6.3.1 Inadequate Installation

A Fire Alarm system must be installed in accordance with all the applicable codes and standards in order to provide adequate protection. An inspection and approval of the initial installation, or, after any changes to the system, must be conducted by the Local Authority Having Jurisdiction. Such inspections ensure installation has been carried out properly.

6.3.2 Power Failure

Control units, smoke detectors and many other connected devices require an adequate power supply for proper operation. If the system or any device connected to the system operates from batteries, it is possible for the batteries to fail. Even if the batteries have not failed, they must be fully charged, in good condition and installed correctly. If a device operates only by AC power, any interruption, however brief, will render that device inoperative while it does not have power. Power interruptions of any length are often accompanied by voltage fluctuations which may damage electronic equipment such as a fire alarm system. After a power interruption has occurred, immediately conduct a complete system test to ensure that the system operates as intended.

6.3.3 Failure of Replaceable Batteries

Systems with wireless transmitters have been designed to provide several years of battery life under normal conditions. The expected battery life is a function of the device environment, usage and type. Ambient conditions such as high humidity, high or low temperatures, or large temperature fluctuations may reduce the expected battery life. While each transmitting device has a low battery monitor which identifies when the batteries need to be replaced, this monitor may fail to operate as expected. Regular testing and maintenance will keep the system in good operating condition.

6.3.4 Compromise of Radio Frequency (Wireless) Devices

Signals may not reach the receiver under all circumstances which could include metal objects placed on or near the radio path or deliberate jamming or other inadvertent radio signal interference.

6.3.5 System Users

A user may not be able to operate a panic or emergency switch possibly due to permanent or temporary physical disability, inability to reach the device in time, or unfamiliarity with the correct operation. It is important that all system users be trained in the correct operation of the alarm system and that they know how to respond when the system indicates an alarm.

6.3.6 Automatic Alarm Initiating Devices

Smoke detectors, heat detectors and other alarm initiating devices that are a part of this system may not properly detect a fire condition or signal the control panel to alert occupants of a fire condition for a number of reasons, such as: the smoke detectors or heat detector may have been improperly installed or positioned; smoke or heat may not be able to reach the alarm initiating device, such as when the fire is in a chimney, walls or roofs, or on the other side of closed doors; and, smoke and heat detectors may not detect smoke or heat from fires on another level of the residence or building.

6.3.7 Software

Most Mircom products contain software. With respect to those products, Mircom does not warranty that the operation of the software will be uninterrupted or error-free or that the software will meet any other standard of performance, or that the functions or performance of the software will meet the user's requirements. Mircom shall not be liable for any delays, breakdowns, interruptions, loss, destruction, alteration or other problems in the use of a product arising our of, or caused by, the software.

Every fire is different in the amount and rate at which smoke and heat are generated. Smoke detectors cannot sense all types of fires equally well. Smoke detectors may not provide timely warning of fires caused by carelessness or safety hazards such as smoking in bed, violent explosions, escaping gas, improper storage of flammable materials, overloaded electrical circuits, children playing with matches or arson.

Even if the smoke detector or heat detector operates as intended, there may be circumstances when there is insufficient warning to allow all occupants to escape in time to avoid injury or death.

6.3.8 Alarm Notification Appliances

Alarm Notification Appliances such as sirens, bells, horns, or strobes may not warn people or waken someone sleeping if there is an intervening wall or door. If notification appliances are located on a different level of the residence or premise, then it is less likely that the occupants will be alerted or awakened. Audible notification appliances may be interfered with by other noise sources such as stereos, radios, televisions, air conditioners or other appliances, or passing traffic. Audible notification appliances, however loud, may not be heard by a hearing-impaired person.

6.3.9 Telephone Lines

If telephone lines are used to transmit alarms, they may be out of service or busy for certain periods of time. Also the telephone lines may be compromised by such things as criminal tampering, local construction, storms or earthquakes.

6.3.10 Insufficient Time

There may be circumstances when the system will operate as intended, yet the occupants will not be protected from the emergency due to their inability to respond to the warnings in a timely manner. If the system is monitored, the response may not occur in time enough to protect the occupants or their belongings.

6.3.11 Component Failure

Although every effort has been made to make this system as reliable as possible, the system may fail to function as intended due to the failure of a component.

6.3.12 Inadequate Testing

Most problems that would prevent an alarm system from operating as intended can be discovered by regular testing and maintenance. The complete system should be tested as required by national standards and the Local Authority Having Jurisdiction and immediately after a fire, storm, earthquake, accident, or any kind of construction activity inside or outside the premises. The testing should include all sensing devices, keypads, consoles, alarm indicating devices and any other operational devices that are part of the system.

6.3.13 Security and Insurance

Regardless of its capabilities, an alarm system is not a substitute for property or life insurance. An alarm system also is not a substitute for property owners, renters, or other occupants to act prudently to prevent or minimize the harmful effects of an emergency situation.

IMPORTANT NOTE: End-users of the system must take care to ensure that the system, batteries, telephone lines, etc. are tested and examined on a regular basis to ensure the minimization of system failure.

6.4.1 International Warranty

The warranty for international customers is the same as for any customer within Canada and the United States, with the exception that Mircom shall not be responsible for any customs fees, taxes, or VAT that may be due.