Fire Extinguisher Inspections

If you’re a business owner in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert or Peoria area, then it’s extremely important that you follow the guidelines for fire extinguisher inspections and maintenance that are set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The NFPA has set guidelines to help business owners, employees and customers stay safe and protected in the event of a fire.

One of the first guidelines that the NFPA has in place, is they require a monthly fire extinguisher inspection which luckily you’re able to do on your own. While all of these steps and checklists are important for making sure your fire extinguishers stay ready and properly functioning, they are definitely not a substitute for having professional maintenance done on your extinguishers. The NFPA also requires your business to have annual professional fire extinguisher inspections.

Believe it or not, an annual fire extinguisher inspection doesn’t include testing the fire extinguishers on your premises. That would actually needlessly waste the contents of the extinguisher and if there’s a fire, you may want the fluids that were used during testing to put out the rest of the fire.

The NFPA recommends testing the extinguishers once every 5 to 12 years, depending on the fire extinguishers you have for your properties.

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Checklist

When hiring a professional technician to conduct the fire extinguisher inspections, the technicians from Titan Alarm will do the following:

  1. The technician will verify that a fire extinguisher is placed within 75 feet of travelling, on every floor in the building and facilities.
  2. Technicians will also verify that a fire extinguisher is placed within 30 feet of equipment in a commercial restaurant or industrial kitchen.
  3. Technicians will ensure that there are fire extinguishers conspicuously placed, not hidden behind objects and that they are ready to be used in case of a fire.
  4. Technicians will make sure that the labels indicating the types of fire extinguishers are all legible so that there is no confusion as to which extinguisher is needing to be used.
  5. Technicians will go and check the pressure dials and make sure the dials are all easily read and pointing to the green area indicating the the extinguisher has a full charge.
  6. The technician will also make sure that the hoses of the fire extinguishers are all intact and not brittle and falling apart.
  7. The pull pin will also be checked to make sure it is securely fastened and that the tamper seal is not broken.
  8. Technicians will check the extinguisher’s body for any damage, dents or cracks.
  9. They will finally check for any modifications to the extinguisher that could possibly limit the fire extinguisher’s operation.

Fire Extinguisher Inspections In Phoenix, Scottsdale & Glendale, AZ

Make sure you check the dates on the tags hanging on the fire extinguishers around your premises. If the tags show that more than a year had passed since you had the last inspection of your fire extinguishers, then waste no more time and call Titan Alarm today!

Give us a call at 602-680-4567.

Learn More About Testing & Inspection

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Emergency Lighting and Exit Signs Maintenance

Emergency Lighting and Exit Signs

One of the worst times to realize your emergency lighting isn’t working is during a power outage or emergency when it’s actually needed. With proper testing and inspection you’ll be able to rely on the fact that your emergency signs and lighting are all functioning properly. The minimum time that is required to keep the lighting working in an emergency situation is 90 minutes, that way during the time that the signs and lighting are illuminated people can evacuate the building and premises safely and efficiently. This is why it’s so important to make sure that you have your emergency lighting and exit signs inspected and maintained.

During your inspection, testing and maintenance of your emergency lighting and exit signs, a Titan Alarm technician will make sure to inspect all of the units in your building and premises, and make sure the lights are all working when they are needed in an emergency or power outage. Each of the units that are being tested, will be trigged to their emergency stages, to check that all of the lighting and signs are functioning for 90 minutes.

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Codes and Standards 

Every business and their premises need to abide by certain codes and regulations set by the local, state and federal government. All of these requirements will affect different areas of a business, things like accessibility, environment and systems, and more for different businesses. The International Building Code or best known as IBC for short, sets most standards for buildings. Not every building and business though, is required to listen to every rule and code the IBC sets.

 

The International Building Code and National Fire Protection

Many of the standards that the IBC has in place have to do with fire safety and prevention for businesses. With such a large focus on fire safety and prevention, it shows just how important it is to maintain and have your systems checked and inspected regularly. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets all of the standards for fire safety related practices.

