EB Horsman is Honoring Marine Electricians on National Maritime Day

Celebrating Maritime National Day: Honoring the Seas and Those Who Navigate Them

National Maritime Day is a day that celebrates the rich history, culture, and significance of the seas that connect nations, cultures, and economies. It’s a day to honor the brave sailors, fishermen, maritime workers, and all those who have contributed to the exploration, trade, and preservation of our oceans. We not only reflect on the past but also look towards the future, considering advancements in maritime technology and the role of professionals like electricians who play a crucial part in ensuring the safety and efficiency of marine operations.

 

Electricians in the Maritime Industry:

Among the unsung heroes of the maritime world are electricians who play a critical role in ensuring the safety, functionality, and efficiency of marine vessels and structures. Just as electricians are indispensable in terrestrial settings, their expertise is equally vital at sea, where unique challenges and environments demand specialized skills and equipment.

Marine electricians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems on ships, offshore platforms, and other marine structures. These systems encompass a wide range of components, including lighting, communication devices, navigation equipment, propulsion systems, and safety mechanisms. Given the harsh conditions of the marine environment – constant exposure to saltwater, humidity, and extreme temperatures – marine electricians must utilize products and technologies specifically designed to withstand such rigors.

 

Fun Fact: 

Did you know the pier in Noth Vancouver’s Waterfront Park is called the Goldsworthy Pier named after CNV Mayor Goldsworthy (1948-1953) who was the electrical superintendent at Burrard Drydock before and during the war years.

 

Essential Products for Marine Electricians:

 

1. Marine Grade Cables and Wiring: Unlike their land-based counterparts, marine electrical systems require cables and wiring that are specially designed to resist corrosion and moisture. Marine grade cables are constructed with durable materials such as tinned copper and coated with protective layers to prevent water intrusion and degradation over time.

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2. Waterproof Connectors and Junction Boxes: In marine applications, electrical connections are susceptible to water ingress, which can lead to short circuits, equipment failure, and even fires. Waterproof connectors and junction boxes provide a reliable seal against moisture, ensuring the integrity of electrical connections in wet environments.

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3. Corrosion-Resistant Electrical Components: The corrosive nature of saltwater necessitates the use of corrosion-resistant electrical components, including switches, sockets, and circuit breakers. These components are typically constructed from materials such as stainless steel or marine-grade brass, which are highly resistant to rust and corrosion.

4. Safety Equipment: Safety is of utmost importance in the maritime industry, and electricians must ensure that vessels are equipped with appropriate safety devices, such as emergency lighting, fire alarms, and watertight doors. These safety systems are critical for protecting crew members and passengers in the event of an emergency at sea.

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As we celebrate Maritime National Day, let us pay tribute to the oceans that have shaped our history and continue to sustain life on Earth. Let us also express our gratitude to the mariners and maritime professionals who navigate these vast waters, often facing adversity with courage and resilience. Among them, marine electricians stand as guardians of safety and efficiency, employing specialized products and expertise to keep our vessels afloat and our seas secure. May their contributions never go unnoticed as we embark on a journey towards a more sustainable and prosperous maritime future.

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]]> https://ebhorsman.com/product-spotlights/national-check-your-batteries-day/ Sun, 10 Mar 2024 21:29:09 +0000 https://ebhorsman.com/?p=22433 At E.B. Horsman, we offer a range of alarms, detectors, and batteries to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones.

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Check Your Batteries Day aims to educate individuals on the importance of regularly replacing batteries, especially in detectors for smoke, carbon dioxide, and radon. These detectors play a crucial role in saving lives, and ensuring the continuous effectiveness of their life-saving impact relies on the regular replacement of their batteries.

Establishing a monthly routine for changing batteries and replacing smoke alarms every decade serves as a proactive measure to safeguard homes, protect families, and reduce potential expenses. As a recommendation, it is advisable to prioritize changing your batteries this month and updating your smoke alarms to ensure ongoing safety. At E.B. Horsman, we offer a range of alarms, detectors, and batteries to ensure the safety of you and your family.

dfdLights illumination inventors day

Kidde’s Advanced Fire Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

This intelligent alarm offers enhanced capabilities for double the protection against smoke and carbon monoxide. With the convenience of a single device handling two vital functions, it brings additional sensing capabilities to bolster your confidence. The reliability of its 10-year sealed-in lithium backup battery ensures continuous smoke and carbon monoxide detection, even during power outages.

