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COMMERCIAL FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

Commercial fire alarm systems are where BAT cut it's teeth in the low voltage industry. Our design team consists of our Technical Sales Representative, who are also licensed fire alarm technicians (FAL), and Alarm Planning Superintendent (APS). Combined these Team Members will walk you through fire alarm design, state and local permit submittals, installation, system programming, system training and project completion. Our fire alarm design team constantly stays in contact with the AHJ's ensuring your system meets all state and local requirements for the occupancy classification your commercial project requires.

FAQ's

To whom do we answer?
The Texas Department of Insurance, State Fire Marshal's office, the City where the work is proposed and the local AHJ (local Fire Marshal).

What is BAT's license number?
ACR-2276

Who decides if I need a commercial fire alarm system?
The State of Texas requires a commercial fire alarm system on many types of commercial projects. If you have an Architect or MEP engineer they should be able to let you know if a commercial fire alarm is required. Usually the local building department and/or the local Fire Marshal (AHJ) will let you know if your project requires a fire alarm system. A misconception is that the city in which your project is located may not require a fire alarm system. While in some cases that may be true based on many factors regarding your project, it is actually the State of Texas (State Fire Marshal) that sets the requirements for a commercial fire alarm system. It is up to the installation company to meet the State of Texas and city requirements for a commercial fire alarm system including, but not limited to, the occupancy group/classification. The local AHJ will ensure that we do our job and, if he so chooses, the State Fire Marshal or his designated representative has the perogative to inspect our work.

What is required?
It varies a great deal. Each building is different, as stated before, it depends on the occupancy group/classification, maximum occupancy, square footage, fire protection systems and many other requirements. But, at the end of the day the city, state and BAT wish to save lives and protect property; the fire alarm requirements are in place for all of the right reasons.

Where are commercial fire alarm systems required?
The State of Texas. All commercial buildings in the State of Texas fall under the umbrella of commercial fire alarm system codes. That does not mean that your building is required to have a fire alarm system, but it does mean you should make sure whether or not you are required to have a system.

When is a commercial fire alarm system required to be installed?
Prior to your C of O being issued. To avoid construction delays you should contact you local AHJ and fire alarm installation company prior to breaking ground or as soon as possible.

How long does the fire alarm system take to design and subsequently install?
Again it varies from project to project, but for most projects there is a 1 week bidding process, 2-3 week design process, 1 week permit submittal process (depending on the municipality) and the installation time depends on the size and scope of the project. To speed the design process by several days, or in some cases weeks, it is strongly recommended that you submit .dwg formatted plans via email or disc.

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