About Element Fire & Safety

Element Fire & Safety is a life-safety focused division of Element Contracting Group, providing professional fire alarm inspection, testing, installation, and service throughout Iowa and the Midwest. We specialize in code-compliant fire alarm systems that protect people, property, and operations — with zero shortcuts.

Our background is rooted in the fire alarm and life-safety trade, not just construction. We understand the real-world demands of NFPA codes, AHJ expectations, and the importance of systems that work when they’re needed most.

We work with:

  • Commercial property owners

  • Multi-family housing and apartments

  • Retail and office buildings

  • Warehouses and light industrial facilities

  • Schools, churches, and assembly occupancies

Every project and inspection is handled with attention to detail, clear documentation, and direct communication with building owners, property managers, and fire officials.

People-First Approach

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Reliability You Can Count On

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A Focus on Quality

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People-First Approach · Reliability You Can Count On · A Focus on Quality ·

Fire Alarm Install Process

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines.

    Site Review & Code Evaluation

    We begin with a site walkthrough and review of project requirements, occupancy type, and applicable codes. This includes:

    Review of local and state fire codes

    NFPA 72 and IBC compliance requirements

    Coordination with the AHJ and project stakeholders

    Evaluation of existing systems (if applicable)

    This step ensures the system is designed correctly before any work begins.

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and half circle lines.

    System Design & Device Layout

    Based on code requirements and site conditions, we develop a fire alarm system layout that includes:

    Fire alarm control panel selection

    Initiating device placement (smoke, heat, pull stations)

    Notification appliance layout (horns, strobes, speakers)

    Circuiting, power, and monitoring considerations

    All layouts are designed for compliance, coverage, and future serviceability.

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and circle lines.

    Rough-In & Wiring Installation

    During the construction or retrofit phase, we install all required wiring and infrastructure:

    Fire-rated cabling and conduit (where required)

    Backboxes and mounting hardware

    Clean, labeled, and code-compliant wiring practices

    Coordination with other trades to avoid conflicts

    Attention to workmanship at this stage ensures a reliable system long-term.

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines.

    Device & Panel Installation

    Once rough-in is complete, we install all system components:

    Fire alarm control panel and power supplies

    Initiating devices and notification appliances

    Batteries and system peripherals

    Proper labeling and device addressing

    All equipment is installed per manufacturer specifications and code requirements.

  • Programming, Testing & Verification

    The system is programmed and tested to verify proper operation:

    Panel programming and device addressing

    Functional testing of all devices

    Alarm, supervisory, and trouble signal verification

    Battery and power transfer testing

    Monitoring signal confirmation (where applicable)

    This step ensures the system operates exactly as intended.

  • Final Inspection & AHJ Coordination

    We coordinate and support the final fire marshal or AHJ inspection:

    Preparation of inspection documentation

    On-site support during inspection

    Resolution of any deficiencies, if required

    Final system acceptance

    Our goal is a smooth inspection with no surprises.

  • Documentation & Turnover

    Upon completion, we provide:

    Inspection and test reports

    As-built drawings (if required)

    System documentation and manuals

    Guidance on inspection schedules and ongoing maintenance

   Element Fire & Safety vs. Typical Fire Alarm Contractor

Element Fire & Safety Typical Fire Alarm Contractor

Backed by a full construction general contractor Fire alarm only — no construction capability

Builds the structure from framing up Brought in after framing or drywall

Fire alarm systems planned during construction Systems added late in the project

Minimal subcontracting Heavy reliance on subcontractors

Lower total project cost through efficiency Stacked subcontractor markups

One contractor from start to finish Multiple vendors and hand-offs

Better coordination with other trades Limited control over scheduling

Cleaner installs, fewer change orders Higher risk of rework

Clear accountability Finger-pointing between trades

Designed to pass inspection the first time Issues often discovered at final inspection