The National Electric Code, also known as the NFPA 70 is the code that requires you to make sure that the emergency lighting and exit lights are all under a specific type and code, to make sure they are all functioning properly.

The NFPA rules, codes and regulations do require you to make sure you regularly keep a certain level and standard of different safety measures. The codes also require you to keep your emergency lighting and exit signage in fully operational and functional.

 

NFPA 101 and What You Need To Do

The Life Safety Code, or also known as the NFPA 101 is by far one of the most important codes your business and premises need to follow. Part of this code requires that you have a monthly inspection done of your business’s emergency lighting and exit signs. Requiring that each unit be tested for a minimum of at least 30 seconds.

Titan Alarm wants to help you and your business be compliant with the NFPA codes and local, state and federal regulations for the safety of your business and it’s employees. To get in touch with a Titan Alarm technician give us a call today and we can set an appointment to have a technician out on your premises.

Learn More About Testing & Inspection

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Required Testing of Emergency Exit Lighting

Most of the emergency lighting that is installed in businesses are lighting devices that contain a battery and are simply powered. These devices are also connected to the electrical supply of the building to help keep the battery inside the lighting charged and ready to go if there is a power failure. In the emergency event of there being a power outage, the emergency lighting is then activated so that the occupants of the building are able to see their way around to be able to exit. Most emergency lighting is only able to stay lit for around 90 minutes, which is the minimum required time by law.

Emergency Lighting and Exit Signs

Exit signs that are lit from the inside operate in the same way as most emergency lights. Many of them have multiple sets of light bulbs because they constantly stay on. One set of the lights that is on most of the time operates at 110 volt electricity which is what the building has hardwired into it. The second set of lighting only comes on when there is a power failure. Which unfortunately means that signs that look like they are working properly, may actually have the secondary bulbs burnt out and you may not even know.

In large buildings like hospitals and schools, emergency power for the exit signs and emergency lighting is normally powered by an emergency electricity generator. When testing these emergency lighting, the emergency generator is normally tested as well. Which is normally done by either maintenance of the building, or by trained professionals who know the ins and outs of emergency lighting and electricity.

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What type of testing does code require?

Fire codes require that all emergency lighting and exit signs need to be inspected, tested and maintained at least once a month. The testing of the signs must include at least a thirty second test of the emergency lighting.

An annual testing and inspection is also required by law, the emergency lighting must also be operated on emergency power for a minimum of ninety minutes. Records that document the testing being done, must be maintained and reviewed by the Fire Marshal or your insurance company.

How do I test them?

Most emergency lighting and exit signs have a “test” button on the outside casing. You can push and use this button for thirty seconds to go and test the emergency bulbs and the back up battery power. This method works well if you have a smaller building with only a handful of signs and lighting, but if you have a large facility you need to contact Titan Alarm to have our professional technicians to come out and test all of the lighting and signage across your campus and facilities.

When testing the exit signs of your buildings you need to check and see if all of your signs are properly lit when in a normal power mode.

When running your annual inspection of your exit signs and emergency lighting make sure you call Titan Alarm and set up an appointment to have one of our trained and experienced professionals to come out to your facilities to run the testing for you.

Key Tips For Testing Emergency Lighting

When it comes to testing and inspecting your emergency exit signs in your commercial facilities, there are only two main components to check to make sure that your emergency signs and lighting are fully operational. Light Bulbs and Batteries. These are the priority to be inspected and tested during routine maintenance on your facilities. National fire code requires that all of your facility’s emergency lighting and signage be inspected at a minimum of once a month.

There are different models of signage and lighting, some of them will have two different sets of light bulbs that need to be checked during your monthly tests as well. One of the sets runs on the buildings 110v power and the other runs on low voltage in case of a power failure. These lower voltage light bulbs run off of the built in reserved battery. Unfortunately, a sign that looks like it’s working, may actually fail if there’s a power outage because the low voltage light bulbs have burned out.

