A fire alarm system is an important part of keeping your business or other facilities safe. They warn any occupants of impending danger, can alert emergency services, and connect directly to fire suppression systems. However, it is important to ensure that your fire alarm system has had the necessary maintenance. Before you know it, it could be time for a replacement.
How Long Do Commercial Fire Alarm Systems Last?
In general, most commercial fire alarm systems last between 15 and 20 years. Keep in mind that this estimate assumes that you’re keeping up with routine maintenance. You’ll also have to replace various individual components over the years.
After 15 to 20 years, you run the risk of multiple core components of your fire alarm system failing simultaneously. Individual heat and smoke sensors, communication line connections, and connections to suppression systems can degrade, and you could find yourself without them just when you need them most.
As individual components fail, you’ll have a harder time replacing them as time passes. When new technologies emerge, compatibility between legacy equipment and modern solutions can become challenging. At some point, getting a new system becomes the best option.
There’s also a chance that your local fire code has specific guidelines for updates and upgrades to fire alarm systems. And often, standards simply change over the years, so your old system might not be up to code today.
Taking Advantage of New Features
Alongside performance issues and changes to fire codes, the constant advance of technology is also a reason to consider upgrading your fire alarm system. New technologies and features can provide a better solution for your facility and considerably improve safety.
Today, fire alarm systems feature improved connectivity, issue identification, programmability, and compatibility. This allows for reduced maintenance requirements and straightforward use.
You can also take advantage of many different types of detectors with these new systems. Heat, ionization, and photoelectric sensors can all be integrated into your system for rapid and accurate fire identification.
How Can I Tell if I Need a New Fire Alarm System?
If your fire alarm system is 15 to 20 years old or more, you should consider a replacement. During your next inspection or maintenance, you can ask whether mounting issues could make replacement the best choice.
You can also watch for signs yourself. If you experience a fire and have a delayed or even no response from your system, you should get an evaluation to determine what went wrong.
In other cases, you might experience excessive sensitivity that causes false alarms. Additionally, your alarm system could provide error codes that indicate various issues.
If you’ve recently expanded your facility or plan to do so in the future, that could be a good opportunity to replace your system. With older systems, adding to the existing infrastructure may not be an option due to compatibility.
If you’re unsure about your fire alarm system, the best thing you can do is reach out to the experts to obtain a solid answer about your facility’s fire safety.
Find the Right Fire Alarm Systems for Your Needs
Keeping your fire alarms in good working order is vital for ensuring the safety and protection of your business. However, you should also make sure that you have the right type for your needs. Applications such as spray booths, marine fire protection, and kitchen hood systems all have their own unique requirements.
If you’re in Florida, you can put your trust in Preventive Fire to provide the best fire alarm and fire suppression systems for your specialty application. Our team provides installations and services for kitchen fire systems, automotive painting, marine applications, and more. Find out how you can keep your business safer by contacting our team today.