The most common mistakes in Fire Protection System Design - how to avoid them?

The Importance of Proper Fire Protection System Design

A fire protection design is a fundamental element of the planning and construction process for any building, determining the level of fire safety throughout the facility’s operational life. Its proper development requires consideration of numerous technical, functional, and legal factors arising from applicable regulations (e.g., compliance with fire safety standards) as well as established engineering principles. A comprehensive fire protection (FP) design enables the effective planning of evacuation conditions, the selection of appropriate fire safety systems, and the provision of suitable conditions for rescue and firefighting operations. As a result, it serves not only as a means of meeting regulatory requirements but, more importantly, as an effective tool for reducing fire risk and protecting human life, health, and property. The methodology for designing fire protection systems is defined in dedicated industry publications, which typically take the form of guidelines, technical specifications, or best-practice documents.

Why Is Proper Fire Protection System Design the Foundation of Safety?

Proper design of fire protection systems is one of the most important pillars of fire safety in buildings. The effectiveness of systems such as fire alarm systems, fixed firefighting installations, smoke control systems, and emergency power shutdown systems depends not only on the quality of the technical solutions employed but, above all, on their appropriate selection and integration at the design stage. Design errors can lead to reduced functionality of safety systems, longer response times to hazards, and difficulties in the evacuation of building occupants. A key element of the design process is the proper identification and assessment of fire hazards, which enables the implementation of solutions tailored to the actual level of risk present in a given facility. Properly designed fire protection systems take into account the specifics of the building, its intended use, anticipated fire scenarios, and the requirements of applicable regulations, ensuring effective protection of human life and health, as well as minimizing material losses in the event of a fire.

What are the risks of skipping a thorough risk analysis?

A fire risk analysis plays a particularly important role in ensuring an appropriate level of safety. It forms the basis for making well-considered design decisions. Omitting a thorough fire risk analysis at the design stage may lead to solutions that are not adapted to the actual hazards present in the facility. As a consequence, the likelihood increases of improper operation of safety systems, inefficient evacuation of occupants, and rapid fire spread. A lack of comprehensive risk assessment often also results in the incorrect selection of fire protection equipment and safeguards, which may generate additional costs related to the need to upgrade installations or adapt the facility to the requirements of regulatory authorities. From the perspective of an investor and property manager, an insufficient hazard analysis means not only the risk of violating regulations, but above all a reduced level of protection of life, health, and property, which should be the overriding goal of any fire protection project.

Design errors related to requirements and the selection of equipment

As mentioned earlier, the incorrect selection of equipment at the design stage may have serious consequences during the acceptance process or the use of the facility. The most commonly encountered fire protection design errors, along with their descriptions, are presented below [1]:

• Selection of safeguards not adapted to the building’s function and actual hazards (e.g. installing complex, addressable systems in small facilities)
• Failure to account for the specifics of the working environment (e.g. dust, increased humidity, or fluctuating temperature)
• Incorrect placement of system components (e.g. detectors installed in room corners)
• Failure to carry out regular technical inspections

In addition to the above, situations are also frequently encountered in which active fire protection systems in buildings are used contrary to their intended purpose. An example may be the installation of a certified alarm sounder intended for indoor use on a building’s external façade. Proper knowledge and interpretation of the provisions contained both in documents issued by the certification body and by the manufacturer (e.g. regarding the type of cable that may be used with a given fire-rated installation junction box) are also of key importance. These documents include information on the correct method of installation of a given product. Failure to comply with these requirements may lead to fire protection design errors, as well as unforeseen complications, improper operation of the device, or even its complete failure to function in a fire hazard situation.

