When Should You Upgrade a Fire Alarm System

Fire alarm systems do not last forever. Even well maintained systems eventually reach the point where they no longer meet the needs of the building, the occupants or the responsible person.
A major theme across the buildings we assess in Chester, the North West and North Wales is simple: many fire alarm systems stay in place long after they should have been replaced.

This page explains when an upgrade is necessary, what triggers it, and how to make the right decision for your building.

Understanding why upgrades matter

Your fire alarm is one of the most important safety systems in the building.
If detection is slow, unreliable or unclear, lives are put at risk and legal compliance is undermined.
Upgrading is not just about new equipment. It is about improving accuracy, reducing false alarms, speeding up fault finding and keeping the building safe.

Key reasons to upgrade your fire alarm

1. Frequent false alarms

If your building experiences repeated false alarms, it is a sign that the system is either outdated, unsuitable for the environment or incorrectly configured.
False alarms cause:

  • Unnecessary evacuations

  • Tenant frustration

  • Business disruption

  • Fire service charges in some cases

  • Loss of confidence in the alarm

Modern addressable systems offer much better false alarm management.

2. The building has changed

An upgrade is needed if:

  • New layouts affect escape routes

  • Extensions or refurbishments add new zones

  • Sleeping accommodation is introduced

  • Different tenant uses increase fire load

  • Heritage or complex layouts require enhanced detection

If the building is different from when the system was installed, the system must be reviewed.

3. Faults are becoming harder to trace

Older systems often require engineers to manually test multiple devices to find faults.
That means:

  • More downtime

  • Higher maintenance bills

  • Longer disruption

  • Higher risk of undetected failures

Addressable systems pinpoint the exact location of a device fault, which reduces inconvenience and cost.

4. Your current system is obsolete or unsupported

Many older panels, detectors and call points are no longer manufactured.
When parts become unavailable, maintenance becomes unreliable and expensive.
Insurers increasingly expect systems to be fully serviceable with replacement parts readily available.

5. The building contains vulnerable or sleeping occupants

Sleeping risk sharply increases the need for accurate, fast and advanced fire detection.
This includes:

  • HMOs

  • Serviced apartments

  • Hotels

  • Care settings

  • Student accommodation

In these environments, outdated or conventional systems may not provide sufficient information during an incident.

6. Insurers or fire services have raised concerns

If your insurer or Fire and Rescue Service suggests upgrading your system, take it seriously.
Enforcement action often follows fire alarm systems that are:

  • Outdated

  • Poorly maintained

  • Incorrectly configured

  • Incomplete

  • No longer suited to the risk profile

7. You are switching from a conventional system to addressable

Many responsible persons upgrade simply because addressable systems offer:

  • Exact device location

  • Better false alarm management

  • Faster fault tracing

  • More flexible programming

  • Clearer information during evacuations

For medium to large buildings, this is often the most cost effective long term choice.

8. The fire risk assessment recommends an upgrade

If your FRA identifies that the system no longer meets the building’s risk, you must act.
Common triggers include:

  • Inadequate detection coverage

  • Incompatible devices

  • Wrong category of system

  • Insufficient sound levels

  • Changes in occupancy

  • Deterioration of wiring or equipment

FRA recommendations carry legal weight.

How long does a fire alarm system last

Most systems last 10 to 15 years, sometimes longer with good maintenance.
Beyond this point, panels and devices can become unreliable even if they appear operational.

The Fletcher Risk approach

We help responsible persons decide when upgrades are necessary by offering:

  • Fire risk assessments

  • Fire alarm system reviews

  • Categorisation checks (L2, L3, L5, etc)

  • Advice on conventional vs addressable systems

  • Pre upgrade and post upgrade audits

  • Independent guidance that is not tied to any installation company

If you manage buildings across Chester, the North West or North Wales, we can help you understand whether your current system remains suitable.

Book a fire alarm review or speak to the team:
https://www.fletcherrisk.co.uk

Disclaimer

This page provides general guidance only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for a full fire risk assessment or professional consultation. Fire safety requirements depend on the building’s type, condition and occupancy. Fletcher Risk Management Ltd accepts no liability for decisions made based on this content. Always consult a competent professional for guidance on your specific property.

Fletcher Risk Team - 24 November 2025

Tim Fletcher