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    Category: Fire Safety

    Fire Alarm Maintenance Can Cut Insurance Costs

    Posted on by Jace Fry

    As a business owner, you know how important it is to protect your assets and minimize expenses. One critical yet often overlooked aspect of risk management is fire alarm maintenance, which helps you keep occupants safe, comply with safety regulations, lower the risk of fire-related damage and save you on insurance premiums. When you opt for routine fire alarm maintenance, you keep your system functioning to protect your property from damage — making your business an attractive candidate for lower rates. 

    Read on to explore how routine fire alarm maintenance can improve your safety and cut insurance costs, and steps for implementing an effective fire alarm maintenance program.

    The Connection Between Fire Alarm Maintenance and Insurance Costs 

    For commercial property owners, the importance of fire alarm systems and maintenance extends beyond their immediate role in fire detection and safety. These systems also influence insurance premium costs. As insurance companies assess risks associated with insuring your property, having a well-functioning fire alarm system can play a pivotal role in lowering your insurance costs.

    Insurance Premium Reduction

    The relationship between fire alarm systems and insurance premiums is grounded in risk mitigation. Insurance companies strive to minimize risk and, in turn, view fire alarm systems as essential in preventing or reducing the severity of fires. Consequently, they typically deem properties with effective firm alarms low risk, reflecting lower insurance premiums.

    For example, say you’re a retail shop owner who regularly maintains your fire alarm system, experiencing fewer false alarms and actual fire incidents. The proactive approach leads to a clean claims history over three years, prompting your insurer to reduce premiums by 25% during the policy renewal process. By investing in proactive fire alarm maintenance plans, you save money in the long run to reinvest in your business.

    Is a Smoke Detector a Fire Alarm for Insurance Purposes?

    While smoke detectors play a crucial role in fire safety, they are not considered equivalent to fire alarms for insurance purposes. Commercial smoke alarms are designed to detect smoke and signal an alarm when smoke is present but often cannot immediately notify emergency services. 

    In contrast, fire alarm systems are more comprehensive, featuring smoke detectors, heat sensors, manual pull stations and notification devices. Many are connected to a monitoring service to notify emergency responders. Insurers typically offer lower premiums or special discounts and incentives for properties equipped with robust fire alarm systems than those with only smoke detectors. 

    Importance of Fire Alarm Maintenance 

    Fire alarm maintenance can help protect your property and assets, comply with safety regulations and prevent costly penalties. The following are the benefits of maintaining your fire alarm system and steps you can follow to meet regulations.

    Fire Safety and Prevention

    Well-functioning commercial fire alarm systems play a key role in preventing fire damage by detecting smoke, heat or flames and sending out alerts before the fire spreads. These systems include smoke and heat sensors, which can detect the first signs of a fire and help occupants evacuate the building in time. Many systems also integrate with sprinkler systems to control flames and notify emergency services.

    However, the fire protection granted to your business is only as good as your fire alarm system, so you must keep it functioning and in good condition. Over time, dust, dirt and other debris can build up inside your fire alarm detector’s sensing elements, causing it to malfunction. The system may not be sensitive enough to send out prompt warnings during a fire. Fire alarm maintenance companies can maintain and test your system to ensure its reliability in fire safety and prevention.

    Compliance With Safety Regulations

    Your business can avoid citations and fines by complying with local and national safety regulations and implementing a fire alarm maintenance program. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates that all businesses do the following to make sure fire alarm systems perform as expected:

    • Operate and maintain your system in working condition and ensure it is always on.
    • Test and adjust fire detectors and alarm systems to ensure they work correctly and reliably.
    • Replace or clean and recalibrate unreliable detectors or detectors with reduced sensitivity.
    • Properly clean dust, dirt or other particulates at regular intervals.
    • Have a qualified person service, maintain and test all fire alarm systems.

    Scheduling professional fire alarm maintenance services makes adhering to these local and national standards and avoiding costly penalties easier. Qualified technicians can inspect your system, perform routine maintenance and prevent minor issues from becoming hazardous.

