fire alarm system Archives - Industrial and Commercial Electrical Services in Nashville, TN

Fall is upon us, and October is the official fire safety month. Are you prepared?

According to the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Tennessee ranks as 6th in the nation for highest fire mortality. However, there are many preventative measures you can take towards fire prevention and when it comes to commercial settings, proper installation of a fire alarm system can be crucial.

First, it is important to understand that a fire alarm system is far more complex (and effective) than just having a smoke detector. While smoke detectors are a central component of fire alarm systems, they typically do not provide the security and safety needed in commercial environments.

A fire alarm system is responsible for regulating an entire system of fire alarm modules within a building, and can operate through mechanical or electronic activation. The benefits of a fire alarm system include reports and notifications of fire, smoke or excess heat within a facility, as well as a source for emergency evacuation and fire extinguishment. These systems will also alert the appropriate staff of water flow issues within a sprinkler system or pull system. Recent updates and development within modern fire alarm systems include the ability to identify the exact location of possible fire danger.

A fire alarm system functions in at least one of three modes: regular (normal), alarm, and trouble—and this mode is updated and accessible in real time via the system’s control panel. When a system goes into alarm or trouble, the building will be notified so that all occupants can take the proper precautions to make a safe exit.

When it comes to fire system installation, it is imperative that this procedure is done by highly qualified professionals to guarantee that the design is conducive with a building’s structure and that there are absolutely no wiring or operational setbacks. This is necessary in corporate and industrial settings, to ensure the safety of all employees.

To give you an idea of what a fire alarm system typically consists of, you can expect the following:

Smoke/ heat detectors
Fire Alarm System Boxes
Sirens/ strobe lights that provide immediate warning of danger
Positioning throughout building that determines the exact problem area
Mitigation and sprinkler systems to reduce injury and damage

If you already have a fire alarm system installed, and haven’t had it inspected recently, now is the time.

Schaffhouser Electric provides inspections that can verify proper use and function of your system, by methodically examining every portion of the system, including your power supplies and the functionality of the system itself.

Here are a few other safety tips to make sure your corporate environment is prepared in the event of a fire:

Schedule regular inspection and maintenance of all firefighting equipment
Ensure that all receive proper fire protection and prevention training
In areas of hazard, enforce a no-smoking policy
Create a fire emergency plan for all areas of your corporate environment, and make sure it is always visible

If you are interested in the system of a fire alarm system, or would like an inspection on your current system, contact Schaffhouser Electric today!

Fire Alarm System

Thanks to elementary school, we all know what to do when a fire alarm goes off. Walk calmly to the nearest exit and leave the building.

Easy enough, but what if your fire alarm doesn’t work anymore? Every commercial building is equipped with some kind of fire or smoke detection system, but when was the last time you had the one in your office tested to make sure it works properly?

Because today’s offices are overloaded with electronics, the chance of a fire emergency are greater than ever. We’re used to having our technology work, and the worst time to discover it doesn’t is when it’s critical.

There are a lot of things that can wear down an alarm system. Everyday dust and dirt could get in and damage the wiring. That dust and dirt is even worse if you’ve recently renovated or made major changes to the office. Good old fashioned aging can also cause your system to break down without you even noticing it.

With a little forethought, though, you can stay on top of maintenance for your fire alarm. There are a few steps you can take to ensure you and your coworkers are safe:

Test and calibrate alarm sensors. This will take some research as you’ll need to learn about those sensors, their testing requirements, failure modes, and re-installation needs.
If you have specific knowledge of the system, you can run simulation tests for the annunciators.
Set the sensitivity. Again, this requires specific knowledge of the system and fire detection theory.
Coordinate with the fire department to test their input.
Check the battery for corrosion and replace if needed.

Sounds like a lot of work, right? It is!!

Fire alarm testing can, in theory, be done by the owner, but it’s more often something that should be left to professionals. This is a great time of year to check up on all your detection systems, and we’ll be happy to help.

Give us a call and schedule your fire alarm inspection today.

Tag Archives: fire alarm system

Fire Alarm System Installation By Schaffhouser Electric

Why It’s Important to Have Your Fire Alarm Tested