When Should You Upgrade Your Fire & Security Systems?

Your fire alarm and security systems are crucial for the safety of your staff and business alike, so it’s essential that the fire detection system and security system at your business is fit for purpose and working effectively.

Like most systems and technology, components within your fire alarm and security systems can degrade over time and eventually reach a point when they need upgrading or replacing. The general rule is that commercial fire detection and security alarm systems should be upgraded or replaced every 10 years, with smoke detectors having to be replaced at least every 10 years to comply with Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO).

When Should you Replace your Fire Alarm System?

Over time, the electrical components of your fire alarm system will slowly decrease in efficiency, which can affect the sensitivity of the smoke sensors. If your fire detection system experiences an increase in sensitivity this can cause false alarms. If your fire detection system experiences a decrease in sensitivity, this could significantly affect the detection time of fires and smoke and impact the time available for safe evacuation or extinguishing.

While regular maintenance and servicing of your business’s fire alarm system ensures that the fire detection system is functioning correctly, there may come a time where repairs become too frequent, and parts become increasingly difficult to find. This is when it would be advised to upgrade your fire alarm system.

As a business owner or manager of a commercial building, it is your responsibility to ensure you have an adequate, fully operational fire detection system in place to comply with fire safety laws. We recommend that any fire safety devices over 10 years old should be replaced by fire safety professionals such as Firecare Security & Electrcial.

When Should you Replace your Security System?

As with fire alarm systems, there will come a time when your business’s security system will need to be updated or replaced. Your security system is there to protect your employees, visitors and premises from intruders, vandalism, or theft.

It is generally accepted that intruders would rather target a property with no security system or an old, outdated model than take the risk of premises with a new integrated intruder alarm.

Reasons to Upgrade Your Security System

• The System is Outdated: It’s a good idea to upgrade your system every 5 to 10 years. Around this time, components may potentially start to malfunction and could cause issues such as false alarms.

• Upgrading to Wireless: Traditionally, security systems are hardwired into the building’s electrical system, but newer technology enables wireless security systems. New wireless security systems communicate either through cellular radio or IP and wireless connections, decreasing the chances of ‘dropouts’ during power surges, severe weather, or when phone lines have gone down. For added peace of mind, most new wireless systems also come with a battery backup to provide security, even during a power loss.

• Upgrading to Smart Technology: Smart security systems take advantage of the latest smart technology, allowing business owners to take full control from a mobile device. Smart security systems provide 24/7 protection, with live feeds available and notifications as soon as an alarm or sensor is triggered.

At FireCare Security & Electrical Ltd, we offer a full range of commercial intruder/burglar alarms which can be tailored to the specific needs of your business. Starting from just £599 plus VAT (or £30 per month on our cash flow friendly rental plan), our fully fitted, state-of-the-art intruder alarm systems are specifically designed to minimise your risk and maximize the protection of your business or home.