    How to Implement Effective Fire Alarm Maintenance Plans 

    For business owners, investing in a comprehensive fire alarm maintenance plan can lead to substantial savings on insurance costs, prevent costly damage or penalties and reduce the risk of injuries or lawsuits in the event of a fire. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends annual fire alarm inspections, testing and maintenance to ensure your system works properly:

    • System inspections: Fire alarm service companies like Titan Alarm & Fire will come to your business and follow a comprehensive inspection checklist as outlined by OSHA and other regulatory bodies. During these inspections, they’ll identify and address common issues to ensure your fire alarm system functions correctly. 
    • Preventative maintenance plans: A professional, structured fire alarm maintenance plan is crucial in complying with safety regulations and keeping your occupants and assets safe. Only qualified technicians, especially those with specific training and certification in fire alarm systems, should install, test and maintain commercial fire alarm systems. 
    • Audits: A fire alarm system audit systematically assesses your building’s fire alarm system. The evaluation can determine its compliance with fire safety regulations and standards, the system’s effectiveness and recommended improvements.

    Selecting a reliable service provider is essential in getting quality fire alarm services. Titan Alarm & Fire will inspect your fire alarm system and its components, perform maintenance and ensure it’s up and running to protect your business and maximize cost savings.

    Partner With Titan Alarm & Fire for Expert Fire Alarm Support and Maintenance

    Ensure your fire alarm system is correctly functioning to protect your business, cut insurance costs and give you peace of mind. Titan Alarm & Fire emerged in the commercial fire and security market in 2010, safeguarding homes and businesses with reliable services and quality safety products. Our experts perform fire alarm maintenance services, including inspections, testing and troubleshooting to detect and correct potential system issues before they become expensive — and potentially life-threatening — problems.

    We take pride in being a family-owned business that is 100% local to Arizona. We look forward to partnering with you. Contact us today for expert fire alarm support and services.

    How Often Do Schools Need to Check Fire Alarms?

    Posted on by Jace Fry

    Whether you’re a small private academy, charter school or large public university, a fire can cause extensive damage — and lead to death. As an educational institution, you are responsible for more than just academics. You are also responsible for the health and safety of all your students and staff. 

    Because a fire can happen anywhere and at any time, it’s crucial to have a fire plan in place to protect everyone at your school. With proper training and the right fire alarm and sprinkler systems, you can experience peace of mind knowing you can minimize fire threats and be alerted if a fire starts on the property.

    Understanding Fire Alarm Regulations in Schools

    When it comes to fire alarms for schools, there are certain regulations you need to make sure you’re following to keep students and faculty safe and in compliance. 

    Overview of School Fire Safety Protocols

    A fire can break out in the school cafeteria from a cooking accident or in the science lab from an experiment gone wrong. No matter how or where the fire originates, though, it’s important to adhere to fire safety policies. Even a small spark or flame can quickly become a real threat to the entire school. 

    Having fire safety policies in place will keep the entire school on the same page. Everyone will know what’s expected when it comes to minimizing cooking hazards to knowing how hazardous materials should be labeled, handled and stored. 

    Code Requirements and Compliance

    While installing fire sprinkler systems or adding fire extinguishers throughout the campus is a great first step, schools need to make sure they are following both local and national fire safety codes. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards outline the different system requirements and inspections that your school will need to follow. 

    Depending on where the school is located, local fire codes will also need to be considered. Different school levels have their own safety compliance regulations, so staying up-to-date on any changes is crucial. 

    Inspection Frequency and Maintenance Strategies

    Regularly inspecting and scheduling fire alarm maintenance services ensures your system stays fully functional year-round. To keep everything safe and secure, you can incorporate several best practices and strategies into your maintenance plan.

    How Often Should Fire Alarms Be Checked?

    Once your fire alarm system is installed, you don’t just want to leave it alone. Even if you have a high-quality, reliable system, it’s a good idea to perform monthly checks to make sure there are no visible issues or damage.

