Fire Alarm System Upgrades: When & Why to Upgrade

When a fire breaks out, every second matters. Upgrading your building’s fire alarm system now will offer critical, life-saving moments later.

There are no gray areas on the matter: An effective building fire alarm system must be up-to-date, safety-tested, and in strict NFPA fire alarm compliance. The National Fire Protection Association sets clear standards on how today’s commercial fire alarm systems must be integrated with modern buildings for early detection and immediate alerts.

But as buildings age, so do their fire alarm systems. An outdated commercial fire alarm system can present serious hazards, like malfunctions, a higher risk of injuries, building damage, and costly liabilities.

Learn more about why — and when — it’s necessary to upgrade your building’s fire alarm system, and the types of upgrades a fire protection expert can install.

Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Fire Alarm System

Watch for these key signs that indicate it’s time to invest in a more reliable fire alarm system:

• System malfunctions: Recurring failures or frequent false alarms are clear signs that your system needs an upgrade.
• Code or compliance issues: Current NFPA standards follow NFPA 72, which has expanded requirements related to cybersecurity.
• Changes in building layout: Renovations or reconfigurations may render your fire safety system ineffective.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Fire Alarm System

You’ll experience a host of benefits when you upgrade to a modern fire alarm system. Wireless, addressable, and 24/7 systems are just a few enhanced measures you can take.

Other advantages to a smart fire alarm system include:

• Faster fire detection: Advanced sensors provide early warnings for smoother evacuation.
• Smart alarm integration: Enhance building security by connecting your fire alarm system to other emergency response systems.
• Wireless and addressable systems: An addressable fire alarm system pinpoints the exact location of a fire, improving firefighting methods.
• 24/7 monitoring capabilities: Send real-time alerts to emergency responders.

Fire Code Compliance: Staying Up to Date with NFPA Standards

Fire safety regulations evolve over time, gaining new and better ways to address risks and business needs. The NFPA sets the standard in these updates, including those for commercial fire safety monitoring and emergency messaging systems.

Recently, the NFPA enacted protocol NFPA 72, a new set of updates that cover mass notification systems for weather emergencies, terrorism, and other threats. Compliance with NFPA 72 is critical; failure to comply can result in fines, liabilities, and higher insurance premiums.

Fire Alarm Upgrade Options: What’s Right for Your Business?

Choosing the right fire alarm system depends on the size, configuration, and needs of your property. Here’s a comparison of the latest options:

• Conventional fire alarm systems: These are ideal for small businesses or single-level properties.
• Addressable fire alarm systems: Large buildings will benefit from an addressable system that locates fires at the source.
• Wireless fire alarm systems: If a building is older or has wiring limitations, a wireless system is the way to go.
• Voice evacuation systems: Provide clear, real-time instructions to occupants in a large commercial building.
• Integration with smart building systems: Smart systems sync with security, HVAC, and emergency alerts.

How Kauffman Co. Can Help With Your Fire Alarm System Upgrade

Kauffman Co. is trusted throughout the Houston area for our certified fire protection services. We specialize in keeping workplaces, apartment buildings, and commercial sites safe, offering expert fire alarm installation, inspections, monitoring, and repair, with 24/7 emergency service when you need us most.

Through strong industry affiliations and cutting-edge solutions, we lead the way in fire protection solutions. View some of our past projects to see how we make a difference in Houston!

Upgrade your fire alarm system today — call now!

Frequently Asked Questions