Author Topic: Replacement period for fire alarm control boxes  (Read 6927 times)

Offline Mike_upstairs

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Replacement period for fire alarm control boxes
« on: November 01, 2018, 09:19:51 AM »
Hi everyone!
Newbie here, and I have a question about the replacement period (lifespan) of fire system control panels.
The current ones in my place of work were installed just over 9 years ago.
On the latest service/maintenance inspection visit by our contractor, it was stated that they will all need to be replaced next year, as they will then be "out of date", and hence required to be replaced.
Although I have had a quick look round on the WWW (wonderful world of worry), i am unable to find any 'independent' information to support this, before pitching a bill of around ?3000 to the gaffer.

Any information or advice would be greatly appreciated. :)

Offline Owain

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Re: Replacement period for fire alarm control boxes
« Reply #1 on: November 01, 2018, 12:10:15 PM »
The batteries might need to be replaced.

I don't know if fire alarm panels have a use-by date. I remember working in places that still had old drop-flap panels which were probably 40 years old.

Offline JT

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Re: Replacement period for fire alarm control boxes
« Reply #2 on: November 01, 2018, 04:05:16 PM »
Usually batteries 4 years, detectors 9 and panel is fine if it works.

Offline AnthonyB

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Re: Replacement period for fire alarm control boxes
« Reply #3 on: November 01, 2018, 08:55:08 PM »
Sounds a bit fishy - there is no fixed lifespan on fire alarm panels, replacement is usually due upon total failure or if a component fails but the panel is out of production.

Where a panel (particularly addressable) becomes a legacy product (and if the field devices are too) then planned replacement is recommended as eventually you won't be able to keep the system operable (especially where the manufacturer's replacement products are not backward compatible).

Batteries are usually replaced at 4 years. It's an urban myth that all detectors have a fixed life - it comes from the fact that one manufacturers warranty period (recommended not fixed service life) happened to be 10 years and this is used by some service firms as a 'must replace' period for everything. As long as the devices function BS5839-1 does not place a fixed lifespan on equipment in it's maintenance section.

It would be interesting if you could post a picture of the panels to see if they are even legacy products in the first place!
Anthony Buck
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Offline Mike_upstairs

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Re: Replacement period for fire alarm control boxes
« Reply #4 on: November 07, 2018, 09:34:13 AM »
Attached picture (hopefully).  System does need upgrading to have a main box and two repeater boxes for the other units used by the business (currently three separate systems).

Offline SeaBass

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Re: Replacement period for fire alarm control boxes
« Reply #5 on: November 07, 2018, 12:52:24 PM »
In your place I'd be looking for more information and detail from the FAS engineer. By 'out of date' does he mean that proprietary panel components are no longer available, that the software is no longer supported, that his company will loose the engineers dongles/access codes, that the field devices are more than ten years old (not that, that makes any difference to the systems ability to detect fire) that the panel is not compliant with current BS or EN standards?

There are ways around all of these issues, you just need to know 'out of date' means.

Offline Mike_upstairs

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Re: Replacement period for fire alarm control boxes
« Reply #6 on: November 07, 2018, 04:33:50 PM »
The FAS engineer stated that they would need replacing this time next year, as they would be 10 years old, and therefore out of date and not compliant.
From the information I've received here so far, it looks like they may be just going on the 10 year manufacturers warranty angle, as all units have previously (and as of last week) been given a clean bill of health.

The only issue is that our company has taken over, and combined, three separate work units over the years, with individual alarm systems (albeit the same type) in each one.

An independent fire risk assessment carried out earlier this year specified that these must now be linked in order to sound across all three units art the same time, although the open plan nature of the subsequent layout means that any one of the systems can be heard across the whole site when activated.

If this is the case, then I understand the need to upgrade, rather than replace, the existing equipment.  As the alarm sounders/klaxons themselves have also been in place for 10 years, would these need to be upgraded as well to meet current legislative requirements? ??? :-\

Offline AnthonyB

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Re: Replacement period for fire alarm control boxes
« Reply #7 on: November 07, 2018, 08:46:52 PM »
They are Gent xenex conventional panels, still made and supported can usually be linked using the various inputs, outputs, zones, etc.

Your fire alarm company is trying to take you for a ride and sting you for a few quid!

https://www.gent.co.uk/products/conventional-fire-detection/Xenex%20Panel/103/

Anthony Buck
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Offline Mike_upstairs

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Re: Replacement period for fire alarm control boxes
« Reply #8 on: November 08, 2018, 08:48:51 AM »
Beginning to sound like it - so even though they are three separate systems, they can still be linked to operate from one of the control panels in the main office without having to change two of the panels for 'repeater' panels?
Might get a couple of other quotes and inspections in to see what variation I get on the situation/recommendations.

Thanks for all your advice so far people! ;D :)

Offline AnthonyB

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Re: Replacement period for fire alarm control boxes
« Reply #9 on: November 08, 2018, 09:43:49 PM »
Yes they have auxiliary fire & common fire outputs to signal other panels or equipment and can also receive a signal using a spare zone or class change if the main thing you need is just for all three panels evacuating at once
Anthony Buck
Owner & Fire Safety Consultant at Fire Wizard


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Offline Owain

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Re: Replacement period for fire alarm control boxes
« Reply #10 on: November 08, 2018, 09:53:00 PM »
Is the FAS engineer's own certificates less than 10 years old, or have they expired too?  ;D

Offline Fire Monkey

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Re: Replacement period for fire alarm control boxes
« Reply #11 on: November 12, 2018, 09:02:54 PM »
If you end up replacing the panel make sure its open protocol and not closed - that way you can get any qualified company to service it. If its closed you re stuck with the installer......

Offline Mike_upstairs

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Re: Replacement period for fire alarm control boxes
« Reply #12 on: November 14, 2018, 11:48:26 AM »
Cheers! ;D