Your commercial fire alarm system is something that you probably don’t think about very often. But chances are, your system needs to be updated.

If your fire alarm system is more than a few years old, you may not be as protected as you think. Since technology changes so rapidly, you could be missing out on some newer features that could save lives and your business. Components wear out too, and could fail at the time you need them the most.

Lightning can also damage your system. If your part of San Diego county has seen a recent electrical storm, the delicate wiring of your fire alarm system could have been impacted.

If you have recently remodeled or expanded your building, your old system may need to be updated in order to tie in with the newer components in the new construction. This is the perfect time to go ahead and put in a completely new system, taking advantage of the new technology that is available.

Keep in mind if your system was put in before 1990, it may not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For example, manual pull stations should be lower down on the wall so that people in wheelchairs can reach them. You may need to add strobe lights as well, for the hearing impaired.¹

The age of your smoke detectors makes a difference. If you are experiencing a higher than normal rate of nuisance alarms, it may be a sign that your system is wearing out and is therefore unpredictable and unreliable. Newer smoke detectors are much more intelligent. Some are designed for rough environments like elevator shafts, and some can tell the difference between different kinds of smoke (for example, fire and cigarette).²

At Best Security Products, we specialize in business fire security systems. Let us take a look at your current system and check for needed updates.

¹ http://www.ecmag.com/section/systems/fire-alarm-system-upgrades

² ibid