 Fire
Test and Inspection
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) mandates that
fire alarm systems in "protected premises" shall be
tested at least annually. AHJ's (Authority Having Jurisdiction)
at the city and county level have adopted this code and are
responsible for local enforcement. Most new and existing fire
alarm systems are designed as "protected premise"
fire alarm systems. Protec maintains Nicet certified technicians
on staff to provide our clients with their required annual fire
alarm, sprinkler, and suppression system testing. While Protec
is an EST strategic partner, we are able to perform inspection
and testing services on virtually any fire alarm system including
Simplex, Siemens/Pyrotronics, Notifier, FCI, Silent Knight,
Fenwall, Gamewell, FireLite, ESL and others. Contact us today
for a competitive, no obligation onsite assessment and quotation.
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| Benefits of Annual Fire
Alarm, Sprinkler, and Suppression System Testing: |
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System integrity and operational
assurance.
Only a regularly tested and properly maintained fire alarm
system can be counted on for advanced warning and evacuation
in the event of an actual fire. The consequences of a
malfunctioning fire alarm system can result in the loss
of life and property. |
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False alarm reduction.
Fire alarm systems that are poorly maintained are prone
to false alarms due to the accumulation of dust and other
contaminates. False alarm fines can be significant and
no one wants fire trucks to respond unnecessarily. |
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Protection from liability.
Ignorance is no excuse. The testing of all fire alarm
systems is mandatory, at minimum one time annually. It
is up to the Local AHJ (Fire Marshall or Inspector) to
enforce these mandatory obligations, however, it is the
building owners responsibility to follow the law. In the
event of an actual fire, the consequences of an untested
or improperly maintained fire alarm system that results
in the loss of life or property can end in prosecution
or severe financial repercussions. |
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Discounted insurance rates.
Many insurance carriers offer a discount if the building
owner can show proof of regular testing and maintenance
of the fire alarm system. |
| Important National Fire Alarm Code
Facts: |
Fire Alarm
Systems that fall under Chapter 3 of the NFPA 72 fire
alarm code book are defined as follows:
A protected premises system sounds an alarm at the protected
premises as the result of the manual activation of a fire
alarm box or the operation of protection equipment or
systems, such as water flowing in a sprinkler system,
the discharge of carbon dioxide, the detection of smoke,
or the detection of heat. |
| Chapter 3-2.2 states that
"All protected premises fire alarm systems shall
be maintained and tested in accordance with chapter 7".
Chapter 7 of the NFPA 72 fire alarm code addresses
minimum testing and maintenance requirements for protected
premises and supervising station fire alarm systems.
It's intent is to ensure that all fire alarm systems
are regularly tested by trained and qualified system
technicians.
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| 7-1.21 |
"Inspection, testing,
or maintenance shall be done by a person or organization
other than the owner where conducted under a written contract."
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| 7-1.2.2 |
"Service personnel
shall be qualified and experienced in the inspection,
testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems."
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| 7-3.2
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"Where automatic testing
is performed at least weekly by a remotely monitored fire
alarm control unit specifically listed for the application,
the manual testing frequency shall be permitted to be
extended to annual."
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Personnel used in testing and maintaining fire alarm systems
should have an appropriate level of knowledge, skill and
understanding of the systems and equipment. Nicet certified
technicians ensure your system is tested properly. |
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Protec
can perform NFPA required annual testing and inspection
of virtually ANY type of fire alarm or sprinkler system
- regardless of manufacturer.
Call or email Protec for details. |
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