Fire safety is crucial for every business building located in Central Texas. When you set up your business, you install a fire alarm system, automatic sprinklers, a fire suppression system, portable fire extinguishers, and emergency lights for safety. These devices have served you well, but like most other building components, they can't last forever. Thus, many clients ask us, "What is a fire alarm retrofit?" It's essential for every property owner to understand the significance of fire protection systems, how to know it's time for a retrofit, and what goals your upgraded system should accomplish.
·The importance of a fire protection system can be summed up in a single word: safety. Here's a more detailed look at why you should ensure your fire protection system is up to par:
Retrofitting your fire suppression system is adding a fire protection system, including fire alarms, fire sprinklers, as well as the fire suppression systems, to an existing building that has never had one installed.
Retrofitting an existing fire protection system, like the installed fire sprinklers, fire suppression systems, and fire alarms, is typically handled by experienced fire suppression contractors with extensive experience.
Just because you have installed a fire safety system in your building does not necessarily mean it's up to code. If the fire alarms were installed a long time ago, your building may have aged since then and left your alarms in the dust. To bring them back up to code, consider having fire alarm retrofits put in to keep your building safe. Here are some other big benefits of installing fire alarm retrofits.
If a fire started in your building today, there's a decent chance that your existing fire alarms and fire suppression system wouldn't be enough to knock it down and put it out. When you install fire safety system retrofits, you can ensure your system will do its job during a fire. This will limit the amount of property damage that is done. It could also help save a lot of lives.
Do the fire alarms in your building look ugly? If they're decades old, they could bring down the aesthetic appeal of your entire building. Installing fire alarm retrofits will make them look modern again and prevent your fire suppression system from becoming a major eyesore. People will notice the difference right away.
Your old fire suppression system could cost you too much in yearly property insurance premiums. While you should check with your insurance company before installing fire safety retrofits, you can save a lot of money on insurance costs with them. Your insurance company will give you a better idea about how much you could save.
Even in the best economic climates, many businesses need help finding the capital resources to invest in new fire alarm and detection systems. Times like these make it difficult to see beyond operating and maintaining the existing equipment. However, if a fire occurs and the fire alarm or detection system's functionality is inadequate, the financial consequences of interrupted business can be devastating. The functional state of an aging alarm and detection system must be something other than an ecosystem's day-to-day operational-to-days of the gravity of the consequences of substandard alarm and detection.
The basic precepts of any fire alarm system are that:
There are many reasons why an aged fire alarm or detection system's functionality can be compromised, from environmental factors to problems dating back to initial installation or imperfect design practices. A deficient inspection, testing, and maintenance program will also take its toll on equipment, accelerating its deterioration. As systems reach the concluding years of their life cycle, finding sufficient support and replacement parts can become challenging. Collectively, these issues undermine the systems' effectiveness.
In commercial applications, many areas within facilities have extreme conditions that put stress on all of the equipment. Factors such as high temperatures, corrosive elements, vibration, and dusty atmospheres can all be detrimental to the effectiveness of an alarm and detection system that is not properly maintained. Even in applications where systems are not regularly exposed to harsh conditions, the typical life span of control equipment and smoke detectors is approximately ten years due to natural deterioration.
While new fire alarm technology means more sensitive detection, advanced warning, and mitigated risk, it also equates obstacles for buildings with older systems. Manufacturers continuously develop technology to leverage their systems over competitors and present the most advanced product they can to the market. As this technology eventually prevails, updates are introduced into national fire codes, standards, and regulations, requiring properties and facilities to either replace their systems or make amendments to their existing equipment to remain compliant.
Installing fire alarm retrofits needs sufficient planning. Make sure the changes you make meet your building's fire protection goals. Here's what you want your retrofitted or upgraded fire protection system to accomplish:
If you recognize it's time for a retrofit or upgrade fire protection system, choose us here at Therrell Alarm Protection Service. We're in the business of protecting lives and property with top-of-the-line fire protection solutions. Please reach out to us today!