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National Fire Protection Association Requires Commercial Fire Alarm Systems
The National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code put out by the National Fire Protection Association states the provisions for installing commercial fire alarm systems. This code does not state when a fire or detection system is required, however; that job is part of the NFPA Life Safety Code. The Life Safety Code states when you are required to install commercial fire alarm systems or fire detection systems. This code not only specifies when you have to install one of these systems, it also specifies which criteria the alarm must operate under. Smoke Detector Requirements The Life Safety Code states if your smoke detector is only used for an elevator recall or your heat detectors are only in place to shutdown an elevators power then they are not required to activate your buildings commercial fire alarm system. These same detectors do not need to activate the alarm system if their sole purpose is to close or shut down dampers on the HVAC. Another instance where your detectors are not required to activate commercial fire alarm systems is when they are used for closing automatic doors. While under these situations the detectors are not required to activate the alarm system, they must […]
Read MoreMaintain Your Commercial Fire Alarm System Properly To Meet State And Federal Requirements
Owning a business means you have to protect yourself against the possibility of a fire. A commercial fire alarm system is required by law for any business with ten or more employees and you also have to have a fire prevention plan in place. The fire alarm system is not only required to be in place, it has to be in proper working condition and must meet state and federal standards. Make sure you are maintaining your commercial fire alarm system correctly. Commercial Fire Alarm System Age At certain stages of your commercial fire alarm system’s life, it will require maintenance checks. Once your system reaches the age of five years, you can start to expect certain failures or breakdowns. The environment has a large impact on the different components of these systems. Humidity, temperature and even fluctuations in voltages can impact the parts of your system causing them to malfunction. The older your system becomes; the more repairs you can expect to need on your unit. Systems fifteen years old can still be useful as long as you’ve completed proper maintenance during these years. These older systems will require more repairs. Systems over twenty years old should be replaced. […]
Read MoreAn Overview Of Commercial Fire Alarm Systems
Commercial fire alarm systems will provide warning of a danger to occupants so they have time to evacuate a property and prevent serious injuries or even death. Technology has made it possible for these systems to pinpoint the exact location of the heat or smoke that’s of concern inside your building. There are some older versions of fire alarm systems still in use which may be using buzzers or belt methods. If you are interested in updating or inspecting your fire alarm system, contact 1st Alarm Fire Today. Inspecting Commercial Fire Alarm Systems Local authorities and insurance carriers require routine inspections of commercial fire alarm systems. As a business owner, you are responsible for scheduling and ensuring these inspections are carried out within the specified time frame. An inspection by a certified technician will give you confirmation that your system and all its components are in proper working condition. The technician will also make sure there has been no damage to your system or anything that would impair its operation. With each inspection, you should also compile documentation that the system and its components have been checked and found to be in proper working condition. When to Schedule Commercial Fire […]
Read MoreSteps To Ensure Your Commercial Fire Alarm System Continues To Function Properly
When you have spent the money it costs to have a commercial fire alarm system installed in your commercial space – you want to make sure that it is in proper working order each and every day. The only way to do this is to have it properly maintained, inspected and tested on a regular basis. Be sure to talk to your insurance carrier once you decide on having a commercial fire alarm system installed. Many insurance companies offer a significant savings when your building is equipped with a commercial fire alarm system – on the other hand, may not fully insure you if you don’t have one. Inspection of your commercial fire alarm system To start out – your commercial fire alarm system should be inspected when it is installed and then at periodic and regular intervals as long as you have the system. Depending on the type of business you have, some systems are required to be inspected. The instructions given by the manufacturer should be followed to the letter in order to make sure everything is in working order. Testing your commercial fire alarm system Inspection and testing are two different things. Just as you test your […]
Read MoreRoutine Inspection, Testing And Maintenance On Commercial Fire Alarm Systems Reduces Failure Rates
Routine inspection, testing, and maintenance of commercial fire alarm systems is essential for keeping them operational. When commercial fire alarm systems are not properly maintained, they become prone to failures that can cost lives and increase the amount of damage a property can sustain. When it comes to fire alarm operation, an ounce of prevention is most definitely easier to swallow than the pound of cure. Some of the most common causes of commercial fire alarm systems failures are also some of the easiest to identify and correct. Dirt and dust are commercial fire alarm systems worst enemies Dirty smoke detectors and clogged sensors are responsible for a significant number of commercial fire alarm systems failures. Dirt, dust, insect remains, and lint can build up within the smoke detector thus negatively impacting the sensitivity of the unit. It can lead to false alarms that go off without warning, or when a fire erupts, the clogged sensor chamber can slow response time or lead to a total system failure. Commercial fire alarm systems versus high ceilings Another common maintenance problem with commercial fire alarm systems involves the high ceilings that most systems have to contend with. Whether in a warehouse or […]
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