Although False Alarms are considered to be more than inconvenient, they can disrupt work and also can cause staff to lose confidence in the Fire Alarm System. They can also result in the Fire Service issuing fines to the Building Owner/Manager.
Steam and Condensation
Vapor from cooking or washing can travel and be read by an optical smoke detector as if it were smoke. The detector can be moved a few hundred mm from the sources of moisture.
Dust on Detector Heads
The problem with detectors becoming oversensitive is that they need to be cleaned on a regular basis during the servicing of the fire alarm system.
Poorly Sited Detectors Near Cooking Areas
A point detector above a toaster point or staff kitchen hob will go off repeatedly until it is moved to a less exposed position, or changed to a heat detector. If you are looking for Fire alarms Milton Keynes, see https://isefireproducts.co.uk/fire-alarm-systems/milton-keynes.
Contractor Disturbance During Building Work
Fine particles are easily distributed during building works. It is recommended that these areas are isolated before commencement of works and that a full system check is carried out on completion of works.
Ageing Detector Heads
Detector sensitivity can slowly change over time. Some years before they need to be replaced they can become too sensitive and start producing false alarms. Most optical detectors have a recommended service life of around 10 years.. For installation and maintenance of fire alarms in Milton Keynes look for a competent company who can check your fire alarms and service them as required.
Poorly Set Alarm Thresholds
Many systems are set up too sensitively when first installed, and then never reconfigured. Advice on the management of false alarms is provided by the Fire Industry Association and a competent engineer can reconfigure the system to optimum settings.
I have detailed what can cause repeat false alarm problems and how we at Fire Alarms Buckinghamshire can complete a system audit to identify the cause and thereafter put measures in place to prevent future occurrence.
