Commercial fire alarm systems are not flawless and over time parts can wear out, sensors can become blocked, and wires come loose. Regular testing helps identify flaws and faults in commercial fire alarm system to ensure that if a fire occurs, the alarm system functions as 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 system. Smoke detectors and smoke detectors must also be inspected and cleaned to ensure that debris build up won’t prevent an alarm from triggering.

Adhering to Recommendations

In addition to regular testing requirements, the NFPA has issued a number of recommendations to business owners in regard to system maintenance and inspection. These include replacing lead-acid batteries at least once every five years or at such times when the batteries no longer hold a charge. Smoke detectors and heat sensors should be regularly cleaned, and cleaned with increasing frequency if dust/debris are present in the rooms where they are positioned. Likewise, these should be replaced at least once every 10 years.

The Importance of Testing

Fire alarm systems are a conglomeration of components. Each component is part of an integrated system of protection. If even one component within this chain fails, it can cause a failure of the entire system. When that happens an otherwise controllable fire can rage and leave considerable destruction in its wake. This puts lives, property, and the future of business in jeopardy. Moreover, if a subsequent investigation determines that a fire alarm system was improperly serviced and maintained, the insurance company may deny the claim which can leave the business owner on the hook for the cost of repairs and inventory replacement, and worse still, the cost of personal injuries, lost wages, and wrongful deaths that the fire caused.

Testing doesn’t take long to complete. A certified technician can complete the necessary tests and provide a detailed report to a business owner in a short amount of time. The process is not only fast, it is efficient and thorough which makes it easy for business owners to address minor issues before they become major problems. In the end, it is a wise investment of time that can protect a business from the devastating damage that fire can create.

Put Your Trust in a Reliable Commercial Fire Alarm 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.