Common Fire Alarm Faults and How to Troubleshoot Them

Fire alarm systems are critical for safeguarding lives and property. They are designed to detect the earliest signs of fire, providing early warnings to ensure safe evacuations and prompt responses. However, like any electronic system, fire alarms are not immune to faults and malfunctions. When these occur, they can undermine the effectiveness of the entire fire safety strategy.

Understanding common fire alarm faults and knowing how to troubleshoot them is essential for any business and is a required part of maintaining a reliable system.

Here are some of the most common fire alarm faults, and some tips on how to manage them. If you need help with fire alarm installation, testing, maintenance or repairs, please contact us immediately to keep your workplace safe and protected.

False Alarms

False alarms are one of the most common issues with fire alarm systems. A false alarm occurs when the system triggers without the presence of a fire or other emergency condition. Frequent false alarms can lead to unnecessary disruptions, complacency among building occupants, and can even result in fines from local authorities.

Common causes for false alarms include:

• Environmental Factors: Dust, insects, steam, and cooking fumes can trigger smoke detectors.
• Electrical Interference: Power surges or fluctuations in the electrical supply can cause the alarm to sound.
• Faulty Sensors: Aging or defective smoke detectors may trigger alarms incorrectly.
• Improper Placement: Smoke detectors placed too close to areas that commonly contain smoke or steam such as kitchens, bathrooms, or heating vents may be more prone to false alarms.

Ways to Troubleshoot False Alarms:

• Inspect and Clean Detectors: Regularly clean smoke detectors to remove dust, cobwebs, and insects. Use a vacuum or a soft brush attachment to gently remove debris.
• Check for Environmental Triggers: Identify if the alarm is located near kitchens, bathrooms, or areas with heavy dust. If so, consider relocating the detector or installing a different type of sensor (e.g., heat detectors in kitchens).
• Replace Faulty Detectors: If a specific detector frequently triggers false alarms, it may be faulty and need replacement.
• Install Surge Protectors: To prevent electrical interference, consider installing surge protectors or ensuring the fire alarm system is on a stable power supply.

Failure to Activate

A more serious issue is when the fire alarm system fails to activate during an actual fire event. This fault can have catastrophic consequences, as it may delay the response time of building occupants and emergency services.

Common causes for alarms failing to sound may include:

• Power Failure: Fire alarm systems are typically connected to the main power supply, with a backup battery. A power failure, especially if the backup battery is depleted, can prevent the system from functioning.
• Wiring Issues: Faulty wiring or loose connections can disrupt the signal between the detectors and the control panel.
• Defective Control Panel: The control panel, which processes signals from the detectors, may be faulty and fail to trigger the alarm.

Ways to troubleshoot alarm failures:

• Regular Battery Checks: Test the backup battery regularly to ensure it is fully charged and capable of powering the system during a mains power failure. Replace the battery as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Inspect Wiring: Regularly inspect the wiring for signs of damage, wear, or loose connections. Engage a qualified technician to repair any issues.

Test the Control Panel: Periodically test the control panel by activating test alarms to ensure it is functioning correctly. If the panel is unresponsive, it may need repair or replacement by a professional fire alarms service provider such as phs Compliance.

Volume Issues or Failure of Alarm Sounders

The alarm sounders (usually bells, horns, or sirens) are crucial for alerting building occupants to evacuate. If the sounders are not working correctly, even if the detectors are otherwise functioning, people may not be aware of the fire danger.

Some of the most common causes of this are:

• Muted or Low Sound: Over time, sounders can become muted or produce a lower-than-expected sound due to wear or obstruction.
• Disconnected Sounders: Wiring issues can disconnect the sounders from the system, preventing them from activating.
• Faulty Sounder Units: The sounder unit itself may become faulty due to age, wear, or manufacturing defects.

How to troubleshoot alarm sounders:

• Regular Sound Tests: Regularly test each sounder to ensure it is producing the correct volume. Most fire alarm systems have a testing function for this purpose.
• Clear Obstructions: Ensure that sounders are not obstructed by furniture, fixtures, or other items that could muffle the sound.
• Inspect Wiring: Check the wiring connections to each sounder. Loose or damaged wiring can prevent sounders from functioning correctly.
• Replace Faulty Sounders: If a sounder is not working despite troubleshooting, we can help replace it with a new unit.

Faulty or Unresponsive Detectors

Detectors are the first line of defence in a fire alarm system, designed to detect smoke, heat, or flames. If a detector becomes faulty or unresponsive, it could fail to detect a fire, putting lives and property at risk.

Causes of this generally include:

• Ageing Components: Detectors have a limited lifespan, usually around 10 years. As they age, their sensitivity decreases, and they may fail to function correctly.
• Dirt and Debris: Accumulation of dust, dirt, or grease on the detector’s sensors can impede its ability to detect fire conditions.
• Battery Issues (for wireless detectors): Wireless detectors rely on batteries, which need regular replacement.

Methods of troubleshooting faulty detectors:

• Replace Old Detectors: Replace detectors that are more than 10 years old or those that frequently malfunction.
• Regular Cleaning: Clean the detectors regularly to remove any dust or debris that could affect their sensitivity.
• Check and Replace Batteries: For wireless detectors, check the battery status regularly and replace them as needed. Ensure the batteries are correctly installed and making good contact.

Control Panel Warning Lights or Error Messages

The control panel is the heart of the fire alarm system, providing status information and controlling the operation of the system. Warning lights or error messages on the control panel indicate a problem within the system that needs attention.

Common causes of this include:

• System Faults: A warning light or error message could indicate a problem with the wiring, power supply, detectors, or other system components.
• Maintenance Needed: The system may be due for routine maintenance, or a specific part may need inspection or replacement.
• Software Glitches: Modern fire alarm systems often have software that controls the panel. Software glitches or outdated firmware can cause errors.

How to troubleshoot:

• Consult the Manual: Refer to the control panel’s manual to understand the specific meaning of the warning light or error message. Most panels have a diagnostic function to help identify the fault.
• Reset the System: Sometimes, resetting the control panel can clear temporary errors. However, if the warning persists, further investigation is needed.
• Update Firmware: Ensure the system’s software is up to date. If the system uses outdated firmware, consider updating it as per the manufacturer's guidelines.
• Professional Inspection: If you cannot resolve the issue, engage a phs Compliance technician to inspect the system and rectify the fault.

The UK’s favourite electrical compliance and fire alarms testing provider

Employing over 500 people, phs Compliance is a major provider of property and facilities management services delivering over 14 million compliance inspections for 35,000 customer sites per year across our core customer markets in facilities management, commercial real estate management, retail, hospitality and leisure, critical infrastructure and public sectors.

Our comprehensive approach to fire alarm systems includes everything from design and project management to installation, commissioning, fire alarm testing service, and maintenance. As a nationwide company, we can offer our services to businesses nationwide, ensuring consistent quality and attention to detail in every project we undertake. This ensures that your fire safety system remains up-to-date and in optimal working condition, providing the peace of mind that your business is protected.

To learn more, get in touch now or read more about our fire alarms maintenance services.