Fire Alarm Installation & Maintenance in Cornwall

Fire alarm costs vary depending on the type of system, the size of your property, and the level of protection needed. A basic conventional system for a small commercial unit might start from a few hundred pounds, while a full addressable system for a larger building will be more. Mitch provides free site surveys and no-obligation quotes — call 07498 819185 to get an accurate price for your property.

Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the "responsible person" (usually the business owner or employer) must carry out a fire risk assessment and ensure appropriate fire detection is in place. For most commercial premises in Cornwall, that means a professionally installed fire alarm system. Mitch can assess your requirements with a free site survey.

BS 5839 is the British Standard that sets out the requirements for fire detection and alarm systems. Part 1 covers commercial buildings, and Part 6 covers domestic properties. Having a system installed to BS 5839 means it meets the recognised standard for design, installation, and maintenance — which matters for insurance, legal compliance, and most importantly, keeping people safe.

A conventional system divides your building into zones — when a detector triggers, the panel shows which zone is affected. An addressable system gives each detector its own unique address, so the panel tells you the exact device that’s activated. Addressable is better for larger or more complex buildings. Mitch will recommend the right type during your free site survey.

A straightforward domestic system can usually be installed in a day. Commercial installations vary depending on the building size and system complexity — anything from one day for a small shop to several days for a multi-storey building. Mitch will give you a clear timeline during the site survey.

Yes. After installation and commissioning, MC Fire and Security provides a certificate confirming the system has been installed and tested to the relevant BS 5839 standard. This certificate is important for insurance purposes and demonstrates compliance if inspected by the fire authority.

BS 5839 defines categories based on the level of protection. L1 is full coverage of the entire building, L2 covers escape routes plus high-risk rooms, L3 covers escape routes only, and L5 is bespoke to a specific fire risk assessment. P1 and P2 relate to property protection rather than life safety, and M is a manual-only system with call points but no automatic detectors.

Yes. Modern wireless fire alarm systems are fully compliant with BS 5839 when properly installed. They’re ideal for listed buildings, older Cornish properties with stone walls, or sites where cabling would be impractical or too disruptive. MC Fire and Security installs wireless systems that meet the same standards as wired.

The 2025 update to BS 5839-1 brought several changes to the commercial fire alarm standard, including updated guidance on system design, detector placement, and integration with other fire safety systems. MC Fire and Security stays current with all British Standard revisions — every system Mitch installs meets the latest requirements.

Most commercial buildings require some form of fire detection, but the type depends on the building’s use, size, and fire risk assessment. Some very small, simple premises might only need manual call points, while others need full automatic detection throughout. The responsible person must ensure adequate provision. Call Mitch on 07498 819185 for a free site survey to find out exactly what your building needs.

HMOs have specific requirements under BS 5839-6:2020. The grade and category depend on the property’s size, number of storeys, and conversion type. Most HMOs in Cornwall need at least a Grade D, LD2 system — mains-powered, interconnected detectors covering escape routes and high-risk rooms. Mitch has fitted HMO fire alarm systems across Cornwall and can advise exactly what your property needs.

In most cases, yes. If your current system is outdated, doesn’t meet current standards, or the panel has reached end of life, MC Fire and Security can upgrade or replace it. Sometimes it’s a panel swap and additional detectors; other times a full new system makes more sense. Mitch will assess what you’ve got and recommend the smartest route forward based on your budget and compliance needs. Call 07498 819185 for a free assessment.