How to Prevent Fire Alarm System Failure
Facilities can prevent fire alarm system failure by focusing on the most common situations that cause the problem. Acts of God, negligence, and vandalism can leave your system inoperable, property unprotected, and threaten the lives of facility occupants. Learn whether you’re exposing your facility and occupants to a dangerous condition and how to prevent fire alarm system failure in your facility.
Anticipate Acts of God
Lighting strikes can destroy a fire alarm panel. This massive electrical surge will damage the circuit board and the panel’s electrical components. Installing a surge protector can help prevent an expensive replacement due to a lightning strike. Also, any devices located outside the facility are subject to all types of weather that can impair them. Fire alarm devices located outdoors can build up condensate which often causes corrosion and ground faults. To mitigate this issue, facilities install weatherproof boxes to protect devices subjected to the elements.
Prevent Negligence by Crafting a Service Plan
Crafting a fire alarm service plan based on NFPA 72 and local code service frequencies will help ensure the system operates properly. These routine services highlight any deficiencies that could impair the system. When you receive your inspection report it’s important to review it and let your service provider know you want the deficiencies repaired. Additionally, if your fire alarm panel displays a trouble or supervisory signal find out what’s causing the panel to display the signal. If you’re unable to resolve the issue call your service provider to resolve the issue.
Deter Vandals
Many types of facilities are subject to vandals who look for opportunities to wreck anything that’s unprotected in a facility. Unfortunately, fire alarm pull stations are often exposed and subject to this type of damage. But facilities can install tamper proof boxes to prevent fire alarm system failure caused by vandalism. Vandals also target junction boxes and pull out and cut the wires. To combat this issue, use tamper proof screws to secure fire alarm system junction box covers.
Facilities can prevent fire alarm system failures by following NFPA service frequencies and installing a few items to protect the system, devices, and components. Taking a few simple precautions can help keep your system operating as designed and protect facility occupants.
Categorized in: Education, Fire Alarms, General