Features & Benefits

• First cUL/CSA carbon monoxide and smoke detection device with indoor air quality monitoring.
• Built-in air quality sensor measures levels of temperature, relative humidity and Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) – harmful chemicals in your air that can impact your health.
• Use the Kidde app to receive notifications if hazards are detected, know when the device needs to be replaced and test alarms.
• Alarms are powered by 120V AC with a sealed long-life lithium backup battery that lasts for 10 years
• Scan the QR code on the back of the product. No additional hub is needed to set up your Kidde smart devices.
• Interconnected alarms activate together
• Compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa

Spec Sheet

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Batteries for Reliable Performance

 

Shop Duracell Batteries Now

Guidelines for Proper Battery Care

• Always use the battery size and type recommended by your device’s manufacturer.
• Keep battery contacts and compartment connections clean by using a clean pencil eraser or a rough cloth each time you change batteries.
• Remove batteries from devices during prolonged periods of inactivity. • When using household (AC) power, take out the batteries from the equipment.
• Ensure correct battery insertion by aligning the + (plus) and – (minus) terminals properly.
• Most Duracell® batteries offer reliable performance even after ten years of storage under these conditions. Avoid refrigerating Duracell batteries as it does not extend their lifespan.
• Battery performance diminishes in extreme temperatures, so avoid placing battery-powered devices in excessively warm locations.
• Only attempt to recharge batteries that are explicitly marked as “rechargeable.”

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]]> https://ebhorsman.com/industry-trends/property-managers-its-time-to-check-your-smoke-alarm-batteries/ Fri, 08 Mar 2024 19:11:19 +0000 https://ebhorsman.com/?p=22492 Mark your calendar on March 10 for Check Your Batteries Day to keep smoke alarms working and your building’s tenants safe.

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Property Managers, It’s Time to Check Your Smoke Alarm Batteries

• March 8, 2024

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Mark your calendars: March 10 is Check Your Batteries Day. For most people, this day might not mean much. But for property managers, we like to think it’s a helpful reminder to check each and every smoke alarm battery in your buildings. Here are some tips on battery-related tasks that property managers should complete to keep your buildings and tenants safe. 

Benefits of Checking Smoke Alarm Batteries Regularly

You play a critical role in early hazard detection by ensuring that all safety devices—including smoke alarms, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors—in your building have functional batteries. These are the main benefits of checking them regularly:

• Save lives with early detection. First and foremost, functional safety devices provide early warnings in the event of a fire or CO leak, allowing residents to evacuate quickly. Checking them regularly obviously minimizes any risk of a worse-off problem down the road. 
• Prevent property damage and save money, too. Timely detection of smoke or CO can prevent extensive property damage by allowing for swift responses during emergencies. This can limit the spread of a fire, for example, or minimize the impact of CO exposure in a building. 
• Comply with regulations. Regular battery checks and replacements ensure compliance with regulations that call for properly functioning safety devices, helping you keep tenants safe while avoiding potential fines and legal issues. Get familiar with regulations in your area, whether your building is located in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, or elsewhere.
• Avoid nuisance alarms. Low battery signals cause annoying nuisance alarms, which can be prevented with regular battery checks.

How Often Should I Check Smoke Alarm Batteries?

Smoke alarms vary from model to model, but most of the same maintenance rules apply:

• Conduct semi-annual battery checks. Check smoke alarm batteries at least twice a year. Choosing specific dates, such as Check Your Batteries Day, or the beginning and end of daylight saving time, every fall and spring, can help you remember to inspect and replace batteries.
• Inspect seasonally. Conduct thorough alarm inspections along with your other regular seasonal maintenance checks to easily and quickly identify any issues.
• Be proactive about replacing batteries. Consider replacing batteries annually, even if they’re functional during routine checks. Fresh batteries reduce the risk of malfunction and ensure reliable performance.

What Do the Different Smoke Alarm Noises Mean?

Understanding different smoke alarms is an essential part of promptly addressing fire hazards and ensuring the well-being of your building’s residents. 

Here’s how to troubleshoot the different sounds your alarms make.

