Aussie Industrial Fix-its

Can you imagine what would happen to your commercial building in case the fire alarm system failed to work as expected? Read on and discover some of the reasons that may cause that fire detection system to fail when you need it the most. Use this information to ensure that your commercial building is safe from fire alarm failures.

Dirt Accumulation

Fire alarm systems are stationary devices that are usually mounted onto walls and ceilings. Such locations may accumulate dirt and debris that can lower the sensitivity of the fire alarm system. For instance, dust can build up on a smoke detector and render it incapable of triggering the alarm in case a fire breaks out within the building. You can protect your fire alarm system from this problem by instituting a thorough cleaning procedure so that all the components of the system, such as the sensors, remain free from any dirt that may affect their effectiveness.

High Ceilings

Many commercial buildings have high ceilings for several reasons, such as the feeling of spaciousness that is created by the high ceilings. However, those high ceilings may affect your fire alarm system in several ways. First, it may be hard to maintain the fire alarm components, such as smoke detectors, that are mounted on the high ceiling. Consequently, the system components may accumulate dirt that and debris to the extent that their performance may become compromised.  Secondly, the height of the ceiling may affect how the fire alarm system works. For instance, a heat detector on the ceiling may fail to trigger a fire alarm in time because the rising heat from a developing fire may cool before that heat reaches the detector on the ceiling. These problems can be avoided by ensuring that you mount the fire alarm system components at a lower height so that it is easy for them to function according to their design.

Incorrect System Choice

Many owners of commercial buildings may install fire alarm systems before knowing what the tenants of the building will use that building for. This may contribute to fire alarm system failures in case the chosen system was wrong for the purpose for which the building is used. For instance, a fire alarm system that is excellent for detecting kitchen fires may be inadequate for detecting a chemical fire. It is therefore advisable for you to adjust the system components once you realise that the uses of the building call for a different kind of fire alarm system.

It is advisable for you to ask a fire alarm system expert to inspect your fire alarm equipment on a regular basis to confirm that it is working as it should. That professional will also recommend any system changes that will align the alarm system to the current risks faced by your commercial building.