Posts Tagged ‘Fire Alarms’

What is the Lifespan of a Commercial Fire Alarm System?

Friday, December 13th, 2024

A well-maintained commercial fire alarm system is vital for the safety and protection of lives and property. Recent technological advancements with fire alarm systems have improved overall performance, and have also made repairing legacy systems more difficult. While annual service trips and commercial fire alarm testing often fulfill safety checks and requirements, when the fire alarm & life safety systems in a facility become too old or the technology outdated, you’ll need to consider updating them.

HOW LONG DO COMMERCIAL FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS LAST?

The lifespan of a commercial fire alarm system typically ranges from 10 to 15 years. This can vary based on different factors, including the quality of the system, if the equipment has received regular maintenance over its lifespan, and technological advancements. By conducting regular system inspections and equipment maintenance on commercial fire alarms, your equipment can last longer and perform better. Egan’s local team of commercial fire alarm technicians in the Twin Cities and Rochester can help perform an inspection on your system and make a plan for necessary repairs and maintenance. 

KEEP YOUR FACILITY SAFE

The most important aspect of your building and your business is that everyone inside is safe. By keeping a pulse on your facility’s fire alarm & life safety systems, you can rest assured that occupants will be alerted and kept safe in case of an emergency. Whether you need an annual facility and equipment inspection, or if it’s been more than 10 years since you’ve replaced your commercial fire alarms, the local team at Egan Company can help. Our fire alarm team partners with you to determine the best course of action to keep your building’s systems in top shape and provide comfort and safety to everyone inside. Get in touch with Egan to schedule a fire alarm inspection or an audit of your existing system to learn about options for your facility.

New NFPA 70B Guidelines: What You Need to Know

Monday, March 11th, 2024

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) regularly provides updates to guidelines concerning safe practices and maintenance protocols. Egan Company’s ongoing commitment to safety in all aspects of our work entails reviewing such guidelines and aligning our practices to ensure our people, customers, and equipment is safe and up-to-code. 

The new NFPA 70B guidelines outline new requirements for preventative maintenance of electrical, electronic, and communication systems and equipment in various settings. By following these guidelines, Egan can continue to create safe work environments and keep our employees, our customers, and the general public safe. 

WHAT ARE THE NFPA 70B REGULATIONS?

The updated NFPA guidelines include updated language, marking a shift from a manufacturer’s recommendation of maintenance to noting an Electrical Maintenance Plan (EMP) is a formal plan facilities shall have in place moving forward. This new verbiage focuses on preventing risks or injuries through regular equipment maintenance, personnel training, and accurate documentation. Egan will begin following these recommendations in our work with customers who are receiving system upgrades and services. Many local and national electrical codes require adherence to 70B guidelines, and Egan is happy to provide further education and assistance in bringing your facility up-to-date. 

  • Program development and implementation: establishing a systematic maintenance program tailored to the specific needs of the facility.
  • Maintenance procedures: detailed instructions for inspecting, testing, cleaning, lubricating, and repairing various electrical equipment.
  • Testing and diagnostics: identifying potential problems through electrical testing and diagnostic techniques.
  • Documentation and recordkeeping: recording maintenance activities and test results for future reference and analysis.
  • Team training: ensuring the team responsible for electrical equipment maintenance are adequately trained and qualified.

SAFETY FIRST. SAFETY ALWAYS.

Safety is at the heart of everything we do at Egan Company. Our electricians, service technicians, and account managers are keeping up-to-date with the latest safety guidelines from the NFPA and other organizations to ensure that wherever we go, safety follows. Bringing the NFPA 70B guidelines to our customers will help maintain the lifespan of your equipment, the safety of your buildings, and the quality of your facilities and operations. Bring your facility up to NFPA 70B standards and keep your buildings safe and sound. Questions on NFPA 70B or other electrical code requirements? Egan can help!

End of the Road for Analog Communications

Monday, August 15th, 2016

It’s often said that change is the only constant – this is never truer than with technology.  By January 2017, it’ll be the end of the road for 2G service for communications systems, and the phase-out of analog in favor of digital platforms is currently underway. Continuing to use “Plain Old Telephone Service” (POTS) for systems could result in connectivity losses and intermittent communication fails.

Change however, is not without reward.  Some of the advantages to upgrading to IP, cellular or radio are:

  • Immediate return on investment – no monthly line costs for systems
  • Accurate monitoring and diagnostics – connection checks frequently throughout
    the day, rather than once every 24 hours
  • Little time commitment – The upgrade can be completed in one day

As the digital phase-in grows, it may be beneficial to plan your analog exit sooner rather than later to avoid interruptions.