All fire detection and alarm system installations in India must strictly follow IS 2189: Code of Practice for Selection, Installation and Maintenance of Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems. This standard defines the minimum requirements for selecting devices, wiring methods, zoning strategy, system reliability, annunciation, and integration with other fire protection systems. Ensuring compliance not only supports efficient emergency response but also helps secure statutory approvals and enhances overall building safety.
Step-by-Step Fire Detection & Alarm System Installation Workflow
1. Site Audit & Zoning
The process begins with a detailed site audit to determine the building layout, occupancy type and potential fire risk areas. During this stage, the integrator defines:
- Number and size of fire zones
- Detector density and spacing
- Escape routes and evacuation pathways
- Placement of call points and sounders
A clear zoning strategy ensures precise alarm identification and faster emergency response.
2. Device Selection
Once the zoning plan is finalized, the next step is selecting suitable detection and alarm devices based on environment and risk type. This includes:
- Smoke detectors for clean areas and general occupancy
- Heat detectors for kitchens, generator rooms and dusty environments
- Manual call points (MCPs) for manual activation in emergencies
- Sounders and strobes for evacuation alerts
- Central control panel (Conventional or Addressable) depending on project size and complexity
IS 2189 provides clear guidelines on spacing, mounting heights and environmental conditions for each device type.
3. Cable Selection & Routing
Proper cable selection is critical for system integrity. The installation must use FRLS (Fire-Resistant, Low-Smoke) or higher-spec fire-rated cables. Key guidelines include:
- Ensuring loop and circuit supervision
- Avoiding EMI interference and keeping safe distances from power cables
- Providing battery backup and power supply sizing as per IS 2189
- Designing routes that are accessible for future inspections or repairs
This ensures signal reliability during fire conditions and prevents circuit failures.
4. Panel Location & Annunciation
The fire alarm control panel must be installed in a location accessible to emergency responders, typically the fire control room. Requirements include:
- Clear visual and audible annunciation of fire zones
- Properly mapped mimic panels showing floor-wise layouts
- Dedicated power supply and temperature-controlled environment
- Integration with PA systems where required
Good annunciation helps responders quickly identify the affected area and take timely action.
5. System Integration
Modern fire alarm systems must integrate with multiple building services for coordinated emergency response. Common integrations include:
- Lift grounding / Lift homing to prevent occupants from using lifts
- AHU shutdown to prevent smoke spread through ducts
- Sprinkler flow switches to indicate water discharge
- Fire pump start/stop signals
- Access control release for safe evacuation
Proper interfacing ensures the entire building responds automatically during a fire emergency.
6. Testing & Verification
Before handover, the complete system must undergo thorough testing as per IS 2189 guidelines:
- Simulated smoke and heat tests for each detector type
- Manual call point activation checks
- Sounder and strobe performance verification
- Loop continuity and earth fault tests
- Battery failover and charger tests
- Panel logic verification and event log accuracy
This ensures the system is fully functional and ready for real-world activation.
7. Handover & Documentation
The final step includes complete documentation and training:
- Detector ID charts and location lists
- Panel programming logs
- As-built wiring and layout drawings
- Maintenance schedules and AMC protocols
- User training for facility staff
- All compliance certificates for Fire NOC
Proper documentation supports long-term maintenance and smooth fire authority inspections.