Testing your fire alarm system might seem like a hassle at first, but the cost of not doing so could be much higher. The last thing you want is for something to happen and your system isn’t working as it should. 

But what happens if you test your fire alarm system and something isn’t working? Is your system malfunctioning? Or is it simply time for an upgrade? That’s the question we’re here to help you answer today. Here are a few of the signs that your fire alarm system may be in need of an upgrade. Let’s jump right in. 

Your System Is Too Old

You shouldn’t experience any issues with your fire alarm system for the first decade or so of its existence. However, once you get to the 10-15 month space, your system will need more consistent system maintenance in order to function properly. When you’re finding that you’re beginning to have more than one inspection a year, then it’s probably time to stop spending money on maintaining it, and time to spend that money buying a new system instead. 

Your System Is Too Sensitive Or Insensitive

When your system is starting to consistently fail its sensitivity test requirements, then it’s time for an upgrade. Alarms that are too insensitive can’t be relied on to warn employees of danger quickly enough. Alarms that are too sensitive can be annoying and become harmful to productivity. In addition, sensitive alarms can create a false sense of security among your building’s occupants, making them take the threat of real danger less seriously. 

Both of these can be very harmful and should be addressed immediately. 

Renovations And Expansions

If you’ve renovated or are planning to expand your operation, you may have to upgrade your fire alarm system anyway. For one, your old system may not work in the new configuration or it may not meet requirements to be up to code. What’s most important is that you have a fire alarm system that meets the needs of your new space and protects it as much as possible. And finally depending on what you’re adding to your commercial space – you may have to reconfigure your fire protection system entirely, so keep that in mind. 

Professional fire service companies can help you to evaluate your current system and determine whether or not it needs to be upgraded. Whether your system is older or you just need to take a step forward technologically, it’s important to make sure that what you have is protecting you the way it’s supposed to. 

To learn more about system upgrades and whether or not they make sense for your business, give us a call today.

800.875.7200