How Often Should My Commercial Fire Alarm System Be Replaced?

A question that many people ask is how often should my commercial fire alarm system be replaced? So, the first step is to check your manufacturer guidelines. It’s crucial to make sure you’re getting your fire alarm components and overall system inspected and maintained annually, and to replace them when the manufacturer says it’s best to do so. This way you can be sure that your fire alarm system is functioning correctly and protecting your business, staff and assets to the best of its ability.

Manufacturers base their lifespan recommendations on the interests of safety and the avoidance of false alarms, taking into account the gradual deterioration of integrity and reliability over time. At their expiry date, they suggest that the device will cease to operate to its designed specification.

The myth: the lifespan of a fire detection component is 10 years.

The reality: commercial fire alarm systems should be replaced in line with manufacturer recommendations – and this could be longer than every 10 years.

Here are some of the manufacturers we work with at Midland Fire and their component lifespans:

All other legacy systems and devices = 20 years

“The expectation is that the equipment manufacturer will be the best guide to an expected lifetime for a particular product.”
Guidance on the Life Expectancy of a Fire Detection and Alarm System, FIA 2014

The Benefits of Changing Your Fire Alarm System

 

Upgrading your system with an experienced fire alarm installer offers more than just enhanced safety and reliability. You’ll benefit from the following too:

Lower costs – maintenance and repairs can prove extremely costly, so installing a newer and more energy-efficient system could save you thousands in the long run.

Advanced technology – fire alarm systems are being continually improved year on year, offering new features like wireless connectivity, smart integrations and real-time monitoring.

Reduced faults – false alarms can be disruptive and costly, resulting in lost time and money for your business. A new system will solve this problem.

Improved safety compliance – upgrading your devices ensures that you remain compliant with the latest government guidelines, as well as satisfying your insurance requirements.

How Will You Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Fire Alarm System?

 

It’s good practice to keep a record of when components were installed, however, for larger businesses with potentially hundreds of fire safety devices, this can be harder to manage.

This makes the importance of regular maintenance paramount, and commercial fire alarm installers are able to use technology to define the age and quality of each device. As Gent 24 System Integrators, our engineers use a tool when working with Gent technology that connects to an existing fire alarm system and downloads the expiry dates of each component, indicating when they’re due an upgrade.

Other Signs Your Fire Alarm System is Ready for an Upgrade

 

Fire alarm devices may function normally for shorter or longer periods than the manufacturer recommends. If they’re on their way out, warning signs include:

System malfunctions

Your devices may be giving off false alarms or not responding to tests.

Frequent chirping

Your system is trying to tell you something.

Visible wear and tear

There are signs of corrosion or damaged wiring and casing.

Obsolete technology

You’re no longer able to find the same devices on the market.

If you’ve ticked any of the boxes above, there are devices in your fire safety system that are due an upgrade.

What Can Influence the Life Expectancy of Fire Detectors?

 

While manufacturers issue recommended expiry dates for their devices, the FIA guidance suggests that this can vary due to different factors – most notably the following:

Environment

Dust, humidity and exposure to corrosive elements can all affect the lifespan of detection components. For example, a smoke detector in a very clean sterile environment will likely last a very long time, however in a dusty and dirty environment that same detector may have a shorter lifespan.

Operational hours

Frequent operation for extended periods may cause damage to some devices. This is particularly the case for mechanical bells or visual alarm devices that use discharge tubes, and overuse could result in a reduced or distorted sound output or reduced light output.

These factors should be taken into account when considering when to replace your system.

Fire Safety and Security Systems from Midland Fire

 

Whether you need an inspection, maintenance or a full upgrade of your fire alarm system, our experienced engineers are here to help.

We’ll work with you to plan and deliver the optimum life safety solution for your premises, including ongoing maintenance, support, and fire safety training.

At Midland Fire WE PROTECT. Contact us today for a free consultation.