Experiencing continuous alarms and supervisory signals on your control panel when there is no fire emergency? If your alarm system appears to have a mind of its own and sends repeated alarms without an emergency, you may be dealing with what alarm technicians call a “runaway” panel.
What Causes a Runaway Fire Alarm Panel?
There are a few different possibilities of a runaway panel that can be easily remedied, either by yourself or with the help of a trained technician. Let’s walk through a few of the most common causes:
Contaminated Smoke Detectors. Over time, dust and debris can build up inside smoke detectors, which is why frequent testing and cleaning of detectors is so important. Other environmental conditions such as steam from kitchens, rapid temperature changes, or aerosol sprays can be the cause of your ongoing alarm. These conditions are some of the easiest fixes for a runaway panel.
Wiring Issues. Sometimes, checking the wiring of your panel and ensuring nothing is connected to short circuits can solve your issue. However, it is important to be aware that trying to guess where wiring should go can lead to more problems. This is why the help of a trained professional is highly recommended in situations involving wiring issues.
Older Devices. If your panel, detectors, or sensors have passed the 10-year mark since installation and are giving you constant trouble, it may be time to replace or upgrade your system completely. Sensors can become oversensitive and unreliable as they age, and by this point a replacement is the most efficient solution.
System Power Supply. When circuit breakers or fuses blow, this can disconnect your system from its main power source. Ensuring that your system has a backup battery in good condition is important in this situation. If there is not a backup battery, a technician should be called to reinstall the correct batteries for your system.
The most important thing to remember in the scenario of a runaway panel is to not ignore it! Just because there is no fire present does not mean there is no issue. Ignoring issues with your control panel can lead to response delays and disruptions, accidental emergency response dispatches, code violations, and may even put people in danger in the case of an actual fire.
Even if you believe your problem is minor, a trained technician will be able to help diagnose the issue and ensure that your alarm system acts as the crucial life-saving device that it should be.
Need Fire Alarm Repair or Inspection?
If you’re experiencing recurring alarms from a runaway panel or simply want to proactively inspect and evaluate your system, give us a call at 484-494-7724.