Types of Fire Alarm Systems Used in Ireland

Irish workplaces use a variety of fire alarm systems, depending on building size, layout, risk level, and regulations. While the technical details are usually handled by fire alarm engineers, it is useful for managers and staff to understand the basic system types in use.

This guide explains the main categories of fire alarm systems you are likely to encounter in Ireland, in simple, non-technical terms.

Conventional Fire Alarm Systems

Conventional systems are commonly used in smaller buildings or those with relatively simple layouts. In a conventional system:

• The building is divided into zones.
• Each zone is wired to the fire alarm panel as a separate circuit.
• Detectors and call points in the same zone share the same circuit.
• When an alarm occurs, the panel shows which zone is affected, but not the exact device.

This type of system is often found in small offices, shops, and straightforward layouts where identifying the zone is sufficient for evacuation and investigation.

Addressable Fire Alarm Systems

Addressable systems are more advanced and are used in larger or more complex buildings, such as hospitals, government buildings, and large commercial premises. In an addressable system:

• Each detector and call point has a unique address.
• The panel can display the exact device and location that has activated.
• More detailed information and control options are available.

Addressable systems offer greater flexibility and diagnostic information, making them ideal for high-occupancy or high-risk environments.

Wireless Fire Alarm Systems

In some cases, wireless fire alarm systems are used, especially where it is difficult or disruptive to run cables. These systems use radio signals between devices and the control panel, while still complying with fire safety standards.

Wireless systems are often used in historic buildings, temporary structures, or areas where cabling would be impractical.

Hybrid Systems

Some installations use a combination of wired and wireless devices, known as hybrid systems. This allows flexibility where some parts of the building can accommodate cabling and others cannot.

Typical Fire Alarm Equipment

Regardless of system type, most fire alarm systems include:

• Fire alarm panel: The central control unit.
• Detectors: Smoke, heat, or multi-sensor detectors.
• Manual call points: Break-glass units for manual activation.
• Sounders and beacons: Audible and visual alarms.
• Power supply and batteries: To keep the system running during mains failures.

Why Staff Don’t Need to Be Technical Experts

While engineers design and maintain the system, staff still need to:

• Understand basic system behaviour
• Interpret alarms and faults on the panel
• Follow correct procedures during activations
• Know when to escalate issues

You do not need to know how to wire or program the system, but you do need to know how to operate it safely.

Learn How to Operate Fire Alarm Systems

Our fire alarm training course focuses on practical operation rather than technical design. It explains how typical systems used in Ireland behave during alarms and faults, and what staff should do in different situations.

Learn more about our Fire Alarm Training for Irish workplaces