How to Repair a Fire-Lite Fire Alarm

Verify the alarm panel is getting power. It should be hard-wired into the building's power supply and should also have a battery backup. If the panel is completely turned off and not responding, it may be wired incorrectly or there may be a short in the system.

Inspect all the building's individual sensors. The panel tells you which sensors are causing an alarm. The sensor itself may be faulty and need replacement. Wipe away any dust from the sensors as well, since this may cause a false alarm. Likewise, a sensor too close to a heat source such as a radiator needs repositioning to prevent false alarms.

Hit the "Reset" button on the panel once any existing alarms are shut off. This restarts the panel and may correct an error, but the system will only reset when there's not an existing alarm.

Inspect the panel for error codes. The meaning of the code varies per model, so check your manual to see what a specific error code means; this tells you exactly what must be fixed in many cases. The system is designed to evaluate itself and report problems. If the panel isn't clear, check the printer if your system has one. Fire-Lite systems often have a printer that consistently records system status, alarms and errors so you have a hard copy backup in the event of a panel failure.

Remove the panel from its wall mounting and check the wires plugged into the back. If the wires were stripped of insulation when pulled through the wall for installation, they may cross with each other, causing shorts and errors. The wires need replacement if this is the case. All power must be disconnected before you handle the wires.

Check the power requirements for your specific system in the owner's manual. If you have too many smoke detectors hooked up to the same circuit or zone, the power demands send the system into alarm mode until one or more of the devices is uninstalled. This is especially likely if your system started malfunctioning right after a new device was added.

Turn off any nearby communication equipment, such as handheld radios. In some cases, the radios create interference that results in false alarm activation.

Request a professional examination from an alarm specialist if the system still malfunctions. The panel itself may need replacement or the system may need rewiring, which should only be done by an experienced pro.