Investing in a dependable fire alarm system is critical for protecting your business, property, and family. As is the case with all safety systems, fire alarms can fail or become outdated because of technological changes. Knowing the signs, such as alarm clocks or excess dust on your smoke propellers is crucial to ensure that your smoke detection system meets standards. This warning sign if neglected can result in inadequate safety, causing walls, lives, and property to be destroyed in case of a fire. This blog will touch on ten such issues that indicate it’s time to make changes to your fire detection system while keeping in mind compliance and precautions.
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What Is A Fire Alarm System?
A fire alarm system plays a major role in a building’s safety infrastructure by looking out fire or smoke, and may alert building occupants. The system comprises various interrelated components such as fire alarm control panels, smoke detectors, heat sensors, and even audible and or visual alarms like sirens and strobe lights. A modern fire alarm system works by identifying indicators of fire, for instance smoke and other visual signs like an overheated environment. Alarms are then activated to prompt people to vacate the building. These days, it is also possible to link fire alarm systems with emergency response services, thereby automatically alerting the services when a fire is detected. Regular maintenance is crucial to guarantee the system functions properly. In doing so, the system provides life-saving protection during fire emergencies.
10 Signs Your Fire Alarm System Needs an Upgrade
Being aware of the warning signs that tell you your fire alarm system needs upgrading can help avoid some serious issues. This article discusses ten unmistakable signs that demand action to upgrade your fire alarm system as soon as possible.
1. Repeated False Alarms
One concern that many property owners face with fire alarm systems is repeated false alarms. These annoying notifications often result from dust, cooking smoke, or even humidity and lead to unwanted evacuations. More importantly, constant false alarms point to a significant problem. It may be older detection equipment, configuration, or simple wear and tear. Whatever it may be, if your alarm system is going off unnecessarily, it is best to change to a more advanced system. Modern models are equipped with more refined sensors that can differentiate between real danger and benign triggers far more accurately than older models.
2. Age of the System
As with any other technology, fire alarm systems come with an age limit. Most fire alarm systems tend to last for a decade. If your system is older than this, it may not provide the level of protection required. Older fire alarm systems often lack advanced features such as high-tech smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and sophisticated emergency integration systems. Furthermore, older systems may not meet contemporary fire safety laws which may put your property at risk. You should think about upgrading to ensure maximum efficiency and compliance with current regulations if your system is over ten years old.
3. Not Keeping Up With Maintenance or Testing
To avoid issues with your fire alarm system, regular maintenance and testing is a necessity. If maintenance and testing has not been performed for a significant period of time, it may be a sign that the system is not being adequately looked after. The absence of regular checks increases the probability of the system failing during an emergency situation. Fire alarm systems should be serviced by a qualified technician at least once a year, and the system should be tested by the user monthly. If you haven’t followed this schedule, or your system hasn’t been checked in a while, it might be a good idea to consider upgrading the system and setting a maintenance plan so the system is routinely checked and ensured to be functioning optimally.
4. Excessively Noisy Alarms
The older your fire alarm system gets, the more irritated you might become with too noisy alarms. Older systems often use harsh, high-pitched sounds that can be debilitating over time. Modern fire alarm sounders, while still maintaining sufficient volume for effective evacuation, have become more considerate and less disruptive. In addition to offering sounders, newer systems also have visual alarms like strobe lights that assist the hearing impaired. If your fire alarm systems are way too loud and disturbing, then it is the right time to change them to user-friendly systems.
5. Lack Integration with Other Security Systems
Stand-alone fire alarm systems are becoming a thing of the past. Modern technology allows them to be interfaced with other safety systems like CCTVs, access control, and intruder alarm systems, creating a more holistic approach to safety in any given building. Without integration, your fire alarm systems lack features such as real-time situation tracking and automated actions during emergencies. Integrated systems can for instance monitor certain areas or automatically lock predetermined doors during evacuations. If your current system does not incorporate other security technologies, upgrading will improve your overall security strategy.
6. Inadequate coverage means
If your property has been changed or updated since the installation of your fire alarm system, it might not cover all areas as it should. In some time, the structure of a building can change, creating new spaces that are uncovered by the fire alarm system. For example, new rooms or floors may lack proper smoke detector coverage, or older detectors may not cover smaller spaces effectively. Full coverage is crucial to safeguard every part of your property, especially when additional areas or stories are included. If you notice the gaps in coverage, then area upgrade is in order to protect the entire property.
7. Unreadable and Unclear Control Panels
Some fire alarm systems have control panels that are dated and riddled with complex circuitry. Stranded in an emergency situation requires every personnel to easily grasp the overall status. Easily accessible indicators should be included with action points which need to be taken based on their status. Complex systems often lead to slow responses which can cause additional harm and are dangerous. Modern fire alarm interfaces are equipped with readable notifications that provide indicators of any prompt and routed issues that might be sited in the system. If the control panels for your system are outdated or hard to clean, it’s best to convert to a more responsive system.
8. Sluggish or Inconsistent Response Times
A fire alarm system that is slow to respond or inconsistent in detecting smoke or fire is a serious issue. Even small traces of smoke or heat should trigger advanced fire alarm systems. Slow response times can delay evacuation and increase the risk of fire getting out of control. Modern fire alarms are designed to quickly respond to threats, reducing the chances a fire will escalate. If your system is underperforming, upgrading to a more responsive model is critical to the safety of the property and its occupants.
9. No Fire Alarm Remote Monitoring Capabilities
Monitoring and managing the status of your fire alarm system from your device is one of the features that today’s technology can offer. Remote monitoring notifies the user of any alerts instantly irrespective of their location. This benefits property owners and managers who may not always be available on location. Also, the system’s performance can be monitored electronically and notifications can be received in case of any faults or problems that need effort. If a remote fire alarm system does not offer remote monitoring, then such fire alarm systems need to be renewed with fire alarm systems providing real-time updates and alerts for effective management and quick responses during emergencies.
10. Not Following The Current Guidelines
Your fire alarm system needs to meet the date’s fire alarm standards. Compliance can have significant penalties like safety violation fines, heightened penalties, or greater safety risks. The financial consequences could be avoided legally if the property’s fire alarm system is upgraded in compliance with the contemporary laws and regulations. This will prevent legal troubles and ensure the property’s safety. The compliance with the latest laws and regulations provides safety and tranquility.
How Often Should You Upgrade Your Fire Alarm System?
Changes in safety and compliance regulations make upgrading fire alarm systems necessary. Normally, a fire alarm system should be upgraded every 10 to 15 years as that is the average lifespan of most systems. There are, however, certain factors that might require upgrades more frequently. If your system is outdated, malfunctioning, or does not meet modern safety standards, then the upgrade should be done sooner. Moreover, if your property has undergone significant changes – expansions and renovations for example – your fire alarm system may need to be upgraded to ensure complete coverage.
Well-funneled regular testing and maintenance are, of course, critical to system functionality. Well-maintained systems, however, still become obsolete and age at some point – for example, fire alarm systems that lack remote monitoring features and the ability to be fused with other security systems. Stay on top of these factors to guarantee your fire alarm systems the utmost updated level of protection.
Conclusion
We can all agree that an outdated fire alarm detection system makes your property susceptible to damage while facing regulations. If you notice any of the signs listed above, you know it’s time to make some changes. At Currant Live, gain expert help in managing fire detection systems alongside other security services which include Commercial CCTV, Monitoring Solutions, and Intruder Alarms. Tailored solutions from professionals are just a step away. For more information and convenient support, visit Currant Live.
