Fire safety system design must address critical interconnected emergency control equipment and wiring to fans, dampers, smoke control equipment, and elevators, according to an article from Building Operating Management on the FacilitiesNet website.

There are many reasons that a fire alarm system might need to be replaced. For example, any fire alarm system installed prior to the year 2000 would generally need an upgrade or replacement plan.

The same is true if you have a newer system that is starting to experience nuisance alarms, has outstanding recall items or warranty issues, or is experiencing wiring and device troubles. If you are in any of these situations, what should you consider before repairing or replacing a fire alarm system? Let’s examine the process of upgrading or replacing a system.

The first step is to answer the question, “Does my fire alarm system need to be upgraded or completely replaced?” This is directly related to the challenges you are facing with the system. Perhaps, due to a lack of funds, maintenance is always deferred, and thus systems are overdue for needed replacement. Perhaps you believe that, because your buildings are always occupied, they cannot have their systems upgraded in an owner- or occupant-acceptable manner.

Perhaps you do not have an existing system inventory or code-compliance audit or analysis for these important systems, so you do not really understand what funds and time will be needed.

Or maybe you are concerned that, due to building changes, they cannot be replaced or upgraded in a compliant manner without an extremely complicated effort, possibly even requiring closing operations during the replacement.

Read the article.