Fire Sprinkler Systems vs. Fire Alarm Systems
If you have fire sprinklers, do you really need a fire alarm system too? And if you have fire alarms installed, are fire sprinklers really necessary? The fact is both of these components are vital for keeping your building up to code and helping to ensure the safety of occupants and assets.
Keep reading to learn more about the importance of having properly installed fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems in your building or commercial property.
Importance of Fire Sprinkler Systems
Your first defense against an out-of-control fire is a well-maintained fire sprinkler system. The sprinkler heads activate when they detect a fire-sensitive heat. Various designs are available to meet the needs of residences, commercial buildings, restaurants, data centers, and other facilities. The right design of your fire sprinkler system is important for ensuring optimal performance and protection during a fire.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires automatic sprinkler systems under specific circumstances. If you own a business that exceeds 12,000 square feet, has an occupancy load of 300 or more people, or exceeds more than three stories tall, you are required by law to have sprinklers installed by a professional and licensed fire protection contractor.
Importance of Fire Alarm Systems
Properly installed fire alarms play a major role in the saving lives of your employees and customers in the event of a fire. The siren sounds and flashing lights alert building occupants of an emergency, even if no danger is immediately apparent in their area—giving customers and employees time to act before it’s too late.
Fire alarms go off when linked smoke detectors sense tiny smoke particles in the air resulting from something burning in the room. NFPA code 72 outlines the requirements for fire alarm systems and regulations for the installation, location, testing, and maintenance for the systems.
The Importance of Monitoring
Fire alarm monitoring systems and fire sprinkler monitoring systems are a direct connection between your building’s systems, a fire protection contractor, and your local emergency departments. That way, if a fire occurs in the middle of the night, help is on its way immediately, even if no one is there to call 9-1-1. Of course, much of the damage can be averted if you have a sprinkler system installed as well, as sprinkler systems work around the clock too.
Fire alarm and fire sprinkler monitoring can help insure your system is working as it should. To learn more about either system, contact Kauffman Co.
