, then bring it onto a maintenance agreement.
- What happens during a fire alarm site survey?
- An engineer assesses the building layout, occupancy and risk areas, reviews any existing system and documentation, and returns a written report with a scope of works. There is no obligation to proceed.
Request a survey for your building
An engineer assesses the site, reviews the existing systems and documentation, and returns a written scope of works.
Request a Survey