• Intermittent chirping or beeping. Chirps or beeps at regular intervals means it’s time to get new batteries. A blinking red light on your device often also lets you know the batteries are running low. 
• Rapid beeping. A rapid, continuous beeping noise means the smoke alarm has detected smoke or fire within the building. Evacuate your building immediately and call 9-1-1, if needed.
• Continuous alarm. If a smoke alarm emits a continuous alarm sound, it’s detecting significant smoke or fire. Activate the building’s fire alarm system, evacuate occupants, and call 9-1-1.
• Malfunctioning sounds. Unusual or irregular sounds can indicate a malfunction or a problem with the detector’s internal components. Be sure to investigate promptly and replace the smoke alarm, if necessary.

Best Practices for Property Managers

Understanding and implementing best practices for checking safety devices is crucial. To keep you on track, here’s a handy checklist: 

• Set a regular schedule. Inspect and test smoke alarm batteries at least twice a year. You can coordinate these checks with other routine maintenance tasks. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and fire safety regulations in your area. 
• Replace batteries annually. Be proactive and replace smoke alarm batteries yearly, even if they’re still functional, to prevent issues. Choose high-quality, long-life batteries for best performance.
• Educate tenants. Remind your building’s occupants about smoke alarm maintenance and the importance of promptly reporting malfunctioning alarms or low battery signals. Give tenants clear instructions on how to test alarms, which can be done monthly. Share a list of fire safety tips with your building’s occupants. 
• Keep a maintenance record. Maintain a detailed record of inspections, battery replacements, and any maintenance or repair work.
• Replace safety devices. To ensure continued functionality, know when to upgrade your devices. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years, and you’ll need new CO detectors every five to seven years.

Kidde Alarms: a Trusted Choice

Kidde is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of fire safety products, such as alarms that  detect smoke, CO, water leaks, and freezes, as well as monitor air quality (including mould growth). Many of the company’s products are compatible with the  Kidde App—which works  with Google Home and Alexa—facilitating simplified monitoring, and allowing for the use of voice commands to check alarm status and connection.

The Kidde Smoke and CO Alarm With Indoor Air Quality Monitor has built-in air quality sensors to measure temperature, relative humidity, and total volatile organic compounds—harmful chemicals in your air that can impact your health—along with many other key features. You can receive hazard notifications with the Kidde app that let you know when an alarm needs to be replaced or tested.

Kidde also offers a smoke and CO alarm with smart detection features. Interested in learning more about residential fire safety? Check out Kidde’s four key steps to residential fire safety—these are great tips to share with tenants, too! 

Shop Kidde Alarms

Make Safety Your Top Priority

Regularly checking the batteries in devices such as smoke alarms is critical to ensuring the  safety of a building. Include battery checks and replacements in your regular maintenance routine to safeguard lives and assets from the threat of fire hazards. 

Want to learn more? Our experts are always happy to help you find more ways to keep your building safe!

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…If you’re a student, that is.

But if you’re a school facilities manager, your work might just be ramping up—especially when it comes to electrical projects. That’s because spring offers a unique window of opportunity to get any nagging projects done—while the weather is sunny, but not too hot. 

Here’s a list of five electrical spring-time projects you can complete.

Project #1: Lighting Audits

Before doing any updates at your school, conduct a lighting audit to see what needs to be done and to set priorities straight. You can even complete your audit before spring to ensure you’re prepared when spring rolls around.

Here are some tips on where to begin:

• Check lighting inventory. Start by putting together a detailed list of all lighting fixtures, noting their types and locations.
• Evaluate existing technology. Assess the school’s lighting technology, focusing on energy efficiency and sustainability.
• Collaborate with maintenance staff. Coordinate with maintenance staff to address immediate concerns and ensure safety compliance.
• Measure lighting levels. Check lighting levels in different areas of the school to identify spaces that could use more or less light.
• Inspect control systems. Ensure lighting controls, including sensors and timers, are working properly.
• Draft your recommendations. Put together a detailed report outlining your recommendations to improve lighting and reduce energy consumption.
• Make a plan. Develop an action plan for during and after spring break. 

All this being said, conducting a lighting audit requires meticulous planning. Get in touch if you need support—we can help every step of the way! 

Project #2: Lighting Retrofits

Spring is short, so you’ll need to identify priorities for any lighting retrofits. 

Upgrading existing lighting systems to more energy-efficient alternatives such as LED lights can cut operational costs, reduce energy usage, and support the environment. Enhancing your school’s lighting also creates a better learning environment for students—which makes your job more rewarding!

