How to Upgrade Fire Alarm Systems & Avoid Challenges of Older Telegraph Systems

For all industrial facilities, fire alarm systems are a key component of safety infrastructure. However, maintaining older telegraph equipment, including some originally manufactured by Gamewell, presents significant challenges.

Just because you may have some older or legacy equipment doesn't mean that you need to replace all of its parts. You can keep getting value from your existing investment.

Together, we'll now analyze an interview with a Digitize engineer, John, to see how the right upgrades can:

• save your budget (and spread purchasing across many budget cycles)
• maximize system longevity
• allow for future scalability of your system

The Problem: Having Older Telegraph Alarm Systems

During the interview, John discussed an issue with a particular client. John mentioned that this client, who is working at a chemical plant in Delaware, explained:

“They do monitor fire alarm control panels with some of the newer equipment, but they still use their old telegraph equipment for blowing horns and ringing bells and alerting people. And they've had issues with the old telegraph equipment just in trying to maintain it.”

The difficulty in sourcing replacement parts for these telegraph-based systems often leads to temporary fixes using makeshift solutions. Over time, these stopgap measures become less effective. This leads to an increased risk of system failure. For this customer, finding a sustainable solution had become a pressing problem after nearly a decade of patchwork repairs.

Makeshift Repairs Aren't Good Enough

Attempting to keep outdated telegraph systems operational can be a costly and ultimately futile effort. The client noted:

“Finding parts for these older systems can be difficult. You can sometimes get some companies that will repair older equipment and then you can 'baling wire and bubblegum' this stuff back together. They've been doing this in this particular facility for about 8 to 10 years now.”

This approach often fails because it doesn't address the core issue: the obsolescence of the equipment. Even with repairs, the inherent limitations of old technology (and simple wear and tear after decades of use) mean the systems are prone to repeated failures. This poses as an ongoing maintenance challenge and potential safety risk. John further elaborated on the client's current setup and needs:

“They've just recently gotten to the point where they cannot get replacement parts anymore for their telegraph. So we had over the years offered to replace that with brand new Digitize telegraph equipment, which will be a direct replacement for their equipment originally manufactured by Gamewell.”

Continual maintenance of aging systems is not only expensive but also increases the risk of critical failures. Temporary fixes and patchwork solutions may offer short-term relief but fail to address the underlying issues.

You Can Have a Gradual Transition to Modern Fire Alarm Systems

The ideal scenario for any facility using older fire alarm systems would be a smooth and gradual transition to strong, reliable equipment that integrates with existing infrastructure. This would ensure a well-rounded and consistent performance, significantly reducing the risk of system failure and the associated safety hazards. That involves:

• Easy integration with existing systems: Modern fire alarm systems should be compatible with any remaining legacy equipment to ensure a smooth transition.
• Enhanced reliability and maintainability: New systems should be designed to require minimal maintenance and provide easy access to replacement parts.
• Comprehensive monitoring capabilities: Advanced features such as detailed diagnostics and real-time alerts would greatly enhance the safety and efficiency of telegraph and fire alarm systems.

New Boxes Can Be Significantly Smaller for Easy Installation

Digitize offers a replacement for telegraph systems. The new Digitize Form Four system is designed to be compatible with existing setups. This makes upgrading your system a straightforward process. John noted the client's upgrade plan:

“It's going to be quite a bit smaller than their original systems. They're going to be getting a brand new 19" rack mount for their system as well as the new Form Four system. When that's installed, that will take up less than a third of the footprint of their old Form Four setup, which was originally manufactured by Gamewell.”

The reduced footprint and enhanced features of the Form Four system make it an attractive option for facilities looking to modernize their fire alarm systems. The new system occupies significantly less space, enhancing ease of installation and maintenance. The system's compatibility with existing infrastructure ensures that the transition is smooth and efficient, minimizing downtime and disruptions.

Get Comprehensive Training and Support

One of the critical advantages of upgrading to a Form Four system is the comprehensive training and support provided by Digitize. John pointed out the client has benefitted from their training and support experiences:

“Training includes maintaining our systems, how to measure and test and repair their 100 milliamp loops with the newer Form Four equipment, and other related knowledge.”

Proper training ensures that facility staff are well-equipped to handle the new system, maintaining its efficiency and reliability over time. The training covers essential aspects such as system diagnostics, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting techniques. This empowers your staff to manage the system effectively.

Expanding Capabilities with Multiplex Systems

Digitize’s solutions also offer the potential for expanding monitoring capabilities beyond just fire alarms. John mentioned other aspects of the site that the client monitors:

“They're monitoring other fire alarm control panels and inputs, water flow switches, and other areas throughout the plants with our multiplex system, so the two will be working side by side.”

The integration of multiplex systems allows facilities to monitor a wide range of parameters. This enhances overall safety and operational efficiency.

These systems can track various inputs, including water flow, smoke detectors, and other critical indicators. This provides comprehensive monitoring and prompt alerts for any issues you may face.

Planning for Future Upgrades and Expansion

Upgrading to Digitize’s Form Four system also sets the stage for future expansions and upgrades. John indicated:

“The client will likely expand their multiplexing system as they start to replace some of their older fire alarm control panels, which age over time.”

As facilities replace older fire alarm control panels, the integration of newer Digitize interface equipment will provide detailed, point-specific information. This capability enhances the precision and reliability of the monitoring system. This dependability makes sure that any issues are quickly identified and addressed.

Ensuring Long-Term Reliability with Fiber Optic and Ethernet Communications

Looking ahead, many facilities are moving towards fiber optic and Ethernet communications to enhance the reliability and efficiency of their monitoring systems. John noted:

“Fiber optic lines are something they now have available because copper is becoming more and more difficult to maintain and it is very expensive. More and more facilities do have fiber or Ethernet communications.”

Upgrading to fiber optic and Ethernet communications ensures that the monitoring system remains robust and reliable, even as technology and infrastructure evolve. This forward-thinking approach helps facilities stay ahead of potential issues, ensuring long-term operational efficiency and safety.

Enhance Your Monitoring with a Form Four System

If you have telegraph alarm boxes, upgrading to Digitize’s Form Four system is a great step towards ensuring long-term safety and operational efficiency. The new system not only integrates well with existing setups but also provides enhanced features that significantly improve reliability and maintainability.

Don’t wait until your system fails. Contact Digitize today to make a plan or ask any questions. Schedule a consultation to learn more about how our advanced fire alarm monitoring solutions can safeguard your facility.

Call 1-800-693-0351 or email info@digitize-inc.com today to upgrade your telegraph and fire alarm system.