    As part of your fire alarm maintenance plan, you should also schedule annual professional inspections. During these inspections, a professional will look for potential issues and make any necessary repairs. 

    Scheduled Inspections and Record Keeping

    Once a professional has looked at various components — from the smoke detectors to the alarms to the sprinklers — to make sure everything is in good working order, they’ll make note of everything they’ve inspected. They’ll keep track of all the components that have been tested and any repair work that they completed while they were out.

    Maintaining fire alarm inspection records is an important part of staying on top of potential issues and keeping your system operating at peak performance throughout the year. 

    Equipment and Preventive Maintenance

    Depending on your fire safety needs and goals, there are several different types of equipment you can use to keep your school safe, including: 

    • Fire alarms: With fire alarm systems designed especially for commercial properties, you can feel confident knowing your entire school will be monitored. Whether you opt for a traditional system or a wireless system, you can take advantage of benefits like 24/7 monitoring to keep the entire property protected while class is in session and out. 
    • Fire extinguishers: Having fire extinguishers in convenient locations throughout your school ensures you have a way to quickly stop a fire and keep it from spreading. Because different types of fires require different classes of fire extinguishers, ensure you have the right ones in areas like the kitchens, science labs and electrical rooms. 
    • Sprinkler systems: Especially in large buildings like schools, a sprinkler system can quickly spring into action and help keep a fire under control until the fire department arrives. Sprinkler systems are designed with sensors that detect fires, which then start the flow of water to stop the fire.

    No matter what type of fire equipment you install, it’s crucial to keep up with preventive maintenance. Having a fire maintenance plan ensures it operates reliably throughout the year. Your system should be inspected, cleaned and tested by a professional to ensure everything is working as it should. These routine maintenance tasks also help extend the life span of your system, protecting your investment for many years to come. 

    Alarm Testing Protocols and Emergency Preparedness

    Even with the best system in place, you should ensure that you have alarm testing protocols and an emergency preparedness plan.

    Fire Safety Check and Inspection Procedures

    Depending on the type of alarm you have installed in your school, the inspection process could look different. The main focus of the inspection will be on making sure everything is in good working order and in compliance with the NFPA standards. 

    There are different testing protocols for various types of alarms, which is why it’s important to work with a professional company that can review all the components and systems. A fire system inspection company will likely conduct a thorough inspection of all of the different parts, including:

    • Disconnect switches
    • Power supply
    • Control unit
    • Fuses

    Preparing for Emergencies

    Especially in a school setting, you need to develop and practice evacuation plans. In the event a fire breaks out, the large number of students and faculty attempting to flee the building at once can quickly become chaotic. Having a clear plan ahead of time helps ensure that everyone is able to leave the building in a more orderly fashion, keeping as many people as possible safe.

    Having regular fire safety training for school staff will help evacuations run more smoothly because there will be set individuals overseeing the process. You’ll increase the chances of saving lives when you have a set plan in place for emergency situations.  

    Partner With an Industry-Leading Fire Service Company in Arizona 

    The safety of students at schools is just as important as the quality of the education and extracurricular activities. Regularly inspecting your fire alarms ensures students and faculty stay protected throughout the school year and can thrive academically in a safe environment. 

    Partnering with an industry-leading fire service company like Titan Alarm & Fire allows you to experience peace of mind knowing your school is protected with an advanced fire alarm system. As a locally owned and operated full-service business, we are committed to learning more about your needs and developing a customized system that works best for you and your community.

    With our free consultations, it’s never been easier to learn more about our fully automated systems. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and get started. 

    Data Center Fire Prevention Tips

    Posted on by Titan Alarm

    A computer room, or data center, serves as the “nerve center” for many businesses these days. A fire in this area of your facility could destroy your expensive computer equipment — as well as the vital data it processes and stores. The resulting downtime and the loss of mission-critical information could have devastating consequences for your operation.

