Extinguishing Common Fire Alarm Issues In The Residential Setting

It is no secret that a fire alarm inside the home is one of the most valuable safety features you can have. They give you a line of alert during a fire that is hard to match by any other type of home security feature. However, if you have an outdated fire alarm system, it is likely that you will see an issue from time to time. Before calling a professional for an all-out system overhaul, it is a good idea to take a look at some of the most common problems. Many issues can be fixed with little or no money at all and may not even require a fire alarm inspection service to diagnose.

Problem: The alarm system sounds off but is weak or too quiet.

Cause: Issues with the speaker or audio system.

Solution: Every fire alarm has a small audio system that boasts high-output sound in the event of a fire. When you test the alarm and it comes out sounding muffled or low, it is usually due to a faulty audio speaker. Repair is as simple as replacing this speaker with a new one and ensuring all wiring is properly connected.

Problem: Fire alarm indicator light stays on continuously.

Cause: Sensor issues have been detected by the unit.

Solution: The fire alarm uses sensors that are placed throughout the home that are supposed to detect fire and alert the alarm system to engage. However, when there is something wrong with one of the sensors, it is not uncommon for the light to kick in and stay illuminated. This is actually how the older systems were usually designed to function. Check each sensor in your home and make sure it is not covered with dust or dirt and do a manual test if necessary to see if they are working.

Problem: Fire alarm activates without reason.

Cause: Faulty electrical interface or wiring.

Solution: If the fire alarm is sounding off with no sign of even smoke in the home, it can be a frustrating issue. Thankfully, this is normally due to a logical solution that is easy to fix by trained hands. If you are experiencing false activation, get in touch with a professional, either an electrician or fire alarm specialist. This may mean that new wiring will have to be run at some points of the system, but this is much less expensive than installing a new system.

When it comes down to it, the best way to make sure you get the most out of your home fire alarm system is through regular maintenance and annual fire alarm inspection. By learning to recognize common issues, you can squash simple issues before they become a major problem. If you have more questions about maintaining your system, contact a local fire alarm inspection service, like Tri Communications Security Services Inc.