Underestimation of the fire load in a facility

Underestimating the fire load in a facility is one of the more significant design errors, directly affecting the effectiveness of the adopted fire protection assumptions. This parameter determines the expected intensity and dynamics of fire development, and thus governs the selection of appropriate structural solutions and protection systems. A situation in which the fire load is assumed to be too low may lead to insufficient fire resistance of building partitions, inappropriate selection of extinguishing systems, and incorrect assumptions regarding evacuation and smoke control. As a result, real fire conditions may significantly exceed the design scenarios, leading to a reduced level of occupant safety and an increased risk of substantial material losses. A typical example illustrating this issue is a change in the building’s intended use, which requires verification of the initial assumptions (e.g. the type and quantity of materials that may be stored).

Incorrect selection of equipment – when does a sounder fail to perform its function?

Fire alarm device It is one of the most important components of protection systems. Its function is simple – to alert building occupants as quickly as possible to a fire hazard. For this task to be carried out quickly and effectively, it is crucial to make proper use of the device’s capabilities. In addition to the appropriate operating environment (indoor or outdoor), other factors must also be taken into account.
One of the key issues is the proper selection of fire alarm sounders that match the specifics of the facility. The designer may choose from the following types of fire alarm devices:

• sounders (producing a continuous or modulated audible signal at a specified frequency or frequencies),
• visual alarm devices VAD (producing a flashing warning signal at a specified frequency)
• sounder with VAD (combining the two previously described alarm methods)
• voice sounders (in addition to an audible signal, they also play voice/verbal messages, which makes notification more effective than in the case of acoustic sounders),
• voice sounder with VAD (combining all of the alarm methods described above).

The selection of an appropriate device affects the effectiveness of alarm signaling under real operating conditions. For example, in buildings with low noise levels (background noise), such as offices, acoustic sounders perform very well. In facilities such as industrial halls, where the noise level is significantly higher and people present may use personal protective equipment such as hearing protection, it may be necessary to use acoustic-optical sounders. The optical component in such a solution complements the acoustic component, ultimately enabling a higher level of alarm effectiveness.

Voice sounders and voice sounders with VAD are recommended in facilities where untrained evacuation users or people speaking different languages may be present. Voice sounders enable the generation of clear, unambiguous messages in different languages. These devices are particularly well suited, among others, for hostels.
Incorrect selection of fire alarm sounders for the specifics of a facility may lead to a significant reduction in alarm effectiveness. It should also be noted that the efficiency of warning is influenced by factors related to the device’s placement within the space, as well as its selected settings (if applicable). Examples include the mounting height and orientation of the device, as well as the choice of sound pattern, appropriate volume level, or the selection of the optical signal pattern. An incorrectly installed or configured sounder may prove ineffective in real fire conditions. It is also worth noting that the design should only include sounders approved for use on the Polish market.

Lack of consistency with other systems

Modern building safety systems consist of dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of devices that, where justified, should work together. To ensure maximum effectiveness, fire protection systems are often integrated with other elements. Systems such as general and fire ventilation, building automation (BMS), electrical installations, or access control systems should be designed in an integrated manner, ensuring their mutual cooperation in fire conditions. Insufficient coordination between these systems may lead to control conflicts, delays in safety system response, or their complete ineffectiveness in an emergency situation. As a result, the functionality of safety procedures is reduced, which directly affects the effectiveness of evacuation and firefighting operations. A lack of consistency between fire protection installations and other technical building systems poses a significant threat to the effectiveness of the entire fire safety concept. All of this makes fire system integration a standard in larger facilities.

The trap of standards and regulations. How to avoid non-compliance with current guidelines?

In general, navigating legal acts in the field of fire protection is not an easy task due to their number, as well as provisions that may be interpreted in different ways. It should also be noted that most provisions are general and descriptive in nature [2]. The design process is based on acts, regulations, standards, guidelines, etc. The selection of a specific standard or code may be imposed by the investor or an insurance company. The most commonly used standards in the industry include SITP, NFPA, VdS, and FM Global. The complexity, volume of information, and dynamic changes in the mentioned legal acts and fire protection guidelines mean that designers often encounter the so-called “compliance trap,” which consists in formally meeting minimum requirements while simultaneously overlooking the actual functional conditions of the facility. Relying solely on a literal interpretation of regulations, without contextual reference to current technical guidelines and engineering practice, may lead to non-compliance revealed during building acceptance or operation. To avoid such situations, it is necessary to continuously monitor legislative changes, apply up-to-date harmonized standards, and consult solutions with fire safety experts. Such an approach makes it possible to develop appropriate fire protection design requirements for a specific building. Interdisciplinary design coordination is also essential, allowing the adopted assumptions to be verified in a broader technical context rather than solely a formal one.