    The following prevention tips can minimize your risk of a data center fire:

    • Manage the paper clutter: Don’t make your computer room a repository for stacks of paper documents or other combustible materials. If you print a lot of documents, keep the paper flow moving through and out of the room instead of creating large piles.
    • Inspect power cords: If yours is like most data centers, it’s full of power cords that connect all your computer equipment. Check the condition of the cords periodically and replace those that are worn or frayed.
    • Implement good housekeeping practices: Dust can accumulate on and around your computer equipment, which poses a significant fire hazard. Make sure your office cleaning protocols include regular cleaning and dust removal for your computers, servers, printers, copiers, etc.
    • Institute a fire response plan: Be certain the room has at least one fire extinguisher and provide training for your employees on how to use it. Integrate an escape route from the room into your facility’s fire evacuation plan.
    • Install a fire protection system: While you may have a sprinkler system in other areas of your building, water-based fire sprinklers are not a wise choice for a data center — water can damage your sensitive electronic equipment. A clean agent fire suppression system is a better option for a computer room environment.
    • Schedule regular fire inspections: A timely inspection of your company’s fire prevention systems will verify that your building is fully protected against the possibility of a fire. It will also ensure compliance with local fire codes — and give you peace of mind.

    Contact Titan Alarm for All Your Business Fire Protection Needs

    As a full-service fire protection solutions provider in Phoenix, Mesa, and Tucson, AZ, you can count on Titan Alarm, Inc. for the best commercial fire prevention systems in the region, as well as comprehensive inspection/testing services. Contact us to learn more today.

    Learn More About Fire Sprinkler Systems

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

    Common “Unknown” Home Fire Safety Pitfalls

    Posted on by Titan Alarm

    The safety of your family is a top priority. But when it comes to fire prevention, you might not be doing everything possible to prevent a potentially devastating blaze from occurring. Here are a few of the more common, but frequently overlooked home fire hazards you might not be aware of:

    • Allowing clutter near the stove: Approximately 40 percent of home fires start in the kitchen, with unattended cooking being the biggest culprit. However, excessive clutter is another “hidden” cause of kitchen fires. For example, some folks inadvertently place paper items such as recipe cards or paper towels too close to the stove. As a rule of thumb, keep any combustible products at least three feet away from the stovetop.
    • Cleaning the clothes dryer improperly: Most of know that a buildup of lint in the clothes dryer poses a significant fire danger. While many homeowners clean the dryer’s lint trap after each use, they may neglect to remove lint from inside or behind the unit. Lint that accumulates near the dryer’s heating element can ignite and cause a fire.
    • Letting sawdust buildup: If you have a home workshop in your basement, the sawdust produced when cutting wood can accumulate on surfaces and potentially ignite — even a thin layer that is difficult to see can catch fire. A standard household vacuum cleaner is not intended to handle sawdust; use a model that’s designed to pick up combustible dust when cleaning these work areas.
    • Leaving electrical outlets loose: Electrical outlets can loosen over time, especially if you plug and unplug items frequently. This can cause the blades inside the outlet to generate excessive heat that could cause a fire. If you have difficulty attaining a tight connection when plugging into an outlet, it’s time to consider replacing it
    • Keeping outdated appliances: That ancient coffeemaker, blender or space heater may still function properly, but it might not comply with updated fire safety codes. It may also contain frayed wires that pose a fire hazard.

    If you live in or around Phoenix or Tucson, AZ, Titan Alarm can conduct a comprehensive safety inspection to help you uncover and address these and other hidden fire safety hazards. Contact us to learn more today.

    Learn More About Testing & Inspection

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

    How to Teach Your Kids About Fire Safety

    Posted on by Titan Alarm

    Many adults don’t know how to react when there’s a fire, so it’s hard to expect young children to know what to do when a blaze breaks out. But when you consider that fire is one of the leading causes of accidental injury and death among children, it’s hard to underestimate the importance of taking the time to teach kids fire safety. Here are a few steps you can take to prepare kids for fire events in your home.

