Fire Protection Frequently Asked Questions

Service 1st Fire Protection LLC: Fire Prevention in Phoenix

Fire alarms are crucial tools for residential and commercial property owners. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms protect everyone who steps foot in your home or business. You must maintain them so if a fire breaks out; everyone is protected. We have over 30 years of experience delivering top-notch fire protection equipment to our valued customers. We care about customer service, so Service 1st Fire Protection LLC compiled some common questions about fire alarms for Phoenix, AZ property owners to read. Contact us today for more information.

Q. What Kind of Fire Alarm is Best for Me?

There are two types of fire alarms: ionization and photoelectric alarms. Both have practical uses in both residential and commercial properties. Ionization fire alarms provide excellent fire safety protection against quick-moving fires and detect flaming in the room. They’re effective at detecting curtain or trash can fires, for instance. Photoelectric fire alarms, on the other hand, are more effective at detecting smoldering fires that start as a result of electrical shorts. Service 1st Fire Protection LLC installs dual-sensor alarms that combine both types into one system or one of each throughout your building.

Q. How Often Should I Check My Smoke Alarm?

As you know, electronic devices are not infallible. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as sprinkler systems and fire alarms, are no different. Therefore, Service 1st Fire Protection LLC recommends you regularly inspect your fire protection systems to ensure they are functioning correctly. We take fire safety seriously, and so should you. Once a month, do the following:

• Place someone at the furthest point from each detector and set the alarm off. If it sounds muffled or weak, consider adding extra detectors and alarms.
• Press and hold the test button. If the sound is ear-piercing, then the batteries are good. Weak or non-existent sounds mean the battery is no longer functional, and you should replace it.

Q. How Long Do Hard-Wired Smoke Detectors Last?

As long as you perform regular maintenance on your smoke detectors, they will last 8 to 10 years. Smoke detectors that use lithium batteries and hard-wired units last closer to ten years. You should replace the battery backup every year and replace the entire unit every ten years. Staying on top of the replacement schedule ensures everyone in your home or business is safe at all times. Service 1st Fire Protection LLC not only installs units, but problem solves and fixes hard-wired smoke detectors that no longer function as they should.

Q. Do Smoke Alarms Detect Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide detectors are devices that detect whether there are dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide inside the building. Not all smoke detectors include this capability, though some do. If you’re unsure, or if you want to install carbon monoxide detectors, give Service 1st Fire Protection LLC a call today.

Q. Do I Need a Fire Alarm and a Sprinkler System?

Fire alarms, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors are all great first lines of defense against fires. They let residents know there is a problem and ensure everyone escapes safely. While a sprinkler system isn’t a necessity for residential buildings, state and local ordinances often require them. They help suppress fires once the fire reaches a specific temperature. Service 1st Fire Protection LLC sells and installs fire sprinklers for both residential and commercial properties to use in the event of a fire.

Q. Why is My Fire Alarm Chirping?

A regularly-chirping fire alarm isn’t just annoying. It’s also a sign that something is amiss. There are several possible causes, including:

• A loose battery. Try taking the battery out and re-securing it.
• A dirty fire alarm cover. Vacuum the sensor chamber twice a year to prevent build-ups.
• You may need to reset your electronic fire alarm after installing a new battery
• A power surge interrupted the fire alarm. Resetting the alarm will stop the chirping.

Q. Should I Invest in Fire Alarm Monitoring?

Fire alarm monitoring is residential fire protection that goes beyond your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire alarms. These systems notify the monitoring company that there is a fire, and they inform the fire department within seconds. Many homeowners report increased peace of mind when they install this extra layer of protection.