Western States Fire Protection Launches Awareness Campaign for Honeywell’s Connected Life Safety Services (CLSS)

Western States Fire Protection has begun a new campaign intended to connect clientele life safety systems to a centralized cloud platform. The Honeywell Connected Life Safety Services (CLSS) campaign is meant to support system integrators and facility managers with enhanced fire safety services. While the NFPA has found that 92% of sprinkler systems activated properly in the event of a fire, that still leaves 8% of systems that do not discharge. The number one reason was due to the system being previously shut off and not properly reactivated.

What is CLSS?

A CLSS system begins with a cloud-based platform which is connected to one or more fire alarm panels in a building, allowing users to monitor all system functions in real time. This allows users to better understand the ins and outs of the relevant fire system, including the ability to suggest upgrades and needs before parts of the system give out or become obsolete. These systems are easy to monitor on a variety of platforms ranging from desktop to mobile and are backed with cybersecurity protocols to help keep your systems safe.

Benefits of Honeywell CLSS for system integrators and providers:

  • Real-time insight into the health and status of the fire alarm and all connected peripherals in the relevant system.
  • Detailed system statuses allow for targeted repair and maintenance.
  • Remote capabilities for technicians to disable outputs, activate sounders, reset the panel(s), confirm location through LED activation, and even update device labels using their phone or tablet.
  • Assist in providing end-user life cycle costs and reports.
  • Generates digital compliance reports post-maintenance or inspection.

CLSS for system owners and facility management:

  • Predictive display of lifetime cost for fire system maintenance and repair.
  • Stores proof of compliance with all mandated requirements.
  • Cross-site connectivity that allows site managers to react quickly to incidents based on operational information.
  • A holistic view of all your facilities that ensures all sites are operating properly and tracks operational compliance, as well as all events such as fire, faults, troubles, and disablements.
  • Built-in cybersecurity technology that proactively monitors the cybersecurity landscape and help to safeguard data stored.

Building a Better Future with CLSS

With this new campaign, WSFP’s vision is to provide top-tier protection and compatibility. If you have a Honeywell system, or any fire protection/life safety system that does not have centralized cloud compatibility, this may be a sign to switch. Contact your local branch today for more information on the advantages of monitoring with CLSS.

Differences Between Fire Sprinklers & Pre-Action Systems

Fire Sprinkler Systems 

 

Fire sprinklers come in a variety of forms, wet pipe systems being a common choice. Wet pipe sprinkler systems in their most basic form are pipes filled with water that once activated, can flow freely to extinguish a fire. They are very easy to install and maintain, adding to their popularity. 

 

As the most basic type of sprinkler, wet pipe systems are the most affordable and effective option. There isn’t any delay in the release of the water, making them the perfect choice for buildings where fire can spread easily and excessive water damage isn’t a primary concern. 

 

Pre-action Systems 

 

Pre-action fire sprinkler systems consist of pipes that are filled with compressed air and closed sprinkler heads. The valves hold the water source from the pipe system and open once the system is activated. If a fire is detected, the pre-action valves are activated and water fills the pipes and is then a wet-pipe system. Each sprinkler head is then opened individually upon necessity. 

 

Reducing the damage caused by unnecessary sprinkler deployment is the primary reason for pre-action systems. If the fire is contained in a small area and easily extinguished by only a few sprinklers, the amount of water released into the building is minimized. In buildings with many assets that will be damaged by water, pre-action sprinklers are worth the investment. 

 

Pipe freezing, corrosion, or damage that causes water to leak is another reason pre-action sprinklers can minimize water damage to the building. If pipes aren’t properly maintained, inspected and temperature regulated, they could burst or break releasing water everywhere. Pre-action systems are dry pipe systems, meaning they don’t contain any water, protecting the building from accidental water damage. 

 

Which one is best for your application? 

 

Choosing a sprinkler system that is right for your specific application can be tricky! You can trust the fire protection experts at Western States Fire Protection to plan, design, implement, and service all of your fire protection needs across the United States! Our team of professionals can assess your building, risks, and assets and recommend the fire protection that best suits your needs. 

CARES Act Tax Deductions for Businesses

CARES Act Tax Deductions are Available for Your Business!

In March of 2020, during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. government signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or “CARES” Act. The aim was this bill was to provide tax relief for businesses affected by the coronavirus by applying tax breaks. These CARES Act tax deductions include any upgrades to fire sprinklers, fire alarms, special hazard safety systems, and security that took place during 2020. Organizations like the NFSA pushed for this opportunity, but there is still much to be done about informing business owners.

To get a better idea of how the process works, please refer to the table below that shows example figures and their deductibles. Much of the process is accelerated. Normally, the deductions are spread over 39 years, but thanks to Section 168, you can deduct all equipment and labor expenses from the first year.

CARES Act Tax Deduction Table

Table courtesy of American Fire Protection Group Inc.

What is Covered by the CARES Act?

With CARES Act tax deductions available, it is also important to understand what all may qualify. Those who are eligible are based on the following criteria:

  • Total replacement of old pipe (Dry Attic or Wet Systems that are corroded/nonfunctional)
  • Updating a Dry Valve or Wet Riser Valve
  • Updating a Dry System Air Compressor to a Nitrogen Generator
  • Upgrading existing sprinkler heads
  • Upgrading existing Dry Pendants
  • Upgrading an existing underground supply
  • Upgrading an existing schedule system to ESFR for today’s storage heights and commodity (insurance companies are now requiring this for commercial business)
  • Installing fire protection systems in existing buildings that were previously not protected
  • Upgrading fire alarm panels
  • Special Hazard Systems Upgrades

A Few More Things to Know

  • The CARES Act includes a full tax deduction for equipment and labor costs for life safety system upgrades on commercial properties.
  • Savings are retroactive for system upgrades implemented after January 1, 2018.
  • There is no maximum purchase amounts.

Next Steps

If you believe that your life safety upgrades qualify, we encourage you to visit home.treasury.gov for more information on what actions your business needs to take to receive its CARES Act tax deductions. Additionally, if you are looking to have your systems upgraded, contact us for a quote.