Fires are a serious threat to any business and a reliable commercial fire alarm system is an investment that provides protection against the ravages a fire can cause. However, if the wrong system is used, then false alarms are almost guaranteed. Thus, it is important to use the right system and sensors for the type of business, environmental conditions, and potential threats that are present. If the wrong system is used, then it may repeatedly warn of threats that simply aren’t there. This can lead to fines and worse still, the wrong system may fail to detect a real fire when it erupts and lead to a delayed response from emergency personnel.

Preventing False Alarms

Smoke detectors are notorious for causing a commercial fire alarm system to produce false alarms and alone are not sufficient methods of fire detection. While modern smoke detectors are less sensitive, they are a common cause of many false alarms. While smoke detectors are an integral part of many systems, there are better methods of detecting fires. For example, the effectiveness of a smoke detector can be enhanced if it is paired with a monitoring system that can analyze the type of particles and determine whether the flow and type of particulate being analyzed establishes that a genuine threat of fire is present. Smoke detectors can also be calibrated and connected to analyze smoke density within a room. When the density of smoke accumulates to the desired threshold, the alarm will trigger. If it does not, it will prevent a false alarm from being sent through the system.

Dual detection systems involve the pairing of fire detectors often in conjunction with a fire suppression system. These systems require the triggering of two sensors before an alarm signal is triggered. This significantly reduces the risk of a false alarm because it requires verification at multiple points before the alarm is sent. As such, dual detection systems have a considerably lower rate of false alarms than other systems.

Technological advances make it possible to integrate significant layers of analysis into the alarm equation. Using a variety of sensors, advanced systems analyze various sensitivities. When chemical analysis, heat sensors, and other factors align within the algorithm, a genuine alarm is triggered. When they do not, a false alarm is prevented.

One common factor behind false alarms is the location and environmental exposure of the sensors. As such, sensors must be properly positioned and calibrated to account for everything from the size of the room to the amount of dust/debris within the area. This allows the system to be calibrated to create the appropriate parameters required for triggering the alarm. Similarly, installing filters around the sensor can help prevent triggers due to dust and debris while still allowing particulate matter within smoke to filter through and trigger the alarm.

In addition to these features, systems must be protected against both electromagnetic and radioactive exposures. These can trigger false alarms with considerable frequency. Also, the design and installation of systems must take into account moisture so that condensate doesn’t trigger an alarm. Finally, proper maintenance of the system must be conducted on a regular basis to ensure that sensors are not blocked and that proper airflow is maintained.

Put Your Trust in a Reliable Commercial Fire Alarm Instalation, Testing and Monitoring Company

The 1st Alarm team understands your commercial fire alarm systems needs. 1st Alarm knows how to protect our clients from the dangers of fire and the damage it can cause. Our commercial fire alarm monitoring services protect businesses in Abilene, Amarillo, El Paso, Lubbock, Midland, San Angelo and Oklahoma City. Contact us to learn more about the myriad of ways our fire alarm monitoring can protect your business. We will be happy to answer your questions and help you determine the best systems and monitoring plan for your budget and operational needs.

The team at 1st Alarm understands that you will have many burning questions on your mind when it comes time to choose the right commercial fire alarm system to protect your property. As a business owner, you know the importance of early fire detection and how it can save you from completely losing your property. 1st Alarm understands the importance as well and will be there for you 24/7 to ensure you are protected. We will also help you to create a fire safety policy for your employees to reduce injuries and prevent human loss should a fire occur. With 1st Alarm and an advanced commercial fire alarm system, you ensure your business is prepared adequately in the event a fire should happen in your business place.

1st Alarm is one of the biggest and best security companies in the region that specializes in both residential and commercial alarm systems as well as commercial fire alarm systems. Serving Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland / Odessa, El Paso, Abilene and San Angelo, we pride ourselves on buying local and hiring local whenever possible. We are committed to offering high quality, professional service with the utmost level of integrity. 1st Alarm is the best commercial fire alarm system company in our region as well.  We have personnel trained and certified to meet your fire alarm system needs.  To learn more about how our commercial fire alarm systems may be a great fit for your company, Request a Quote online or give us a call at 800-276-5559. You can even visit our office near you.