Fire Alarm/Detection

commercial building with fire alarm system installed

Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

There are two things you need to know about building fires: they’re almost always unexpected, and they spread fast. A structure can be fully engulfed in flames in less than five minutes.

There’s also a third thing you should know: Washington Alarm, the Pacific Northwest’s most trusted commercial fire alarm company, can help keep you safe. We can protect your business, your assets, and your employees with our top-of-the-line commercial fire alarm systems.

Components of Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

There are several types of commercial fire alarm systems available, each suited for different needs. Washington Alarm can help you choose the right system and combination to best protect your office buildings, retail stores, warehouses, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, restaurants, and more.

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The Importance of Commercial Fire Alarm/Detection Systems

A commercial fire alarm system gives you the critical early warning needed to respond quickly to any fire emergency. There are four essential reasons your business needs one:

  • Early Warning — Fire alarms provide an immediate notification for a faster response and evacuation.
  • Life Safety — Early detection saves lives by giving occupants time to get to safety and alerting local authorities immediately.
  • Reduced Property Damage — Quicker response times can minimize fire damage and protect your valuable business assets.
  • Compliance With Regulations — Most commercial buildings are required by law to have a functioning fire alarm system that meets all code requirements and 24/7 monitoring.

Expert Commercial Fire Alarm Service

For more than 80 years, Washington Alarm’s fire alarm experts have been equipping and protecting businesses in Seattle, Bellingham, and western Washington from the dangers of fire. Our team will design, permit, install, service, monitor, and/or inspect every aspect of your fire alarm system.

You can trust Washington Alarm to provide the best in:

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Experienced Commercial Alarm Technicians

Our professional technicians have the expertise to design, install, and maintain your fire alarm system and ensure it complies with all federal, state, and local code requirements.

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High-Quality Fire Alarm Products

We use only the most reliable, tested, and up-to-date fire alarm equipment.

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24/7 Fire Alarm Monitoring for Commercial Properties

Our local, in-house, 24/7 monitoring center ensures a quick response in the event of a fire. Our helpful operators supervise all of our customers’ systems around the clock to provide peace of mind and security.

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Exceptional Customer Service

Our team truly cares about your needs and is here to provide you with the best service and support.

Professional Commercial Fire Alarm Maintenance and Testing

Once the system is installed, we thoroughly test it and show you how to operate and maintain it.

We Also Offer Annual Device Inspections

We ensure each device stays in optimal working order by testing:

  • Panel functionality, LEDs, and fuses
  • Panel battery charger
  • Battery discharge
  • Horns, strobes, chimes, and bells
  • Smoke detectors
  • Heat detectors
  • Duct smoke detectors
  • Voice evacuation equipment
technician performing an annual inspection on a fire alarm/detection device

FAQ

How often should commercial fire alarms be tested?

The importance of regular testing for commercial fire alarm systems cannot be overstated. On top of weekly visual inspections, guidelines from the NFPA outline some distinct universal testing frequencies:

Monthly: Test smoke and heat detectors in each zone and check the control panel

Quarterly: Test all manual pull stations and notification appliances

Semi-Annually: Test all duct detectors and inspect all batteries

Annually: Conduct a complete system test, including all devices and circuits

Every 2 Years: Sensitivity testing of all smoke detectors

Every 5 Years: Comprehensive testing of all system components

More comprehensive tests often require a licensed technician to conduct. Requirements may vary depending on your specific devices and local regulations. For more detailed information, contact your local experts at Washington Alarm.

What backup power options are available for commercial fire alarm systems?

Modern backup power options for commercial fire alarm systems include several types of specialized batteries, automatic standby generators, and uninterruptible power supplies (or UPS). As with all other system components, regular inspection and testing are crucial.

One Call. One Partner. All Your Fire Security Needs.

With Washington Alarm, you can address all your fire emergency needs with a single point of contact. No more calling separate vendors — we’ll handle all your monitoring, service, and/or inspections for fire alarms, fire extinguishers, sprinklers, and backflow.

For a free consultation on creating an integrated commercial fire alarm system for your business in the Pacific Northwest, contact Washington Alarm today.