🔥 Are Your Fire Detectors Too Old to Protect You?

Oct 14

🔥 Are Your Fire Detectors Too Old to Protect You?

By Mark Berrington Latest News

When was the last time you checked the age of your fire detection system?
If your detectors have been quietly hanging on the ceiling for more than a decade, they might be putting your building, and everyone in it, at serious risk.

According to leading manufacturer UTC Fire & Security (now Kidde Commercial), all fire detectors have a recommended working life of 10 years. After this period, even well-maintained devices can deteriorate, leading to slower response times, false alarms, or even result in complete failure to detect a real fire.

This degradation happens naturally as sensors, circuitry, and internal components age. Just like smoke turning a white ceiling grey over time, small, unseen changes inside the detector can affect its sensitivity and reliability.

“In the interests of safety and the avoidance of unwanted alarms, we recommend the routine replacement of detectors after 10 years of service.”
— UTC Fire & Security South Africa

⚠️ The Risks of Old Detectors

Failing to replace ageing detectors poses several risks:

Reduced sensitivity — smoke may go undetected until it’s too late.
Increased false alarms — disrupting operations, especially in hotels, retail, and industrial environments.
Non-compliance with insurance and safety standards — outdated systems may invalidate cover.
Obsolete parts — manufacturers stop producing replacement components, making maintenance nearly impossible.

We have various examples where legacy detectors installed over a decade ago were found to contribute to ongoing false alarms and loop faults. Replacing them with modern detectors significantly improved system stability and reliability.

🏗️ The Case for Modern Fire Detection Systems

Today’s intelligent fire detection systems are digital, addressable, and adaptive. They offer:

Real-time device monitoring and event logs
Quicker response times with fewer false alarms
Easier system integration with evacuation and access control systems
Long-term manufacturer support and component availability

Upgrading your system is not just a compliance exercise — it’s an investment in safety, efficiency, and peace of mind.

🧰 How QFA Solutions Can Help

At Quantum Fire and Access, we design, install, and maintain fire detection systems compliant with SANS 10139, ensuring long-term reliability and adherence to South African safety standards.
Our team can assess your existing system, identify devices nearing or past end-of-life, and propose a cost-effective upgrade path using certified products.

📞 Ready to Check Your System’s Health?

Let’s ensure your detectors will perform when you need them most.

Aug 07

Love0

The Hidden Risk in South Africa’s Solar Boom: Lithium-Ion Battery Fires

By Mark Berrington Latest News

South Africa is undergoing a solar revolution. With unreliable power supply and increasing electricity costs, over 4,400 MW of rooftop solar capacity has now been installed across the country – and that number is growing rapidly. For homes, businesses, and estates, solar energy offers a vital lifeline. But there’s an often-overlooked danger lurking in many of these installations: lithium-ion battery fires.

🔋 Why Lithium-Ion Batteries Are a Fire Hazard

While efficient and compact, lithium-ion batteries are highly flammable. If damaged, overcharged, or exposed to heat, these batteries can enter a state called thermal runaway – a self-heating reaction that leads to explosions and intense fires that are extremely difficult to extinguish with traditional methods.

In many cases, by the time someone notices the smoke, the fire has already become uncontrollable which might end up destroying property, putting lives at risk, and undermining the very purpose of investing in solar.

🚒 Fire Detection and Suppression Is Non-Negotiable

Most solar installations in South Africa are retrofitted into existing structures that weren’t designed with high-energy battery storage in mind. Without specialist fire detection and suppression systems, these setups are accidents waiting to happen.

It’s a dangerous misconception that a standard fire extinguisher will do the job. Most households and even commercial buildings are equipped with water or CO₂ extinguishers – neither of which is effective against lithium-ion battery fires. In fact, using the wrong extinguisher can worsen the situation or place the operator at risk. Specialist suppression agents, such as clean agents or dedicated Class D solutions, are essential and must be installed alongside detection systems that trigger early intervention.

🔍 A Growing Risk That Demands Expertise

Insurers are already starting to take a harder look at solar-related fire risk. In many commercial contexts, you may not even be covered if your fire protection is non-compliant or insufficient.

At Quantum Fire and Access, we’ve seen the risks firsthand and we know how to mitigate them. We offer:

Early warning fire detection systems tailored to battery enclosures and inverter rooms.
Specialist extinguishing systems designed for lithium-ion battery fires (not water or CO₂-based).
Customised fire risk assessments for existing solar installations.
24/7 monitoring and servicing to ensure systems are always operational.

Whether you’re a homeowner, estate manager, or facilities operator, investing in the right fire safety solution is just as important as investing in your solar setup.