Just like the lighting, many of the batteries maintain just enough of a charge to keep the bulbs lit for only a few seconds after being triggered in an emergency. If you don’t go through and test the reserve batteries for a minimum of thirty seconds, you might find out that the lights work every month only to realize that they go out when you need them the most. By testing the lighting for at least another thirty seconds, you can make sure that your batteries don’t only have a misleading surface charge left on them.

Annual testing of emergency signs is a standard code requirement also. This also involves running the lighting under emergency power for a full minimum of required testing of thirty minutes. Documents showing that all of the testing has been maintained need to be available for review in case a fire inspector requests to see them.

To test your emergency lighting, use the “push to test” button on the outside of the light’s housing. Press and hold this button for thirty seconds to test the light bulbs and the batteries to make sure they are functioning properly. If the lights dim instantly or the bulbs are not working, it’s time for some replacements and repair.

For larger facilities that have a lot of devices, or for the annual test, find your circuit breaker or fuse box that supplies your emergency lights power. Turn off the circuit breaker of the facility and make sure all of the lights are functioning through the testing period. If there is other equipment that uses the same circuit, make sure that nothing will get damaged by the interruption.

If you need help doing your monthly inspections, contact Titan Alarm today! Give us a call today 602-680-4567.

Learn More About Testing & Inspection

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Press Release March 2016

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Titan Alarm Inc. acquires assets from Arizona Fire Test Inc.

Arizona Fire Test Inc. has been operating in the greater Phoenix area since early 2000. While primarily focusing on new fire alarm installations, the company has generated a loyal base of customers who have grown to love the fast service and affordable pricing model offered.  Arizona Fire Test has also placed focus on fire alarm tests and inspections throughout the state of Arizona.   Owner Herman Portillo of Arizona Fire Test Inc. said, “I’m excited to be able to join forces and work full-time with Titan Alarm which will allow my customers the ability of adding on so many other services I was unable to offer them in the past.”  Mike Proudfit, CEO of Titan Alarm Inc. commented, “Arizona Fire Test Inc. was a terrific acquisition for Titan Alarm.  Acquiring this customer base and great people will allow us to move forward with a focus on serving the fire needs of customers here in the Phoenix area.”  The transaction was finalized on March 11, 2016.

As Titan Alarm Inc. works diligently to become the leader in company acquisitions in the Arizona market, Mike commented, “This was our first acquisition after lining up institutional funds through The Private Bank. We plan to complete 4-5 more this year.  It’s exciting to see the employees who come over and become a part of Titan Alarm’s company culture. There’s so much excitement to go forward in a better direction.”  Stay tuned as a second acquisition is in process with another local alarm company here in Phoenix. Titan Alarm anticipates completing this additional acquisition by the end of March 2016.

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The Basics of Fire Alarm Maintenance in Phoenix

A well maintained and serviced fire alarm system here in Phoenix,az is one of the most important steps to take in protecting your property and the people inside your buildings. However, a poorly serviced and maintained fire alarm, will lead to hazards in the safety of your building and fire alarm system. As a business owner you should always have your fire alarm system tested, inspected, and maintained at least once a year by a professional fire alarm company, like Titan Alarm.

You may be asking yourself, what does a fire alarm inspection for my company in Phoenix and beyond look like? Well here are the most common steps that are taken by our company to do a full inspection to make sure your fire alarm system is safe and properly functioning.

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Fire Alarm Inspection

Fire alarm system maintenance and testing all starts with the visual inspection of your fire alarm system. When the technician is doing the visual inspection, they will be looking for things like damaged or missing notifiers, functioning pull stations, possibly alarm system components being installed in the wrong locations, and pieces of your system that may be out dated and need to be upgraded to keep you and your business safe with a functioning fire alarm system.
 

Fire Alarm Inspections in Phoenix, Arizona

Every second counts when there’s a fire.

