Things to Know Before Initiating a Commercial Fire Sprinkler System Installation!

Ever since their invention, fire sprinklers have been one of the most popular and reliable elements of fire protection for residential and commercial buildings. However, the intricate webbing of a fire sprinkler system makes it an enigma to many business owners when the topic of installing one comes. Understandably, there’s much more to this massive project than just a few pips joined to the sprinkler heads. So, what are some of the key considerations one needs to bear in mind before commencing a fire sprinkler system installation? The following three steps:

1. The Planning Stage. Every project begins in mind and then needs to be drafted on paper to fully synchronize it to the real structure and see it in 2D. The same is with the installation of fire protection systems. The engineers first sketch it on the drawing board and discuss all the crucial elements of the project with the architect and the designers. As the building owner or manager, your presence and input about anything related to the building are vital as well. For example, the designers would need to know occupancy classification, the hazard class for the structure, and other related details before the NFPA can approve the installation.

2. The installation Procedure. Once the designer has the plans ready, next comes the seal of approval from the National Fire Protection Association. Depending on your region, the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) may also take a look at the drawings and approve them before the installation can begin. These inspection authorities play a key role from planning to the annual inspection and maintenance runs. Regardless an approved design plan is all the contractor needs to get the ball rolling for installation while working with the engineer.

3. Post-Installation Care. Every installation and the operating system is only as good as the maintenance care given to it. This includes abiding by the local codes and regulations regarding regulation testing and fire sprinkler inspection by authorized experts from a fire protection equipment company. For businesses in New York, the NFPA 25 has a set schedule for fire sprinkler inspection and testing that must be followed without fail in order to avoid penalties and provide complete fire safety to the building occupants.

Hence, fire safety equipment installation is a much bigger task than simply calling the professionals and getting it affixed. There is a lot of planning involved that can be made easier with the guidance of an experienced team. So, hire your fire installation company carefully!

Warning signs for the fire extinguisher service or replacement!

A fire extinguisher has a long life and can last up to 20 or more years with regular fire extinguisher service, maintenance, and inspection. But if you are wondering if they have a specific expiry date, the answer will be that fire extinguishers do not come with a specified expiry date. However, they can wear down, sustain damages or develop other issues which can decrease their lifespan, requiring replacement. Thus, when your fire extinguisher is no longer compliant with the fire safety codes, it can be considered expired and must be replaced. 

Following are the top causes that may require a fire extinguisher replacement:

1. Physical damages 

Fire extinguishers are made from a solid material that is usually hard to damage. However, its other parts, such as nozzles and pins, are more delicate and can be easily damaged. These parts can generally be repaired or replaced to keep the fire extinguisher operational. However, if the fire extinguisher has dents, leakage, or cracks, you may need to install a new fire extinguisher in compliance with the fire safety codes. 

2.                  Depressurized fire extinguishers  

A fire extinguisher needs to have a certain pressure level to dispense the extinguishing agent. However, over time they may become depressurized. It may result in fire extinguisher failure during a fire emergency. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly inspect the fire extinguisher pressure and get a replacement when it has become depressurized and can no longer be used.

3.                  Lack of testing and inspections 

It is a no-brainer that the fire extinguisher needs regular testing and inspections to ensure functionality. However, if the fire extinguishers are left collecting dust on the shelves without proper maintenance or without being used for a long time, in that case, the extinguisher may fail to work when needed for an emergency fire. It may then be needed to replace with a new one.

4.                  Rust and corrosion 

Rust and corrosion can weaken the fire extinguisher. If the fire extinguisher has started to rusty, it may fail to work or be challenging to use during an emergency. In addition, it could be a sign that the fire extinguisher has become too old and nearing its end. In that case, it is recommended to consult with an expert and install a new fire extinguisher to replace the old one. 

5.                  Obsolete model 

New technology fire extinguishers are developed every few years, rendering some older models obsolete. To stay compliant with the latest fire safety codes, replacing them with new models may become necessary.  

