Steps 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 […]
Read MoreNFPA Testing And Inspection Requirements For Your Commercial Fire Alarm System
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets forth requirements for testing, inspection, and maintenance of a commercial fire alarm system. These are listed under the National Fire Alarm Code also known as NPFA-72. In Texas, businesses are required to adhere to these standards in order to receive and maintain their certificate of occupancy. Required Annual Tests for a Commercial Fire Alarm System 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, fire/gas detectors, heat detectors, radiant energy detectors, and smoke detectors. The code requires testing on all digital alarm transmitters, digital radio alarm transmitters, and McCulloh transmitters. Required Semi-Annual Inspections for a Commercial Fire Alarm System Semi-annual inspections are required for radiant energy fire detectors and batteries. Required Quarterly Tests for a Commercial Fire Alarm System For a commercial fire alarm system that is not connected to a supervising station, businesses are required to test the functions, fuses, interfaces, LEDs/lamps, power supplies including […]
Read MoreHow Much Does a Commercial Fire Alarm System Cost?
A commercial fire alarm system is something you may have wanted for your business but you have put off, thinking you can’t fit it into your budget. The question is – can you afford NOT to make room for it? If your business hasn’t experienced a fire, consider yourself lucky. Many others have, and many of them were able to save their assets due to an early warning from a commercial fire alarm system. The cost for a commercial fire alarm system Just like any other investment, you need to understand what the cost will be before you lock yourself into a purchase. The best way for you to find out how much a commercial fire alarm system will cost your business is to have the professionals at 1st Alarm come in to give you an estimate. They will be able to provide you with a good comparison in options and prices. Usually, the cost will depend on the size of your building. It also will take into consideration any local building codes related to a commercial fire alarm system. The cost will also vary depending on the type of commercial fire alarm system and the features that you choose. […]
Read MoreCommercial Fire Alarm Systems That Meet Your Business Needs
Commercial fire alarm systems are vital for the protection of businesses large and small. Modern fire detection and fire alarm systems provide 24-hour, unblinking protection over physical property, inventory, personnel, and customers. This protection depends on the reliable installation of each component to provide the maximum amount of coverage possible Commercial Fire Alarm Systems Options You Can Choose From There are plenty of commercial fire alarm systems to choose from and the 1st Alarm team of certified professionals will help you determine which systems and features are best suited to your specific needs and the facility you wish to protect. We will help you consider everything from the threats inherent to your business and industry as well as the best commercial fire alarm system for the design and construction of the structure. This results in the selection of a system that will provide optimal coverage and the highest degree of protection. This is crucial because no two business’, and no two structures are the same. Every system must be carefully tailored so that it matches the potential threats and the potential for damage each threat can create. Installation Support from Start to Finish for Commercial Fire Alarm Systems The 1st […]
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