Fire Alarm Design- The Retrofit

Fire Alarm Design – The Retrofit

As buildings age, so do their components. After 20 years or more, much of the electrical, heating, and plumbing equipment requires upgrades or replacement. More importantly, fire detection and alarm systems become antiquated and may not perform when needed. Grime accumulates, parts wear out, and older systems become obsolete compared to many of today’s state-of-the-art sensing devices.

The primary responsibility of a building owner is to protect the safety of the occupants. A closer review of the existing system may signal that your building is due for a fire alarm design retrofit.

Newer, more sensitive devices can detect smoke and other dangerous emissions far sooner than older ones could. Alarms and other notifications today can be transmitted wirelessly to central locations for rapid response.

Retrofitting Building Fire Alarm Designs

When retrofitting an existing building with a new fire alarm design, the first course of action is to consult with an expert who is licensed and experienced in mapping systems that will meet local requirements as well as the National Fire Alarm Code (NFA-72). Working with the consultant and local fire authorities during the design phase can prevent problems later.

Working with the blueprints or CAD-computerized replication of the building, the consultant can determine the number and placement of sensing and suppression devices, as needed.

Additional Functions of the Fire Alarm Retrofit

Besides smoke and fire detection, and alarm notification, modern devices can be wirelessly connected to a central monitoring location. Also, programmed voice and LED devices can be installed to guide evacuations. Other features of a fire alarm design retrofit could include the automatic unlocking of all stairwell and exit doors, self-illuminated lighting, emergency shut-off of hazardous gas, HVAC control to retard smoke, and evacuation route charting.