Do fire alarms have to be tested frequently?

 

Before discussing the maintenance schedules of fire alarms first, we should focus on what is a fire alarm and why this is very essential for our safety and security.  

A fire alarm system is a series of electronic devices working together to detect fire situation and alert the inhabitants about upcoming danger. The fire alarms use heat, smoke, or carbon monoxide sensors to detect a fire in an early stage. After swift detection, the fire alarms alert or warn the people through audio and visual appliances. 

So the fire alarm should be checked regularly to ensure its functionality especially in time of need and that may arise at any point in time. The reputed fire alarm monitoring companies in California advises monthly check-up of the fire protection systems to avoid any unwanted situation. 

• USFA guidelines for fire alarm system checking:

As per the United States Fire Administration (USFA), the household fire alarms should be checked at least once a month. They also suggest replacing the batteries of automatic, wireless fire alarms every six months to avoid any chance of failure. USFA also advised following the user manuals of the fire alarm systems to get a proper understanding regarding the devices. 

The professional fire alarm monitoring services in California usually arrange a test run for the household fire alarms as per the USFA guidelines. They also take care of the supportive devices of fire alarm systems, like smoke detectors and heat detectors. These sensors detect fire at an early stage and make the inhabitants safe from it by informing them at the right time. 

Also, many profound fire alarm test services in California advises checking fire and smoke alarms once a week to provide better confidence about the fire protection service. The fire alarm systems need to be reset after a certain period, so that can be rectified if they are wrongly silenced or changed in any other program.

For commercial buildings, high-rises, supermarkets, schools, multiplexes the fire alarms should be examined regularly. As in these large buildings, the chance of a fire incident is quite vast and for that reason, the department is guided to check the entire fire protection service regularly. The professional fire alarm soak test services in California are also recommended once per month for commercial buildings. 

Final thoughts:

So, as we have discussed here in the fire alarm systems of your building should be 'adequately maintained' at all times so that it doesn’t fail in the crucial time of need. In California, the fire alarm systems are quite updated, and without power and battery failure they won’t let you down anytime. But till prevention is better than cure so for the household fire alarms check once in a month and for the commercial fire alarms run a test regularly.