Fires in Arizona aren’t uncommon. In fact, they’ve risen by 20% in the last year alone.
With so much fire risk around, you have to make sure your fire alarm is in working order.
Fire alarms are a crucial part of any person or business’s fire safety plan.
Sometimes, fire alarms malfunction and won’t stop beeping even if no fire is present.
Having a fire alarm that constantly beeps is a sign that your alarm needs maintenance.
Our guide covers the major causes of a beeping fire alarm and what you can do to get it working again.
All About Fire Alarm Systems
A fire alarm system is a life-saving system installed in businesses and homes to warn people of a fire.
Larger fire alarm systems have several parts that work to alert people of a fire.
Parts of a Fire Alarm System
There are four major parts of a fire alarm system.
They work together to alert people of the fire and get them safely out of the building.
The first part of a fire alarm system is the initiating devices.
This is what detects fire or smoke in a building.
Often these are heat detectors or pull stations people can use to activate the system in the event of a fire.
Next are the indicating appliances.
This is what will tell everyone that there is a fire happening.
Usually, this includes chimes, bells, horns, or strobe lights.
The fire alarm panel is the main hub that controls the fire alarm system.
It’s here that you can see which part of the building tripped the alarm.
You can use this panel to reset the system, program, troubleshoot, or silence it.
The fire alarm panel is the part of the system that alerts emergency personnel of the fire.
Having this panel in working order is key to fire safety in Phoenix, where wildfires are common.
Finally, you’ll have the alarm’s power supply.
Your fire alarm system will need backup power in case the power goes out.
Most of the time this is in the form of either a generator or batteries.
How a Fire Alarm System Works
Fire alarm systems usually have three modes they can go into.
The alarm panel will always tell you which mode the fire alarm is in.
The normal state is the mode that your fire alarm is in when things are all working the way they should.
This is also the state your fire alarm system is in when no active alarms are happening.
If your alarm system is initiated either by sensors or manually, it will go into alarm mode.
The indicating system will sound the noises and alert people to leave the building.
Finally, the trouble mode will let you know if there is something wrong with your alarm system.
You’ll get this alarm if there is a wire malfunction or connection issue.
Usually, the trouble mode lets off a buzzing noise to show there is a problem.
Reasons for a Beeping Fire Alarm
Because a fire system is an essential part of fire protection, they need to always be in working order.
If the system is making any strange noises, you’ll need to get to the bottom of it right away.
Here are the most common reasons your fire alarm won’t stop beeping.
Low Battery
The most common cause of a beeping fire alarm is that the battery is low.
Constant beeping means you need to get the battery changed.
Regardless of the beeping, you’ll want to change your fire alarm system batteries every year.
Change out all the system’s batteries at the same time.
Debris
Each fire alarm has sensors to detect if there is smoke or a fire present.
These sensors need to be very sensitive so they can pick up on fires as soon as they occur.
Dust and cobwebs can cause your fire alarm to think there’s a fire when there isn’t one.
If you hear continuous beeping, make sure that your alarms have no dust or grime on them.
If you see any, use a soft cloth to clean it away.
Steam
The steam you make from cooking could be tripping your fire alarm.
Humidity from a hot shower is another culprit.
Humidity can cause steam when your fire alarm can be misread as smoke.
If you have determined there’s no fire, try to figure out where the steam is coming from.
Turn off the shower or stove and the beeping should stop.
Heat
Arizona can get very hot during the year.
This heat can cause your fire alarm to go off when it’s not supposed to.
If the temperature or humidity goes through a drastic change, your alarm may read this as a fire.
The best way to help with this is to make sure your alarms are close to the door.
The doorways can help with airflow and will keep the area around the alarm cooler.
Alarm Maintenance
If the obvious fixes don’t work, it’s time to call the professionals in.
Sometimes this can mean sensor maintenance.
Other times the battery means your system is at the end of its working life.
The professionals will help you figure out why your alarm is making the noise.
They can troubleshoot and fix the alarm for you so that it can get back to keeping you safe.
Keep Your Fire Alarm in Working Order to Avoid Constant Beeping
Having a fire alarm constantly beeping isn’t only annoying but also dangerous.
If your fire alarm beeps, you’ll need to know why and how to stop it.
If you have a beeping fire alarm, it’s time to call Certizona Fire & Safety.
We are one of the best fire protection companies in Phoenix and can help you with all your fire safety needs. Contact us for a quote today.
Troubled by a beeping fire alarm? Seeking reliable fire alarm monitoring service? Certizona Fire & Safety is here to serve you with high-quality fire protection and safety equipment services! Customer satisfaction is our top priority. Call (623) 227-2092 or request an online quote today!
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