A home or business premises with a functional fire system is safer. You protect your property, belongings, and family by installing and using a functional fire system. While you need a system to dictate smoke and fire, determining the cause is important. Electrical problems contribute to several major fire outbreaks in home and business premises. For this reason, fire system testing is essential for detecting and catching electrical problems before they can cause fires. This guide explains how fire system testing can do this.
Test for Malfunctioning Switches and Outlets
As you conduct fire system testing in your home or business premises, be keen on the malfunctioning switches and outlets. This is one way to catch electrical problems that can also cause fire outbreaks. Any switch or outlet that doesn't work or keeps on tripping when left unattended can cause a fire. According to findings from EPS Security, out of the several warehouse fires witnessed over the years, electrical malfunctions cause 18% of them. For this reason, checking for and handling malfunctions on electrical switches and outlets remains paramount. It's important to seek expert help during inspections to save time and avoid costly mistakes.
Test for Unfamiliar or Funny Odors in Your Fire System
Understand that the fire detection system comprises of several electrical variables to make it functional. Besides checking the appliances, be keen on the odors along the electrical system to catch any potential problems. When you install the fire system, check the odor of the appliance, switches, and outlets. If you notice some changes to the odor in the electrical outlet connected to the fire system, you have issues to handle. As soon as you notice an unfamiliar or funny odor in the fire system, it's important to unplug anything connected to the electrical outlet to prevent a fire outbreak. This is a sign of a fuse box that has burst or issues with the breaker panel, hence the odd smell. Look for an electrician immediately to handle the problem and prevent costly fire outbreaks.
Test for Counterfeit Electrical Products
In most cases, counterfeit electrical products cause issues in your home or business premises. It's hard to note counterfeit electrical products unless you have the skills and expertise. By conducting fire system testing, you easily identify counterfeit products and catch electrical products. Understand that a functional fire alarm system or detector won't work if the electrical products are counterfeit. In most cases, you'll get warnings and signs such as tripping and warm or sparking outlets once you install the fire system. Testing the fire system allows you to know which electrical products to replace and avoid related issues, including fire outbreaks. It's important to use electrical products that meet industry or government standards to avoid electrical issues. Only buy products from reputable dealers and check for quality seals to keep your fire system functional.
Test for Poor Connection
When installing a fire system, you expect proper power distribution along the electrical system. However, if you experience vibration or thermal stress during the system testing, this is a sign of poor electrical connection. Understand that these vibrations and thermal stress in your fire system can cause wires to loosen and lead to costly fire outbreaks in your home or business premises. You easily get electrical problems if there's any resistance in the fire system. Besides the resistance, you easily determine a poor connection by checking all terminals and splices that overheat when the current is higher. Understand that poor connection in the fire system can cause arcs or electrical discharges on any air gap. You need to look for and work with an experienced electrician when installing the fire system to prevent poor electrical connections and other related problems.
Test for Insulation Failure
You should be able to touch and inspect the fire systems, as they're properly insulated. It's easy to catch electrical problems when conducting fire system testing if the insulation is poor. Insulation failure is dangerous to your home, business premises, and family. While most fire detection systems come with proper insulation, the insulating capability decreases with time. Fires or electrical system age, overheating at the switches and outlets, and contamination can cause insulation failure. If your fire system fails the insulation test, this is a sign of an electrical problem that you must address. Note that a short circuit is an extreme form of insulation failure, and you may notice it as you test your fire system. If there's a short circuit in your electrical system, the result will be overcurrent and overheating, which causes fire outbreaks.
Test for Device Failure
When your smoke detector or other fire system fails, it's easy to cause trouble in the long run. You expect the sensors to be fully functional and the device to be effective every day. During fire system testing, it's important to test for device failure. Check the components in the device to recognize any issues, including electrical problems. Most fire systems, including smoke detectors, can self-diagnose and tell you the issues present. However, if the device test fails, the chances that you have electrical problems with handling are higher. One sign of device failure, which also shows electrical problems, is non-functional sensors. The right fire system's sensory capability decreases towards the end of its life. This also shows failure in the electrical system and the need for replacement. Note that device failure can also show dust and contamination that might cause electrical problems.
Test for Flickering Lights
While the aim is to find out that your fire system is properly functioning, you can catch electrical problems by testing for flickering lights. If every time you test the fire system, you experience flickering lights, it only shows there's a problem with the electrical system. The chances of a power surge in your electrical system are higher. You can determine the cause of the flickering lights through fire system testing and fix them. This also shows that your fire system is making demands and calls for proper electrical repair and maintenance services. If the flickering lights remain frequently, the power surges can negatively affect your devices and other electrical fixtures. It's paramount to seek expert help to avoid the costly damage that can arise from power surges, including fire outbreaks.
Test for Buzzing Sound
A fire system that includes smoke detectors shouldn't produce any sound unless it's notifying you of a fire emergency. However, if the device emits buzzing sounds when conducting fire system testing, it shows you may have electrical problems. The chances that your electrical system has loose prongs or fraying wires causing the current to jump, thus producing the buzzing sound, are high. If the smoke detector or the electrical outlet produces a buzzing sound, it's important to stop using it and look for expert help. Look for an electrician to check for electrical problems, including power surges that might damage the fire system in the long run. Note that through tests on the fire system, you can address the electrical issues and protect your home or business premises effortlessly.
Installing a fire system is one way to protect your home or business premises and keep your property and belongings safe. While you can get the best from the device, fire system testing will help you identify and catch other electrical problems. Getting guidance on conducting the testing and handling the electrical problems is vital. If you're looking for reliable fire system testing, contact Sirina Fire Protection Corp today.