Comparison of Wired and Wireless Fire Alarm Systems

When implementing a fire alarm system for a construction project, whether it be a residence, office, factory, or warehouse, one of the most common questions is: “Should we choose a wireless or wired fire alarm system?“

This is not a simple choice, as each type of system has its advantages and disadvantages, suitable for different technical conditions, spaces, and budgets. If you choose incorrectly, you may incur costs for adjustments, or worse, the system may not function effectively when a real incident occurs.

Therefore, understanding the differences between the two systems is the first important step before deciding to invest.

In this article, Bao Tin Steel will objectively compare wireless and wired fire alarm systems from various perspectives: cost, installation, stability, expandability, maintenance, and practical application – thereby helping you easily select the most suitable option for your project.

Overview of Wired and Wireless Fire Alarm Systems

To gain an accurate and fair perspective before making a comparison, we need to understand how these two types of fire alarm systems operate, what components they comprise, and their common applications.

What is a Wired Fire Alarm System?

A wired fire alarm system is a traditional type of fire alarm system that utilises electrical wiring to connect all devices within the system, including smoke detectors, heat detectors, manual call points, sirens, alarm lights, and the control panel.

All fire alarm signals are transmitted through a fixed cable system, ensuring a stable transmission path with minimal interference. Wired systems are usually installed concealed within walls or in conduit pipes, making them suitable for newly constructed buildings or structures that are easy to renovate.

Common applications include factories, high-rise buildings, hospitals, schools, and large-scale construction projects.

Hệ thống báo cháy có dây — Wired fire alarm system

What is a wireless fire alarm system?

Unlike wired systems, wireless fire alarm systems use radio frequency (RF), Wi-Fi, or other wireless communication standards to transmit signals between devices. Instead of running cables, you only need to power the devices and pair them with the control panel.

Some advanced systems also allow connection to smartphones, supporting remote alerts via apps or text messages.

Common applications include residential homes, small offices, showrooms, restaurants, cafes, and completed buildings.

Hệ thống báo cháy không dây — Wireless fire alarm system

Common features of both systems

Common Purpose: Early detection of fire signs and quick alarm activation
Basic Components: Detectors, sirens/strobe lights, manual call points, control panel
Expandable Features: Can be integrated with additional alert devices such as LED panels, mobile app notifications, SMS alerts, PA systems, and more.

So, where do the actual differences between the two systems lie? Let’s continue with Bảo Tín Steel to analyse them in more detail through the comparison table below.

Detailed Comparison Table: Wired vs. Wireless Fire Alarm Systems

Based on many years of experience in consulting and supplying fire protection equipment, Bao Tin Steel has compiled the following comparison table to help you easily evaluate the differences between the two most common types of fire alarm systems today.

Criteria	Wired fire alarm	Wired fire alarm
Working principle	Transmitting signals over physical wiring	Transmit signals via RF, wifi or other wireless waves
Equipment costs	Usually cheaper (~10–20%	Higher due to the device integrating wireless technology
Construction costs	Increased due to wiring, drilling, and protective conduit	Lower, quicker installation does not affect the structure of the building
Implementation time	Usually takes 3-7 days, depending on the scale of the project.	Fast, can be completed in 1–2 days
Aesthetics	It may be affected if wiring is not concealed or hidden properly.	Neat, no zippers – suitable for completed projects
Signal stability	Very high, little affected by the environment	Depends on distance, obstacles and the interference environment
Scalability	Difficult to add devices – additional wiring required	Easy to add detectors, move equipment
Maintenance and servicing	Low maintenance, but repairing broken wires can be complicated	Periodic battery replacement for the device – simpler operation
Suitable application	Factories, apartments, and new construction	House, showroom, office, renovated or completed project
Remote integration capabilities	Limited, need to add intermediate equipment	Many models support alerts via phone calls or smart apps

There is no “absolutely good” system, only solutions that are suitable for the actual construction. In the next section, we will analyse the advantages and disadvantages of each system, so that you can consider them more easily in the selection process.

Advantages and disadvantages of wireless and wired fire alarm systems

After understanding the basic differences between the two systems, let’s go deeper into the advantages and disadvantages of each type with Bao Tin Steel, so you have more basis to choose the right solution.

Wired fire alarm system

Advantage:

High signal stability: Signals transmitted through physical wires are less likely to be disturbed or interrupted.
Lower equipment costs: Suitable for large-scale projects that require multiple detectors.
Long-term durability: Less damage if properly installed.
Suitable for strict fire safety acceptance requirements: Easily meets the standards of competent authorities.

Disadvantages:

Complex construction: Needs drilling, conduit, and may affect aesthetics if wires are not hidden well.
Difficult to expand later: If you want to add equipment, you need to run new wires.
Not suitable for projects with completed interiors.

Wireless fire alarm system

Advantage:

Fast construction – time saving: No wiring required, no impact on building structure.
High aesthetics: Neat, clean, especially ideal for houses, showrooms, small hotels…
Dễ mở rộng hoặc di dời thiết bị: Linh hoạt khi bố trí lại không gian.
Một số dòng hỗ trợ cảnh báo từ xa: Kết nối app điện thoại, tin nhắn, email…

Disadvantages:

Higher equipment costs: Modern wireless technology drives up costs.
Dependent on wireless signals: Can be subject to interference over long distances or large obstructions.
Need to replace batteries regularly: Some users may forget to check the batteries.

