Fire alarms are one of those things most people only think about when something goes wrong. As electricians and fire alarm engineers working across Eastbourne and East Sussex, we spend a lot of time inside homes, HMOs, hotels, shops, and commercial buildings where the system on the wall tells a story long before it ever sounds. Sometimes that story is reassuring. Often, it is a quiet warning that corners were cut, advice was ignored, or no one quite understood what was actually required.
This article is based on years of hands-on experience at M and M Electrical Services Ltd. It is not a checklist pulled from a manual. It is a practical look at the most common fire alarm installation mistakes we see in Eastbourne, why they happen, and how to avoid them before they become costly or dangerous. Whether you are a homeowner, landlord, property manager, or business owner, the goal is the same. You want a system that works when it matters and keeps you on the right side of safety and compliance.
Why Fire Alarm Installation Gets Overlooked
Fire alarm installation often sits at the awkward intersection of safety, regulation, and budget. People understand it is important, but it does not feel urgent until there is a problem. We see this mindset all the time during renovations, new builds, and change-of-use projects.
A common scenario goes like this. A property is being refurbished in Eastbourne. New kitchens go in, walls get replastered, lighting is upgraded. The fire alarm system is treated as an afterthought. Someone installs a few detectors because they know they are needed, but no one steps back to ask whether the system design actually suits the building, the occupants, or the legal requirements.
That gap between intention and execution is where most mistakes start.
Mistake One: Installing the Wrong Type of Fire Alarm System
One of the biggest issues we see is the wrong grade of system being installed. Fire alarm systems are not one-size-fits-all. Domestic homes, HMOs, hotels, and commercial premises all have different requirements.
We regularly come across rental properties with a basic domestic setup where a more robust system is legally required. Equally, we see homeowners who have been sold an overcomplicated system they do not need, which then becomes expensive to maintain.
At M and M Electrical Services Ltd, we install everything from Grade D domestic mains-powered alarms with battery backup to full Grade A panel-controlled systems. The key is suitability. A proper fire alarm installation starts with understanding the building, how it is used, and who occupies it.
If you are unsure what system you need, that uncertainty is a sign to pause. A qualified fire alarm engineer should be able to explain the options clearly and recommend a system that meets standards like BS5839-1 and BS5839-6 without overengineering the solution.
Mistake Two: Poor Detector Placement
Even a good-quality fire alarm system can fail if detectors are placed incorrectly. This is one of the most common problems we encounter during fire alarm testing and servicing visits.
Detectors installed too close to kitchens cause repeated false alarms. Smoke detectors placed in dead air spaces fail to activate quickly. Heat detectors fitted where smoke detection is required delay warnings when seconds matter.
In HMOs and larger properties, incorrect spacing between detectors is another frequent issue. Sometimes alarms are installed based on guesswork rather than design. Other times, they were placed to avoid disruption during building works, not to optimise coverage.
Correct placement is not about convenience. It is about detection time and escape safety. Fire alarm engineers are trained to design layouts that reflect real fire risks, not just floor plans.
Mistake Three: Ignoring Legal Responsibilities
Landlords and business owners in Eastbourne are often surprised by how specific their legal obligations are around fire alarm installation and maintenance. Many assume that installing alarms once is enough.
In reality, fire alarm servicing, fire alarm maintenance, and regular fire alarm testing are ongoing responsibilities. This is especially important for HMOs, hotels, and commercial properties.
We frequently attend properties where the system was installed years ago and never properly serviced. Logbooks are missing. Weekly tests were never carried out. Faults were ignored because the alarm still made noise when tested.
Fire alarm servicing is not about ticking a box. It is about identifying issues before they compromise safety. If you manage a property, regular servicing also protects you legally if something goes wrong.
Mistake Four: No Integration With Emergency Lighting
Fire alarm systems do not work in isolation. In many buildings, especially commercial properties and HMOs, emergency lighting plays a critical role in safe evacuation.
We often see well-installed fire alarms paired with poorly maintained or incorrectly installed emergency lighting. In a power failure, that gap becomes dangerous.
Fire alarm engineers should consider how systems interact. During installation, we look at escape routes, signage, and lighting coverage. During servicing, we test systems together rather than as separate elements.