Fire extinguishers also need to undergo hydraulic testing every 5 or 10 years. It is crucial to determine if they are operable or need to be replaced. So, if you need fire extinguisher service, inspection, and maintenance to know if your fire extinguishers are in the best condition or need replacement, get in touch with our team for expert assistance!

 

Importance of fire alarm system inspection and service from experts, and its signs of replacement!

Fire alarms are crucial fire safety devices that alert occupants of potential fire threats. Therefore, all residential and commercial buildings need to install functional fire alarm systems as per the NFPA guidelines. In addition, commercial fire alarm systems need to be inspected and well-maintained. People may get trapped in the fire if the fire alarm systems are not functional due to a lack of proper maintenance. Thus, regular fire alarm inspections by a certified professional are crucial.

 As per the NFPA, fire alarm inspections should be carried out on a monthly, semi-annual, or annual basis. The monthly visual inspections can be carried out by a knowledgeable supervisor or manager at the premises. However, the semi-annual and annual inspections must be conducted by a licensed expert. Therefore, you will need to schedule regular fire alarm services from a reliable company to ensure proper compliance with the fire safety regulations. 

Moreover, it is crucial to change the fire alarm batteries and replace them with upgraded models as required as per the updated fire safety regulations. Usually, the inspector will let you know when the old fire alarms are no longer adequate and need to be changed. However, you may not need to replace the fire alarms any sooner than 10-15 years as they can stay functional for a long time with regular repairs and maintenance. 

Following are the potential signs when your fire alarm system may need to be replaced:

1. If the smoke detectors look discolored 

Smoke detectors may accumulate a lot of dust and debris and start to look dull and discolored over time. It may interfere with their functionality, and the yellowish and dirty fire alarms usually indicate that the device is at the end of its lifespan. In that case, you may need to consult with a professional fire alarm inspector to determine if the alarm needs to be replaced.

2.                  If the fire alarm malfunctions frequently  

As the fire alarms become old, they may require more maintenance and may experience frequent malfunctions. In that case, the alarm may trigger false alarms or start ringing continuously, which can be irritating. Thus, you may need to install a new fire alarm system.

3.                  If the fire alarm becomes unresponsiveness 

Usually, during the regular inspections, the professional expert will check the responsiveness of the fire alarm to see if there’s any lag in response during the testing. For example, if the fire alarm becomes too old, it may become unresponsive and won’t work even after repairs. In that case, it must be replaced immediately. 

If your fire alarm system has not been inspected in over 6 months, schedule a fire alarm inspection today! 

 

3 Signs that your fire sprinklers need to be repaired or replaced!

A fire sprinkler system at your commercial building is an important component. Hence it is important to take the necessary steps for fire sprinkler maintenance. Pay attention to the following signs that can indicate the need to repair or replace this system: 

Leaks-

If you notice any sign of leaking indoors, you need to get it inspected by experts. Damage caused by water will corrode the structure of your building and can lead to mold growth. This issue can become more problematic if left unattended. So, to avoid facing any serious situation later, it is important to call the company offering fire sprinkler inspection services. 

Damage to heads or pipes-

If you notice any visible signs of damage to the system, it’s time to call experts. Dented or skewed heads or pipes of the sprinkler system strongly indicate the need to call a skilled professional to inspect and repair this system. This damage may have been caused during the time of the construction process due to the wear or tear of the system. 

Corrosion-

If you notice any rust in the system or discolored water coming from the pipes with a rotten egg smell, your fire sprinkler system has some problems. You need to call experts. They will let you know whether the system needs repair or replacement. Whatever solution they provide, make sure you ask them to do the needful. 

Should the fire sprinkler system be repaired or replaced? 

It is not always clear to decide whether the system needs repair or replacement. But you can feel confident about the service needed based on the following-

• The average life of a well-maintained sprinkler system is 15-20 years. But in case you see any signs of damage or replacement, you need to call experts to replace the system before 15 years.
• If the system requires service more frequently, it is better to replace it with the new one. Doing so will be worth it as compared to spending money again and again on its service cost. 

