Why is it important for fire alarms to be installed after construction is completed?

The primary reason fire alarms should be installed after construction is complete relates to the prevention of false alarms during the building process. When construction is underway, various activities like dust generation, equipment operation, and material handling can trigger fire alarms unnecessarily. Such false alarms not only lead to disruption but can also diminish the credibility of the alarm system, potentially causing confusion or desensitization among workers and occupants.

While laws and regulations dictate certain safety measures, including the installation of fire alarms, these legal aspects often aim to enforce safety standards rather than serve as a direct reason for the timing of installation. Furthermore, although functioning fire alarms are indeed effective for safety during use, this effectiveness is not the primary concern regarding timing; it becomes relevant once the building is occupied and operational. The complexity of the installation process can vary, but it isn’t the main factor in determining the right timing for installation.

Thus, preventing false alarms during construction is the best rationale for installing fire alarms after the construction phase.