Some providers suggest that the best approach to coverage is to install in each building separately. Â They argue that this will ensure that users in one building are not disturbed by fire alarms that aren't relevant. Â There is no requirement to do this in the British Standards, and if your site has securely connected fire alarm systems (see below for details) then there is no reason not to cover multiple buildings with a single transmitter.
This is always the most cost effective way of managing your fire alarm system for Deaf and hard of hearing people. Â It will effectively exploit your existing fire alarm infrastructure and potentially save thousands of pounds. The inconvenience for users during the day is minimal. As radio broadcasts cannot be "sculptured" around a building, certain overspill will occur (usually via windows) and even with a building by building coverage approach, users will receive fire alarm messages for buildings that they aren't in.
Some systems are lower powered (as detailed above), or may have restrictions to their licence (an on-site licence is inhibited against broadcasting across roads for example) and therefore are unable to cover multiple buildings from a single point. Â Be aware of why a supplier may be suggesting this approach.
For most Deaf and hard of hearing users, they are well aware that hearing people can hear fire alarms from different buildings, and are happy that while information is delivered to them for alternative buildings, they actually receive more precise information than an audible fire alarm could achieve.
The exception that proves the rule however is the operation of DeafWatch type system in accommodation.  It is one thing to receive a discreet warning of a fire alarm across a site or campus.  It is quite another to be woken up at 2 am because the student unions fire alarm has gone off.  This can be overcome by either going to the expense of a separate transmitter, or with DeafWatch, a simple addition of a line of code.
