You can’t overstate the value of fire protection. If you’re a business owner, you may feel that you are on top of things. Perhaps you conduct regular fire drills or have multiple fire extinguishers placed throughout the building. But many people don’t give enough attention to their fire alarms. You may think that once your fire alarm system is installed, you can put it out of mind. But it’s crucial to maintain your fire alarms properly. Here’s what you need to know.
Here are the basics of fire alarm maintenance.
When Do Fire Alarms Need Maintenance?
If your fire alarm system was installed within the past five years, maintenance isn’t something you have to worry about yet. Breakdown tends to occur between the five- and ten-year mark. The factors that cause this are practically unavoidable, such as fluctuations in humidity, temperature, and voltage.
It’s best to start giving your fire alarm system some attention around this time. If it’s nearing 20 years in age without the examination of a specialist, don’t count on it being in working order. Get it checked out right away for the sake of fire safety.
How Do I Maintain Them?
Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do in the way of maintaining fire alarms yourself. The best thing you can do is procure the help of fire protection specialists. One easy step you can take, however, is to check the batteries in your smoke detectors. Ensure they are not corroded, and that they aren’t past the expiration date.
Here’s an overview of how professionals conduct fire alarm maintenance. Typically, this will require two people. One person stations themselves at the fire alarm panel, while the other goes throughout the building to test components, such as pull stations and smoke detectors. Most often, smoke detectors are inspected by using a spray that simulates smoke, and should trigger the alarm if it’s properly functioning. Pull stations are tested just how you’d expect: one technician pulls them, while the other ensures that it’s registered at the panel.
Up to now, the alarm sounds have been deactivated so as not to disturb people in the building. Now, the fire protection specialists will ensure that the alarm horns and strobes are in working order. If they can’t conduct the inspection during non-business hours, then an announcement should be made warning individuals in the building that tests are about to take place. With the alarms sounding and the strobes blinking, they will inspect the facility to ensure that every last one is functioning as it should be.
A fire alarm system is one of the most critical fire protection tools. Annual fire alarm inspections can help reduce the risk of disaster.
Commercial and Residential Fire Prevention from Judd Fire Protection
If you want to ensure your home and business are safe throughout the year, trust Judd Fire Protection, LLC. We have over two decades of experience designing, installing, inspecting, and repairing residential and commercial fire protection systems. We serve clients throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia. If you are interested in finding out more about our services and protecting your home and business, give us a call at 410-871-3480 or contact us online. For more fire safety tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.