While fire alarms are essential in commercial and residential buildings, care should be taken while installing them. As you are dealing with electricity and other works like hammering, etc, you have to make sure to follow building codes and regulations.
Though it sounds simpler, fire alarm system installation needs professional hands to have it working properly during emergencies. It requires the right tools and equipment so that the process doesn’t cause any damage to the building and doesn’t compromise the aesthetics of the property.
You have to consider a lot of points while installing like – the alarm’s placement and whether or not the power supply is enough to trigger the alarm during emergencies.
Let’s see some of the points that you should take care of while installing fire alarms:
- Consider only professionals for installation
When dealing with fire alarm installation, it’s not a good idea to do DIY. Unless you are a knowledgeable and experienced electrician, do not proceed with the alarm installation. Experts in this field have experience dealing with a variety of situations during installation and can handle any danger intelligently. Always ensure to call the right professional to do the job.
- Ensure power source safety
Always turn main power supply off before installing the fire alarm. As you have to work with wires and circuits, you could get shock if you are not turning off the power supply. Always make sure to use a circuit breaker or fuse box to disconnect the power supply.
- Be aware of flammable materials
At the place you are installing fire alarms, keep materials like paints, solvents, and aerosols away as they are flammable and catch fire to the slightest spark created during the installation process.
- Proper placement of fire alarms
The placement of fire alarms should be near places like the centre of the room and near sleeping areas and outside bedrooms. You should maintain sufficient distance with the heat elements like vents, furnaces and other cooking appliances so that there won’t be fire incidents during the fire alarm system installation.
- Compliance with building codes and regulations
When installing fire alarms, always ensure that you comply with building codes and regulations so that you don’t face any legal notices.
- Make sure to test the alarm
After the installation, testing the alarm is necessary to check whether it’s working properly or not. You can also test it monthly by using the test button. Create a false fire situation to check whether the alarm is triggered on time.
- Maintenance is essential
After the installation process, maintenance of alarms is essential. You have to replace batteries once a year so that you can get a loud sound when the alarm is triggered. Check its condition periodically to ensure its proper functioning.
- More points to consider
While installing, ensure proper wiring connections and grounding and if there are any interconnected alarms, make sure that they are connected properly so that they produce sound at one time.
You should also consider installing alarms with strobe lights so that people with hearing issues can get alert by looking at the lights.
Final thoughts
Fire protection system installation is a big task, however, it’s made simple with professional involvement. Ensure to call the right people for the job so that you don’t face any single mistake during or after the installation process.
Also, read here: Fire Safety Tips For Small Businesses
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