Information for Building Owners and Facility Managers

General Information

If your building is protected by a radio fire alarm box connected to the Burrillville Fire Alarm municipal fire alarm system, fire dispatchers are notified within seconds of a fire alarm activation.  This service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at no cost to you except the original installation of the box and periodic maintenance.

The radio fire alarm box sends a signal to our dispatch center and backup receivers each day.  It will alert us if there is a problem that may prevent the box from functioning properly.  Some of the most common problems we may receive include:

Low Battery                       The backup battery is low and needs replacement.

Loss of AC Power             The power to the box has been disconnected or a fuse has blown.

Tilt/Intrusion                     The box has been opened without authorization struck, hit or damaged.

Zone Trouble                     The wiring between the fire alarm box and fire panel is faulty.

In these cases, you may hear a continuous beeping tone emitting from the radio box.  Oftentimes, since the type of trouble may be a lower priority than other calls, you may notice this sound before we are notified.

Anytime you hear the trouble tone, please contact Burrillville Fire Alarm and a representative will respond as quickly as possible.  We will open the box, assess the problem and provide Information as to the source of the problem and what needs to be done to fix it.  Our response service is also provided at no cost to you; however, if physical repairs or parts are required, you may be directed to contact your fire alarm service company to make the necessary repairs.  You will be responsible for all costs associated with your fire alarm service company. 

Preventative Maintenance

A few simple maintenance tasks can help keep your radio fire alarm box functioning properly:

Keep the general area around the box clean.  Dirt, dust, water or chemicals can cause damage to the electronic components and transmitter.

Avoid placing objects near the antenna as they can interfere with signal transmission.

Make sure the mechanical antenna components and connections are water-tight.  Water leaking into the conduit can migrate to the radio box and cause damage.  This is common with ice buildup in the area of the antenna.

Replace the battery every 5 years.  RI law requires that fire alarm batteries be replaced every five years.  In many cases, your fire alarm service company will supply the batteries when they change the ones in the fire alarm panel.  You or the service technician must contact us to open the box and clear the trouble alarm when the battery is disconnected.  You may supply the battery and we will replace it free of charge.  See below for battery information.