February 1, 2011
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Smoke detector devices / end of life issue
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comment
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Ken,
This is in response to Dan Deckers comments regarding smoke alarms.
Hey Dan...The specs for system sensor smoke "detectors" (last page) say manufacturer life span is 10 years. So this means their only good for 10 years! Other brands say the same thing!
Be careful what your saying here because allot of techs read these comments and you are "steering" them wrong. They may leave smoke detectors in for too many years based on what you said, and the detectors may not work when needed. My 23 years of experience has shown me that after detectors get over 10 or 12 years old their not as "sensitive". Therefore, possibly not reacting like they should.
Greg
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comment
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Ken,
With respect to the issue about residential smoke detectors needing to be replaced after 10 years, that’s not true. Only smoke alarms are required to be replaced after 10 years. Smoke detectors generally connect to a control panel that controls notification appliances, smoke alarms generally have a self contained notification appliance.
Thanks!
Daniel G. Decker, CFPS, CPP, SET
Safety Systems, Inc.
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personal liability
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Question
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Ken,
I see more and more concern popping in the e-mails here about being personally sued, (other than c or s corp or llc) is there personal insurance for owners in case they get sued personally? What’s is called exactly?
HSS
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Answer
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Your business should carry E&O insurance designed for the alarm industry. There may be a personal policy you can get, but I don't know about it. Maybe one of the insurance brokers who participate in this forum can address this issue.
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Liability to third parties
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comment
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Ken
Interesting, and maybe too complicated. Tenants "operate" and "rely on" elevators, garbage disposal, lights, HVAC thermostats, and other electric / electronic devices and machinery - without signed contract. Tenants also rely on fire protection and sprinklers, even if they don't operate these devices. I'm not quite sure if it is even possible to know all tenants (in shopping malls, office buildings, even apartment houses or two family dwellings), keep track of new tenants and be there with contract in hand whenever someone moves in.
When you install an alarm system and the landlord or owner signs contract, that person should be liable for proper use of the system and any losses. In other words, the alarm installer shouldn't have any liability for babysitter, aunt Agnes, or tenants.
Dusan
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Access control contract
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Question
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Ken,
I just returned from the 2011 ESA Leadership Summit that was held in Texas. A lot of great ideas were flying around the place. One in particular that interested me was the RMR opportunity centered around hosting an access control solution for customers/clients. I love this idea but as I think about it I keep coming back to the need for some sort of contract for this arrangement, much like contracts for alarm monitoring. Do you think that your model contract could be tailored for this application?
Mark W
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The Access Contract Administration Contract was designed to increase RMR for access control systems. Seems like the contract you describe.
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Fire contracts
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Question
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Hi Ken,
I’ve been reading your column for about a year and would like to purchase your contracts. My question is, we are a full service fire protection company provide installation, service, inspection, and monitoring for alarms, sprinklers, and suppression.
I believe I need to look at your fire alarm all in one. Would I need anything else to cover sprinklers and suppression?
Best regards,
Mark S
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Answer
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The Fire All in One is our premium contract for commercial fire installations, monitoring, service and inspection.
We also have the Fire Inspection Service contract which is designed for Security Equipment/Extinguisher/ Smoke Detector/Sprinkler & CO Inspection
These contracts offer up to date protective provisions as well as encourage and increase RMR.