Fire alarm systems & equipment

With over 13 years of experience in the field of fire protection equipment, Bao Tin Steel has worked with a wide range of clients – from homeowners and small workshop owners to engineers designing large-scale projects – all sharing a common question: “Which fire alarm equipment should I choose to ensure it’s both accurate and sufficient?”

In reality, if you focus solely on price or brand without a thorough understanding of fire alarm systems, you may end up with a setup that’s merely installed for form’s sake — ineffective when an actual emergency occurs.

In this article, Bao Tin Steel will share in-depth knowledge we’ve accumulated over more than a decade. You’ll gain a clear understanding of each type of device, how to choose the right one for each type of building, the standards you need to comply with, and the most up-to-date price references available today.

Let’s embark on the journey of “early fire prevention” with the right, sufficient, and effective solution!

What is a fire alarm?

To understand correctly and choose correctly, let’s start from the most basic concept.

A fire alarm device is a single unit or a system composed of multiple devices designed to detect early signs of fire or explosion, such as smoke, abnormal temperature increases, or flames, and promptly send warning signals to people through sirens, lights, bells, or a central control system..

Depending on the scale and nature of the building, a fire alarm system can range from simple detectors used in residential homes to complex networks consisting of dozens of sensors, addressable control panels, manual call points, monitoring modules, and more, as seen in factories, high-rise buildings, or commercial centres.

However, regardless of the system’s scale, the core principle remains the same: the earlier the detection, the faster the response – the greater the damage reduction.

That’s why, when advising clients, Bao Tin Steel always emphasises: whether your project is big or small, investing in the right fire alarm equipment from the start is the most cost-effective and risk-reducing solution in the long run.

Main devices in a fire alarm system

A fire alarm system can be seen as the “sixth sense” of a building, operating silently, yet playing an extremely vital role. To ensure the system functions at its best, each component must be installed with the right function, in the right location, and according to the correct standards.

Below are the core fire alarm devices you need to understand clearly:

Smoke Detector

This fire alarm device detects the presence of smoke in the air, often the first sign of a smouldering fire. There are two main types of smoke detectors:

• Ionisation smoke detector: Sensitive to small smoke, suitable for confined spaces. Optical
• smoke detector: More common, works based on a light sensor when smoke passes through.

Application: Apartments, offices, bedrooms, warehouses…

Heat Detector

A heat detector is a fire alarm device that detects abnormal increases in temperature. It is commonly used in environments with a lot of dust or steam, such as kitchens or industrial workshops, where smoke detectors are prone to false alarms.

• Temperature increase type: Activates when the temperature increases abnormally rapidly.
• Fixed heat type: Activates when the set threshold is exceeded (e.g. 60°C).

Fire Alarm Control Panel

Often described as the “brain” of the entire fire alarm system, it receives signals from detectors, processes them, and activates alarms such as bells or sirens, or connects with automatic fire suppression systems if available.

• Conventional Fire Alarm Control Panel
• Addressable Fire Alarm Control Panel

Note: The fire alarm control panel must be located in an easily accessible location, usually near the security or guarding area.

Bells – Sirens – Fire Alarm Lights

The device emits sound and light signals when an incident occurs. Helps people in the area evacuate promptly.

• Fire Alarm Bell: Produces a loud, continuous ringing sound.

• Horn with Strobe Light: Used in noisy areas or to assist hearing-impaired individuals by providing both audible and visual alerts.

Emergency Stop Button (E-Stop)

Allows individuals who detect a fire to manually activate the system. It is usually installed in hallways, emergency exits, or other easily visible locations.

Monitoring and Control Module

It plays the role of connecting peripheral devices such as fans, elevators, electromagnetic doors, and more, so that in the event of a fire, the entire system operates automatically according to a pre-programmed sequence.

However, an effective fire alarm system is not only about choosing modern equipment but also about ensuring it works together seamlessly, meets the required standards, and suits the actual usage conditions.

Classification of Fire Alarm Systems

After understanding the basic fire alarm devices within a system, the next step is to grasp how the system operates and which types of buildings it is suitable for.

Depending on the level of automation and the ability to identify the exact fire location, fire alarm systems today are commonly divided into two main types: Conventional fire alarm systems and addressable fire alarm systems.

Specifically, as follows:

Conventional Fire Alarm System

This is a traditional system that divides the building into multiple zones. When an incident occurs, the centre will alert which area has a signal, but will not indicate exactly which device detected it.

Advantage:

• Low investment cost
• Easy to install for small to medium projects

Limit:

• Alarm location not determined accurately
• Difficult to expand or change later

Suitable application: House, shop, small factory, small office under 500m²

Addressable fire alarm system

This is a more advanced type of system. Each device (detector, manual call point, etc.) has a unique address, so when a signal is triggered, the control panel displays the exact device and location of the fire.