Common errors in location and installation

Common errors related to the location and installation of fire protection devices and system components are among the most frequently occurring issues that reduce the effectiveness of the entire fire safety system. Incorrect placement of fire detectors, sounders, hydrants, or control elements may lead to delayed hazard detection, limited system coverage, or hindered access during rescue operations. Typical spatial arrangement errors include, for example, incorrect marking of evacuation routes or blocking evacuation exits, as well as obstructing fire doors [3]. Equally important are installation errors resulting from insufficient adaptation of the system to the technical conditions of the facility, conflicts with other building systems, or deviations from manufacturers’ guidelines. A good example is the improper selection of extinguishers for the specifics of the facility or the materials stored within it. Fire extinguishers must be properly matched to the type of fire (e.g. Class A, B, C fires), and their number and placement must comply with applicable standards. As a result, even a correctly designed fire protection system may fail to achieve the intended effectiveness if the execution stage is not carried out with the required precision and in accordance with the design documentation.

Too sparse placement of detectors – dead zones in the system

Proper placement of smoke detectors in a facility is crucial and has a direct impact on the speed and effectiveness of fire hazard detection. Incorrectly positioned detectors may delay the moment smoke is detected. In addition, improper device placement within a space may result in false alarms, which can generate significant material losses [4]. Another issue that requires attention is excessively sparse spacing of fire detectors, which constitutes a significant design and installation error. It may lead to the formation of so-called dead zones within the fire detection system. These areas are not effectively monitored, which in practice may result in delayed detection of the hazard source or even a complete lack of detection in the early stage of a fire. Such irregularities most often result from incorrect interpretation of device spacing guidelines, failure to account for room geometry, environmental conditions, and the characteristics of potential fire load. Consequently, the reliability of the entire fire alarm system is reduced, which directly affects longer response times and limits the effectiveness of evacuation and intervention procedures. To avoid this, several factors should be considered during the design stage, including the type of detector, maximum spacing, maximum distance from walls, recommended mounting height, and maximum coverage area. Detectors are best installed on the ceiling, as centrally as possible within a room, which follows from the physics of fire development, where smoke and hot gases rise upward and then spread horizontally beneath the ceiling.

Failure to account for specific environmental conditions and system lifespan

Failure to account for specific environmental conditions at the design stage and during the selection of fire protection equipment may significantly reduce their reliability and operational lifespan. Factors such as increased humidity, dust, temperature fluctuations, the presence of corrosive substances, or intense mechanical воздействия have a direct impact on the operation of detection and control system components. For example, excessive moisture and condensation may lead to corrosion of PCB circuit boards and relay contacts, which can result in short circuits and ultimately system failure. Excessive dust, in turn, may reduce the sensitivity of detectors or cause false alarms. Extreme temperatures may shorten battery life or damage cable insulation (e.g. cracking). Failure to consider these conditions results in accelerated component wear, increased failure rates, and a higher risk of false alarms or delayed system response. Consequently, the overall level of fire safety in the facility is reduced, while maintenance and servicing costs increase significantly, undermining the effectiveness of the adopted design solutions.

Errors in cabling and power supply. How can small oversights lead to major failures?

