As time passes, your fire alarm system may suffer wear and tear.
Fire protection is a crucial part of keeping your business safe. Your commercial fire alarm system is the first line of defense in protecting your employees and business from a fire. As time passes, your fire alarm system may suffer wear and tear. If you’re a business owner and considering a commercial fire alarm system upgrade, you should test your system first. Testing it might feel unnecessary, but you don’t want to wait for a fire to occur to realize your fire alarm system is malfunctioning. Here are a few signs that your fire alarm system needs an upgrade.
Frequent Repairs
If you repeatedly notice issues that require repair during inspections, your system might benefit from a replacement. It is much safer and less expensive to replace the fire alarm system rather than trying to repair it repeatedly. This is especially true if your system is older and you struggle to find the required parts for repair.
Old Age
Speaking of old fire alarm systems, most fire alarm systems are designed to last for about 15 years. If your building’s system is approaching this age, you should begin looking for a replacement alarm system. The older the fire alarm system, the less likely it will meet local and state building codes. It is also expected to malfunction in the event of a fire. Well-maintained systems have a longer lifespan than those that have been neglected over time.
Your System is Too Sensitive or Insensitive
If your fire alarm system doesn’t meet the sensitivity test requirements, it’s time to replace it. Fire alarm systems can either be too sensitive or not sensitive enough. Alarms that are insensitive may not warn people of danger, while alarms that are too sensitive can be a nuisance and go off when there is no danger. Another concern with overly sensitive alarms is that you and your employees can become desensitized to the sound. If the buildings’ occupants can’t trust the fire alarm system, they’re less likely to respond appropriately in the case of a real emergency.
System Failure
If you have been having issues when testing your alarm system, such as system failure, it is time to upgrade your fire alarm system. In fact, if the alarm does not work during a test, it is not guaranteed to work in an actual fire, putting everyone on the property in danger.
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.