When fire safety codes change, or when a facility is growing or being renovated, it is not uncommon for the fire protection system contained within to need to be expanded or upgraded for the building to maintain compliance. Instead of taking on the cost and inconvenience of having your system completely reworked, an easier and more affordable way to ensure your system is up to date is to have it retrofitted.
Retrofitting is the process of adding new or updated fire protection equipment to an existing building while keeping much of the existing pipework. The updated equipment typically includes things like sprinklers, fire suppression systems, and alarms, but depending on the scope of the required upgrades, it can be as comprehensive as installing additional pipework and more advanced notification systems.
There are many reasons why retrofitting your fire alarm system makes sense in these situations, it not only extends the life of your fire protection system, but it also allows you to take advantage of better technology. For example, modern technology makes it possible for your system to provide the following:
- More accurate fire detection (can pinpoint the specific location of the fire)
- New smoke detectors better capable of compensating for dust (a common cause of false alarms)
- Horn strobes that sync with strobe flashes to prevent seizures in those with Epilepsy
- Enhanced displays with more detailed information
Common Reasons for Retrofitting a Fire Sprinkler System
Fire sprinkler systems are incredibly long lasting, so they don’t usually require replacing due to age. But that doesn’t mean that there won’t be a time where retrofitting your fire sprinkler system won’t be required. The most common scenarios where sprinkler and fire protection system modifications are required include:
- An increase in occupancy
- Changes in hazard
- Changes in physical outlay of the building
- Updating an older fire alarm panel (typical life of a fire alarm panel is about 15 to 20 years)
- Faults in the system generating frequent false alarms
- Replacement parts are no longer available
Contact Metro Fire Inspections for Your Fire Sprinkler System Retrofit
Does your facility need to have its fire protection system upgraded? Retrofitting will allow you to equip your facility with new technology at an affordable price. Contact Metro Fire Inspections today. We’re a full-service fire protection services company that offers fire system consultative, design, installation, inspection maintenance, and violation remediation, and we can help you bring your building up to date, so it is compliant with the latest fire codes.
