Frequently Asked Questions

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 There are two major types of fire alarms: ionization fire alarms and photoelectric fire alarms. Ionization fire alarms detect flaming, fast moving fires – curtain fires, trash can fires, etc. Photoelectric fire alarms are best for smoky, smoldering fires, such as electrical fires that start out behind walls. There are also dual sensor fire alarms which, naturally, combine both types into one. To maximize your fire protection, you should install both types (or a combination of the two) to make sure you are completely covered. 

 In short, yes. Fire sprinkler systems are great for putting out fires after they start, but they only come on once the fire has reached a certain temperature, at which point it will have already done damage. Fire alarm systems, particularly smoke detectors, round out your fire protection because they detect smoke and other gases before the flames start, giving you extra time to escape the building. They can also automatically alert the fire department. 

 Fire alarm monitoring is basically a guarantee your building has eyes on it 24/7, keeping it protected from fires at all times. If the fire alarms go off in your building, the fire alarm monitoring company will notify the fire department within seconds – even if you’re not there, or if you’re in the process of safely evacuating. Everyone has heard horror stories of people showing up to work and seeing the charred wreckage of what was once their office (and all their equipment, data, etc.) – don’t let this happen to you! 

Most conventional sprinkler heads use a small, liquid-filled bulb that acts as a plug to prevent water from escaping out of the sprinkler. Extreme heat causes this liquid to expand, eventually causing the bulb to burst and release the water behind it.

The liquid inside the bulbs comes in a variety of colors, and each color represents the temperature required to activate the sprinkler:

• Orange – 135°F
• Red – 155°F
• Yellow – 174°F
• Green – 200°F
• Blue – 286°F
• Purple – 360°F
• Black – 440°F

 Yes. But consider the alternatives: either your building burns down, or the fire department arrives and basically floods your building until the fire dies down (remember, fire sprinklers deliver about 18 gpm, whereas firefighter hoses deliver 60 or more!). 

 Annual inspections, internal maintenance, and hydrostatic testing must be performed by a licensed fire protection company.

• Monthly inspection by the owner of the fire extinguisher
• Annual professional fire extinguisher inspection
• Internal (six-year) fire extinguisher maintenance (also referred to as tear down)
• Hydrostatic testing every 12 years (five years for vehicle-mounted and some others)