Fire Alarm System for Office: Detector Selection, DBN Standards, and Installation
Automatic Fire Alarm (AFA) is not just a legal requirement, but a system that saves lives and property. In Ukraine, AFA is mandatory for office premises with an area of 200 m² or more, according to DBN V.2.5-56. Without it, it is impossible to pass a State Emergency Service (DSNS) inspection, obtain insurance, or get an operating permit. This article covers which detectors are needed, the difference between addressable and non-addressable systems, and how much it costs.
Types of Fire Detectors
Optical Smoke Detectors (main type for offices)
Respond to the presence of smoke in the air using an optical sensor. Installed in every room, corridor, and on evacuation routes. This is the foundation of any office AFA. One detector covers an area of up to 60–80 m² with a ceiling height of up to 3.5 m (according to DBN).
Heat Detectors
Respond to temperature increases. Used in premises where smoke detectors would give false alarms: kitchens, canteens, garages, boiler rooms. Two types: fixed-temperature (triggering when a threshold is reached, usually 57°C or 77°C) and rate-of-rise (triggering with a rapid increase in temperature).
Combined (Smoke-Heat) Detectors
Combine both sensors – reduce the number of false alarms while maintaining high sensitivity. An optimal choice for office premises.
Aspiration Detectors (for server rooms)
The most sensitive type – draws air through a network of tubes and analyzes it with a laser. Detects smoke at the earliest stage – before visible smoke appears. Mandatory for server rooms, data centers, archives, museums. Brands: Xtralis VESDA, Bosch FAS-420.
Manual Call Points (buttons)
Button for manual activation of a fire alarm. Installed near every exit and on evacuation routes at a height of 1.5 m from the floor.
Addressable vs. Non-Addressable System
| Parameter | Non-Addressable (Conventional) | Addressable |
|---|---|---|
| Principle | Detectors are connected in loops; the panel only knows the loop number | Each detector has a unique address; the panel knows the exact location of the alarm |
| Localization | "Fire in loop #3" (entire corridor) | "Fire in office 305, detector #47" |
| Cable Quantity | More (separate loop for each zone) | Less (loop line) |
| Scalability | Limited | High (up to 250+ detectors per line) |
| Cost | Lower | Higher, but less cable |
| Recommendation | Small offices up to 200 m² | Offices from 200 m², multi-story buildings |
Notification and Evacuation System
AFA must not only detect a fire but also notify people. According to DBN, an office requires:
- Sounder sirens — on each floor and in areas with increased noise. Sound level — not less than 75 dB (in sleeping premises — 85 dB).
- "EXIT" light annunciators — above each door on the evacuation route, powered by backup supply.
- Voice evacuation system (for large objects) — automatic evacuation message.
Fire Equipment Brands
Premium (international)
- Bosch Security (Germany) — FPA-5000 series (addressable), FAP-440 detectors, FAS-420 aspiration. A benchmark for quality.
- Honeywell / Notifier (USA) — one of the largest systems in the world, NFS2-8 addressable panels.
- Siemens (Germany) — Cerberus PRO, Sinteso series. For large objects.
Mid-range segment
- Ajax Systems (Ukraine) — Ajax FireProtect wireless fire system (smoke + heat), FireProtect Plus (with CO sensor). Integration with Ajax security alarm. New EN54 line for commercial objects.
- Tiras (Ukraine) — PRIME A addressable system, Tiras-4P non-addressable. One of the most popular AFA manufacturers in Ukraine. Certified by DSNS.
Budget
- Orion / Bolid (RF, but widely used) — Orion Pro, S2000-KDL. Common in Ukraine due to low price, however, given the situation, many objects are switching to Tiras and Ajax.
Stages of AFA Installation
- Object survey — determining area, type of premises, evacuation routes
- Design — calculation of detector quantity, selection of system type (addressable/non-addressable), development of project documentation according to DBN V.2.5-56
- Coordination with DSNS — for objects with increased requirements
- Installation — laying cables (fire-resistant NVLS or analog), installation of detectors, sirens, panel, manual call points
- Programming and commissioning — configuration of addresses, zones, notification scenarios
- Testing and handover — test activation of each detector, notification check, drawing up an act, handover to DSNS
Cost of AFA for Office
| Object | System type | Cost (equipment + installation) |
|---|---|---|
| Office 100–200 m² | Conventional (Tiras) | from 15 000–25 000 UAH |
| Office 200–500 m² | Addressable (Tiras PRIME A / Ajax EN54) | from 30 000–60 000 UAH |
| Business center 500+ m² | Addressable (Bosch / Tiras) | from 80 000 UAH |
| Server room (add.) | Aspirating (VESDA / Bosch FAS) | from 40 000 UAH per zone |
FAQ
Is an automatic fire alarm system mandatory for an office?
Yes, from 200 m² according to DBN. For smaller areas — recommended. Without an automatic fire alarm system — it is impossible to pass a State Emergency Service inspection and obtain insurance.
Which detectors are needed?
Smoke detectors — everywhere. Heat detectors — kitchens/canteens. Aspirating detectors — server rooms. Manual call points — near exits.
Addressable or conventional?
Up to 200 m² — conventional (cheaper). From 200 m² — addressable (precise localization, less cabling).
How much does it cost?
Small office — from 15 000 UAH. Medium — from 30 000 UAH. Business center — from 80 000 UAH. Server room — from 40 000 UAH.
Conclusion
A fire alarm system is not a bureaucratic formality, but a system that saves lives. For small offices, a conventional Tiras system or a wireless Ajax system is sufficient. For large objects — an addressable Tiras PRIME A or Bosch FPA-5000 system. Server rooms require VESDA aspirating detectors. In any case — choose a certified contractor who will complete the project according to DBN and commission the system with the State Emergency Service.
SDS designs and installs fire alarm systems for offices and commercial objects in Kyiv. From project to turnkey commissioning with the State Emergency Service. Contact us for a quote.