The Difference between Local and Central Fire Alarm Systems

Our tenants’ protection should always be our #1 priority. With the rising cases of fire in Massachusetts, fire alarms have been a big help. Although there are still casualties, less than 250 injuries and less than 50 casualties occurred last year. Our brave firefighters and of course, the fire alarm systems made a big difference.

Since every home in Massachusetts is required to have fire alarms, we’re going to share with you more about central and local fire alarm systems. Most people think every alarm systems operate and react in the same way. But that is not the case during emergencies. It still depends on what kind of fire alarm system that you have.

Local Fire Alarm System

A local fire alarm is specific to one area. Depending upon when it was built, sometimes they’re only battery-powered and the newer ones are hardwired with a battery backup.  If a fire happens in your unit, a local fire alarm system only turns off your smoke detectors and carbon. However, some of the newer buildings are built for central.

Central Fire Alarm System

A central fire alarm system has a central panel in the common area of a bigger space like buildings. All the units within that building are tied into that panel. If anything happens in any of the units, it sends a signal back to that local fire alarm panel, and then the central monitor in the fire alarm panel will call 911 and the Fire Department. We pay a service every single month to have it monitored. In addition, we will also be informed via text or call. Thus, we can run down to the building, if anything happens.

This happens with newer buildings because the code change throughout the area. Although there are still buildings in Beacon Hill that we manage that are grandfathered. No major renovations happened. Since it is not advisable, we will do our best to have it upgraded as soon as possible, otherwise, there will be buildings out there that don’t have to. This is usually required for commercial buildings which have four or more units. It doesn’t have to be a business commercial, just a certain size.

As a property management company, we will monitor and make sure that everything is okay and we have the testing, either quarterly or semi-annually or annually depending upon the National Fire Alarm System. We’ll make sure that everything is up to code. 

If you or anyone else you know is looking for a property manager that can educate you and guide you, such as smoke detectors, please think of Green Ocean Property Management, you get more than a property manager, you get peace of mind.