 

When you own a business, or own facilities, having a fire alarm system installed on the premises, isn’t enough to fully protect your business and facilities. For your protection and success, your fire alarm system needs to be running at maximum efficiency and it needs to comply with all local, state and federal fire codes. By following this, not only will it help boost your company and property’s safety, but it will also help reduce the expense that is spent when there is an emergency repair that needs to be done. When weighing everything that the inspection can hold, one of the biggest questions that comes to mind is “What does a fire alarm inspection look like and include?” Well the following points are just a few of the main points we hit during an inspection.

Titan Alarm’s certified fire experts share four steps of a fire alarm inspection:

1. Testing and calibrating fire alarm sensors. The sensors that will be tested include flame and smoke detectors, and the proper calibration requires the know how of the requirements needing for testing, failure modes and the procedures for re-installation.

2. Testing inputs. The expert performing this test should have specific knowledge of the system they are testing, specific to its settings and installation.

3. Setting the sensitivity levels. This also requires an understanding of the system, its application and the fire detection theory.

4. Checking battery levels. Noting the expiration date is important as well as if there is any corrosion occurring. If necessary, the appropriate action should be taken to replace the battery.

While all of these steps are critical to your system’s proper functioning, there are also many other steps that the Titan Alarm team includes in our full coverage approach to current fire alarm system evaluations and possibilities to upgrade to a new fire alarm system and design. During our evaluation, there will be multiple factors being played into the equation of the evaluation, such as  an the system’s age, the efficiency of the fire alarm system and maintenance.

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Fire Alarm Maintenance, Testing and Inspection

Here at Titan Alarm, we use a very strict and rigorous routine to make sure that our fire alarm testing process goes above and beyond to ensure that your system is functioning and keeping you safe at all times. During our Testing, Inspection and Maintenance of your Phoenix Fire Alarm System, we will test the following:

  • Test the alarm control panel functions
  • Test smoke detectors
  • Clean all smoke detectors with nitrogen
  • Test all manual pull stations and heat detectors to make sure they interact properly with the alarm panel
  • Test and inspect all audible and visual devices to ensure that they are unobstructed and activate properly when required
  • Perform a random check of circuit supervision to ensure the fire alarm panel detects an open circuit
  • Load test stand-by batteries and check auxiliary functions, such as door or damper release
  • Test stand-by battery charger
  • Verify the central station monitoring company received the appropriate signals
  • Test remote annunciator to verify it accurately portrays where the alarm exists in the protected premises
  • Test duct detectors and ensure proper unit shutdown, when necessary
  • Check any auxiliary devices, including door holders and duct dampers, to make sure they activate properly

 

Fire Alarm Maintenance – Documentation

Once our trained technicians finish the maintenance service required for your Fire Alarm System, we will make sure you receive a copy of the records we have taken in case we have found any issues, and you will also receive recommendations on how we can improve your system and also what needs to be repaired on your fire alarm system as well. As the owner of a business, you are the one who is responsible for making sure the repairs are done and up to standards. If the repairs are not done properly, they can be subject to be fined. Once the fire alarm system testing and inspection is finished, we will provide you with total documentation of our visit and process.

Fire alarm testing, inspection and maintenance is the most important thing you can do to protect your property and your building. If you need service for your Phoenix or Arizona fire alarm, don’t wait – call Titan Alarm today!

Learn More About Service & Maintenance

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Commercial Fire Alarm Maintenance

Maintaining Your Commercial Fire Alarm.

 

Commercial Fire Alarms are designed for the protection of your employees and people in your business. The Commercial Fire Alarms only work if you have them properly maintained and serviced on a routine schedule, that way the routine maintenance really works and keeps all of your fire alarm system running. You will never be able to plan or anticipate a fire in your business, but a precautionary step you can take is to make sure that your commercial fire alarms are functioning properly. Let’s learn more about the things you’re going to need to know about Commercial Fire Alarms.

