Choosing the Go-to Fire System for Smaller Businesses

Businesses in Europe need to ensure they comply with fire alarm regulations. But for smaller businesses which don’t require multi-panel systems and sophisticated programming, what are the options? Vladimir Zrnic, European Sales Manager at Advanced, explains.

An appropriate fire protection system is essential for any business to ensure that occupants are kept safe in the event of a fire. However, not all businesses are the same. While large business sites might need complex multi-loop networked fire panels with a high number of detectors, smaller and medium-sized businesses, such as coffee shops, healthcare clinics, small offices, bars, and restaurants might have far more straightforward requirements with simpler alarm solutions needing fewer detectors. Plus, when it comes to choosing a fire alarm, smaller businesses generally look for systems offering value for money, reliability, performance, quality, and a raft of benefits, but don’t want to invest in solutions that aren’t targeted at their needs. For instance, in a small coffee shop if a fire occurs the shop will be instantly evacuated so there is no need for a sophisticated multi-loop fire system that allows a phased evacuation, which would be necessary in a hospital.

With small-site budgets in mind, cost efficiencies have been central to the development of Advanced’s AxisGo, the new generation, single-loop fire alarm control panel which gives access to Advanced’s Axis EN premium features, including performance, quality, and ease of use but in a simpler, non-networkable format for complete fire protection peace of mind. For instance, one cost-saving innovation is that Go has 15 zonal LEDs for clearer visual indication without the need for a separate LED zone card, so no extra cost. Developed for smaller locations while still offering flexible and powerful protection, AxisGo provides complete freedom to quickly and easily design the perfect wired or wireless solution for any standalone site. But what other factors should small businesses look for in a fire alarm system?

Installation

Time is money so, choosing fire systems that are easy and fast to fit minimises costly, inconvenient downtime, which is good for engineers, and good for customers.

Built-in features that make a fire system a breeze to install, configure and use are therefore a must. For example, AxisGo is engineered with state-of-the-art microprocessor technology making it faster to operate and configure. AxisGo also features an easy-fit chassis and innovative door hinge for quick removal and easier installation, while familiar Advanced controls and menus mean there’s no lengthy learning curve for engineers. Plus, a new, intuitive configuration tool makes setup quicker and easier than ever, and a powerful design checker proves the system will work, even before visiting the site. Systems offering wireless detection can speed up installation even further. And if you do need support, Advanced’s highly-rated technical services team has your back with advice, tips, and training.

Capacity & compatibility

When selecting a fire system, it is important to choose one that suits the business site, especially for small businesses which require a simpler addressable fire panel with fewer addresses. That is why Advanced’s AxisGo comes with a choice of two loop sizes, so businesses only buy the size they need. The AxisGo comes with 50 addresses and the AxisGo+ offers up to 240 addresses if greater capacity is needed.

Selecting a fire system that offers a wide choice of devices is also key for greater design and maintenance freedom, plus wired, wireless, and hybrid versatility. For instance, the AxisGo is compatible with a versatile range of Axis EN devices, allowing flexibility for engineers.

Reliability

Once a fire system is installed, smaller businesses don’t want problems with it which could cause business closures, while engineers don’t want callbacks since these can be inconvenient and damage a business’s reputation. It can also add to engineers’ costs when they receive repeated callbacks. Therefore, it’s wise to choose a product from a leading manufacturer known for its reliability and good reputation, like Advanced.

Other ways to help avoid costly callbacks include choosing an EN-compliant fire panel, such as the AxisGo, which features a wide range of cause-and-effect programming to suit each site, as well as enhanced diagnostics for fewer faults, faster fixes, and better long-term performance. AxisGo also comes with AlarmCalm false alarm management as standard, delivering unprecedented control of alarm verification and investigation, ideal for avoiding unwanted alarms and out-of-hours callbacks.

Powerful, flexible service reporting is also vital to provide reliability. For example, the AxisGo brings full access to all of the features and benefits of Advanced’s established popular ServiceTool. This means by connecting a PC to the fire panel using a USB cable, engineers will be able to download service reports, inspect device history, keep track of service schedules, and demonstrate proof of servicing. So, it is a win, a win for ensuring ongoing reliability.

Future-ready

Ensuring the system you choose today is capable of reliable protection over the long term avoids the need for early upgrades and the cost and disruption that come with them.

Fire panels like the AxisGo feature the latest state-of-the-art microprocessor technology for performance and longevity. Operating at lightning speed, engineers can rapidly fit and check the equipment and then move to their next job, confident that people and property are safely protected from fire.

So, small and medium-sized businesses no longer need to invest in a fire panel more complex than they need or risk having insufficient fire protection with a simpler but unsuitable solution. Instead, the latest fire panels are specifically designed for smaller businesses offering non-networkable but powerful fire protection. All in all, the ease of installation and use combined with premium features, such as AlarmCalm false alarm management and ServiceTool support and reporting, make AxisGo suitable for the simplest to the most challenging standalone applications.

For further information on Advanced’s AxisGo visit: www.advancedco.com