Advantage:

• Precisely locate each device
• Automatic continuous monitoring, system error detection
• Easy to expand, integrate with an automatic fire extinguishing system, and intelligent control

Limit:

• Higher investment costs
• Requires specialised installation techniques

Suitable applications: Office buildings, apartments, hospitals, shopping centres, large-scale factories

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

Installation Guide for Fire Alarm System Equipment

Installing a fire alarm system is not simply about “mounting devices on the ceiling and wiring them to the control panel.” A proper system must ensure three core factors: correct placement, compliance with standards, and proper technical execution.

Below is a basic installation guide based on current standards, compiled from hundreds of projects, both large and small, for which Bao Tin Steel has supplied materials.

System Design Principles

• Suitable for intended use: Residential houses, factories, apartment buildings, and offices each have their regulations and requirements.

• Consider scalability: The design should be flexible to allow for future upgrades when needed.

• Optimise wiring and power supply: Avoid complicated wiring layouts that are difficult to maintain.

Note: For buildings with 5 floors or more or an area of ​​300m² or more, a fire alarm system is required according to TCVN 3890.

Installation Distance for Fire Alarm Devices

Fire alarm equipment connection diagram

A fire alarm system typically includes:

• Input devices: smoke/heat detectors, emergency buttons
• A fire alarm control panel
• Output devices: bells, sirens, lights, control modules

Wiring diagrams typically follow two formats:

• Loop form for the address system
• Zone form for the normal system

Bao Tin Steel always recommends using standard fire-resistant cables and dividing them into reasonable zones for easy inspection and maintenance.

Latest Standards for Fire Alarm Equipment Installation

Some important standards to follow:

• TCVN 3890:2023 – Regulations for the Design and Installation of Automatic Fire Alarm Systems (Vietnamese Standard)

• TCVN 5738:2021 – Technical Requirements for Fire Alarm Systems (Vietnamese Standard)

• NFPA 72 – National Fire Alarm and Signalling Code (U.S. International Standard)

• EN 54 – European Standard for Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems Components

=> See more: Construction and installation of fire protection systems for projects

Common Mistakes in Installation

• Place the detector close to the fan or vent (causing sensor error)
• Not dividing the area, causing difficulty in troubleshooting
• Not periodically checking the device after installation

Advice from Bao Tin Steel: Fire alarm system installation should be done by a professional unit, with a fire protection certificate and a good understanding of technical standards. Do not, to save costs, entrust the work to an incompetent team, because that is a risk to both people and your property.

Instructions for maintenance and repair of fire alarm equipment

Many people mistakenly believe that once a fire alarm system is installed, they can “rest assured for life.” In reality, fire alarm equipment, like any other technical system, requires regular inspection and maintenance to ensure it functions correctly during an emergency.

With over 13 years of experience supplying fire protection equipment, Thép Bảo Tín has identified three maintenance principles that every investor and operator should keep firmly in mind:

Establish a Regular Inspection Schedule

Don’t wait for the system to break down before fixing it. Be proactive and check periodically:

Tip from Bao Tin Steel: It is recommended to keep a “Fire Safety Logbook” to track maintenance schedules, record the system’s status, and note any issues that arise.

How to maintain specific equipment

Smoke/Heat Detectors:

• Use a soft brush or compressed air to clean the dust.
• Check if it is still sensitive with a specialised smoke test device.
• Avoid using strong chemicals that affect the sensor.

Fire Alarm Control Panel:

• Check the indicator lights, control buttons, and display screen.
• Ensure the backup power supply (battery) is functioning properly.

Bells, Sirens, and Strobe Lights:

• Turn on the test mode to check sound and light signals.

• Inspect signal wiring connections for any short circuits or breaks.

Control Module and Emergency Push Button:

• Press the button to test the response.
• Observe the status display on the fire alarm control panel.

When to Replace Fire Alarm Equipment

• Equipment operates inconsistently despite cleaning.

• The control panel continuously shows errors without a clear cause.

• The equipment has been in use for over 5 years — accuracy and connectivity should be checked.

Don’t wait until the system completely fails before replacing it, because by then, you might no longer have a chance to respond effectively when a real fire occurs.

In summary, a fire alarm system is only truly effective when it is properly maintained. Regular maintenance not only extends the equipment’s lifespan but also helps you detect potential issues early, minimising risks and saving replacement costs in the long run.

