You trust your fire alarm to always be ready to alert you and your facility when a fire breaks out. But how can you have the peace of mind that the system will work when you need it to? The answer is through regular testing and inspection of your fire alarm system. Periodic testing & inspections help you:
- Identify components of the system that may have been changed or damaged.
- Identify impairments or deficiencies in the system.
- Ensure that each fire alarm device is working properly.
- Keep you compliant with federal, state, and local fire codes.
The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) has developed standards for testing and inspection of fire alarm systems. NFPA 72 lays out the frequencies that your system needs to be inspected as follows:
Annually
All equipment should be visually inspected on an annual basis by a qualified professional. During this inspection, our technicians will ensure that there haven’t been any changes to the system that could impact its performance. They’ll assess building modifications, device locations, obstructions, damage, and cleanliness. They will also test all components of your system and document any deficiencies that arise.
Semiannually
NFPA 72 also requires that some fire alarm components, such as batteries, duct detectors, smoke detectors, and others, be visually inspected and tested on a semiannual basis.
Quarterly
Fire alarm equipment such as supervisory signal devices and waterflow devices should be inspected quarterly.
Other Frequencies
NFPA 72 also prescribes that certain components be inspected and/or tested on a monthly, weekly, and daily basis. Smoke detector sensitivity testing should take place within one year after installation and then every two years after that.
Your fire alarm inspection company will help you develop a plan for testing and inspection specific to your business and location.
State Systems offers fire alarm testing and inspection services throughout Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama. Contact us today to schedule your inspection.