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Frequently Asked Questions

Does FESSI recharge all extinguishers?

No. We recharge 90% of extinguishers; however, if the extinguisher is exceedingly old, damaged, or has a plastic handle, the recharge becomes too dangerous to attempt on a potentially compromised extinguisher. We can, however, supply you with a low-cost replacement.

How often do extinguishers need to be serviced?

Extinguishers should be inspected monthly by the owner or an agent for the owner, and should be serviced annually by a professional. Every 6 years, the extinguisher should be brought in for an internal inspection. ​

How much does having my alarm system monitored by FESSI's central station cost?

Generally, our price fluctuates depending on the size of your residence or business, and the amount of devices needing to be monitored. For residential systems, monitoring can be as low as $16/month. For businesses and larger residences, monitoring can start as low as $20/month. If you're unsure where you would fall in this spectrum, contact our Alarm Manager from the Contact Us page.

How often do fire suppression systems need to be serviced?

Suppression systems should be inspected by the owner/owner's agent monthly.  Maintenance should be performed every 6 months by a professional.

How long will my alarm installation take/how much will it cost me?

When you request an installation from FESSI, our Alarm Manager, Tom Byrnes, will give you a quote. This quote will tell you how much the installation will cost you in its entirety, including how many hours we plan to spend installing your system. If there are any problems that arise during installation, one of the alarm installers will let you know of the obstacle, and how long it will take us to overcome said obstacle.

What kind of alarm system do I need?

Most people are going to need different systems for different purposes. In the initial quoting phase, our manager will ask you what features you'd like included in your system, such as controlling the panel through your smart phone, or having a panic button. Using your answers to these questions, our manager will work with you to choose the best system for your purposes.

Are wireless surveillance systems truly "wireless"?

No. All wireless cameras need to have at least a power cord connected to the camera. "Wireless" only refers to the way the data is transmitted to the DVR, which is through your internet service.

Do surveillance systems require monitoring?

Most surveillance systems do not require monitoring; once you buy it, you own it, and it's yours to view or not view as you see fit. If, however, the surveillance system is tied into your alarm system, it may require monitoring. For more information regarding whether or not you'd require monitoring, please call our Alarm Manager.

What should I do if I want a Carbon Dioxide (CO2) cylinder recharged?

We have a much easier time filling your CO2 cylinder if it's cold. So, before taking it in to see us, please leave it in your freezer for an hour, to allow the cylinder to cool down. Doing so means that your cylinder gets back to you faster once you take it in.

Is there anything I should do to my dry chemical extinguisher to ensure that it functions?

Yes. Dry chemical extinguishers, such as ABC and Class D extinguishers, use varying quantities of chemical powders, which are made to smother the fire efficiently. However, the powder can settle at the bottom of these extinguishers and compact itself, which may cause issues when you attempt to fire it. To prevent this, every few months, take your extinguisher, turn it upside down, and firmly strike the sides of the extinguisher with the flat palm of your hand. This process, called "fluffing", prevents the compaction of chemical, and ensures proper function of your extinguisher when​ used with the recommended maintenance schedule.