Commercial Fire Alarm Systems in Houston, TX
We install, service, and correct commercial fire alarm systems for properties across Houston and Greater Texas. Whether you need a brand new addressable system designed from the ground up, a panel swap on an aging conventional setup, or corrections to pass a fire marshal reinspection, we handle it start to finish. Every system we touch is built to NFPA 72 and local fire code requirements, permitted through the Texas State Fire Marshal, and ready for inspection the day we walk off the job.
We are a licensed fire alarm contractor. We do not sell residential monitoring packages or DIY kits. All work is commercial-grade and inspection-focused.
What We Do
New Fire Alarm System Design and Installation
Full system design for new construction, tenant buildouts, and occupancy changes. We size the system to your building's square footage, occupancy classification, and AHJ requirements. We work with conventional panels (Fire-Lite MS series), addressable panels (Edwards EST, Fire-Lite ES-200X), and voice evacuation systems for buildings that require them under NFPA 72 Section 24.4.
Inspection Corrections and Reinspection Support
If your building failed a fire marshal inspection, we review the deficiency report, identify every item that needs correction, and get you back into compliance. Common corrections include replacing missing or expired smoke detectors, repairing trouble conditions on the panel, adding pull stations at required exit locations, and fixing notification appliance coverage gaps.
Trouble and Supervisory Diagnostics
Panel showing a trouble light? Supervisory condition you can't clear? We diagnose and resolve ground faults, open circuits, device failures, and communication issues. Most trouble calls are resolved in a single visit.
Panel Replacement and Upgrades
Aging panels eventually hit end-of-life. Parts become unavailable, the AHJ stops accepting them, or the building changes use and the old panel can't support the new device count. We remove the old panel and install a current, code-compliant replacement — new panel, device remapping, programming, and permit.
Fire Alarm Monitoring and Communication
NFPA 72 requires supervised signal transmission to a listed monitoring station. We install and program communicators (cellular CLSS, IP, or dual-path) and coordinate monitoring setup so your alarm signals reach the right central station and dispatch.
Need sprinkler monitoring tied into your fire alarm? See our fire sprinkler services →
How a Project Works
- 1
Assessment
We visit the property, review the existing system (if any), check the building's occupancy classification, and identify what the applicable fire code requires. If you have a failed inspection report, we review it line by line.
- 2
Proposal
You get a written scope of work with category-level pricing, the devices and equipment included, the applicable code references, and a clear timeline. No surprises, no open-ended change orders.
- 3
Permitting
We pull the required Texas State Fire Marshal (TSFM) permit for fire alarm installation or alteration. This is required by state law for any fire alarm work in Texas. If your previous contractor skipped this step, that's a compliance problem we can help you fix.
- 4
Installation
Our crew installs the system. Wiring, devices, panels, programming, and testing. We document everything and leave the system in a testable, inspection-ready state.
- 5
Final Inspection
We coordinate with your local AHJ (fire marshal) for final inspection. We are on-site for the inspection and handle any punch list items on the spot.
Not sure what your building needs? Use our free Service Recommender →
Applicable Codes and Standards
Every fire alarm system we design and install is governed by a specific set of codes. Here's what applies in Texas:
NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code) — Governs system design, device placement, spacing, notification appliance coverage, and inspection/testing/maintenance requirements. Most Texas jurisdictions have adopted either the 2019 or 2022 edition.
2021 International Fire Code (IFC) Section 907 — Establishes which occupancy types require fire alarm systems and what type of initiating and notification devices are required. This is where the answer to 'do I even need a fire alarm?' comes from.
2021 International Building Code (IBC) — Works alongside the IFC to define occupancy classifications, means of egress requirements (which affect pull station placement), and construction type thresholds.
2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) / NFPA 70 — Governs the electrical installation, circuit integrity, and wiring methods for fire alarm circuits.
Texas State Fire Marshal (TSFM) permits — Required for all fire alarm installations and alterations in Texas, regardless of the local jurisdiction.
Understanding how these codes interact is part of the job. For example, a recent daycare project required us to apply an IBC code exception that eliminated the need for pull stations at certain exits — saving the client over $1,000 in device and wiring costs.
Need help interpreting a fire marshal deficiency report? See our compliance services →
System Types We Install
Conventional
Zone-based systems where devices are grouped by circuit. Best suited for smaller buildings under 10,000 square feet with straightforward layouts.
Addressable
Every device has a unique address on the panel, allowing precise identification of which device activated. Required for larger buildings and recommended for any multi-zone installation.
Voice Evacuation
Buildings with certain occupancy types or high occupant loads require voice evacuation instead of standard horn/strobes. The system delivers pre-recorded or live voice messages through speaker/strobes.
Pricing
| Scope | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Single device replacement or trouble call | $750 – $1,500 |
| Inspection correction (3–5 deficiencies) | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Panel replacement (conventional) | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| New conventional system (under 5,000 SF) | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| New addressable system (5,000–10,000 SF) | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Voice evacuation system (add-on) | $5,000 – $12,000+ |
These are general ranges. Every building is different. We provide exact pricing after an on-site assessment.
Payment: 30% at signing, 30% at crew mobilization, 30% at substantial completion, 10% after passing final inspection. We accept Zelle, Square, and check.
Service Areas
We install and service fire alarm systems across Texas, with primary coverage in Houston, Missouri City, Sugar Land, Pearland, The Woodlands, and surrounding areas. We also travel to Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, College Station, Waco, Denton, and Lufkin for larger projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Services
Fire Marshal Compliance
Failed your inspection? We correct deficiencies and get you reinspection-ready.
Fire Sprinkler Systems
Many buildings require both fire alarm and sprinkler systems. We install and coordinate both.
Emergency Lighting
Exit signs and emergency lights are often cited alongside fire alarm deficiencies.
Consulting
Not sure what your building requires? We provide code compliance assessments.
Request a Fire Alarm Quote
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