What to Know Regarding Fire Alarm Inspections

What to Know Regarding Fire Alarm Inspections Whenever a fire alarm system is functioning in the proper manner, it can make all the difference between a small-sized fire that causes a minimum amount of damage and a large-sized fire that can create even more of a risk. Additionally, this type of system is also designed to alert the occupants of a building to the potential threat that’s taking place. In order to ensure that the system is working as it’s supposed to, it must be inspected on a regular basis in compliance with the NFPA 72, which stands for the National Fire Protection Agency standard 72. Furthermore, fire alarm inspections must also be performed by those professionals who are qualified to do so. The fire alarm inspections information provided can apply to different commercial establishments such as buildings, offices, and warehouses.

For starters, it is important to know how often a fire alarm inspection must be performed. All visual inspections must take place during times that are determined by NFPA 72, Chapter 14, Table 14.3.1. These steps include the following: *Every component involving control panels must be inspected once they are installed, reinstalled, and on an annual basis once either process has been concluded. *Every sensor and/or initiating device must be inspected once they are installed or reinstalled, as well as either on a quarterly or semi-annual basis; however, this will depend solely on the specific type of initiating device that you have. *Every battery type must be inspected once they are installed or reinstalled; however, it’s important to note that this will depend solely on the specific type of battery, as primary and lead-acid batteries will have to go through a monthly inspection, yet nickel-cadmium and sealed lead-acid batteries only have to go through a semi-annual inspection. *Every pull station alarm must be inspected on a semi-annual basis. *Every audible alarm must be inspected on an annual basis.

In terms of the actual process involving performing a fire alarm inspection, it’s more or less rather straightforward. Typically, this is done with a team of two experienced professionals; however, there are other companies who will opt to only use one experienced professional.

Essentially, the inspection will be done in order to determine that nothing has been changed or appears to be out of the ordinary since the last time an inspection was performed.

The process itself begins at the control panel, where the professional will take the time to look at both the power supply and the transponders in order to ensure the programming is correct in terms of showing the right address and zones, meaning that if a smoke detector is triggered in a specific location, then this should be reflected on the fire alarm panel itself. Additionally, the technician will also make sure that the system is able to utilize all of the correct signals.

The next thing that will be checked is the battery supply. More specifically, the technician will make sure that the correct circuit is being used, as well as that the batteries are the appropriate ones for the system and that they are properly labeled with the right month and manufacturing date. If a visual alarm is being used in a building, all necessary bulbs will be checked, and all pull and audible stations will also be checked for any and all physical defects.

Reach out to Dyezz Surveillance and Alarm for a free consultation today! See more about how we can help with fire alarm installation, monitoring, and inspections!