Next, let’s explore the practical applications of each system in different types of construction, thereby helping you shape the most suitable solution.

Suitable application of each fire alarm system

Choosing a fire alarm system is not only based on cost or personal preference, but also depends a lot on the type of building, current status (newly built or completed), area size and technical requirements.

Below are practical suggestions drawn from Bao Tin Steel’s consulting experience:

Wired Fire Alarm System – Suitable for:

Factories, large-scale production workshops, many devices and areas that need protection require stable signals.
Office buildings, high-rise apartments.
Schools, hospitals, and administrative agencies.
New construction or construction projects because it is easy to integrate wired systems right from the electrical design stage.

Ứng dụng hệ thống báo cháy có dây — Wired fire alarm system application

Wireless Fire Alarm System – Suitable for:

Residential houses, villas, luxury apartments
Showrooms, shops, spas, showrooms
Restaurants, cafes, and small hotels
Mobile or temporary structures: Office containers, mobile warehouses, fair booths – places where fixed wiring is not possible.
Projects that need quick renovation: Installed within the day, no demolition, no dust.

Ứng dụng hệ thống báo cháy không dây — Wireless fire alarm system application

If you are hesitating between two systems, clearly define the purpose of use, installation space and future expansion capabilities. Then the choice will be much easier and more accurate.

Suggestions for choosing the right system – Advice from Bao Tin Steel

With over 13 years of experience in providing fire protection equipment for many types of projects, from civil to industrial, Bao Tin Steel understands that:

There is no “best for all” fire alarm system; only the system “most suitable for your project”.

Here are some practical suggestions, based on consulting experience for hundreds of customers:

Your project has completed the interior, cannot be wired or needs urgent construction. → Choose a wireless fire alarm system.

Quick installation within a day
No demolition, keep the original architecture
Easy to move the detector when changing functions
Can choose the type that supports remote fire alarm via phone

The building is a factory, high-rise office, or under new construction → Prioritise a wired fire alarm system.

Stable signal, suitable for large spaces
Can be wired into the wall right from the construction stage
Easy to integrate with the overall fire protection system and meet acceptance standards

Medium-sized stores, showrooms, restaurants → Consider a wireless system or a combination of both.

Some modern systems allow for a combination of wired and wireless devices
Flexible, budget-friendly solution
Meets both aesthetic and stability needs

Whichever system you choose, make sure the equipment you use is genuine, meets TCVN or international standards, and can provide technical documents, certificates of origin for acceptance (if needed).

Bao Tin Steel – Prestigious and genuine supplier of fire alarm equipment

When choosing between a wireless and wired fire alarm system, besides the technical factor, one of the equally important things is to find the right reliable equipment supplier – someone who can support you with advice on suitable products, provide genuine products, full documentation, and is ready to accompany you if you need technical support.

Bao Tin Steel is proud to be one of the genuine fire alarm equipment distributors in Ho Chi Minh City, with more than 13 years of experience serving individual customers, contractors, investors nationwide and projects in Cambodia.

We offer a wide range of equipment for both systems:

Wired fire alarm system: smoke detector, heat detector, push button, siren, central cabinet…
Wireless fire alarm system: equipment lines range from popular to high-end, supporting remote connection

Thép Bảo Tín – Nhà cung cấp thiết bị báo cháy uy tín, chính hãng — Bao Tin Steel – Prestigious and genuine supplier of fire alarm equipment

Commitment from Bao Tin Steel:

100% genuine equipment, full CO/CQ, technical documents
Transparent quotation, consulting support to choose the right equipment for each type of project
Clear warranty policy, support for installation and connection instructions
No construction – no maintenance, but can introduce reputable technical partners if customers have installation needs

Whether you choose a wired or wireless fire alarm system, Bao Tin Steel can be a reliable companion, providing standard equipment and supporting you with peace of mind in every step of system implementation.

Conclusion

Choosing between a wired and wireless fire alarm system is no longer a question of whether or not to use it, but a question of suitability.

If you need high stability, synchronous integration and optimal equipment costs, a wired system is a reliable choice. On the contrary, if you prioritize fast construction, aesthetics and flexible expansion, a wireless fire alarm will be the ideal solution.

Whatever your choice, the most important thing is:

Equipment must meet fire protection standards
Suitable for actual use
And be advised by a technically knowledgeable unit with practical experience.

Contact Bao Tin Steel – Genuine fire alarm equipment consulting

If you need:

Consulting on choosing the right system for the project
Quoting prices for wireless or wired fire alarm equipment
Supporting technical documents, CO/CQ for fire safety acceptance

Bao Tin Steel is always ready to accompany you.

Address: 551/156 Le Van Khuong, Hiep Thanh Ward, District 12, HCMC
Hotline: 0932 059 176
Email: kinhdoanh@thepbaotin.com
Website: www.thepbaotin.com

=>See more: Types of Fire Alarm Systems and How to Choose the Right One for Your Project

Fire system, Fire System

Comparison of Wired and Wireless Fire Alarm Systems