You probably have many questions if you’re a business owner who wants to protect yourself, your employees, and your property. Keeping your fire protection systems working will prevent devastating damages and losses from a fire emergency. However, once experts install fire protection systems, many people are still unsure about how their fire protection systems work and how it protects their property. Therefore, Chesapeake Sprinkler is here to answer all your fire protection FAQs. Today, we’ll focus on fire alarms, providing you with four fire alarm FAQs.
Consider these frequently asked questions.
What Different Types of Fire Alarms Exist?
The two main types of fire alarms are ionization and photoelectric fire alarms. Ionization fire alarms detect fast-moving fires such as curtain and trash can fires. On the other hand, photoelectric fire alarms detect smoldering, smoky fires, such as electric fires that begin behind walls. However, dual-sensor fire alarms combine the two types into one. For maximum protection, it’s best to install both types, or a dual-sensor fire alarm is best.
Do I Need a Fire Alarm and Sprinkler System?
Fire sprinkler systems are ideal for putting out fires after they start. However, they only turn on after a fire reaches a specific temperature, after which damage happens. It’s best to have both. Fire alarm systems and smoke detectors maximize fire protection because they detect smoke and other gases before the flames start. Therefore, they give you and your employees more time to exit the building. Fire alarm systems can also alert the fire department.
How Long do Fire Alarms Last?
On average, fire alarms last between ten to twelve years. After this, you should consider a replacement, even if they seem to operate without hiccups. It’s best not to take any chances regarding fire safety.
How Can I Stop My Fire Alarm from Chirping?
A fire alarm that chirps regularly needs its batteries replaced. However, if you’re noticing random chirps, there could be a few things going on, which include the following:
- A loose or improperly installed battery: Ensure that the battery fits correctly in the battery slot and stays secure. If not, the connections might not make good contact with the battery and the alarm. If the battery isn’t in the slot correctly, pop it out and put it back in there.
- A dirty fire alarm: Over time, dust and dead bugs can accumulate in your alarm’s sensor chamber, causing it to chirp. It’s best to vacuum out the chamber when you change your batteries twice a year.
- Have ionization fire alarms installed in dusty rooms to prevent false alarms
- The fire alarm needs a reset: Most modern electronic fire alarms come with logic boards that tell the alarm to chirp when the battery gets too low. However, replacing the battery doesn’t always stop the chirping. Sometimes you must hit the reset button to ensure the smoke detector works properly.
- There is a power interruption: A power surge can interrupt power to the fire alarm, causing it to chirp when the power restores. Hitting the reset button will take care of this.
Chesapeake Sprinkler is here to ensure that you have the proper fire protection systems to keep your business safe. Contact us today if you’d like to learn more about fire safety and what you need to prevent fire emergencies.
Contact Chesapeake Sprinkler Company Today!
Chesapeake Sprinkler Company is a leading fire sprinkler contractor in the region, which is now a 100% employee-owned (ESOP) company. As a full-service fire protection company, we offer design, fabrication, installation, testing, maintenance, and inspection of fire protection systems—everything you need from your fire suppression specialist.
For more information, please email or call our Odenton location at 410-674-7041, our Ashburn location at 703-729-5150, or for service/maintenance Chesapeake Protection Services at 410-674-7577. Feel free to keep in touch through Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!