Experts can help you decide whether you need repair or a new fire sprinkler installation. 

 

4 benefits of installing a fire suppression system in your Restaurant

Restaurants cater to the dining needs of people. They are counted among the busy places in town or city. Are you also running a restaurant? If so, have you installed a restaurant fire suppression system there? No? Well, you are putting the lives of your employees and customers at the risk of fire. Yes! You read it right! The kitchen of a restaurant using fire or heat is vulnerable to an accidental fire. Hence, restaurant owners often install these systems in the kitchen to address any such breakout quickly and effectively.

Where to install a fire suppression system in a  restaurant?

You may now be well aware of where you should install these systems. It's the kitchen! They are installed inside the hoods above stoves or anywhere where they can’t be visible to naked eyes. Do you have a small restaurant with a not-so-big kitchen? If so, you might be worried if it will use more space. Don’t worry! These systems easily fit into a small space. Read these four most important benefits of this fire protection system for restaurants: 

Better features-

These systems can be installed in kitchens of any size. In addition, they have quick fire-extinguishing features that help keep your chefs, other workers, and customers safe.

Safety-

It fills a room with harmless gas that is absolutely safe for chefs working in the kitchen. No harm will be caused to kitchen appliances with these gases. Hence, these systems are safe for everything.

Efficient protection-

A properly working fire suppression system can quickly detect and diffuse a fire. Thereby, it can provide efficient protection to people in your restaurant against any accidental fire.

Environment friendly-

As these systems release harmless gas, they are environmentally friendly. They do not cause ozone layer depletion. It is better for you to consider restaurant fire suppression system installation if you have not done it earlier. If you are a restaurant owner, install this highly effective fire safety system now! Then, ensure that people working in the kitchen or customers coming to your restaurant are safe against any fire.

 

Proper Maintainance Checks in Commercial Fire Alarms!

 Ask any fire safety expert a penny for their thoughts, and they’d all tell you the same thing – the majority of fires in commercial buildings were preventable. Agreed that no one can predict or control the ferocious blazes, but proper safety measures can sure help prevent them from occurring in the first place. Commercial fire alarm service is the first step in fire safety and prevention that all buildings usually have installed. But are you aware of the current state of the fire alarm system in your commercial building? If you don’t perform regular inspection checks or had them professionally serviced recently, you’re playing with fire, literally. Outlined below are necessary commercial fire alarm inspection and maintenance procedures that all commercial building managers and custodians must familiarize themselves with.

            Batteries.

A constantly utilized component of most fire alarm systems is the batteries. Fresh and operational batteries ensure the fire alarm will beep and aware the occupants of rising temperatures or smoke. In the monthly fire alarm maintenance runs, check the batteries’ capacity and replace all those with lower than 50% capacity level to avoid failure. A set of specialized battery load testers is required to perform this inspection that all professional fire alarm service providers carry this during the inspection and servicing visits. The fire safety professionals will label and mark the date of installation or replacement after the inspection to help make regular inspections easier. 

            Smoke Detectors.

Smoke detectors ducts often get dirty with dust, cobwebs, or other elements if not cleaned or maintained carefully. This hinders their capacity to catch the presence of smoke to trigger the alarm system. Therefore, all commercial fire alarm inspections by the trained experts center around these vital components and ensure they’re in optimal sensitivity level is maintained with proper cleaning or vacuuming routine. 

            Heat Detectors.

Heat detectors in a commercial fire alarm system are sophisticated elements that note any changes in the normal temperatures in a commercial building and trigger the alarm when the temperatures rise. However, over time, the sensitivity of the heat detectors tends to decline due to a lack of maintenance or proper testing routines. Hence, the primary maintenance is to regulate their function and ensure optimal cleanliness is maintained of the fire alarm system. Additionally, call a commercial fire alarm inspection team to test the functioning and makes replacements as needful.