Edmonton Fire Alarm Systems

Health and safety are two words that are kept top of mind in most commercial operations. When you own a commercial building, you are responsible for ensuring your facility is held up to code. Keeping your commercial space up to the commercial building codes helps protect the valuable contents, including merchandise, hardware, data, equipment, and the building itself. You’re also responsible for maintaining the proper fire alarm systems and signage to keep everyone inside safe and protected, including the tenants, employees, customers, visitors, and the general public.

Fire safety is a serious matter. Commercial owners need to follow every country and region with different building and safety codes. That does not mean that you need to memorize these codes as the owner; this is where commercial electricians step in. Hiring a commercial electrician to install, maintain, and inspect your electrical systems is in everyone’s best interest. At Polar Electric Contracting, we offer certified installation, maintenance, and inspections of commercial fire alarm systems and signage that adhere to Alberta’s building and safety codes. Meeting the provincial regulations gives you peace of mind and helps you keep your insurance costs low.

Polar Electric
Alberta Certified Electricians – Licensed & Insured
Edmonton Commercial Fire Alarm System Services
Leduc & Area
587-985-6403
10+ Years Experience
A+ Rating on Better Business Bureau

Who Can Install a Commercial Fire Alarm System?

When it comes to your private residence, you can easily install your own smoke detectors by visiting your local hardware store and purchasing a set. You might want to hire a professional electrician if you want to install a pack of smoke detectors that are hardwired into your electrical system. But many people still choose battery-operated devices because they are simple to install and help protect you and your household in the event of a fire.

If you’re upgrading your commercial space, installing a new fire alarm system might be one of your top considerations. When it comes to commercial building settings, the fire alarm systems are far more complex, and for good reason. Regardless of the size or levels involved, protecting a commercial building requires careful planning and professional installation for accuracy and to match building codes. A qualified commercial electrician is required to complete the job legally and successfully.

The Purpose of Commercial Fire Codes

Commercial building and fire codes are essential tools that help protect public safety. Canada established its first National Building Code encompassing fire safety measures in 1941. Alberta adopted the same code soon after and has continued to make modifications that best suit our province since then. Commercial electricians must stay informed on any updates or changes made to the provincial building code to ensure all work inspected and installed meets the requirements.

What Is a Commercial Fire Alarm System?

Commercial fire alarm systems are more than smoke detectors and alarms; they can vary in scope and function based on the commercial building’s size, design, and purpose. The electricians at Polar Electric consider several factors when planning out the installation of a commercial fire alarm system. These parameters will include the size and structure of the building, the number of floors involved, and the type of business. An effective fire alarm system will provide complete monitoring of your commercial space with 24-hour protection.

Commercial Fire Alarms

In most cases, commercial fire alarms are wired directly into the building’s electrical system. A commercial electrician will plan the best locations to install the alarms to ensure every corner of the facility is covered. Fire alarms are positioned in relation to the building’s sprinkler system, visual signals, and safety signage. Small commercial spaces are more likely to install basic alarm systems that include smoke detectors and pull-down alarms that require manual operation. These manual systems are called non-addressable fire systems. Larger buildings are more likely to have addressable fire alarm systems, including a fire alarm panel to help monitor and respond to the system.

Fire Alarm Control Panel

The fire alarm control panel (FACP) is the primary touchpoint for responding to a fire emergency with an addressable fire system. The FACP allows the user to pinpoint the location of the alarm and investigate the nature of the emergency. Sophisticated systems may have a protocol to disable the alarm in the event of a false alarm. Other systems will automatically contact the fire department for a response. If you’re unsure which system is ideal for your commercial space, contact our electricians; we’re happy to answer your questions.

Visual Fire Signals

Fire alarms should have a visual component to protect individuals with hearing impairment or compensate for noise levels inside the commercial space. The most common visual fire signals are flashing lights that are triggered by the alarm. The colour of the flashing light will depend on the setting. The colour of the light for the fire signal must accommodate the possibility of workers wearing colour-distorting eyewear.

Emergency Signage

In addition to alarms and visual signals, another component of a commercial fire system is emergency signage. Clear signs that lead to escape routes, stairwells, and outdoor exits are essential for any commercial building, whether an office building or a factory.

Sprinkler Systems

Many commercial spaces require an automatic sprinkler system to be installed that is triggered by an electrical response linked to a smoke or heat detector. Whether or not your building needs the sprinkler system will depend on the type of building you own. A qualified commercial electrician can assess your property and advise whether the building code mandates a sprinkler system or not. They can then install these systems for you if you need one.

Commercial Fire Alarm Monitoring and Inspections

Once your fire alarm system is installed and up to code, you also need to ensure that it functions properly. Qualified electricians’ annual fire alarm system inspections are the only way to ensure that you are fully protected. Contact Polar Electric Contracting if you need a professional inspection for your fire alarm system or electrical system.

Commercial Fire Alarm System Installation in Edmonton

Are you ready to install or upgrade your commercial fire alarm system? Give us a call so our team can get to work installing, inspecting, or upgrading your electrical safety system today.

Polar Electric
Alberta Certified Electricians – Licensed & Insured
Leduc Commercial Fire Alarm System Services
Edmonton & Area
587-985-6403
10+ Years Experience
A+ Rating on Better Business Bureau