Here are some lighting retrofit ideas:

• Upgrade to LEDs. Spring break is a great opportunity to make the switch to cost-saving LEDs, which will soon become mandatory in Canada. 
• Set occupancy sensors. Install occupancy sensors, such as these ones from Lutron. This will optimize energy usage in classrooms and other spaces when students and staff are away.
• Harvest daylight. Use daylight harvesting systems if this is an option for your school. You can adjust artificial lighting levels based on the availability of natural daylight to be more energy efficient.
• Add smart lighting controls. Centralize lighting management and scheduling to optimize energy usage during school hours with timers and dimmers.
• Assess lighting design. Identify areas with over- or under-lit spaces, and explore lighting design solutions to ensure an efficient distribution of light throughout each building.
• Upgrade emergency lighting. Enhance emergency lighting systems—including exit sign upgrades—with modern, energy-efficient options. This ensures you’re meeting safety compliance and reduces long-term maintenance costs.
• Use energy-efficient bulbs. Replace outdated bulbs with energy-efficient alternatives, such as LEDs, across the facility to improve overall efficiency.
• Explore energy rebate programs. Get to know energy rebate programs in your area that offset the costs of lighting retrofits along with other ways to cut back on energy costs.

Project #3: HVAC Upgrades

Upgrading and maintaining heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can improve both energy efficiency and indoor air quality. Following COVID-19 and amidst pesky flu season, maintaining high-quality ventilation is even more crucial to keeping people healthy. 

Here are some HVAC projects you can take on during spring:

• Inspect the HVAC systems. Assess the school’s existing HVAC systems to identify any inefficiencies or maintenance needs.
• Replace air filters. One of the best ways to ensure top system performance and improve indoor air quality by reducing dust and allergens is to regularly replace air filters.
• Upgrade thermostats. Switching to programmable or smart thermostats allows you to control temperature settings while saving energy and money.
• Inspect and seal ductwork. Repair any leaks or gaps in ductwork to prevent energy wastage and maintain consistent airflow.
• Upgrade HVAC units. Replace outdated HVAC units with more energy-efficient models to reduce energy consumption and operational costs.
• Monitor indoor air quality. Take this opportunity to set up indoor air quality monitoring systems to address ventilation concerns on an ongoing basis and ensure a healthy school environment.
• Upgrade ventilation systems. Your school’s ventilation systems should meet or exceed recommended standards to promote proper air exchange and reduce the risk of indoor pollutants.
• Consider adding energy recovery ventilators. These systems capture and reuse heat or cool air, improving overall energy efficiency.

Project #4: Electrical Safety Inspections

Inspecting electrical safety in schools is crucial year-round, but spring weather can give you the extra time you need to conduct more thorough checks. 

The following inspections can help identify and address any electrical safety  issues, update wiring, and replace faulty outlets or switches:

• Inspect electrical panels. Check for signs of wear, loose connections, or overheating that could pose safety risks.
• Assess wiring and conduit. Look for any damaged or exposed wiring or broken conduit.
• Check outlets and switches. Ensure they’re working properly, aren’t overloaded, and are equipped with safety features like ground fault circuit interrupters.
• Test emergency exit lighting. Inspect and test to ensure emergency lighting is up to speed in case of power outages or emergencies.
• Confirm appliance and equipment safety. Check all electrical appliances and equipment, including cords, plugs, and connections to prevent fire hazards.
• Inspect the electrical room. Electrical rooms should be organized and have clear access to panels and equipment. Safety protocols and signage should be clearly on display.
• Evaluate the grounding system. Check the school’s grounding system to confirm it’s working properly by providing a path for electrical faults to dissipate safely.
• Inspect fire alarms. Test the fire alarm system and electrical components to ensure they comply with safety regulations. Read more about other life safety systems to test regularly.

Project #5: Check your Datacom

Students, teachers, and administration rely heavily on technology, so ensuring up-to-date data communications at your school is vital. 

Let’s take a look at what you might include in a thorough examination of datacom on school grounds. Though some of these items might be outside your scope of work, this list can help identify what needs to be done.

