With small security companies popping up left and right, it is imperative to understand the importance of proper Commercial Fire Alarm Certifications and their impact on quality service and trustworthy products. Fire alarm systems are designed to protect homes, families, buildings, business owners, their employees and property from fire, smoke and damage but they are not always reliable unless they are routinely inspected by professionals. The products themselves and the professionals who sell and inspect them hold themselves to a code of quality under Commercial Fire Alarm Certification standards. Another benefit of regular inspection and maintenance is the reduction in additional expenses due to the prevention of unbudgeted emergency repairs, costly false alarms or in a worst-case scenario complete property damage or human fatality.
Commercial Fire Alarm Certification ensures that the company you choose to service your safety needs possesses the proper documentation to operate and that the products being sold and used meet at a minimum a specific set of criteria governed by the NFPA Standards.
Fire Alarm technicians are tested and certified by NICET in fire alarm system inspections learn a variety of specific criteria that ensure the reliability and longevity of your alarm system. Specific aspects of the training include but are not limited to:
- Setting the sensitivity of the system, which requires an understanding of the particular system, the specific application, and fire detection theory;
- Simulating inputs, and testing the annunciators, which requires specific knowledge of the system under testing;
- Testing and calibrating the alarm sensors, such as flame and smoke detectors, per the manufacturers’ specifications, which requires knowledge about the different sensors—and their testing requirements, failure modes, and re-installation requirements; and
- Coordinating with the AHJ to design and test the integrity of their systems.
Certified inspectors also learn to perform other simpler tasks with precision such as checking the integrity of the battery, and taking appropriate action, when necessary. Contractors are trained in the best practices of communicating with clients so that they understand the ends and outs of the abilities and limits of the system they are looking to purchase or have installed. A certified inspector knows to look for a number of factors ranging from small to large deficiencies including infiltration by dust, dirt and other contaminants; vandalism; remodeling; improper maintenance; and inadequate performance of degraded electronics. Certified inspectors also understand the intricacies associated with installing and servicing devices properly to avoid malfunction or mishaps in the future.
If you have any questions about residential or commercial alarm systems, don’t hesitate to call Delco Alarm at 610-459-0800. Delco Alarm is based out of Aston, PA and provides service to the tri-state area including West Chester, Aston, Media, Chadds Ford, Chester, Kennett Square, Newtown Square, Glen Mills, Malvern, Exton, Downingtown, Philadelphia, Wilmington, DE and New Jersey.