Notifier NF WP LifeCycleCost M-WP-LSC 06-11 pdf

Fire Alarm Systems A Life Cycle Cost Perspective too often the job of deciding which fire alarm system to purchase for facility is delegated to an electrical contractor While that not auto a bad approach it may not be the best one either Often the contractor is more concerned with quickly getting a building or a renovation project completed rather than finding a system is the most user friendly works effectively and provides value to the owner over the long term industry experts say avoid this the building owner or facility manager must be an active in the purchasing decision While the initial cost of a fire system may be significant lack of involvement in the purchasing can prove to be much more costly when it comes to maintain or upgrading the system a first step the facility manager should research fire alarm manufac and their portfolio of products and solutions online He or she also consult with facility managers and electrical contractors in the area to find out which manufacturers and distributors they prefer on system capabilities dependability and long range cost savings the facility manager should ask at least three fire alarm systems to demonstrate their equipment He would typically do this for an energy management system and fixtures and should do it for fire alarm system as well Service Contract a fire alarm system is installed the biggest drivers of cost are maintenance annual testing and system adds To keep these under control the facility manager or building owner should what maintenance and testing work is covered by the service He or she should also determine the cost of a clearly defined agreement before the system is installed almost impossible to get too specific when outlining the services be included in a service agreement Building owners should discuss following items with the service provider and getting their terms writing The current hourly rate as well as any premium for calls on nights and holidays The length of time these rates will be in effect Whether the provider imposes a minimum charge for a service call if so how much it is The frequency with which labor rates increase The amount and date of the last price increase The average time to respond to an emergency Whether the service provider offers a discount if any from the price list for parts The length of the warranty period Whether the warranty covers both parts and labor as well as Whether system training is available to the end user and how testing it costs evaluating system technology facility managers should keep in that any system from a reputable vendor should meet building As a result the purchase decision needs to consider other fac One is the ability of the system to expand or adapt if for instance addition is affixed to the building or the use of the building changes for flexibility managers also want to verify that they will be able to continue the equipment in place even when the vendor upgrades technol The facility should be able to migrate over time to the new system compromising the operation of the existing system Upgrading replacing the system in stages rather than all at once can lessen financial burden placed on building management as well as reduce interruption of day to day operations also makes sense to ask how long the current technology has been operation If a particular system has been on the market for 10 12 years or more it may be approaching the point at it is a candidate for replacement however a facility manager have to replace a system that just a few years old or worry it won be supported facilities managers should ask the manufacturer to provide published list prices for parts and make sure it is updated yearly that you not being charged more than list price for any parts Don be deterred if a provider says that it doesn published list prices because they all do facility manager may want to ask about the amount and type of training the alarm vendor provides The larger the building more important that a facility employee have some training on the operation Similarly if a facility is occupied around the clock is helpful to have an employee from each shift who understands the fire alarm systems are proprietary in the sense that one vendor won work with another vendor control panel However a manager will want to look for a vendor that has several distribu in his or her area That way the facility manager will enjoy the of having multiple options for parts and service in the future facilities managers should find it easier to that they are getting the best fire alarm systems for their facili That because the systems are moving to a new category within Master Format Division 28 of the Construction Specification Instead of being a sub contractor to the electrical subcontrac fire alarm system manufacturers now will be at the same level as trades such as flooring windows HVAC telephones etc That make it easier for building owners and facility managers to gain access to information on the systems Because they will be the owning the fire alarm system or interacting with it on a regular building owners and facility managers should select a system on their specific needs and wants rather than having an electri contractor choose it for them Doing so will provide them with the value over the life of the fire alarm system in Life Safety Technology WORLD HEADQUARTERS Clintonville Road CT 06472 States of America 203 484 7161 203 484 7118 information on regional office locations throughout the world please visit www notifier com over 60 years NOTIFIER has been a leader in the fire alarm industry Today we are largest manufacturer of engineered fire alarm systems with over 400 distributors and regional support operations on every continent to ensure we provide flexibility and options your business needs Leaders in Life Safety Technology 6 11