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A fire alarm system detects fire at an early stage and gives people precious minutes to react and evacuate. Early warning saves lives and limits damage to property and operations.

In many buildings it is also a legal requirement — but beyond that, it is simply one of the best investments you can make in people's safety.

The system consists of a fire control panel (the brain), sensors (smoke, heat or both), manual call points, and warning devices — sounders and beacons. Controls are often added to close doors, start smoke ventilation or forward the signal.

All equipment should meet the relevant EN 54 standards.

It depends on the size, type and use of the building — and which regulation applied when it was built. The requirement is most common in assembly buildings, hotels and guest houses, schools and nurseries, shops, offices and industrial or storage premises.

The best approach is an assessment: we review what applies to your building.

The main sources are Building Regulation no. 112/2012 (Part 9 on fire protection and section 9.4 on safety equipment), the rules for automatic fire alarm systems, and the EN 54 standards for the equipment itself. Installation and service are governed by Regulation no. 1067/2011 on fire protection service providers.

Design, installation and maintenance should follow the guidance of the Housing and Construction Authority (HMS).

Because rules change. A building follows the building regulation that was in force when it was built or last altered — an older building is not automatically required to update to the latest rules.

When a building is significantly altered, its use changes (for example a home becomes a guest house) or the fire authority raises an issue, newer requirements can apply. That is why we assess each building individually.

Installation and service of fire alarm systems is carried out by licensed electrical contractors and accredited fire protection service providers. A service provider needs a licence from HMS and technicians need approved training, per Regulation no. 1067/2011.

Volt is an accredited service provider, accredited by the Icelandic Housing and Construction Authority.

Yes. A service agreement for regular inspection should be in place for every fire alarm system. Regular inspection ensures the system works when it matters and keeps warranty and certification valid.

Volt runs many such service agreements for companies and institutions.

We check the control panel, sensors, call points and warning devices, test batteries and power supplies, review the event log and fix any faults. An inspection report is produced after every inspection.

The report confirms the system is in order — and is useful for insurers and inspectors.

The owner or operator is responsible for keeping the system operational, ensuring regular inspections take place and responding to faults and alarms. Simple routine self-checks between professional inspections also matter.

We advise on what needs doing and how often.

In a conventional system the building is divided into zones (lines) and the panel indicates which zone is in alarm. In an addressable system each sensor has its own address, so the panel points to exactly which sensor or call point activated.

Addressable systems speed up response, reduce false alarms and suit larger, more complex buildings. Conventional systems are simple and cost-effective in smaller premises.

Wireless systems are ideal where cabling routes are difficult or undesirable — in listed and historic buildings, or where operations cannot stop. Installation is quick with minimal disruption, and the same safety as wired systems.

An aspirating system draws air from the space through pipes and detects smoke at a very early stage — often long before conventional detectors react. It suits data centres, warehouses and other sensitive or high-ceiling spaces.

Emergency lighting switches on automatically when the power fails and illuminates escape routes so the building can be evacuated safely. Under the building regulation (section 9.4.12) it must, among other things, stay lit for at least 60 minutes and reach a set light level on escape routes and stairs.

It is generally required in schools and nurseries, assembly buildings, shops, offices, hotels and industrial or storage premises — the detail depends on the type and age of the building.

Universal design means buildings are designed so everyone can use them, including people with reduced mobility, without special adaptation. In fire safety it means ensuring everyone can get out — or to a safe place — and can call for assistance.

That is why refuge points for people with reduced mobility (disabled refuge) and emergency voice communication (EVC) are part of the solution in larger buildings.

Voice alarm systems guide people with clear spoken messages instead of a simple siren, supporting an organised evacuation. Emergency voice communication (EVC) systems ensure reliable communication between refuge points, the control station and the fire brigade.

This matters especially in large or crowded buildings and is part of universal design.

For hospitality and entertainment venues the fire brigade assesses the venue's fire safety and sets the permitted maximum number of guests. What matters is a working fire alarm, emergency lighting, clearly marked and unobstructed escape routes, and keeping to the maximum guest number.

This is governed among others by Regulation no. 1277/2016 on restaurants, accommodation and entertainment, in addition to the building regulation. We help meet the requirements and prepare for inspection.

False alarms are often caused by dust, steam, cooking, the wrong choice or placement of a sensor, or outdated equipment. They undermine trust in the system and can be costly.

The right sensor in the right place, regular maintenance and modern equipment (such as multi-sensors) reduce false alarms significantly.

Escape plans show people simply where they are and how to get out, posted in prominent locations. Overview drawings (for the fire brigade and operators) show the layout of the system and the location of equipment.

Both make safe evacuation and response easier and are often part of the requirements.