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!