Errors in the cabling and power supply of fire protection systems are among the most critical, as they directly affect the continuity of operation of the entire safety system. Even seemingly minor oversights, such as incorrect selection of conductor cross-sections, lack of separation of cable routes, improper execution of connections, or insufficient protection against mechanical damage, may lead to signal transmission disturbances or complete loss of communication between system components. For example, designing a connection using cables with a cross-section that is too small relative to power consumption may cause excessive heating and, consequently, damage to insulation or short circuits. In addition, a smaller conductor cross-section results in higher voltage drops, which in extreme cases may limit the functionality of powered devices or even prevent their operation altogether due to insufficient supply voltage. Equally important are errors in ensuring backup power supply, which should guarantee uninterrupted system operation in emergency conditions. As a result, minor execution-related irregularities can escalate into serious system failures, preventing effective detection and alarm signaling of hazards and limiting the operation of control devices under fire conditions.

Check also Installation of a fire protection system

Summary and recommendations for investors

In summary, the effectiveness of a building’s fire protection system depends on the consistency of all stages of the investment process—from risk analysis and design concept development, through the selection of technical solutions, to execution quality and subsequent operation. Even individual errors made at any of these stages may significantly reduce the level of safety and lead to the failure of critical systems in an emergency situation. In practice, this means that the fire protection system should be treated as an integrated whole, requiring precise coordination and continuous verification of compliance with current technical requirements.
For investors, it is crucial to involve experienced designers and fire protection experts at the early stage of investment planning, as well as to ensure effective supervision of installation works. It is also recommended to implement regular inspections and testing of fire protection systems during the building’s operation, which allows for early detection of irregularities and helps maintain a high level of reliability. Such an approach not only minimizes technical and regulatory risks, but above all provides a real guarantee of protecting the life, health, and property of building users.

Focus on verification – design audit

At this stage, many people may wonder how to avoid fire protection design errors. One of the key tools for minimizing the risk of errors in fire protection systems is independent project verification carried out in the form of a technical audit. A thorough fire protection design audit enables early detection of non-compliance, gaps in design assumptions, and inconsistencies between different building services disciplines, before they become fixed at the execution stage. It includes both an analysis of compliance with applicable regulations and standards, as well as an assessment of the adopted solutions in terms of their effectiveness in real fire scenarios.
Independent verification is an important complement to the designer’s work, as it introduces an additional level of quality control and eliminates the risk of oversights resulting from design routine or time constraints. In practice, a fire protection design audit allows for the optimization of technical solutions, increases system reliability, and reduces the risk of costly corrections at later stages of the investment process. For the investor, it is a tool that genuinely enhances the safety level of the facility and provides greater assurance of the project’s compliance with formal and technical requirements.

Cooperation with an experienced designer and manufacturer

The effectiveness and reliability of fire protection systems largely depend on the quality of cooperation between an experienced designer and fire protection system manufacturers. Integrating design expertise with the manufacturer’s practical technological experience enables the proper selection of solutions, their optimization, and adaptation to the specifics of the facility and real operating conditions. The designer, with knowledge of regulations, standards, and fire scenarios, is responsible for correct conceptual assumptions, while the manufacturer provides detailed technical data, system limitations, and installation recommendations.
A lack of such cooperation, or its limitation at the design stage, may result in improper selection of fire protection devices, system compatibility issues, and reduced overall installation efficiency. In contrast, close coordination enables the implementation of more precise, durable solutions that comply with current technical standards. As a result, the investor obtains a coherent and verified fire protection system that meets formal requirements while also ensuring a high level of safety for building users.

Based on:
[1] https://cnbop.pl/najczestsze-bledy-projektowe-w-systemach-ppoz-i-jak-ich-unikac/ (dostęp 11-06-2026)
[2] https://pliszka.pl/akademia/projekty-systemow-ppoz-na-co-nalezy-zwracac-uwage/ (dostęp 12-06-2026)
[3] https://www.gfs.pila.pl/najczestsze-bledy-w-ochronie-przeciwpozarowej-budynkow/ (dostęp 12-06-2026)
[4] https://fumaro.pl/rozmieszczenie-czujek/ (dostęp 12-06-2026)