Knowledge Centre
Practical guidance on fire safety, security and building compliance from the Electrifire team. Our articles are written to help building owners, facilities managers and duty holders understand their obligations and make informed decisions about the fire and security systems in their buildings.
Fire Alarm Zone Plans and BS 5839-1:2025: Why Accuracy Now Matters More
Fire alarm zone plans have always played an important role in helping building users, facilities teams and the Fire and Rescue Service quickly identify the area affected by an alarm activation. However, the publication of BS 5839-1:2025 has placed greater emphasis on their accuracy, maintenance and relationship with the wider fire alarm system. For those…
Fire Alarm Monitoring: Why Signalling Resilience Deserves a Closer Look
Fire alarm monitoring is becoming a more technical part of the wider fire safety strategy. It is no longer enough to consider whether a system is connected to an Alarm Receiving Centre. The resilience of the transmission path, the visibility of communication faults and the wider move towards IP-based infrastructure all need to be considered…
Supporting Fire Alarm Maintenance Across Vacant Commercial Properties
Electrifire has recently been appointed to carry out a one-off fire alarm maintenance programme across a portfolio of vacant offices and warehouses throughout London. Vacant buildings can easily fall lower down the maintenance priority list, but fire safety systems still need to be checked, maintained and kept in suitable working order while a property is…
Case Study: Hybrid Fire Alarm Upgrade at Nutmeg House, Tower Bridge
Project Overview Electrifire was appointed to upgrade the fire alarm system at Nutmeg House, 60 Gainsford Street, London SE1 2NY, an occupied office building located within a five-minute walk of Tower Bridge. The building’s existing hybrid fire alarm system had become obsolete. It was built around a Notifier fire alarm panel, with Notifier hard-wired devices…
Gent Anti-Masking Fire Detection: Understanding Honeywell Self-Test Technology
A fire alarm system is only as effective as the detectors protecting the building. While regular maintenance helps confirm that detectors remain operational, there are occasions where a detector’s smoke entry points can become obstructed by paint, dust, protective covers or debris without it being immediately obvious. Honeywell Gent addresses this with an anti-masking feature…
Martyn’s Law: A Practical Guide for Building Owners and Managers
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, widely known as Martyn’s Law, introduces legal duties for certain publicly accessible premises and events to improve preparedness for and protection against acts of terrorism. Named after Martyn Hett, who was killed in the Manchester Arena attack in May 2017, the legislation requires qualifying premises to take reasonably…