Does a Fire Alarm System Have to Be Monitored?
When it comes to fire safety, early detection is only half the battle - what happens after an alarm is triggered can be just as important. That’s where fire system monitoring comes in. In this post, we’ll explore what monitored fire alarm systems are, whether they’re legally required in the UK and Ireland, and the benefits they offer across various sectors. We’ll also explain how Drax Technology supports fire alarm monitoring and help you decide whether it’s the right choice for your building.
What Is a Monitored Fire Alarm System?
A monitored fire alarm system doesn’t just detect a fire, it has to make sure someone knows about it quickly.
In a standard (unmonitored) system, the alarm sounds locally and relies on someone nearby to take action. A monitored fire alarm system, on the other hand, is connected to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) or fire system monitoring platform that notifies the relevant parties such as building managers, the fire brigade, or a designated emergency contact immediately when an alarm is triggered.
This means critical decisions can be made faster, and emergency response times can be shortened, even when a building is unoccupied or during out-of-hours periods.
Are Fire Alarm Systems Legally Required to Be Monitored in the UK & Ireland?
The legal requirements for fire alarm monitoring vary depending on the type of building, its use, and the level of risk associated with it. While there is no blanket requirement that all fire alarm systems must be monitored, there are several regulations and standards that influence whether monitoring is necessary or recommended.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (England & Wales)
This legislation places the responsibility for fire safety on the “responsible person” (e.g. employer, landlord, or property manager). While it doesn't specifically mandate monitored systems, it requires that appropriate fire detection and warning systems are in place - and in many high-risk environments, monitoring is considered best practice to meet this duty.
BS 5839-1:2017 – Code of Practice for Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems
This British Standard outlines design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of fire alarm systems in non-domestic premises. It recommends monitoring in situations where:
A building is unoccupied at night or weekends
The risk to life or property is significant
Rapid emergency response is needed
Key Benefits of a Monitored Fire Alarm System
The benefits of fire alarm monitoring go beyond compliance. Here’s how they play out in different real-world environments:
Higher Education: Protecting Student Life and Accommodation
University campuses and student halls are often densely populated, with high turnover and varied fire safety awareness levels. A monitored fire alarm system ensures that even if students don’t respond appropriately to an alarm, emergency services are alerted without delay - reducing the chance of fire spreading and improving life safety outcomes.
Social Housing: Peace of Mind for Tenants and Landlords
Vulnerable residents may not always be able to raise the alarm or evacuate quickly. For housing associations and local authorities, monitoring provides an added safety net, ensuring help is dispatched promptly and lives are protected, even in remote or unmanned buildings.
Healthcare Environments: Minimising Risk in Hospitals and Care Homes
Hospitals and care homes are high-risk environments due to their vulnerable occupants and complex layouts. A monitored system ensures quick coordination with emergency services, allowing fire response to begin before onsite staff are even aware there’s an issue, which is critical to protecting patients and staff alike.
When Should You Consider Fire Alarm Monitoring?
Fire system monitoring is particularly valuable in certain situations where speed and reliability are paramount.
Unmanned or Remote Buildings
Empty warehouses, schools during holidays, or office buildings outside business hours are especially vulnerable. Monitoring fills the gap when no one is on-site to react to an alarm.
High Occupancy or High-Risk Buildings
Properties with large numbers of occupants, like hotels, hospitals, and high-rise blocks, carry greater risks. In these cases, immediate notification to emergency responders is vital.
Multi-Site Property Portfolios
For property managers overseeing multiple sites, a centralised monitoring solution allows them to maintain visibility and react swiftly across all buildings, improving safety and operational control.
How Drax Technology Supports Monitored Fire Alarm Systems
At Drax Technology, we help organisations take control of their fire safety systems with advanced monitoring tools that make managing fire alarms simpler, smarter, and more efficient.
SafeVue
Our cloud-based platform allows property and facilities managers to access real-time fire alarm data from multiple sites on a single dashboard, whether on a laptop, tablet, or phone. Learn more about SafeVue here.
AMX
For onsite members of staff, our AMX solution provides instant, mobile access to fire system data. This means alerts can be acted upon quickly - even as staff are walking between buildings. Explore the benefits of AMX.
Summary: Is Fire Alarm Monitoring Worth It?
So, does a fire alarm system have to be monitored? Not in every case - but in many, it should be.
While there’s no legal requirement for all buildings to use a monitored fire alarm system, the benefits, especially in high-risk, high-occupancy, or remote locations are undeniable. Fire system monitoring can save time, protect lives, and give peace of mind that, when the alarm sounds, someone will respond.
Want to learn more about how Drax Technology can support your fire alarm monitoring needs? Get in touch with our team today.
Back to Blog
