Building across Edmonton count on their fire alarms to keep their tenants safe. But is your system really doing its job? Or is it getting old–and causing more problems than protection?
You aren’t alone–building owners and property managers in Edmonton are getting rid of their outdated systems every single day. Wondering when to replace your building’s fire alarm? Here are three signs to look out for.
Frequent False Alarms
Is your fire alarm system regularly ringing, even though there is no sign of a fire? In our experience, this is one of the most common signs that you’ll need a new system. Nuisance alarms are common with older systems due to faulty wiring, mechanical issues, or inaccurate sensors.
These inaccurate alarms aren’t just a nuisance for your tenants–they often have financial or regulatory consequences. For example, if your building is located in Strathcona County and has over four false fire alarms in one year, you could face a fee of $565.
Planned Building Upgrades
Are you a property manager or owner of an aging Edmonton building? If so, you are probably considering some major upgrades–especially as building codes become more stringent. For example, installing a new elevator is extremely common. However, here’s what many managers might not know: upgrading your elevator often means you must also upgrade your fire alarm system.
In emergency situations, elevators and life safety systems communicate with each other to help with safe evacuation. The fire alarm signals elevators return to the ground floor (or designated recall floor), open their doors, and remain out of service. Older fire alarm systems cannot connect with upgraded elevator technology. In this situation, a fire alarm upgrade is crucial to ensure your life safety systems function properly and that your building is code-compliant.
Outdated Systems
Finally, you should consider an upgrade if your fire alarm system has reached the end of its serviceable life and is no longer supported by the manufacturer or industry standards.
Typically, fire alarm systems last 15-20 years. Once a system reaches this age, manufacturers discontinue replacement parts, technical support becomes unavailable, and system repairs grow exponentially more expensive. This is where proactive fire alarm replacement is important. If you wait until a critical component fails, you might find that part is simply no longer manufactured—leaving you with a non-functional system until you upgrade.
Considering an Upgrade? Follow These Steps
Comprehensive fire alarm system upgrades aren’t a small job–especially when dealing with aging infrastructure, strict fire code, and other complex demands. To ensure your installation goes smoothly, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Schedule an Inspection
Before pulling the trigger on a new fire alarm system installation, it’s smart to schedule a comprehensive fire inspection with a licensed and registered fire protection company. This assessment will include a review of your current system, compliance status, remaining service life, and any relevant code violations. Contractors like Karlen-Kada specialize in life safety systems and can provide the information you need in order to make an informed decision.
Step 2: Discuss Your Options
After a thorough assessment, your fire alarm system technician will lay out your options for you. In some cases, your fire alarm panel might just need repairs, rather than a wholesale replacement. If you do need an upgrade, you can request a comprehensive cost estimate at this stage. For complex retrofits, you’ll likely require more than just a new fire alarm panel–ensure your quote also includes detection devices, auditory and visual notification upgrades, and more.
Step 3: Choose Your Fire Protection Company
Your fire alarm system needs regular maintenance, annual inspections, and ongoing monitoring to keep it functioning reliably. Choose a provider that offers comprehensive support services, not just installation. Ongoing partnerships ensure your system stays compliant and operational for years to come.
Looking for Fire Alarm System Installation in Edmonton?
Do any of these signs apply to your building? If so, don’t delay–request a quote for a new fire alarm system today! As one of Edmonton’s trusted fire protection providers, the Karlen-Kada team is here to help. Contact us now for more information and to take the first step toward upgraded protection.