How Often Does the Fire Alarm Need to Be Inspected?

Posted May 04, 2018 by Koorsen Fire & Security

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As a business owner or property manager, your building is most certainly protected by a fire alarm system. But do you know how frequently you should be getting the fire alarm inspected?

Failing to inspect and test your fire alarm system regularly could lead to heavy fines at best, or damage to or loss of life or property at worst.

Keep reading to learn how to avoid these risks.

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Types of Fire Alarm Inspection

All components of the fire alarm system must be inspected regularly.

This means everything from the control panel; fuses; LEDs; heat, smoke and duct detectors; and visual and audible alarm signals must be inspected. For a full explanation of all inspection and testing requirements, be sure to read NFPA 72, Chapter 14.

In brief, however, while each local jurisdiction may have slight variations on some of these requirements, you will need to perform regular visual inspections as well as annual testing.

  • Visual Inspections: visual inspections of fire alarm components may be required as frequently as once a week or infrequently as twice a year.
    • Weekly Visual Inspection: control panels and equipment, such as the power supplies, fuses, LEDs, and trouble signals must be visually inspected weekly.
    • Monthly / Semiannual Visual Inspection: batteries need to be visually inspected for corrosion on a monthly or semiannual basis, while initiating devices such as heat, smoke, and duct detectors must be visually inspected semiannually.
    • Annual Visual Inspection: once a year, all components and equipment should be visually inspected to ensure no detrimental changes.
  • Testing: in addition to visual inspections, all fire alarm systems must be tested to ensure proper function. Most components only require annual testing, though a few do require semiannual testing. Check with your local jurisdiction for the proper schedule in your area.

Testing will be a thorough process carried out by professionals, making sure that all detectors and fire alarm system signals are working and communicating properly. All power sources, including the battery backup, will be tested to ensure they are functioning sufficiently. If there is a monitoring company, it will be verified that an alarm signal successfully reaches them.

Who to Call

Regular inspections and annual testing is the law and is necessary to ensure the safety of your employees, customers and property.

The experts at Koorsen have been working in the fire protection industry since the 1940’s and proudly serve the entire Midwest. Their team knows how to keep your fire alarm system up to code and at optimum function.

If your fire alarm system needs its annual test and inspections, or if you know they need maintenance, give the experts at Koorsen a call today!

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Topics: Fire Alarm Systems

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Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only. It is believed to be reliable, but Koorsen Fire & Security assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this article. It does not constitute professional advice. The user of this article or the product(s) is responsible for verifying the information's accuracy from all available sources, including the product manufacturer. The authority having jurisdiction should be contacted for code interpretations.