How to Choose Fire Alarm Devices Suitable for Your Building

A common mistake that Bao Tin Steel often encounters when receiving information from fire alarm system projects is that the selected devices do not match the scale and purpose of the building. This not only leads to wasted resources but also results in an inefficient system operation, and some cases, the system may fail inspection.

So, how to choose the right, enough, suitable? Below are important criteria you should not ignore:

Choose According to the Scale and Nature of the Building

Choose According to Investment Budget

• Limited Budget: Prioritise conventional systems and basic devices that meet standards (consider mid-range brands like Chungmei, Horing Lih).
• Medium to Good Budget: You can choose small-scale addressable systems with brands such as Hochiki, Horing Lih.
• High Budget, International Certification Required: Select devices that meet EN 54, UL, CE standards, such as Siemens, Notifier, Honeywell.

Bao Tin Steel offers tailored “fire alarm device combos by budget” to help you save costs while ensuring efficiency and compliance with standards.

Choose according to durability and usage environment

• Dusty or humid areas: Prioritise heat detectors instead of smoke detectors.

• Areas prone to impact or vibration: Choose devices with sturdy casing that meet dust/water resistance standards (IP-rated).

• Harsh weather conditions (hot, humid, fire-prone): Opt for brands with high stability that have been tested and certified in Vietnam.

Prioritise Brands with Clear Certifications

When purchasing, you should carefully check:

• CO – CQ certificates (origin and quality)

• Compliance with fire safety standards in Vietnam (TCVN) or international standards (UL, EN, CE)

• Long-term warranty and technical support

Bao Tin Steel is an official distributor of many reputable fire protection brands, committed to providing products with complete legal documentation, ready for inspection and long-term maintenance.

There is no “one-size-fits-all” fire alarm system, but there is a system that fits your budget, usage goals, and actual conditions. Let a professional team like Thép Bảo Tín provide you with tailored advice so you don’t overbuy, underinstall, or waste resources.

Latest fire alarm equipment price list 2025

Cost is always a major concern for many customers when choosing fire alarm devices. However, with the current diverse market, you can find solutions that fit your budget while still meeting safety standards.

Below is the latest reference price list for 2025, compiled from the practical consulting and distribution experience of Bao Tin Steel:

Reference price list for each device (Retail price – excluding VAT)

Important Note: Prices may vary depending on time, order quantity and brand. Contact Bao Tin Steel for the best quote based on actual needs.

Factors affecting the price of fire alarm equipment:

• Brand & standard (UL, EN, TCVN…)
• System type: common or addressable
• Project scale: the larger the area, the higher the system price
• Integration needs: fire alarm combined with automatic fire extinguishing, HVAC control…
• Construction & warranty unit: equipment price usually includes service

Investing in a fire alarm system is not as costly as you might think, especially when you have the right consultant and make smart device choices. With Thép Bảo Tín, you will get a solution that is safe, economical, and easy to get approved.

Bao Tin Steel – Genuine and reputable supplier of fire alarm equipment in Vietnam

In the field of fire prevention and fighting, choosing the right equipment supplier is just as important as selecting the right products. A reputable supplier not only provides quality goods but also ensures complete legal documentation, technical support, and smooth fire safety inspections.

With over 13 years of experience, Bao Tin Steel proudly serves as a trusted partner to hundreds of investors, MEP contractors, and fire protection construction units in Ho Chi Minh City, the southern provinces, and across the country.

Our commitment:

• 100% genuine products – with clear CO, CQ certificates and anti-counterfeit labels from the manufacturer

• Full certifications, including TCVN, EN54, UL, CE, to meet fire safety inspection requirements

• Transparent and competitive pricing – no hidden fees

• Fast delivery, directly to the construction site

In addition to fire alarm devices, Bao tin Steel also provides fire valves, fire protection steel pipes, water meters, fire protection accessories, and automatic fire extinguishing systems, making it easy for you to implement a complete fire safety solution.

Need advice on fire alarm devices for your project?

Contact Bao Tin Steel now – we are ready to accompany you every step of the way!

Top 5 Most Trusted Fire Alarm Device Brands Today

Besides price and features, the brand is a key factor that determines the durability, sensitivity, compatibility, and reliability of fire alarm devices.

Below are the top 5 fire alarm device brands most trusted and distributed by Bao Tin Steel, proven through hundreds of real projects in Vietnam:

Hochiki – Japan

• Key Advantages: Durable design, high sensitivity, minimal technical faults.
• Standards: Complies with EN 54 (Europe) and UL (United States).
• Common Applications: Apartment buildings, hotels, and large-scale factories. Suitable for projects requiring long-term stability and trusted by many fire safety engineers.