• Examine network infrastructure. Inspect routers, switches, and cables, looking for signs of wear or degradation.
• Verify Wi-Fi and internet connectivity. Check the functionality and coverage of Wi-Fi access points and the school’s internet connection speed and reliability.
• Evaluate the VoIP system. Your school’s Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system should have clear communication and be properly integrated with other datacom.
• Inspect the security system. Check security cameras and access control systems to ensure they’re working and connected to the network.
• Assess digital learning tools. Check the functionality of interactive whiteboards or tablets.
• Review cloud services. Review the integration and accessibility of cloud services used for storing and accessing educational materials and data.
• Check data backup systems. Ensure these systems are functioning correctly and that critical school data is backed up regularly.
• Audit cybersecurity measures. Conduct an audit of firewalls and antivirus software.

Interested in learning more about datacom services? Check out our solutions or read this handy guide.

Turn Spring into Spring Fix

You likely won’t be able to complete everything on your to-do list during spring, but these tips should get you started. You’ll earn your gold star by taking a systematic approach to school electrical projects and creating a brighter, healthier, and better functioning environment at your school.

Have any questions? Reach out to our team for support at any step!

The post 5 Electrical Projects That School Facility Managers Should Do For Spring appeared first on E.B. Horsman & Son.

Types of Kidde alarms include:

• Smoke Alarms: Kidde offers a variety of smoke alarms designed to detect the presence of smoke in residential and commercial spaces. The alarms are powered by sealed, long-life lithium batteries for 10 years (the life of the alarm).
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms: Kidde also manufactures CO alarms, which are designed to detect the presence of carbon monoxide gas in the air. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas that can be produced by incomplete combustion of fuels, and it can be extremely dangerous if inhaled. CO alarms emit a loud alarm when elevated levels of carbon monoxide are detected, giving occupants a warning to evacuate the area and seek fresh air.
• Combination Alarms: Kidde produces combination alarms that integrate both smoke detection and carbon monoxide detection into a single unit. This is particularly useful in homes and spaces where both types of hazards are a concern.
• Smart Alarms: Kidde has also introduced smart alarms that can be connected to Wi-Fi networks. These alarms can send alerts to your smartphone or other devices, allowing you to receive notifications even when you’re not at home.

Water Leak and Freeze Detector

Features & Benefits

• Use the Kidde app to receive notifications if hazards are detected or to know when the device needs to be replaced.
• Detects leaks, flooding, or if the temperature starts approaching freezing, so you can take steps to avoid damage.
• Scan the QR code on the back of the product. No additional hub is needed to set up your Kidde smart devices.
• Sleek devices are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, so you can put them anywhere in your home.
• Battery powered: 2 AA batteries are included for simple operation and quick replacement later.
• 1-Year Limited Warranty on Water Leak Detector
  

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Indoor Air Quality Monitor

Features & Benefits

• First cUL/CSA carbon monoxide and smoke detection device with indoor air quality monitoring.
• Built-in air quality sensor measures levels of temperature, relative humidity and Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) – harmful chemicals in your air that can impact your health.
• Use the Kidde app to receive notifications if hazards are detected, know when the device needs to be replaced and test alarms.
• Alarms are powered by 120V AC with a sealed long-life lithium backup battery that lasts for 10 years
• Scan the QR code on the back of the product. No additional hub is needed to set up your Kidde smart devices.
• Interconnected alarms activate together
• Compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Smart Features

Features & Benefits

• Powered by 120V AC with a sealed, long-life lithium battery backup that lasts for 10 years.**
• Alerts you to both smoke and carbon monoxide with one device.
• The Kidde app allows you to receive mobile notifications, including detection of smoke or CO, end of unit life, lost internet connection, and easily check the status of your alarm from anywhere, anytime.
• Use the Kidde app to easily Smart Hush false alarms or test the alarm from your mobile phone.
• Scan QR code on the Quick Start Guide to access easy-to-follow in-app instructions.
• Compatible with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Android, and iPhone.

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This year, the National Fire Protection Association has launched a campaign called “Cooking Safety Starts with You.” Cooking is a daily activity for most households, making it a common source of fire incidents. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of safe cooking practices and the role each of us plays in preventing kitchen fires.

Checking fire detection devices is a critical aspect of fire safety maintenance. Regular inspections of fire alarms, smoke detectors, and other fire detection equipment are essential to ensure they are in optimal working condition.

