Automatic Fire Alarm (AFA) systems are designed to actuate when a fire is detected, but other issues can cause activations. Unwanted fire signals, also known as false alarms, can be caused by various factors. Here are some of the main causes:
- Equipment malfunction: Faulty fire detection and alarm system components, such as smoke detectors, heat detectors, or control panels, can trigger false alarms.
- Environmental factors: Environmental conditions such as dust, dirt, humidity, and extreme temperatures can interfere with the proper functioning of fire detection equipment and cause false alarms.
- Cooking activities: Smoke or steam produced during cooking can trigger smoke detectors, especially if they are located near kitchens or cooking areas without appropriate ventilation or suppression systems.
- Accidental activation: Accidental activation of manual call points or pull stations, often caused by human error or tampering, can lead to false alarms.
- Poor maintenance: Inadequate maintenance of fire alarm systems, including neglecting regular inspections, testing, and servicing, can result in false alarms due to degraded or malfunctioning equipment.
- Electrical interference: Electrical interference from nearby equipment or electrical systems can disrupt the operation of fire alarm systems and cause false alarms.
- Malicious acts: Intentional misuse, vandalism, or tampering with fire detection and alarm equipment can lead to false alarms as well.
- Insects and wildlife: Insects, rodents, or other small animals can trigger motion sensors or interfere with smoke detectors, causing false alarms.
- Construction activities: Dust, debris, or vibrations from nearby construction activities can inadvertently activate smoke detectors or other sensors, resulting in false alarms.
- System design issues: Poor system design, including improper placement of detectors or inadequate zoning, can increase the likelihood of false alarms.
Unwanted fire signals have many different causes, most of which can be dealt with by careful planning. Investigating the causes of false alarms will provide you with important information to help you manage your system. More information is available from the National Fire Chiefs Council.
Addressing issues through weekly testing in accordance with the relevant British Standard (BS 5839), regular servicing and maintenance by competent personnel, and user education can help minimise the occurrence of unwanted fire signals.
If your business has a problem with false alarms, contact your alarm installer or maintenance contractor. Any changes to your fire alarm system should be risk assessed prior to implementation.
For more information, take a look at our AFA information leaflet or email us on [email protected].