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Commercial Fire Alarm System Testing Is Critical To Ensuring Your System Functions 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 commercial fire alarm system testing helps identify flaws and faults in the system to ensure that if a fire occurs, the alarm and fire suppression systems will function the way they are designed. Not only is it essential to test the alarm for safety, it is required by law in order to reduce the number of false alarms transmitted to emergency responders. National Fire Protection Association Standards NFPA standards require business owners to conduct numerous inspections of both monitored and unmonitored systems. For monitored systems, a weekly inspection of interfaces, LED’s, etc. Each quarter, the 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 […]
Read MoreCommercial Fire Alarm System Testing And Maintenance Are Critical Measures To Ensure The Proper Operation Of Your Commercial Fire Alarm System
Commercial fire alarm systems must be regularly tested and professionally maintained. When these systems fail, it is often because testing and maintenance schedules have not been rigorously adhered to. When it comes to ensuring the safety of personnel and the protection of property, the following regular tests and routine maintenance are a must. Commercial Fire Alarm Systems Batteries Commercial fire alarm systems batteries have a limited shelf life and operational lifespan which is often between 3-5 years. These tiny components are crucial for providing power in both regular operating mode and when power is cut-off to your commercial fire alarm system. Commercial fire alarm systems batteries should be tested while under load and should have sufficient charge to power the system under normal operation. While these batteries can function at 20% of capacity, it is recommended that they be replaced at no less than 50% as the failure rate below this level is significant. Commercial Fire Alarm Systems Smoke Detectors Commercial fire alarm systems smoke detectors collect dust and other debris that circulates through the air. Over time, this can build up on the sensors which can lead to failure to detect particulates from fires. This can delay the triggering […]
Read MoreThe Key To Ensuring Your Commercial Fire Alarm System Operates Properly When Needed Is Performing Required Inspections, Testing And Maintenance
Routine inspection, testing, and maintenance are essential for keeping your commercial fire alarm system 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 commercial fire alarm operation, an ounce of prevention is most definitely easier to swallow than a pound of cure. 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 retail space, high ceilings create the space needed to do business. However, the height of these rooms can create significant time for […]
Read MoreCommercial Fire Alarm System Inspection And Testing Requirements
The testing, inspection, and maintenance requirements for a commercial fire alarm system are set forth by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA-72). Businesses are required to adhere to these standards in order to receive and maintain their certificate of occupancy. Testing does more than just allowing a business to stay in business. It ensures that your commercial fire alarm system will function properly when called upon to provide the necessary protection. The NFPA standards establish regulations regarding each testing and inspection requirement so that a commercial fire alarm system will perform properly if a fire breaks out. 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 and causes property damage, personal injuries, or wrongful deaths. Required Testing For a commercial fire alarm system connected to a supervising station, businesses are required to test the fire alarm’s functions, fuses, interfaces, lamps/LEDs, power supplies, and transponders on an annual basis. This includes testing batteries, fiber-optic power cables, control units, and annunciators. Initiating devices must also be tested annually. These include duct detectors, fire suppression systems, […]
Read MoreA Properly Maintained, Inspected And Tested Commercial Fire Alarm System Is Critical To The Protection Of Your Business
Installing commercial fire alarm system in your business is a significant investment. As such it is critical that you ensure 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. Maintaining your system A commercial fire alarm system that is under five years old should not require much maintenance. Make sure the units are dust-free and check them for corrosion. Don’t trust the maintenance of your alarm system to inexperienced personnel. These untrained individuals may overlook important details because nothing looks broken. It takes knowledgeable and qualified service people to maintain your alarm system in a way that will protect your employees and building assets. Contact the commercial fire alarm system professionals at 1st Alarm. Inspection of your system Your alarm system should be inspected when it is installed and then at periodic and regular intervals as long as you have the system. The instructions given by the manufacturer should be followed to the letter in order to make sure everything is in working order. Don’t trust these critical inspections to untrained personnel. Contact the commercial fire alarm system professionals at 1st Alarm. Testing your […]
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