In general, fire alarm systems and devices will not work without power and will not function properly unless they are maintained and tested regularly.
While installing a fire alarm system may make the owner eligible for a lower insurance rate, an alarm system is not a substitute for insurance. Property owners should continue to act prudently in protecting the premises and the people in the premises and should properly insure life and property and buy sufficient amounts of liability insurance to meet their needs.
The most common cause of an alarm system not functioning when fire occurs is inadequate maintenance. As such, the alarm system should be tested weekly to make sure all sensors, transmitters, and notification devices are working properly.
Although designed for long life, fire alarm devices including smoke detectors may fail at any time. It is recommended that residential smoke detectors shall be replaced every 10 years.
Certificate for Fire Alarm Protection
Direct Alarm will not issue a certificate indicating that there is fire alarm protection for any premises unless:
Direct Alarm has conducted a fire alarm inspection for the premises within the last 6 months and;
The fire alarm meets or exceeds all local or applicable codes for number, type, and placement of detectors and notification devices and;
The client agrees to and completes all recommended changes, additions, and/or modifications noted during the inspection and;
The account balance for the premises is paid and current.
