Fire alarm monitoring can have significant beneficial outcomes for end-user sites, from an increased layer of security, improved efficiencies and a reduction in false alarms. But how much does fire alarm monitoring cost? We’ve gathered all the information you need to know.
What is fire alarm monitoring?
Fire alarm monitoring is the use of a third party professional monitoring company, to monitor a single or multiple site(s) fire alarm system(s) for activations and false alarms. Fire alarm monitoring is carried out remotely and over 365 days a year, 24/7. Fire alarm monitoring enables sites to be constantly protected and allows for peace of mind that if an alarm is triggered out of hours, an immediate response will be given.
In the UK, the need for robust fire safety measures, particularly within commercial and industrial settings, is paramount. The latest statistics on fire incidents in non-domestic properties highlight the continued risk businesses face. According to the most recent official UK Government statistics, Fire and Rescue Services attended thousands of primary fires in non-domestic buildings in the last 12 months. This consistent level of risk underscores why a reactive, unmonitored system is simply insufficient for modern business operations. A professionally monitored system, like the services offered by an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC), ensures that every activation is immediately assessed and the correct protocol is followed, whether that’s dispatching the appropriate keyholder or alerting the Fire and Rescue Service. This proactive approach not only protects assets but is crucial for supporting your existing remote health & safety patrols and compliance obligations.
Furthermore, fire alarm monitoring plays a critical role in preventing major losses, which is particularly relevant when considering the specific vulnerabilities of different business sectors. For example, sites within manufacturing, waste, and recycling sectors often face higher fire risks due to the nature of materials handled. Professional remote monitoring minimises the time between detection and response, which is the most critical factor in mitigating fire damage and potential business interruption. This is often an important consideration for business insurance providers, who often view monitored systems as a key factor in reducing risk, which can influence premium costs; you can read more about this in our article on understanding your insurance and how remote monitoring impacts premiums.
How much does fire alarm monitoring cost?
Fire alarm monitoring is usually charged on a monthly contract and the cost varies from site to site. There are several factors that influence the cost for each site, however you can expect costs to start at approximately £20.00 per month.
While £20.00 per month is a useful starting point, it is vital to understand that this is only an entry-level cost and may not cover the necessary complexity for larger or high-risk commercial premises. Real-world costs for comprehensive commercial fire monitoring services can range significantly, often scaling up based on the level of technology and service required. For instance, a site requiring immediate video verification and a pre-agreed action plan for all fire or non-security events—such as those monitored by our non-security monitoring services like flood or temperature alarms—will naturally incur a higher monthly fee. This tailored approach is why we always recommend a full assessment, ensuring that the service you receive meets both your security needs and regulatory compliance, such as those detailed in the latest guidance on fire safety regulations for businesses by the UK Government.
The value of professional monitoring is often measured against the potentially devastating cost of an unmitigated fire. In 2024, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) highlighted that commercial property insurance claims for fire-related incidents continue to be a substantial cost to businesses, making a robust response mechanism essential. Therefore, the monthly cost of monitoring should be viewed not as an expense, but as a critical investment in business continuity and asset protection.
What factors influence the costs of fire alarm monitoring?
There are several main costs that influence the monthly cost of a fire alarm monitoring contract.
Number of Sites
The number of sites on a contract will influence the monthly cost. Whether you have a few, a dozen or hundreds, the more sites that require fire alarm monitoring, the larger the monthly cost.
However, volume often brings efficiency. When multiple sites—such as those managed by a property portfolio manager or a multi-branch retailer—are brought under one contract, the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) can often offer a consolidated package. This doesn’t just streamline billing; it allows for a standardised response protocol across all locations, enhancing security consistency. For businesses like those in the restaurant sector or office environments with numerous locations, this centralised approach to security, which can often be bundled with services like CCTV monitoring, provides significant operational benefits. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive and efficient multi-site monitoring solutions.
Site Size
The size of each site will also influence the overall cost. Larger sites will require a larger surface area to be covered by the monitoring team.
For large sites, such as industrial warehouses or expansive student accommodation complexes, the complexity extends beyond simple area coverage. The cost is also influenced by the need for more sophisticated transmission equipment, and often, the integration of multiple alarm panels across different zones. The monitoring solution must be capable of processing a higher volume of data points and providing granular reporting, which requires a more powerful and adaptive monitoring platform. This is especially true when integrating with other systems like intruder monitoring for a unified security response. We have further discussed these multi-system benefits in our guide on the key advantages of combining fire, security, and environmental monitoring systems.
Size & Complexity of System
Larger and more complex fire safety systems will have more internal components and alarms, leading to increased costs to monitor the system.
Complexity can also involve the type of communication path used. Older or basic systems may use a single phone line, whereas modern, compliant systems will utilise dual-path signalling (e.g., combining both IP and GPRS/GSM) to ensure communication is maintained even if one path fails. This enhanced communication redundancy adds to the overall cost but is essential for meeting rigorous insurance and industry standards, a concept we explore in detail in our article on how RMS ensures reliable monitoring with redundant systems and backup protocols. The monitoring of specialist non-fire alarms, such as fridge and freezer monitoring in catering environments, also adds complexity and cost, as it requires bespoke handling protocols by the ARC operators. For those looking to ensure their system meets the highest operational standards, our guide on what NSI Gold means for your business provides essential reading.
Getting an accurate cost for fire alarm monitoring
If you are looking for an accurate cost or quotation for professional fire alarm monitoring for your sites, we recommend getting in touch. RMS are an NSI Gold accredited ARC and provide a honest and transparent, 5* service.
When seeking a quote, ensure you discuss all aspects of your site, including the type of fire detection technology in place, the existing communication path, and your required emergency response procedures. We, at RMS, pride ourselves on transparent pricing and service excellence, which is why we hold the prestigious NSI Gold accreditation, demonstrating our adherence to the highest standards of security and service.
Call us on 0330 002 1149 for a free quote today.
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