(Attention: Business Owners,) Don’t Install a Fire Alarm Until You Read This

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Fire Alarm

While no business owner wants a fire in their building, every one of them would probably like to have protection in place that safeguards the lives of their employees as well as their building and its contents. Most likely, as a business owner, you fall into this category as well. It’s important, though, to arm yourself with a few facts before arranging for your commercial fire alarm installation.

Fire Alarm

Basic Fire Alarm Installation Codes

All of the work required to install a commercial fire alarm system must be installed according to the National Electrical Code, which was adopted by the state of Minnesota. When required, an official fire inspection will determine whether or not these codes have been followed.

What Do Fire Alarm Installation Codes Tell You?

Specific codes dictate how many sprinklers are needed to protect a business building as well as where they should be placed. The rules vary from state to state; however, most states have adopted the National Electrical Code. More specifically, the installation codes apply standards according to the size, type, and use of your business structure.

Permit Requirements

Prior to having any work completed on the installation of your commercial fire alarm system, business owners are required to obtain and pay for the following types of permits:

. Electrical permit

. Fire engineering permit

Alarm System Inspection

The installation of an alarm system within a commercial building must be inspected after completion to ensure that it has been installed according to code as well as to test its functionality. A qualified electrical inspector and the Fire Inspector must both be present during this time. An alarm inspection request form must be completed and faxed to the Department of Safety and Inspections for the City of Saint Paul.

What You Need to Know About Your Fire Alarm System

Most people don’t fully explore the ins and outs of fire alarms and how they work. It’s usually enough to know that you need them and that they protect your building, employees, and the contents of your business. However, you might be surprised to learn the following facts:

. A smoke detector doesn’t offer sufficient protection for your business. While it provides an alert that a fire exists, it cannot prevent your building and its contents from burning up. It’s important to install a sprinkler system in conjunction with your smoke alarm.

. The cost of installing a sprinkler system is well worth the protection that it offers. If this type of system is installed during the building phase, it is usually less expensive.

. The sprinklers do not go off at the same time. Only the sprinklers in the area of the fire go off. If they are unsuccessful in putting the fire out, additional sprinklers go off as the fire spreads.

. The damage created by a wet sprinkler system is generally less extensive than the destruction a fire can cause to your building and its contents.