How To Turn Off Fire Alarm In Building

There are few things more jarring than the deafening screech of a fire alarm going off. Designed to alert us to potential danger, these systems epitomize the adage that it's better to be safe than sorry. Nevertheless, there are moments when a fire alarm may be triggered erroneously, kicking into high gear without a legitimate cause for concern. This is particularly problematic in large buildings where turning off the alarm isn't as simple as reaching up to the ceiling of a private home. This article will inform you on the best practices to disable a fire alarm in a building without compromising safety or regulatory obligations.

Understanding the Fire Alarm System

Before we jump into the instructions, understanding the basics of a typical fire alarm system can be very helpful. Generally, fire alarm systems are divided into two categories: addressable and conventional. Addressable systems, often found in large buildings, allows one to pinpoint the exact location of the trigger – be it smoke, heat or manual pull stations. Conventional systems, on the other hand, are ideal for smaller buildings as they run on a simpler mechanism where zones are used to locate the source of the alarm.

The Importance Of Professional Supervision

Whenever possible, the disarming of a fire alarm system should be performed under the supervision of a professional. Although the system itself might be simple enough to understand and manipulate, having a professional ensures that the building remains compliant with safety regulations. Moreover, a professional can quickly identify and rectify the source of the false trigger, preventing reoccurrence.

Locate the Trigger Point

If a fire alarm is set off in a building, it's essential to locate the source of the trigger. On an addressable system, you can find the specific device that activated the alarm by checking the fire alarm control panel. For a conventional system, you may need to investigate the indicated zone to find the issue.

Resetting the Fire Alarm System

Once the source of the trigger has been identified and handled, you can start the process of resetting the system. It's important to remember that the process can vary based on the specific fire alarm model, make, and system in place. However, the general steps include:

1. Using the key given by the manufacturer to unlock the fire alarm control panel.

2. Once the panel is open, you must locate the “reset” or “silence” button. This button is typically easy to find and prominently colored for quick identification.

3. Press the “reset” or “silence” button to stop the alarm. This will disable the alarm and allow for further investigation and necessary repair or replacement of the triggered device.

Maintaining Fire Alarm Systems

Proper maintenance of the fire alarm system is crucial in preventing any false triggers and making sure the system works as intended in times of emergencies. Regular maintenance by certified professionals can go a long way in ensuring any abnormalities or issues with the system are detected and rectified promptly.

Alerting the Authorities

If a fire alarm goes off and the authorities were alerted via an automatic system call, it's crucial to inform them that it was a false alarm. This will help avoid any unnecessary deployment of resources. Just as vital is informing building occupants that it was a false alarm to alleviate anxiety and concern.

Conclusion

A fire alarm system is an integral aspect of building safety, designed to protect property and lives in the event of a fire. However, situations may arise where these systems trigger without a proper cause, requiring you to turn off the fire alarm. Understanding the type of fire alarm system, identifying and rectifying the source of the trigger, resetting the system, and informing the right authorities are critical components of this process. The next time such a situation arises, ensure that it is handled correctly and professionally, without compromising the safety and regulatory compliance of the building.