Question:
I'm charged with finding a new Fire Alarm System for a large Nursing Home.
I'ld like to find ratings or reviews of the various manufacturers.
Any suggestions on selecting to design a fire alarm system?
Answer:As a fire inspector, ive plan checked and inspected alot of fire alarm
systems. My advise is to check with your fire or building department to
verify the type of fire alarm system that is required by code and any
special requirements the jurisdiction may have. I have found that many
engineers, suppliers and contractors that design fire alarm systems
exceed the code requirements significantly to increase the value of the
system, which increases their profits along with your costs. I guess
there may be the possibiliy that they are exceeding the minimum code
requirements because of their concern of liability or increased safety
for the building occupants, but i doubt it.
Do some homework, get several bids, check out references. In
California, all fire alarm system components must be listed by the State
Fire Marshal which lets you know the system meets at least a minimum
design standard.
