Testing And Inspections Are Necessary To Ensure Your Commercial Fire Alarm System Functions Properly When Needed
The testing and inspection requirements for a commercial fire alarm system are set forth by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA-72). Testing does more than just allowing a business to stay in business. It ensures that your commercial fire alarm system will function properly when needed if and when a fire threat is present. NFPA standards establish regulations regarding each testing and inspection requirements for a commercial fire alarm system. Failing to adhere to these standards can have serious consequences including revocation of certificate of occupancy, cancellation of insurance policies, denial of claims, and exposure to both civil and criminal liability if a fire breaks out. Perhaps just as important is the potential for property damage, personal injuries, or wrongful deaths. Testing requirements for your commercial fire alarm system For a commercial fire alarm system connected to a supervising station, testing must be performed for all of the fire alarm system functions, fuses, interfaces, lamps/LEDs, power supplies, and transponders on an annual basis. These testing requirements also include batteries, fiber-optic power cables, control units, and annunciators. For a commercial fire alarm system that is not connected to a supervising station, testing must be performed for the fire alarm system functions, […]
Read MoreThe Only Way To Ensure Your Commercial Fire Alarm System Is In Proper Working Order Is To Properly Accomplish Maintenance, Testing and Inspection
Installing a commercial fire alarm system in your business is a significant investment. As with any major business investment it is critical that it is in proper working order each and every day. The only way to achieve this level of performance and reliability is to have it properly maintained, inspected and tested. Maintenance Don’t trust the maintenance of your commercial fire alarm system to inexperienced personnel. An untrained individual may overlook important details. Put your trust in knowledgeable and qualified service people to maintain your alarm system in a way that will protect your employees and building assets. Testing Prior to conducting fire alarm system testing make sure you notify your employees or others in the building. This will help to avoid confusion during a test as well as in an actual emergency. Don’t trust the testing of your commercial fire alarm system to anyone. Put your trust in knowledgeable and qualified service people to test your commercial fire alarm system in a way that will protect your employees and building assets. Inspections 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. […]
Read MoreRegular Testing Of Your Commercial Fire Alarm System Helps Ensure It Will Function Properly If And When It Is Needed
Regular testing of your commercial fire alarm system helps identify flaws and faults in the system to ensure that if a fire occurs, the system will function as designed. Commercial fire alarm systems are not flawless and over time parts can wear out, sensors can become blocked, and wires come loose. Regular testing is not only a good idea, it is required by law. National Fire Protection Association Standards for testing and inspection NFPA standards require business owners to conduct numerous tests and inspections of both monitored and unmonitored systems. For monitored systems, a weekly inspection of interfaces, LED’s, etc. Each quarter, the NFPA standards require testing of switches/tamper switches. Twice a year, batteries must be tested for swelling, loose connections, and voltage. Among other things, this testing helps ensure that batteries will function properly should power loss occur. Once every year, testing must be conducted on the panel to ensure that LED’s, fuses, etc. are operating properly. Annual testing is also required on battery chargers and batteries. Annual inspections must also be conducted of horns, sirens, strobe lights, bells, and other audio elements of the system. Smoke detectors and smoke detectors must also be inspected and cleaned to ensure […]
Read MoreWhy Commercial Fire Alarm System Inspections Are Important
The singular reason that commercial fire alarm system inspections are so important is that otherwise they may not provide protection when a fire begins to smolder. Thorough commercial fire alarm system inspections require inspecting the system for signs of damage as well as testing electronics and other components to ensure they are functioning the way they are intended. Failing to inspect, test and maintain your commercial fire alarm system in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines can lead to legal liability and negate insurance coverage in the event of a fire. Start by inspecting for signs of damage Visual commercial fire alarm system inspections should take place at least once every month. Any components that are damaged by wear and tear or otherwise damaged should be refurbished or replaced immediately. Make sure your commercial fire alarm system inspections are performed by trained professionals It is critical to have your commercial fire alarm system inspections and electronics testing performed by a trained professional. Part of the commercial fire alarm system inspection and testing will require the inspector to simulate inputs, interfaces, and test the annunciators to ensure they have the proper sensitivity and relay the appropriate warning signals. The […]
Read MoreCommercial Fire Alarm System Inspections Are The Cure For Business Owner Nightmares
Fire is the worst nightmare of any business owner. The amount of damage and loss that occurs with fire can never be replaced. A fire also threatens the safety of employees and in some cases your customers. A fire can literally ruin your business or cause horrific human loss. The best way to prevent this type of loss and cure those nightmares is to ensure your commercial fire alarm system inspections are performed properly and timely. Benefits of Commercial Fire Alarm Inspections Most businesses have a commercial fire alarm system. In addition, when you construct a new commercial building, you will be required to install a commercial fire alarm system. Along with installing the correct commercial fire alarm system, you will also be required to schedule regular commercial fire alarm system inspections. Performing the required commercial fire alarm system inspections helps ensure the system is working properly. You do not want to discover a malfunction when you need the system to identify a fire threat. Commercial fire alarm system inspections will make sure your system is working properly to help minimize losses in the event of a fire and to make sure everyone has a chance to leave your building […]
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