Fire alarm systems warn of danger at an early stage, provide specific information about the source of danger and sometimes also independently initiate initial fire protection measures. To ensure that this also works in an emergency, it is important to carry out the prescribed fire alarm system maintenance. You can find out who is obliged to do this, what the maintenance involves and who is allowed to carry it out here.
Sense and purpose of a fire alarm system
A fire alarm system (BMA for short) is part of preventive fire protection and is installed in the building. The fire alarm system provides an early warning in the event of danger from smoke, gas or fire and can be connected to the local fire brigade. In the event of a fire, a connected BMA alerts the local fire brigade and triggers the internal alarm system.
Good to know: The fire alarm system consists of several parts such as fire detectors, manual buttons, signalling devices (flashing light and siren), a fire brigade information centre as well as a fire brigade key depot and the fire brigade routing cards.
A fire alarm system can also trigger further measures such as opening smoke vents, closing fire exits or similar fire protection systems. This keeps escape and rescue routes smoke-free for longer, so that people present can get to safety. This is how a fire alarm system can save lives!
Duty to inspect and maintain a fire alarm system
If a fire alarm system (FAS) is subject to building regulations, the obligations for annual maintenance and quarterly inspection apply in accordance with the fire brigade's activation specifications.
Maintenance may only be carried out by a certified specialist company. The inspection can also be carried out by an appropriately instructed person of the operator, but is often also carried out by a specialised company. Specialist companies that work on fire alarm systems must always fulfil the requirements of DIN 14675 and provide proof of this.
CWS Fire Safety is a certified specialised company. We are happy to carry out the inspection and maintenance of your fire alarm system. Enquire about maintenance costs now.
Inspection of a fire alarm system
The inspection is required quarterly in accordance with DIN 14675 and can be carried out by a trained person.
During the inspection, attention is paid to soiling and damage to fire alarm components. It also checks whether there have been any structural changes or changes to the surrounding area, e.g. due to a conversion or change of use.
Maintenance of a fire alarm system
Maintenance of a fire alarm system is mandatory at least once a year. During maintenance, the main detector is switched off so that the local fire brigade is not alerted.
In addition to the visual inspection, it is checked whether the detectors (smoke detectors as well as manual call points) are triggered and the display on the fire brigade information centre with the fire brigade control panel is correct. It is also checked whether other alarm and fire protection devices are activated and triggered. Furthermore, the batteries are checked by measuring the quiescent and load current or voltage, as a fire alarm system must also function without power.
When maintaining a fire alarm system, individual wearing parts or elements must be replaced time and again. For example
- Batteries for the emergency power supply must be replaced every 4 years according to the manufacturer's instructions
- Fire detectors with soiling compensation must be replaced after 8 years at the latest, without soiling compensation after 5 years at the latest
Good to know: The inspection is often also carried out by the specialised company that performs the maintenance. This is why the inspection of the detectors is usually spread out over the year. This means that 25% of the detectors are checked every quarter, so that after a year all detectors have been checked once.
Fire detectors are tested with a test gas, while thermal detectors are heated up with a heat test button until they sound the alarm. The number of the fire detector is then used to check in the fire service information centre whether the detector has actually detected the fire.
All connected systems that are triggered by the fire alarm system are checked during the maintenance of the fire alarm system. Depending on the requirements, this may include, for example, the following fire protection devices:
- Opening of smoke vents and escape doors
- Closing of fire doors and fire gates
- Lift that automatically travels to the basement or to an area where no activation takes place
- Shutting down ventilation systems
Note: If it is the case that different companies check the connected fire protection equipment, it is best to have the equipment serviced on the same day.
Quality in fire alarm system maintenance
All elements of a fire alarm system to be checked are carried out using a checklist. In addition, the fire alarm system maintenance is also recorded in an operating log. A test certificate is issued to the operator. This ensures compliance with the requirements of DIN 14675, DIN VDE 0833 and ISO 9001.
Our service technicians are regularly - every 4 years at the latest - brought up to date with the latest technology for fire alarm systems. Our service technicians receive regular training and further training in all areas of fire protection at our own training centre - the Fire Safety Academy. Enquire about maintenance costs for your fire alarm system now.
Overview of the inspection, maintenance and servicing of fire alarm systems
Overview
Annually
Annual maintenance of the BMA by an expert
Quarterly
Quarterly inspection by an instructed person
Every 4 years
Replacing the battery emergency power supply
Every 5 to 8 years
Replacement of smoke detectors with soiling compensation after 8 years at the latest, without soiling compensation after 5 years at the latest
Guidelines
The following guidelines apply:
- DIN 14675 Specifications for the installation and operation of fire alarm systems
- DIN VDE 0833 Specifications for hazard detection systems for fire, burglary and robbery
- ISO 9001 standard for quality management systems