A commercial fire alarm must be engineered to the codes adopted by the State and local fire marshal. However, not all fire alarm systems are equal when it comes to cost and operation.
Where your equipment comes from matters just as much as the design.
Proprietary vs. non-proprietary equipment
Commercial fire alarms are a major investment, and manufacturers sell them in two different ways:
- Proprietary (dealer-only) lines: The manufacturer sells only through authorized dealers. These systems are robust. Parts, programming software and factory support come through the dealer.
- Non-proprietary (open distribution) lines: The manufacturer sells through distributors to licensed fire alarm companies. Any licensed company can buy the parts and the programming software.
The long-term impact
The distribution model decides who can work on your system years from now.
With a proprietary system, programming changes and proprietary replacement parts come from an authorized dealer for as long as that panel is in your building. You can still move monitoring, inspections and routine service to another licensed company. Repairs and changes that need the manufacturer's software or parts go back to the dealer, at the dealer's price and on the dealer's schedule. Depending on the brand, your area may have only a few authorized dealers.
With non-proprietary equipment, any licensed fire alarm company can service, repair and expand the system. You keep the option to change your fire alarm service provider at any time.
Some Questions to ask before you buy
- Is this equipment sold only through authorized dealers?
- Who else in my area can buy parts for it and program it?
- Will I receive the passcodes and the program file when the installation is complete?
- Does the warranty require service by the installing company?
- Will I own the system, or will it be leased?