To protect your property and the lives of its occupants, it’s essential to make this inspection process a routine part of your maintenance schedule. Here’s a breakdown of what it entails:

• Visual Inspection: Begin by visually inspecting all fire detection devices for any signs of physical damage or wear and tear. This includes checking for cracks, loose wires, or any other visible issues that might affect their performance.
• Power Source Check: Check the power source of each device. For battery-operated units, ensure that the batteries are in good condition and replace them as needed. For hardwired devices, make sure they are receiving a consistent power supply.
• Obstruction-Free Environment: An often-overlooked aspect is ensuring that your fire detection devices are free from obstructions. Dust, cobwebs, or any physical obstacles can hinder their functionality. Clear any potential obstructions to allow these devices to function optimally.
• Routine Testing: Periodically test your smoke detectors by pressing the test button. This simple step confirms that the devices can effectively detect smoke or heat and trigger alarms. It’s a quick check that can make a significant difference in an emergency.
• Monitoring Systems and Fire Panels: Additionally, don’t forget to review your monitoring systems and fire panels regularly. These components play a critical role in alerting you to any issues. Ensure they are receiving signals from all detection devices, and address any connectivity problems promptly.

By diligently checking your fire detection devices, you’re taking a proactive approach to fire safety. This practice allows you to identify and address potential issues before they escalate, ultimately enhancing the safety of your property’s occupants and reducing the risk of devastating fires.

Remember, fire safety is not a one-time effort; it’s an ongoing commitment to protecting what matters most. So, make it a habit to inspect your fire detection devices regularly, and rest assured knowing you’ve taken a crucial step towards a safer environment.

Fire Safety with Siemens

Siemens Detectors

Fire detectors are the first line of defense in protecting people’s lives and business. Every second matters during a fire, that is why the sooner a fire is detected, the sooner you can do something about it.

Flame Detectors

Flame detectors are ideal for markets such as oil and gas, an chemical and petrochemical environments. They are designed to detect flames from typical hydrocarbon fires to those caused by ammonia, hydrogen, alcohol and other explosives.

Beam Detectors

Beam detectors are designed to detect smoke over long distances and in areas where traditional point detectors are not practical. Whether is in a room with high ceiling, dusty and dirty environments, or areas with extreme temperatures, the beam detector will keep you safe.

Specialty Detection Technologies

Complete your protection with Siemens’ intelligent detection solutions. With their carbon monoxide detection, heat detectors and air sampling technologies, Siemens offers a comprehensive portfolio of specialty detection technologies.

Siemens Pull Stations

Pull stations provides early warning to people in the building so they can evacuate safely and promptly. They are strategically located throughout the building, allowing people to activate the alarm quickly as well as helping emergency responders know the exact location of the emergency.

Siemens Panels

Protect your fire system from dust, moisture or physical damage with Siemens enclosures. Designed to meet the requirements, Siemens enclosures ensures your fire system is shielded from potential damage or wear, reducing maintenance costs and contributing to the overall reliability of the fire system.

Fire prevention is a critical aspect of safety and protection for individuals, businesses, and communities. Siemens’ range of fire prevention products and solutions demonstrates their commitment to creating a safer world. Their advanced technology, sustainable practices, and dedication to research and development make Siemens a leader in the field of fire prevention. By incorporating Siemens fire products into your fire safety strategy, you can take significant steps towards safeguarding lives and property against the devastating effects of fires.

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4 Life Safety Systems to Test Regularly

• April 13, 2023

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When was the last time you tested the fire alarms in your buildings? Are your sprinklers, emergency lighting systems, and other electrical components in working order, well-maintained, and up to date? These critical components, known as life safety systems, help keep everyone – and your assets – safe in the event of an emergency.

The Importance of Life Safety Systems Testing

While life safety systems are typically installed during a building’s construction, it’s important to keep them maintained to prevent loss of life and property during emergencies. 

Here’s what you need to do, and when, to ensure you’re prepared for any potential emergency:

1. Air Purification Systems

Air purification systems can help combat air pollution, but you need to regularly test these systems to ensure they’re operating properly. You can do the following to make sure you’re on track:

• Get to know your system: Do you have a standalone unit, or is it part of a larger HVAC system? It’s important to identify the type of system for effective testing.
• Check filters: Filters are a key element of any air purification system, and they need to be replaced regularly. Replace any dirty or clogged filters before testing the system.
• Do a smoke test: This is a simple yet effective way to test your air purification system. Light a smoke source, such as a candle, and hold it near the system’s air intake. Check to see if smoke is drawn in, then properly filtered out of the air that circulates back into the room.
• Measure air quality: Air quality sensors can help assess the efficiency of your air purification system by measuring pollutant levels before and after turning the system on.
• Test regularly: Testing your air purification system weekly, or at least monthly, helps to ensure it’s working correctly, and to identify problems.

