Fire and security systems only work when they’re wired correctly and maintained – a smoke detector with a flat battery or a poorly wired alarm circuit gives false confidence, not actual protection.
Smoke detector wiring
Mains-wired smoke detectors (as opposed to standalone battery units) are interconnected so that one triggering sets off all of them – correct wiring and placement matter for genuinely effective coverage, particularly in larger homes.
Fire alarm systems for larger properties
Commercial premises and larger residential properties often need a proper fire alarm panel system rather than standalone detectors, with dedicated circuits and backup power to keep the system operational during an outage.
Security system wiring
Alarm systems, CCTV and electric fencing all need correctly specified circuits, and increasingly need to be considered alongside backup power planning – a security system that goes down with the mains power isn’t protecting anything during an outage.
Frequently asked questions
Do fire and security systems need backup power?
For genuinely effective protection, yes – integrating them with your inverter or UPS backup circuits keeps them operational during load shedding or an outage.
How often should fire and smoke detection wiring be checked?
An annual check is reasonable for most residential systems; commercial fire systems often have specific inspection requirements depending on occupancy type.
Need fire or security wiring installed or checked? Get a quote.