    Educate Them About the Dangers of Fire

     A good time to instruct your kids about the potential dangers of fire is while using it around your home. For example, when building a fire in a fireplace or woodstove, alert them of the hazards of getting too close.

    If you’re cooking something on the stove, teach them to avoid touching the stovetop or grabbing the handles of pots and pans. Be sure to take an educational tone instead of attempting to scare them, as this could cause them to panic when a fire emergency occurs.

    Teach Kids What to Do If There’s a Fire

     A house fire may break out when you’re in a different room than your kids or when everyone is sleeping, so it’s imperative that your children know what to do without having to wait for an adult to guide them. Teach them to head outside as quickly as possible if they smell smoke or see something burning that shouldn’t be.

    Also, stress the importance of not going back inside to retrieve a stuffed animal or other cherished items. Train your kids to run to a neighbor’s home to ask for help, and if they have access to a cell phone, to call 911 right away.

    Develop and Practice an Escape Plan

     Having an escape plan will further prepare your kids for fire and increase the likelihood that they will know how to react during an emergency. Teach them the safest exit route based on where they are in your home. Staging a monthly fire drill will reinforce the plan and ingrain it in your kids’ minds.

    Take Steps to Make Your Home Safer

     You should also implement steps to “childproof” your home regarding fire safety. Do not leave matches or cigarette lighters within easy reach of your kids, and place fireguards around open fires and heating units.

    Instruct your kids not to play with toys near fireplaces or space heaters. Most of all, do not leave your children alone in any room where a risk of fire is present.

    Contact Titan Alarm, Inc. for More Fire Safety Tips

    Titan Alarm has been helping homeowners minimize their fire risk for more than a decade. We can design and install a state-of-the-art fire/smoke alarm system to provide the early detection that can save lives if a fire breaks out. Contact us for more guidance on how to teach kids fire safety and to schedule a free in-home fire alarm system consultation today.

    Learn More About Fire Alarm Systems

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

    What You to Need Know About Fire System Tests and Inspections

    Posted on by Titan Alarm

    fire-system-testing-and-inspection

    If you’re a commercial building owner or manager, then you’re probably familiar with the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, otherwise known as NFPA 72. This code lists the most current safety provisions regarding the installation, performance and testing of fire alarm and detection systems in a business establishment.

    Why Should You Have Your Fire Alarm Systems Inspected on a Regular Basis?

    Some business owners and business managers may wonder why they need to make the effort and bear the expense of having their alarm systems inspected. Why test fire alarms? Why inspect fire extinguishers? Here are just a few of the many important reasons:

    • It’s the law: Noncompliance with NFPA 72 can result in fines or imprisonment — or both.
    • Protecting lives: The failure to maintain an effective, properly operating fire alarm and detection system places the lives of your employees and customers at risk.
    • Complying with local fire codes: Regardless of where your establishment is located, NFPA 72 compliance is necessary to meet the requirements of fire and building inspectors.
    • Limiting liability exposure: If an injury or fatality occurs due to a fire at your property, you could be held legally liable if it is determined you did not take appropriate steps to maintain NFPA 72 compliance.
    • Rejection of insurance coverage: Per above, even if you have liability insurance coverage, your carrier is likely to reject your claim if you fail to provide adequate proof of an annual fire system inspection.

    Fire System Inspection Checklist

    To help building managers ensure compliance with fire system testing and inspection standards, the National Fire Prevention Association has developed an extensive checklist of items that require attention. Depending on the system component, it may require testing on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis. A total of 23 components are included on the current fire alarm testing checklist:

