A functional fire alarm is essential in ensuring that in the case of an emergency, everyone can evacuate the building in good time and the emergency services can be contacted. Having a faulty fire alarm can have fatal consequences, which is why it is essential that they are tested regularly and any issues are fixed. Are you wondering how to tell if you need maintenance or servicing? Keep reading to find out.
Our team at WLS can install, program and maintain all your fire security and protection equipment, including installation of wireless fire alarm systems, Vesda systems, automatic opening vents, intercom and voice alarm systems. These can also be integrated with a central fire control panel or in combination within environments like nurse call systems. We are also BAFE and NSI gold approved and offer an exclusive Redcare connection.
How to Check if You Have A Faulty Fire Alarm
Smoke alarms are an essential yet easy and affordable way to protect your family, friends and work colleagues in case of an emergency. For this reason, you will need to ensure that each system in your building is working properly.
To make sure your fire alarm systems are in proper working order, you will need to test them regularly. At least once a month is recommended. However, before we get into how to test your alarms, you will first need to establish the type you are working with.
AC-powered fire alarms are an alternative, greatly recommended by WLS. They are installed by an electrician as they are directly wired to a power source. However, they usually still have a battery fitted as a backup which is a major benefit.
This means they are providing you with the highest level of safety at all times – even in the event of a power cut!
Testing Fire Detectors
To test your faulty fire alarm you simply need to push the test button on the cover. This should cause the fire alarm to beep periodically. Our regular servicing will ensure your systems are always in full working order so you can have peace of mind, knowing your premises are protected.
As we have previously mentioned, smoke alarms/detectors are essential components in picking up fires before they become out of hand. This is crucial, as it will allow people within a space adequate time to evacuate safely.
Service engineers like our professionals at WLS are the best people to ensure your systems are in full working order. We guarantee a first-time fix or to provide a solution on every call out and fix 90% of problems first-time.
If we can’t fix the problem the first time, we will propose a solution and deduct the call out charge from the cost.
Smoke Alarm – Things to Remember
Firstly, whenever you carry out a test for your fire alarm, always make sure to clear away any dust from the smoke detector. Doing so will ensure that the fire detector will have the best chance possible of sensing a fire before it is too late.
The last thing you want is for the alarm to have no power should a fire happen. Your smoke alarm will beep intermittently to warn you when the battery is running low. However, do not rely on this and ensure that you change the batteries at least once a year.
Furthermore, make sure that you replace your smoke alarm every 10 years or so. This is extremely important as they often get clogged up with dust and dirt over time which makes them less effective.
Smoke Alarm – Things to Avoid
Always avoid using any cleaning sprays on or around your smoke detectors. This could cause them to stop working properly which in turn will be dangerous should a fire emergency arise.
Faulty Fire Alarm – What Can We Do To Help
Our team of experts at WLS, are here to help with any of your fire alarm needs. Should you have a faulty alarm, we can help maintain them as well as program and install new ones if necessary.
We can also install wireless alarm systems, VESDA systems, automatic opening vents as well as voice alarm systems and intercom.
We can also work to have all these integrated via a fire control panel or paired within environments such as with Nurse Call systems for more vulnerable individuals or those that need further support.
Bi-annual Inspections for Fire Alarm Systems
In addition to any checks done by property owners, UK regulations state that all detectors, call points, panels and circuits must be tested every six months by an engineer who has specialist knowledge of fire alarm systems and smoke detectors.
However, this may vary depending on the size and complexity of the installed system. Often, whether or not this will be required will be outlined during a fire risk assessment of your premises. WLS suggest for large and/or high-risk properties have fire prevention servicing be carried out at least every 3 months.
All smoke detectors and call out points must be checked at least once a year. Therefore, if we service bi-annually then half of the devices should be checked on each visit.
Engineers during bi-annual testing and maintenance will follow a checklist and inspect your logbook for any reported incidence. They will also conduct a visual inspection of any obvious signs of wear and check the devices and components.
Should you notice that your system is already showing signs of damage or deterioration, do not wait for this service. By having a professional fire alarm service engineer look at the alarm as soon as possible, you can be assured that any issues are fixed before the overall system is affected.
Fire security Installations
Should you require a new fire security installation, we can help using our fully-programmable and zone-able installations that are designed around the requirements of your building and its occupants. This will help protect the property and the people within it, in the event of a fire.
Fire Alarms – BMS
Additionally, we can integrate your fire installation with other security, mechanical and electric services on a cause and effect basis. We do so through the Building Management System, BMS for short, to maximise the safety of your site and its residents and create ease of control through automated triggering.
Vesda Aspirating Smoke Detection Systems
Vesda stands for Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus. These are aspirating smoke detection systems that can be used where early detection of a fire is fundamental. Should the servicing of a conventional system be problematic or if you are concerned about aesthetics in a particular building, then a VESDA system can be the ideal solution.
Automatic Opening Vents
Particularly in residential corridors, automatic opening vents can be extremely useful, especially in “stay in place” type scenarios. These automatic opening vent systems can also be integrated with a fire control panel to provide an enhanced fire prevention solution.
But how do these work? Advanced control systems usually include temperature, humidity and CO2 sensors. They allow for you to maintain a comfortable environment day to day and detect signs of smoke early before it is too late.
When levels pass optimum conditions, a trigger will cause windows to open, releasing smoke from the premises. During a fire, smoke poses the greatest threat to occupants and so automatic opening vents can be used to help provide a safer escape route and reduce any risks associated with smoke inhalation.
Interested in finding out more? This article of ours explains more about why you need an automatic opening vent as part of your fire prevention system.
Voice Alarm Systems
In some instances, such as in larger buildings with more occupants such as a school, a voice alarm system may often be installed in place of conventional sounders. This is as voice alarm systems can help navigate occupants through a phased evacuation in emergency situations.
Disability Considerations – Intercom Systems
A DDA fire alarm system may often be combined with intercom systems as a way to assist with the evacuation of disabled individuals in emergency fire situations. Often, these will be included as part of a nurse call system for assisted living environments where a panic alarm can be used to allow patients to alert staff for assistance.
More About WLS
It is always essential to have the right security and fire safety systems in place regardless of your building or occupation. If you are looking for high-quality fire safety and security experts to help with your installations, WLS is here to help. We can steer you away from a faulty fire alarm and ensure you only have the best of the best.
Whether it be full security systems, fire safety alarms and CCTV to intruder alarms, we can install and maintain them for you. Our customers have always said it’s our people that set us apart – we know how important it is you work with a company you can guarantee the right results from.
Contact our team for further details on how we can help you with remote monitoring services and first-class alarm systems on 0208 676 4300.
