Municipal Fire Alarm Monitoring Trends Over the Years: 2000 to Today

Fire alarm monitoring systems have seen significant advancements over the years. However, they still face challenges in ensuring efficiency and reliability. Drawing from his extensive experience as a fire alarm inspector, one of our clients shared insights on the evolution of these systems.

As we break down his experience-based advice, we will:

• Highlight the enduring strengths and areas for improvement for the fire alarm monitoring systems.
• Make recommendations on how to build the best monitoring system for your site.

The RAD-8LS unit consists of 12VDC battery, AC transformer, microprocessor control board, and AM or FM radio transmitter.

Outdated and Complex Systems

Fire alarm systems are critical for the safety of public buildings. Many municipalities still rely on older equipment. Our client mentioned that as he began his career in the early 2000s, he frequently encountered older fire alarm systems, particularly the RAD-8LS units:

"I first started working as a fire alarm inspector in 2005 or 2006. I would go to some municipalities outside of Rochester, but most were in Rochester. Every single government building I'd go into. So I have a lot of experience with the RAD-8LS's."

Despite their age, these systems were robust and rarely needed replacements except for damage caused by lightning. However, the programming of these units left much to be desired, indicating a need for modernization:

"I rarely have to replace anything out in the field except for the transmitters due to lightning. The programming, however, has definite room for improvement, I think."

No Adaptability Causes Inefficiencies

Historically, fire alarm systems like the RAD-8LS have been durable. Although durable, the systems could be improved with newer features that were not available when it was originally made. Our client noted that the absence of a configuration port for easy laptop interfacing exemplifies this lack of modern features.

This inability to adapt has caused inefficiencies and frustrations among technicians who must work with these systems in various challenging environments:

"The configuration port—or the programming port—is non-existent. You can see the solder connections on the board, and then you can see 'prog' on the board, and then there's nothing there."

While the manual provided clear guidance, the physical hardware's limitations highlighted the need for more features. Specifically, our client was seeking a user-friendly interface and better integration with contemporary technology.

"The RAD-8LS manual itself is easy to read and figure out. And it's not terribly difficult programming by any means."

Advanced and User-Friendly Systems

The ideal fire alarm system would be one that could combine durability with advanced technology. This would ease programming and maintenance.

Such a system would allow technicians to manage fire alarms efficiently using tools like laptops and mobile devices. This system would feature enhanced communication capabilities, data logging, and seamless integration with other safety and security systems.

The real-time alerts and diagnostic information provided enable proactive maintenance and swift responses to any issues. The system's design would withstand extreme environmental conditions, ensuring reliable performance in any situation.

Addressing Field Challenges

Working in the field brings unique challenges that highlight the strengths and limitations of existing fire alarm monitoring systems. Our client's experiences with their fire department have provided valuable lessons in addressing these issues effectively.

Maintenance in Harsh Conditions

Fire alarm systems must be reliable in various conditions. Maintenance in harsh weather poses significant challenges. Our client highlighted one recurring issue involving battery maintenance in extreme temperatures:

"Really old RAD 211 cottage shell units (some call them 'bird houses'), which run on battery, only require you to go out and change batteries too. Inside there's a weathertight enclosure with a RAD 211 and it also has a power supply on the battery. It's an electronics power supply. It's an outstanding product, though. My gosh, they really don't go bad. They're excellent."

These systems feature batteries with planned obsolescence. The batteries were designed to run for only 6 months. The intent is to recharge or replace these every 6-month cycle. This planned failure of the devices necessitates frequent maintenance:

"So every six months or so you go out as a rotational thing and just replace the batteries or take them out and recharge them and swap them out."

The latest version of the RAD 211 addresses these concerns. The 12V 7.5Ah battery allows the device to last well beyond 6 months. This allows you to save time and money on travel to the site as well as save on replacement or charging costs.

The newer RAD 211 is a long-lasting solution to older, failing units

Batteries Face Temperature Fluctuations

Traditional fire alarm systems, while durable, are not always optimized for extreme conditions. Failing every 6 months is not the only issue with the older versions of the RAD 211. Our client pointed out:

"The batteries don't like the cold. They don't like the heat."

In addition to failing every 6 months, these older models also fail during extreme temperatures. This creates the possibility that the lifespan of these devices is much less than 6 months. This leads to even more frequent replacements as well as more frequent costs for these replacement trips.

Our client noted when battery failures often take place:

"When that always happens, though, is without a question during the middle of a blizzard when it's 20 degrees outside."

All batteries are susceptible to failure in extreme conditions. It's an inherent quality of batteries. However, the newest RAD 211 is able to fare much better during harsh weather conditions after undergoing changes from our engineering team.

Digitize engineer John Ermatinger added that the newer models utilize a different power supply:

"Some newer RAD211 separate power supply and are not just sitting on a pole. They convert AC to 12VDC power supply using power from the interior of building. To do so, a hole is drilled through the wall and into the enclosure."

Expanding Capabilities with Advanced Integration

Beyond strong hardware, the integration capabilities of Digitize systems provide additional benefits. The System 3505 (the earlier version of the System 3505 Prism LX) can be used to monitor units like the RAD-211 and RAD-8LS, ensuring that areas of a network remain under vigilant supervision. By linking these devices to the System 3505, users can centralize control and monitoring, improving the overall efficiency and responsiveness of their fire alarm infrastructure.

Additionally, the System 3505 offers significant redundancy capabilities. If one System 3505 unit fails, another can seamlessly take over its monitoring and control functions. This ensures continuous protection without interruption.

This redundancy feature is crucial for maintaining reliable operations, as it ensures that all parts of a facility are covered and that any issues are quickly identified and addressed. This level of integration and redundancy significantly enhances the reliability and efficiency of fire alarm monitoring systems, providing peace of mind and continuous protection.

Don't Let Your System Die of Old Age

If you're responsible for the safety and security of municipal buildings, upgrading to reliable fire alarm monitoring systems is a critical step towards enhancing the efficiency and reliability of your efforts.

Don't let outdated technology hinder your safety protocols or operations. Contact Digitize to learn more about our advanced fire alarm monitoring solutions and how they can transform your safety infrastructure.

Call 1-800-523-7232 or email info@digitize-inc.com today.

Andrew Erickson

Andrew Erickson is an Application Engineer at DPS Telecom, a manufacturer of semi-custom remote alarm monitoring systems based in Fresno, California. Andrew brings more than 17 years of experience building site monitoring solutions, developing intuitive user interfaces and documentation, and...Read More