    1. Control equipment for buildings connected to supervising station
    2. Control equipment for buildings not connected to supervising station
    3. Engine driven generator — central station facilities and fire alarm systems
    4. Engine-driven generator — public fire alarm reporting system
    5. Batteries — central station facilities
    6. Batteries — fire alarm systems
    7. Batteries — public fire alarm reporting systems
    8. Fiber-optic cable power
    9. Control unit trouble signals
    10. Conductors — metallic
    11. Conductors — nonmetallic
    12. Emergency voice/alarm communications equipment
    13. Retransmission equipment
    14. Remote annunciators
    15. Initiating devices
    16. Guard’s tour equipment
    17. Interface equipment
    18. Special hazard equipment
    19. Alarm notification appliances
    20. Off-premises transmission equipment
    21. Supervising station fire alarm systems — transmitters
    22. Special procedures
    23. Supervising station fire alarm systems — receivers

    Titan Alarm, Inc. Can Handle All Your Fire Alarm System Inspection and Testing Needs

    It is critical your fire alarm system inspection is conducted by a reputable, professional company. In addition to installing high-quality alarm systems, Titan Alarm, Inc. can provide reliable inspection and testing services for businesses throughout the Phoenix, AZ area. Contact us for more detailed information regarding the items on the NFPA 72 fire system inspection checklist and to schedule an inspection at your facility today.

    Learn More About Testing & Inspection

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

    Moving Checklist: Fire Safety & Home Security

    Posted on by Titan Alarm

    fire-safety-and-home-security

    There’s a lot to think about when moving into a new home, and one of the most important elements is your new home’s security. However, with all the attention on the details such as hiring a moving company and packing up your belongings, you might not have time to think about it.

    The following checklist provides tips for new homeowners that cover many of the home safety and security essentials:

    • Exterior doors: All your exterior doors should have high-quality deadbolt locks. It’s also a good idea to have the locks changed — you never know if there are extra keys to the existing locks still floating around. If your new home has sliding glass doors, make sure they are equipped with at least one of the following: insertion pin lock, track lock, hinged door bar, wooden or metal dowel in the door track.
    • Garage door: One of the most important tips for home security is to ensure your new home’s overhead garage door is equipped with an automatic opener, as this can prevent intruders from gaining access. Also be certain the main door as well as the door that leads from the garage into your home have top-quality deadbolt locks.
    • Windows: Unlocked windows are a favorite entry point for burglars. Another essential security tip for new homebuyers is to make sure all windows are equipped with keyed locks. Also be certain the keys are easily accessible in case of an emergency.
    • Lighting: Your home’s front entrance should have sufficient lighting to allow you to easily identify nighttime visitors. Floodlights or motion sensor-controlled exterior lighting are an extremely effective intruder deterrent. Equipping the interior of your home with smart lighting technology that allows you to automatically turn the lights on and off at predetermined intervals is another reliable home security measure.
    • Fire safety: Perhaps the most critical safety tip for home security is making sure your fire and smoke detection equipment is in good working order. You should have smoke detectors installed in the kitchen, hallways near bedrooms, at the top of all stairways and inside the garage. Additionally, place fire extinguishers in the kitchen, basement and garage. Another key safety feature is a monitored fire alarm system that will provide an immediate alert to first responders.
    • Home security system: One last important tip for new homebuyers: If your new home has an outdated security system — or no security system at all — strongly consider having one installed before you move in. A state-of-the-art security system should include features such as strategically placed high-tech video surveillance cameras, motion sensors, access control devices and energy management solutions. Integrating these features with the implementation of smart technology allows you to control and monitor your security system on a 24/7 basis via smartphone app.

    We’re Here to Assist You With Your Home Security

    If you’re planning to move to the Phoenix, AZ area, Titan Alarm can handle all your home security needs. We offer a wide selection of security cameras, motion detectors, fire alarms and other security essentials. Contact us for more valuable moving tips for new house buyers and to schedule a no-obligation security consultation.