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How Old is Your Fire Alarm?

Just like your car that needs it’s oil changed and needing to be serviced, your fire alarm system needs routine maintenance depending on it’s age. Having the knowledge of the age your commercial fire alarm system is will help you be ready for the maintenance that is required and going to be needed. Any fire alarm system that’s between 5 and 10 years need to be routinely maintained because the system could potentially break down at any time, and there are plenty of different components that could be need to be replaced at any time. The older a system gets, the more that pieces could break down and need to be replaced to work properly.

firealarm old

Annual Testing and Inspection.

One of the most vital sides of your Commercial Fire Alarm Maintenance, is testing, inspection and calibration. In order for these tests to be performed you need to know about the sensors of the system, what the failure modes are, and the re-installation requirements that need to be in place before you test the fire alarm system and monitoring. It’s very possible for you to learn all about your fire alarm system, many business owners and professionals, want to leave this up to their local fire alarm specialists like the Titan Alarm Fire Alarm System Specialists. Titan Alarm offers an annual testing and inspection plan, and with that your business will be protected at all times, knowing that your alarm system will be functional and updated. Let Titan Alarm and our specialists allow you to rest with ease and piece of mind knowing that your fire alarm system is working perfectly for you and your business.

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Fire Protection with Titan Alarm

With Titan Alarm, we offer such a wide variety of fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and sprinkler systems to keep your business safe. Titan Alarm offers the best quality fire alarm systems to keep your business safe from fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. We will also help install and maintain the system for your commercial building.

To get going with Titan Alarm today, or for more information on Fire Alarm Systems call us at 602-680-4567, or text us 623-523-4849.

Learn More About Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 2, 2018.

Fire Extinguisher Service and Inspection

When you are trying to protect yourself from a fire, the first step is to make sure that all of your fire extinguishers are ready to be used and in working condition. As part of the first line of defense, the fire extinguishers are a very valuable resource to use when there is a fire emergency. The importance of having your fire extinguishers inspected is beyond words, which is why Titan Alarm takes your fire extinguisher’s service so seriously.

 

How the Titan Alarm Fire Extinguisher Servicing Works

  • Visual Inspection Of Extinguisher: Visual inspection of gauges, dates, cylinder, etc.

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  • Physical Inspection Of Extinguisher: Physical inspection of weight, hose, seals, etc.

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  • Verify and Tag Unit: Location and date

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Consistent Fire Extinguisher Servicing From Titan Alarm

  • Stay Compliant. Many times, routine servicing is required by the NFPA and your local Fire Authority.
  • Keep Your Equipment Ready. Most extinguishers need testing periodically and regular, consistent inspections to continue working properly.
  • Meet Insurance requirements. There are quite a few insurance companies that require proper documentation that state that periodic checks and routine maintenance have been performed on your fire extinguishers.
  • Promotes safety. Having your extinguishers serviced properly and routinely can help you save lives and property during a fire.

 

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Trust Titan Alarm with your fire needs:

  • Monthly Inspections. The NFPA sometimes requires inspection of your extinguisher every month. While we are at your location, we will do a check on each unit, which includes visually inspecting the unit, cleaning each unit. checking the pull pin as well as filling out a card that will be on each unit, providing details of the inspection.
  • Annual Maintenance. An inspection of each fire extinguisher is often required by NFPA or the local fire authority. Depending on your area and jurisdiction, the type of unit the inspection may need to be performed by a professional.

The Best Choose Titan

For more information on getting your fire extinguishers tested and inspected contact Titan Alarm today! We can take care of all your needs in the fire industry. Call us: 602-680-4567 or Text us: 623-523-4849

Learn More About Service & Maintenance

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Try Out a System!

With how much attention is growing on home automation, remote controlled and connected smart homes, Z-Wave solutions are starting to form and grow new opportunities in the security market. To help showcase our equipment we have launched a connected home system display at 23425 N. 39th Drive.

