How Long Should Your Fire Alarm System Last?
A fire alarm system typically lasts between 10 and 15 years, depending on the type of system and the level of maintenance it receives. However, without proper care, your system may become faulty and inefficient much sooner than the expected 10 years. If your building has undergone renovations or expansions, you may also encounter challenges in meeting current fire safety codes. Ideally, you should replace your fire alarm system every 10 years or sooner to ensure reliability.
To maintain compliance and protect your property, we recommend scheduling regular inspections and maintenance, ideally every three to six months. Additionally, it’s crucial to test your detectors at least once a month. Regular testing helps prevent the risk of catastrophic loss by ensuring your fire protection system is functioning properly. If you need fire protection services from a trusted fire contractor, give us a call today at (832)653-2598.
How Do I Know When My Fire Alarm Needs Replacing?
Over time, fire detectors can become contaminated with dust, cobwebs, and other debris, which can affect their performance. As a result, detectors may become oversensitive, causing false alarms, or they may fail to detect smoke or fire properly. Many people don’t realize that fire detectors have an expiration date due to wear and tear on the batteries and sensors. For optimal safety, fire detectors should be replaced at least every 10 years, and carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced after 7 years.
If your system is nearing the end of its lifespan or is no longer functioning properly, it’s time for a replacement. For older systems, it’s wise to conduct a feasibility study with our fire contractors to assess whether your current system can be upgraded or extended, give us a call today at (832)653-2598.
Waiting until your system fails before replacing it can lead to unforeseen costs. Unplanned fire alarm installations are typically more expensive, disruptive, and time-consuming than planned replacements. Moreover, a non-functional system puts you at risk of non-compliance, which can result in fines.
When Should I Upgrade My Fire Alarm System?
If your fire alarm system is less than 10 years old and you’re considering expanding the building or adding more devices, upgrading your existing system might be a viable option. The decision will depend on the expansion capacity and wiring requirements of your current system. However, the age of your system should be a key factor in the decision. Projects that involve reusing existing components often end up costing as much as or more than installing an entirely new system, complete with new equipment, devices, and wiring.
Once a manufacturer discontinues support for a product, maintenance and obtaining replacement parts can become increasingly expensive and difficult. Additionally, if you need to meet new code standards, the current wiring may not be compatible with the new devices. It’s advisable to consult with a trusted contractor or consultant to evaluate the costs associated with wiring, device requirements, and device load before making a decision.
At Maverick Fire and Safety, we specialize in the design, installation, programming, and training of both fire alarm and voice evacuation systems. If you are looking to make your business or property fire safe throughout the year, trust Maverick Fire and Safety. We have a collective 2.5 decades worth of experience designing, installing, inspecting, and repairing residential and commercial fire protection systems. We serve clients all throughout Texas, if you are interested in finding out more about our services and protecting your home or business, give us a call today at (832)653-2598.
