Fire Panels - replace or refurbish?
Fire Panels - replace or refurbish?
(OP)
Hello,
I'm responsible for a large portfolio of buildings many of which that date back to 60s and 70s. I'm being asked to approve the replacement of fire panels in these building with modern ones for $10s of thousands each. Justifications given by the facility operators are things like:
a) Fire marshall says this needs to be done.
b) Panel is getting unreliable due to age.
c) False alarms sometimes.
1. Could I have your opinions whether this is really necessary?
2. Aren't these old panels just a bunch of relays that can be replaced individually for much less money?
3. Are new panels going to provide any other benefits?
Thank you,
I.
I'm responsible for a large portfolio of buildings many of which that date back to 60s and 70s. I'm being asked to approve the replacement of fire panels in these building with modern ones for $10s of thousands each. Justifications given by the facility operators are things like:
a) Fire marshall says this needs to be done.
b) Panel is getting unreliable due to age.
c) False alarms sometimes.
1. Could I have your opinions whether this is really necessary?
2. Aren't these old panels just a bunch of relays that can be replaced individually for much less money?
3. Are new panels going to provide any other benefits?
Thank you,
I.





RE: Fire Panels - replace or refurbish?
I remember bidding a fire alarm upgrade for a large hotel in the 70's. The low bid was over $500,000.00
Bill
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"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: Fire Panels - replace or refurbish?
RE: Fire Panels - replace or refurbish?
Fire alarm panels are UL-listed and generally cannot be modified by the owner without loss of UL certification, although perhaps field certification might be possible. I'd also be concerned about state of detectors and wiring. New systems offer vastly more options and capabilities, but don't overlook need to replace detectors and perhaps wiring.
RE: Fire Panels - replace or refurbish?