6 Fire Alarm Installation Mistakes to Avoid for Businesses

9/15/2021 (Permalink)

Installing a fire alarm and ensuring it works properly are steps in the right direction to keeping your company safe.

Installing a fire alarm and ensuring it works properly are steps in the right direction to keeping your company safe.

Read on to learn about six fire alarm installation mistakes to avoid for businesses.

1. Setting False Alarms

Fire alarms can be life-saving, but they can also be annoying if they are constantly setting off false alarms. False alarms can lead people to believe that there is no threat when there is.

To prevent false alarms, fire alarm installation should be away from doors and ducts. Drafts are often the cause of false alarms.

2. Installing Near the Kitchen

There are certain locations for alarms that are necessary for proper installation. If your business has a kitchen area, it is important to keep your fire alarm away from it.

Fire alarm sensors can get triggered if they are close to appliances like ovens. A fire alarm should get installed about 20 feet away to avoid causing combustion particles.

3. Not Interconnecting Alarms

No matter the types of alarms you use, they need to interconnect. Smoke alarms work together to protect your entire business. No matter where the fire is, the system can warn you.

When one fire alarm sounds, they should all sound. This is especially important if you have a relatively large company. During fire alarm installation, ensure that each alarm is interconnected for maximum protection.

4. Installing One Fire Alarm Type

Because there are different types of alarms, they can detect different fires. For example, ionization alarms can detect actual flames while photoelectric alarms can respond to smoldering fires.

To make your business as safe as possible, install both types of fire alarms. Dual-sensor alarms are also available that works with both alarm types.

5. Forgetting to Test the Alarm

Fire alarm batteries can be tricky. You may think they are right when they are not. This is why it is important to test the alarm after the installation.

After testing it the first time, the maintenance does not stop there. Fire alarm maintenance includes testing your alarm once a month.

About every six months, the batteries should get replaced. This is not the case with newer alarms that have a long-lasting battery already.

Your fire alarm will usually let you know when the battery needs replacement. A chirping alarm means you have to replace the battery as soon as possible.

6. Incorrect Installation

A fire alarm installation should be done correctly. It can come with some difficulties like choosing the right rooms and deciding if drilling needs to be done.

Always read the instructions before installation or have an expert help you. These alarms should be at least 10 centimeters from the wall.

Fire Alarm Installation Made Easier

Fire alarm installation is now made easier when you avoid these common mistakes. To keep your business as safe as possible, alarms need to be installed the right way.