Installing fire alarms requires certain considerations. They are crucial safety devices that can save lives and property in the event of a fire, and proper installation is essential.
Read further to learn the key factors to consider before installing fire alarms for your building in Malaysia.
Does Your Building Require a Fire Alarm System?
One of the first steps in fire safety is determining whether your building requires a fire alarm system.
| Type of Buildings | Size of Areas |
| Workshop, Lab, Library, Hall | More than 500m2 per floor |
| Hospital or Nursing Home | More than 751m2 per floor |
| Hotel | Exceed than 50 rooms and 1 block |
| Hostel, Dormitory | More than 3-5 storeys |
| Apartment, Flat, Service Apartment | More than 6 to 40 storeys and above 120 metres in height |
| Office | Exceeding 5 storeys and above 1000m2 |
| Shop | Exceed than 750m2 |
| Factory | Exceed than 750m2 2-storey factories require fire alarm systems if the size area is less than 500m2 per floor |
| Convention centre, Theatre, Cinema, Airport, Terminal Station | Exceed 1000m2 |
| Warehouse & Carpark | 2-storey and above Exceeding 750m2 (Carpark) Exceeding 1000m2 (Warehouse) |
Source: Tenth Schedule of Uniform Building By-Laws 1984. (Amendment 2021)
Various factors influence whether your building needs a fire alarm system, including its size, occupancy type, and the activities conducted within it.
For instance, buildings with high occupancy are often required by law to have a fire alarm system installed. For example:
- hotels
- office spaces
- commercial complexes
Similarly, buildings that house vulnerable populations, like hospitals and schools, also fall under stringent regulations.
Another important consideration before installing a fire alarm system is the layout of the building.
For commercial premises, it’s essential to divide the building into zones. This zoning approach ensures the system can target specific areas and trigger the alarm whenever smoke or fire is detected within those zones.
Aim for comprehensive coverage of the entire building to avoid blind spots, as these could delay fire detection.
In short, understanding these requirements can help you stay compliant with local building codes and ensure occupants’ safety.
Essential Components of a Fire Alarm System
Credit Image: Palcon Intern and Our Supplier
A fire alarm system is a complex network of devices that work together to detect and alert occupants of a fire.
Knowing the essential components of a fire alarm system is crucial for ensuring its proper installation and maintenance.
The primary components include smoke detectors, which sense the presence of smoke particles in the air; heat detectors, which respond to a rapid increase in temperature; and manual call points, which allow a manual triggering of the alarm in case of an emergency.
These devices communicate with the control panel, the brain of the system, which processes signals and activates alarms to alert occupants.
Another key component is the notification appliances, such as sirens, bells, and strobe lights, that provide audible and visual alerts to everyone in the building.
In some cases, the system may also be connected to a monitoring service, ensuring that emergency services are automatically notified when an alarm is triggered.
Learn More: Fire Alarm Inspection Malaysia: An Essential Checklist
Fire Alarm Parts You Must Not Overlook
A fire alarm system operates 24/7 to protect occupants from unexpected fires, making it a crucial safety feature in any building.
However, like all mechanical and electronic systems, the components of a fire alarm system can experience wear and tear over time.
This natural degradation can lead to faults that compromise the system’s ability to function properly in an emergency. Regular maintenance is, therefore, essential to keep the system in top working order.
To ensure the continuous reliability of your fire alarm system, performing quarterly inspections is recommended. These inspections help identify any issues early on, allowing for timely repairs or replacements.
During these inspections, there are several key components you must never overlook:
1. Alarm Bell
The alarm bell is a primary alert mechanism that signals occupants to evacuate the building when a fire is detected. If the bell malfunctions, it could delay evacuation, putting lives at risk.
2. Break Glass Units
These manual devices allow occupants to trigger the alarm by breaking the glass in case they notice a fire before the automatic detectors do.
Ensuring that break glass units are in good condition is critical, as they provide a quick and reliable way to initiate an alarm.
3. Fire Detectors (Smoke, Heat, Multisensor)
Fire detectors, including smoke detectors, heat detectors, and multisensor devices, are the first line of defence in detecting a fire.
Over time, dust, debris, or environmental factors can reduce their sensitivity. Regular testing and cleaning of these detectors are vital to ensure they respond accurately to signs of a fire.
While these components might seem small, they play a significant role in a building’s overall safety. Neglecting them could lead to disastrous consequences in an emergency.
Design Guideline for Fire Alarm System
1. Manual Call Point
Manual call points are essential components that allow individuals to manually trigger the fire alarm in case of an emergency.
These should be strategically placed along exit routes, particularly near stairways and exits leading to open air.
To ensure that everyone on the premises can raise an alarm quickly, the travel distance to a manual call point must not be more than 30 metres.
Additionally, these call points should be mounted at a height of 1.4 metres, making them easily accessible and free from obstructions.
2. Fire Detectors
a) Heat Detectors
Heat detectors are sensitive to temperature changes. They should be placed so that no point in the protected area is more than 5.3 metres away from the nearest detector.
To maintain their effectiveness, these detectors should be installed at a distance of at least 25mm but not more than 150mm below the ceiling or roof.
This placement ensures that the detector’s sensitive elements are positioned correctly to respond to rising heat.
b) Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors, whose primary function is to detect the presence of smoke particles, should be installed so that the horizontal distance from any point in the area to the nearest detector does not exceed 7.5 metres.
For optimal performance, smoke detectors should be situated no less than 25mm and no more than 600mm below the ceiling or roof. This allows them to detect smoke effectively while avoiding areas where airflow might be obstructed.
Learn More: Fire Alarm Monitoring System: Keep Your Building Safe
Regulations and Standards
In Malaysia, fire safety regulations are governed by the Fire Services Act 1988 and the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984. These laws mandate the installation of fire alarms in certain types of buildings, particularly commercial and high-rise residential structures.
It’s crucial to check with local authorities or a fire safety professional to ensure compliance with current regulations before installing fire alarms.
For residential properties, while specific requirements may vary, it’s generally recommended to have at least one alarm on each floor and in every bedroom.
As for commercial properties, the requirements are more stringent and may include advanced fire detection systems.
In addition, ensure that any alarms you purchase comply with recognised standards such as MS 1539 or equivalent international standards like EN 14604.
Look also for the SIRIM certification mark, which indicates that the product meets Malaysian quality and safety standards.
Learn More: How to Perform Fire Alarm System Maintenance For Your Workplace
Beyond DIY: Professional Fire Safety Support from Palcon
When it comes to implementing a comprehensive fire safety solution, Palcon can be an invaluable partner.
Our team of experts can ensure your fire alarm system complies with all local regulations and is optimised for your specific property.
Contact us today for peace of mind in the face of potential fire hazards when it comes to installing fire alarms.
