Fire Alarm Inspections Prevent the Most Common Failures

Fire Alarm Inspections Prevent the Most Common Failures

*This article was originally published on 8/10/2016 and updated on 11/02/2021

Fire Alarm InspectionsFire alarm system companies provide regular inspections and maintenance of commercial fire alarm systems, which is critical to prevent disastrous consequences. Commercial fire alarm systems are an integral part of any commercial building just like other equipment in the building.

Manufacturers put a lot of time and money into maintaining their equipment used for production, but when it comes to the fire and life safety system that becomes part of the land and building, it can easily be overlooked.  This can be a deadly mistake and all building owners must know the importance of maintaining a code compliant fire alarm system.

Common Causes of Fire Alarm System Failure 

Fire alarm and life safety systems are technical pieces of equipment that require the proper installation, maintenance, and testing to perform as expected during an emergency.  Like other mechanical devices, fire alarm system components are subject to various factors that can influence proper operation.  Some of the most common causes of equipment failure include:

  • Equipment Wear and Tear
  • Poor Programming
  • Improper Placement of Fire Detection Equipment
  • Deficient Maintenance
  • Age of the Fire Detection System

Fire Alarm Equipment Wear and Tear 

Sophisticated mechanical equipment can be subject to many factors that can cause a malfunction such as ambient influences, wear and tear, dirt, and debris and even vandalism. In large installations, fire alarm equipment connects many components and accessories that require regular maintenance and testing.

Only qualified fire alarm system providers should perform the fire alarm inspection and oversee the testing and maintenance of commercial fire alarm systems. 

Poor Programming of Fire Alarm Equipment 

Fire alarm equipment technology evolves quickly with leading manufacturers in the industry like Notifier by Honeywell continually offering improved products and services for safer systems that are easy to operate.  Fire alarm installers must be familiar with the latest technology and properly trained in programming sophisticated fire alarm equipment on a complex network. 

Any failure in the programming of fire alarm equipment can have dire consequences. Trained fire alarm technicians can restore the correct programming to most commercial fire alarm systems.

Improper Placement of Fire Detection Equipment 

When a fire alarm system is first installed in any commercial building, thorough planning and design from an experienced fire alarm system designer is mandatory.  Proper placement of all fire alarm detection and notification equipment can be the difference between notifying participants of an emergency in a timely manner, successful evacuation and life or death.  Early warning can mitigate the damage caused to the building and property as well.

HRSS offers fire alarm system design services from trained technicians certified with the National Institute for Certification in Engineering (NICET).  We use computer-aided design (CAD) techniques to replicate the building floor plans and identify the precise equipment and location necessary to ensure early detection and quick response. Our fire alarm system designers possess deep technical knowledge of all fire and life safety code regulations ensuring a fully compliant fire alarm system.

Deficient Maintenance

 Continual maintenance is necessary to prevent problems with fire alarm equipment that sometimes experience issues such as:

  • System ground faults
  • Dead batteries
  • Clogged detectors or sprinkler heads
  • Programming issue

Regular inspection, testing and preventative maintenance by licensed technicians is critical to keeping your system operating safely.  When fire alarm repair is required, contact HRSS for experienced and professional fire alarm system services.

Age of the Fire Detection System

An outdated system may require additional maintenance and inspections. HRSS can offer advice when upgrades are necessary.  For example, installing a non-proprietary system can significantly cut down on upgrade expenses required in the future. 

HRSS offers fire alarm system inspections, maintenance, testing and repairs to ensure all systems ready mode for your maximum safety and protection.  We help you to evaluate all your options for fire alarm upgrades and ensure total code compliance to all fire safety regulations.  Contact us to learn more about improving your safety and how to prevent the most common fire alarm equipment failures.

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