We’re creating a uniquely cool and delicious experience with Poseidon Water and D+K Custom Interior Design, enjoy 23 flavors of delicious Thrifty Ice Cream while touring the design center, featuring all types of kitchen, bathroom, plumbing, flooring and a Titan Alarm interactive home security demo.

Mention this blog and receive a 2nd scoop of delicious Thrifty Ice Cream for free!

Thrifty

Learn More About Home Security

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

4 Access Control Tips for Home

Having a home automation system installed in your house isn’t just smart, it’s safe as well.
We’ll cover one of the big sellers in the home automation world: smart locks.

A smart lock is paired with your smart home systems so that control can be done from your smartphone, computer or your system’s touchpad.

Here are 4 tips on how to get the most out of your smart locks!

1. Forgetful?
You rush out of the house late, spilling coffee on your way out, trying to get to your car to hit the road before bad traffic, half way to work, you realize you don’t remember if you locked the front door or not. Fear not, pull out your trusty smart phone and check the status of your door locks, if it’s unlocked a quick touch of a button will lock your door for you!

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2. Easy Access.
Your neighbor forgot to turn off the iron and calls you to ask you to go turn it off for them, where is the first place you’ll look for a key? Under the front door mat. With smart locks we can get rid of that hiding place and hiding keys completely!
With a smart lock installed on your door you can control who goes in or out all with your smart phone. Pretty smart.

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3. The roof, the roof, the roof is on fire.
Your house is on fire, the doors and locks are way too hot too touch, so you can’t get outside to the safety away from your house being on fire. When your home automation system has both smoke detectors and smart locks on it, the smoke detector can send a notification to your monitoring station and unlock the doors that have smart locks on them, making escape easy, and the response time immensely shorter.

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4. Medical Emergencies.
If you have aging parents who live alone, this one will strike a note with you. Imagine they just had a stroke, with strokes every second counts to be able to have a full recovery. Your parents press the panic button which signals for emergency services to come and it also unlocks the front door so that the EMT’s or firefighters don’t have issues getting in to distribute help.

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Smart locks, mean a safe house.
A safe house, means a smart owner.

Interested in learning more about smart locks, home automation or home security? Titan Alarm is here to answer all of your questions.
Feel free to call us at 602-680-4567 or TEXT US at 623-523-4849

Learn More About Home Access Control

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Why Smoke Alarms Are Needed

A fire at a commercial location can cause devastating damage to businesses, in some cases to the point of the business having to go out of business. Unfortunately there’s no way to completely prevent a fire from happening. There are a few steps though that a business can take to help prevent serious damage. One of the biggest ways this is done is with smoke alarms.

When it comes to getting Smoke Alarms and Fire Systems there are two different types of fires that can be detected by these systems.

Smoldering Fire
This kind of fire normally happens after something has been ignited, the most common cause of this fire is caused by a cigarette. A smoldering fire functions the same was as coals, it creates a large amount of smoke and if it is left unattended it can turn into a flaming fire. These are detected by smoke detectors due to the amount of smoke that is caused by a smoldering fire.

smoldering

Flaming Fire
This kind of fire normally happens after something has been ignited and a flame is present. The most common things to cause a flaming fire to ignite includes paper, cooking equipment, flammable liquids and wood. When this happens the fire is detected by flames and it won’t trigger a smoke detector because of the lack of a thick smoke.

flaming

Everyone wants to protect against both of these kinds of fires, the easiest way to do that is to install the different kinds of smoke alarms and fire detectors throughout your facility. You should use photoelectric smoke alarms in an area where a larger fire could happen and an Ionization smoke alarm in an area where a smaller fire could happen. Smoke Alarms and Fire Detectors can alert the occupants of a building if there is a fire and can also alert the authorities that there is a fire.

Smoke Alarms and Fire Detectors used together with sprinkler systems are the best way to keep building safe a go through minimal fire damage.

Learn More About Fire Alarm Systems

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.