If you are upgrading or installing a fire alarm system, it is worth reviewing emergency lighting at the same time. It is more efficient and gives a clearer picture of overall safety.
Mistake Five: Skipping Professional Design Advice
Some installation mistakes come from good intentions. Property owners want to move quickly or save money. They may purchase equipment themselves or rely on general advice rather than professional design.
Fire alarm design is not just about placing devices. It involves understanding building layout, occupancy type, risk levels, and standards such as LACORS and the Disability Act where applicable.
At M and M Electrical Services Ltd, we advise clients before installation. That advice often saves money in the long run by avoiding rework, failed inspections, or system upgrades that could have been avoided.
Mistake Six: Choosing Unqualified Installers
This is a sensitive topic, but it matters. Fire alarm installation is a specialist area. Not every electrician is a fire alarm engineer.
We are NICEIC-registered and qualified to British Fire Protection Systems Association standards. That training matters when systems are being designed, installed, and certified.
We sometimes attend properties where work was carried out by someone without the appropriate expertise. The system may look fine on the surface, but faults appear during fire alarm testing or inspections.
Choosing qualified fire alarm engineers in Eastbourne is about trust and accountability. If something goes wrong, you want to know the work was carried out correctly and compliantly.
Mistake Seven: Forgetting About Ongoing Maintenance
Fire alarm installation is only the beginning. Systems age. Batteries degrade. Sensors become contaminated. Control panels develop faults.
Fire alarm maintenance and fire alarm servicing keep systems reliable. Regular visits allow engineers to spot patterns, not just isolated issues.
We provide maintenance and servicing for fire alarm systems across Eastbourne, working with everything from small domestic systems to large commercial installations. The most reliable systems we see are those with consistent servicing histories.
A Realistic Scenario From Eastbourne
A recent call-out involved a small hotel in Eastbourne. The owners had recently taken over the property and assumed the existing fire alarm system was compliant. During routine fire alarm testing, faults appeared across multiple zones.
The system had been partially upgraded over time, but no one had reviewed it as a whole. Detector types did not match room use. Sounder coverage was inconsistent. Maintenance records were incomplete.
We worked with the owners to redesign and update the system, bringing it back into compliance and setting up a clear servicing schedule. The result was not just a safer building, but peace of mind.
Stories like this are common. Most issues are not caused by neglect, but by a lack of clear guidance early on.
How to Avoid These Mistakes
The simplest way to avoid fire alarm installation problems is to involve experienced fire alarm engineers from the start. Ask questions. Request explanations, not just quotes.
Look for installers who:
- Assess your building properly
- Explain system grades and options clearly
- Provide certification and documentation
- Offer ongoing fire alarm servicing and maintenance
If you are already dealing with an existing system, regular inspections and testing can uncover hidden issues before they escalate.
PAT testing and electrical inspections also play a role in overall fire safety, especially in commercial and rental properties.
Why Experience Matters
At M and M Electrical Services Ltd, much of our work comes from referrals. That does not happen by accident. It comes from turning up, doing the job properly, and explaining things in plain terms.
We work across domestic, commercial, and industrial settings. From full house rewires to fire alarm installations and emergency lighting, our approach is consistent. Safety first, clear communication, and no shortcuts.
Staying Connected and Informed
Fire safety is not static. Systems change, standards evolve, and buildings are repurposed. Staying informed helps you make better decisions.
We regularly share updates and real-world insights through our social channels:
These platforms give a behind-the-scenes look at our work across Eastbourne and surrounding areas.
Final Thoughts
Fire alarm installation is not about fitting devices to satisfy a requirement. It is about creating a system that works under pressure, protects people, and stands up to scrutiny.
Most mistakes we see are avoidable. They come from rushing decisions, relying on assumptions, or overlooking the importance of professional design and maintenance.
If you are planning a new installation, upgrading an existing system, or simply want reassurance that what you have is fit for purpose, start with a conversation. Clear advice early on can prevent serious problems later.
For more information or to discuss your fire alarm requirements in Eastbourne, visit https://electriciansineastbourne.co.uk/fire-alarms/ or contact Max May or Aaron Satchwell at M and M Electrical Services Ltd.
Safety should never feel uncertain. With the right approach, it does not have to be.