Notifier by Honeywell – America

• Key Advantages: Advanced technology with strong integration capabilities for building automation systems (BMS).
• Standards: UL, FM (USA).
• Common Applications: Office towers, shopping centres, airports. Widely used in FDI projects and international standard buildings.

Siemens – Germany

• Key Advantages: Modern design, strong scalability, user-friendly interface.
• Standards: EN 54, VdS (Germany).
• Common Applications: Hospitals, schools, and smart buildings. Suitable for systems requiring high accuracy and integration of multiple devices.

Horing Lih – Taiwan

• Key Advantages: Affordable price, easy to use, and widely available components in Vietnam.
• Standards: Complies with TCVN, EN 54.
• Common Applications: Residential houses, warehouses, and small to medium offices.

Chungmei – Taiwan

• Key Advantages: Easy to integrate, flexible system design. Cost-effective solution for small-scale projects or limited budgets.
• Standards: TCVN and CE.
• Common Applications: Shops, restaurants, small workshops.

You can choose any brand you like, but the devices must fit the overall system design, be installed correctly, and undergo regular maintenance to ensure optimal fire detection performance.

Practical applications of fire alarm equipment

Whether the project is large or small, fire alarm devices serve as the “first safety barrier” to help people detect fire risks early, respond promptly, and evacuate. Depending on the type of building, the installation and arrangement of devices will vary.

Below are some common real-world applications compiled by Bao Tin Steel through years of consulting and supplying fire protection equipment nationwide:

Residential houses and mini-apartment buildings

• Characteristics: Small area, enclosed space, prone to fires caused by electrical short circuits or cooking.
• Required Devices: Smoke detectors, alarm sirens, mini fire alarm control panel or 2–4 zone panels.
• Suggestion: Use conventional fire alarm devices from brands like Horing Lih or Chungmei to save costs.

Factories and Warehouses

• Characteristics: Large area, many flammable materials (plastic, wood, paper), hot and humid environment, lots of dust.
• Required Devices: Heat detectors, smoke detectors with protective casing, addressable fire alarm control panel, control modules for fans/automatic fire suppression systems.
• Suggestion: Choose an addressable system that can be integrated with wall-mounted fire hose systems or sprinklers.

Office Buildings and Shopping Centers

• Characteristics: Multi-story buildings with complex zoning, high foot traffic, and BMS integration requirements.
• Required Devices: Addressable control panel, smoke/heat detectors, elevator interface modules, voice evacuation systems.
• Suggestion: Use devices from Siemens or Notifier – they offer easy integration with smart monitoring systems.

Schools, Hospitals, and Hotels

• Characteristics: Many rooms, numerous occupants unfamiliar with the layout, high risk of panic during a fire.
• Required Devices: High-sensitivity detectors, synchronised alarm and strobe systems, voice evacuation announcements, clear emergency exits.
• Suggestion: Prioritise systems that are easy to operate and provide clear fire location displays for quick response.

Restaurants, shops, and business areas

• Characteristics: Contains gas stoves, frequent customer traffic, and high risk of fire or explosion.
• Required Devices: Heat detectors (kitchen), smoke detectors (dining area), manual call points, fire alarm sirens with strobes.
• Suggestion: Install either a conventional or addressable system, depending on the scale, but ensure clear and effective alarm devices are in place for both customers and staff.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ

Does the fire alarm have a flashing red light?

• Bao Tin Steel replied: Yes, the device will continuously warn with a siren or fire alarm.

What is a fire alarm?

• Bao Tin Steel answers:
  A fire alarm strobe light is a visual signalling device used to alert people to the presence of smoke, fire, or an emergency fire-related situation through flashing lights.

When does the fire alarm bell sound?

• Bao Tin Steel answers: The fire alarm bell sounds when the fire alarm control panel receives a signal from the detection devices indicating that a fire or explosion incident has occurred.

If you have any other questions that haven’t been answered, don’t hesitate to contact Thép Bảo Tín directly – our team is always ready to assist you anytime.”

Conclusion

Fire safety is not only a legal requirement but also the responsibility of every individual, investor, and operating unit.

Investing in a proper, adequate, and suitable fire alarm system not only helps protect people and property but also contributes to building a safe, professional, and reliable living and working environment.

With over 13 years of experience,  Bao Tin Seel has always accompanied customers from small projects to complex systems, providing optimal fire alarm solutions in terms of cost, technology, and quality, meeting both TCVN and international standards.

“Prevention is better than cure – but proper prevention is what truly matters.”

• Hotline: 0932 059 176
• Email: kinhdoanh@thepbaotin.com
• Website: www.thepbaotin.com

Bao tin Steel – Your trusted partner for all fire prevention and fighting safety projects!

Tiger Steel is a branch of Bao Tin Steel