    Learn More About Home Security

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

    20 Ways to Fireproof a New Home

    Posted on by Titan Alarm

    fireproof-your-home

    How to fireproof my house — that’s a common consideration for builders of new homes in the Phoenix area. The following tips can prove invaluable for learning how to fireproof your house and prevent a disaster from occurring:

    1. Instead of installing carpeting made of wool or synthetic materials, consider carpeting made from fire-resistant materials that can prevent a fire from spreading as quickly.
    1. When installing your appliances or other electronic devices, take care to avoid overloading the electrical wiring, as this can lead to short circuiting and subsequent fires.
    1. One of the best ways to fireproof a room used for storage such as a basement or attic is to avoid filling it with flammable “junk” such as newspapers, old clothes and boxes after you move in.
    1. Another question that homeowners sometime ask is “How do I fireproof my doors?” While many newer homes feature doors made from metal or other fire-resistant materials, you can also coat doors with fire-resistant paint.
    1. If you are buying brand-new furniture for your home, ask the store to coat it with fireproof chemicals. If you are bringing existing furniture, purchase and apply a fireproof spray.
    1. Don’t forget to fireproof your outdoor furniture as well, especially patio furniture in close proximity to barbecue grills or fire pits.
    1. Place fire extinguishers in as many rooms as possible, particularly “high-risk” rooms such as the kitchen, attic and basement.
    1. If you are installing a tile roof, choose interlocking materials free of cracks or openings that can allow burning embers to enter your home.
    1. Instead of building your home with wood, consider less combustible materials such as face brick, adobe, metal siding or concrete block.
    1. Avoid installing windows with single glazing. Double glazing with tempered glass offers a much more effective defense against fire.
    1. Ensure all bathroom, clothes dryer and kitchen vents include fire-rated assemblies and automatic backdraft dampers.
    1. Once you’ve moved into your new home, be sure to properly maintain your furnace. The simple act of replacing a clogged filter can significantly reduce your fire risk.
    1. A surprising number of fires are caused by accumulated lint in clothes dryers, so be sure to clean the lint trap after each load.
    1. Keep all indoor and outdoor candles within plain sight while burning. It is also a good idea to extinguish interior candles when leaving a room.
    1. Keep all recycling bins outside, especially during the hot summer months.
    1. Turn off any unused appliances prior to leaving your home, even for a short period of time.
    1. When setting up a barbecue grill, choose a flat spot located as far away as possible from trees and foliage.
    1. Never leave food cooking on the stove or in the oven unattended for any length of time.
    1. If you have children, be sure matches and cigarette lighters are kept out of reach.
    1. Last, but certainly not least, install an effective, reliable smoke detection and monitoring system.

    If your home is located in the Phoenix, AZ area, contact the experts at Titan Alarm to learn more about your fire system options.

    Learn More About Fire Alarm Systems

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

    5 Myths of Fire Sprinkler System Corrosion

    Posted on by Mike Proudfit

    Corrosion in fire sprinkler systems are always a property or business owner’s absolute worse night mare. As corrosion occurs in pipes, overtime leaks may pop up unexpectedly, this leaves property and business owners at a loss, looking for the right answers.

    As you search for answers, it’s imperative that you find the right high quality answers, that can scientifically educate you on what happens to your fire sprinkler systems, and educate you on choosing the right company for your fire sprinkler inspection and maintenance needs.

    There are so many myths out there all surrounding corrosion, which could incorrectly influence your decisions to act on responses to fixing the system.

    We’ve put together a few myths, and truths, for you to educate yourself and make the right decisions when it comes to your fire sprinkler systems.

    Myth #1

    Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is the primary cause of pin-hole leaks in fire sprinkler systems. False.

    Oxygen is actually the main cause of corrosion. Oxygen will expel metals from the walls of the systems piping and will then produce solid waste. Bacteria has been regularly found inside fire sprinkler systems, but there is no correlation between bacterial contamination and leaks from corrosion.

    Bacteria makes up less than 10% of all pin-hole leaks.

    bacteria

    Myth #2

    The entire system must be replaced once pin-hole leaks are found on a regular basis.