2. Fire and CO2 Alarms

Critical to the safety of any building, fire alarms and CO2 alarms alert occupants to potential hazards, ideally with enough time to evacuate. In case of fire or a CO2 leak, early detection is essential, because the risk to occupants increases the longer a hazard goes undetected. 

These alarms are only effective when they’re in good working order, however – making regular testing essential. Regular testing of these devices helps you:

• Detect malfunctioning sensors or dead batteries: Missing these issues could result in alarms failing to detect fire or a carbon monoxide leak.
• Comply with regulations: Building regulations require these alarms to be tested regularly to ensure the safety of occupants. Fire and CO2 alarms should be tested monthly and inspected annually by a qualified technician. CO2 alarms should also be replaced every five to seven years. Failing to comply can lead to fines, legal action, or higher insurance premiums. 
• Prevent loss: Early hazard detection prevents costly damage to buildings and their contents. It can also help avoid extensive evacuations, which can be disruptive.

If your building has a sprinkler system, be sure to test and inspect this annually, as well. Inspections should include a close look at all components, from the sprinkler head and pipes, to fittings, water flow alarm, tamper switch, and valves, including the main drain valve.

3. Emergency Lighting

Emergency lighting systems are critical to providing backup lighting during power outages, fires, and other emergencies. And for systems that rely on batteries, battery backups are crucial to safety. 

Testing of emergency lighting systems depends on the building’s usage, occupancy, and type of system. For commercial buildings, monthly testing of emergency lights and exit signs, and annual testing of batteries for backup power, is recommended. Residential buildings often have less complex systems and can be tested every six months. Regular testing of emergency lighting and battery backups helps ensure:

• Reliable backup power: During a power outage or other emergencies, battery backups provide your emergency lighting systems with a power source. Backups can supply power for several hours, ensuring safe evacuation of building occupants.
• Optimal safety: Battery backups mean people in affected buildings are not left in the dark, and that exit signs and other emergency lighting remain illuminated. Read about how you can improve safety in your buildings with ABB’s Emergi-Lite emergency lighting and exit signs.
• Compliance with regulations: Similar to keeping fire and CO2 alarms in good working order, ensuring you have functional emergency lighting systems can help avoid fines and potential legal action.
• Loss prevention: Avoid expensive repairs to emergency lighting system components damaged during power outages. A power outage can drain back-up batteries, or cause battery chargers to malfunction by overcharging. An outage can also cause electrical surges when the power is restored, leading to power spikes and damage to your system. Testing batteries, chargers, and electrical components can help you identify issues before they become problems.

4. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), also called ground fault interrupters (GFIs), protect against electric shock by detecting current flow differences in an electrical circuit’s wires. These devices, like the Leviton GFI, quickly cut off electricity when a ground fault is detected, which can prevent injuries or even death. 

To maintain safety in your building, regular testing of GFCIs is crucial. This can be done by simply pressing the “test” button on the GFCI to simulate a ground fault, or by using circuit and voltage testers. Ideally, you should test GFCI outlets monthly, or at least every three months. Here are some additional reasons to test regularly:

• GFCI malfunctions: These can happen without visible signs of damage, especially from wear and tear over time. Regular testing can help identify faults before they cause damage.
• Power surges and lightning strikes: These events can cause GFCIs to malfunction or fail. Be sure to test your components after power surges and lightning strikes to ensure they’re still working properly.
• Building code requirements and safety regulations: Many locations legally require operational GFCIs, especially in kitchens, restrooms, and outdoor spaces.

Make Regular Testing a Habit

Frequent testing of life safety systems helps you protect building occupants and property, identify potential issues, comply with legal and regulatory requirements, reduce insurance premiums, improve your systems’ performance, and gives you peace of mind.

Be sure to make regular testing part of your maintenance routine. It can also help raise general awareness about electrical safety, which adds an extra layer of protection. 

Do you have questions about how to improve life safety systems in your building? Contact our experts to find the right solutions for your property!

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