Can I Move the Fire Alarm Horn or Strobe?

Greetings Douglas,

I found your e-mail online doing research on fire systems.

I live in a condominium building that has an installed "modern" sprinkler, strobe, horn system. On one floor, and this may sound, no pun intended, kind of ridiculous but, the roughly 4 x 6 horn/strobe box is mounted in a spot between two sconces [lights on the wall] that prevent a piece of art from being centered on that wall. I haven't touched the box.

My question is, can that box be moved left or right, vertically or horizontally several inches without disturbing the system, and how is the box attached to the wall.

Thank You, MG

Moving the horn/strobe, by itself, isn't a problem. However, the location it's moved to is important. Also, even though the wiring looks to be simple, lengthening the wires or not using wiring practices specifically meant for fire alarm systems can result in the fire alarm system not properly functioning properly.

Just moving the box also requires CYA paperwork, and has hidden liabilities. In many localities, by law, the only ones allowed to move anything in the fire alarm system are licensed fire alarm companies.

Get a hold of the fire alarm company that normally services your building. Have them move it; having them move it will result in fewer headaches in the future.



Douglas Krantz