    Unfortunately, fire sprinkler systems are removed and replaced completely when most of the piping isn’t damaged by corrosion. Oxygen corrosion is always extremely localized. Corrosion happens in trapped air pockets in a wet fire sprinkler system, and it also occurs in pools of trapped water in dry and pre action fire sprinkler systems. Keep yourself and your wallet happy, by merely removing and replacing the piping that has been effected by corrosion.

    corrosion2

    Myth #3

    Bad water causes fire sprinkler system leaks. False. 

    Although water chemistry varies throughout the country, but most of the water that is supplied to fire systems is normally very fresh and clean. Fire System’s water source is normally from a municipal water supply.

     

    dirtywater

    Myth #4

    Galvanized steel works better than black steel to slow corrosion. False.

    Galvanized steel for dry pipe fire sprinkler systems can start leaking 3x to 4x faster than black steel.

    Black steel pipe can disperse oxygen corrosion. Helping slow corrosion.

    piping

    Myth #5

    The fire sprinkler piping and fittings quality has dropped. False.

    Defects from manufacturers are very rare. The quality of the fitting and piping being used today surpasses American Society for Testing and Materials standards. Corrosion is rarely the result of defective piping. It is the exposure to different temperatures and the exposure to oxygenated water that creates quickened attack at the weld seams.

    To Sum It Up.

    Oxygen causes most of the major issues, when it comes to corrosion in the fire sprinkler systems. The amounts of oxygen that’s introduced to the fire sprinkler piping has a direct impact with the timing of corrosion.

    YOU CAN SLOW DOWN THE PROCESS!

    Contacting Titan Alarm today can help you in the long haul, let us assist you with the preparation and combat of stopping and slowing corrosion in your fire sprinkler systems. Give us a call today 602-680-4567.

    Learn More About Fire Sprinkler Systems

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

    Fire Sprinkler Corrosion

    Posted on by Mike Proudfit

    Corrosion is one of the most common causes of malfunctioning fire sprinklers and often causes a failing fire sprinkler inspection . When there is Oxygen present in the pipes running along the building for the fire sprinkler system, it can have chemical reactions with water and the metal that makes up the piping, and when it solidifies it can corrode.

    Corrosion in Fire Sprinkler Systems

    Oxygen can dissolve naturally into water. In a normal 1000 gallon fire sprinkler system, any and all oxygen that’s confined inside the pipes of the system will be absorbed. Shockingly it only takes up to 30 days for the dissolved oxygen to produce 34 pounds of solid materials. In any wet fire sprinkler system, the solids can sink down into low spots and begin to cause corrosion. If there is ever fresh oxygen that is then introduced into the system, the corrosion process can begin again, adding more and more solids into the fire sprinkler system. Dry fire sprinkler systems and pre-action systems are not immune to the problems caused by corrosion as well. Corrosion is actually more common in dry sprinkler systems due to the oxygen rates being substantially higher. Moisture gets into the dry systems from testing and or condensation and then interacts with the iron inside the piping causing corrosion.

     

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    Agents that Catalyst Corrosion

    These are the five primary causes that can speed up the corrosion process:

    • When there is Oxygen introduced into the sprinkler piping, the oxygen dissolves into the water, and it causes instant metal loss.

    • Solids that are created from reactions that have been listed above, cause corrosion to become more aggressive.

    • When piping is removed, it allows a new location for oxygen to attack.

    • When a wet systems are drained and then refilled with water, inevitably a fresh source of oxygen is then introduced in the system.

    • When temperatures change and air falls below the dew point, water condenses into small drops, speeding up corrosion.

     

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    Solids and Bacteria

    Bacteria exists in water naturally, which is something that can’t be changed. This leads many people to believe that bacteria is the responsible party for corrosion. While it does happen the bacteria is almost always the secondary cause for corrosion.

    Oxygen is almost always the primary cause of corrosion in a fire sprinkler system.

    Want to learn more about corrosion in fire sprinkler systems in Phoenix? You can learn more and find proactive ways to handle corrosion by contacting Titan Alarm today.

    Give us a call at 602-680-4567.

    Learn More About Fire Sprinkler Systems

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

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