Fire Panels - replace or refurbish?

[Irelast]

Hello,
I'm responsible for a large portfolio of buildings many of which that date back to 60s and 70s. I'm being asked to approve the replacement of fire panels in these building with modern ones for $10s of thousands each. Justifications given by the facility operators are things like:
a) Fire marshall says this needs to be done.
b) Panel is getting unreliable due to age.
c) False alarms sometimes.

1. Could I have your opinions whether this is really necessary?
2. Aren't these old panels just a bunch of relays that can be replaced individually for much less money?
3. Are new panels going to provide any other benefits?

Thank you,
I.

 

[waross]

a) Fire marshall says this needs to be done.

If the fire marshal is saying this in writing then that is sufficient justification.
I remember bidding a fire alarm upgrade for a large hotel in the 70's. The low bid was over $500,000.00

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

 

[davidbeach]

You needed only go as far as a). The technology has changed so much since then that trying to refurbish would just be good money after bad.

 

[dpc]

Agree with David. If the fire marshal has stated this, then that's that. You could appeal, but I certainly wouldn't with systems that old. Recent high rise fires should be a good reminder that this is not where you want to scrimp or defer.

Fire alarm panels are UL-listed and generally cannot be modified by the owner without loss of UL certification, although perhaps field certification might be possible. I'd also be concerned about state of detectors and wiring. New systems offer vastly more options and capabilities, but don't overlook need to replace detectors and perhaps wiring.

 

[robertjo24]

Run this by your company's legal team. They will not hesitate to back repalcement...