Regular inspections are critical to maintaining an NFPA-compliant facility. On the confirmed inspection date, experienced fire alarm technicians arrive promptly to inspect and test the functionality of your fire alarm system’s components, including:

• Control panels
• Initiating devices
• Remote annunciators
• Fuses and batteries
• Supervised control valves
• Heat, smoke, and duct detectors
• Flow switches, tamper switches, and low-pressure alarms

• Inspect the system to ensure NFPA and local AHJ compliance
• Check the general condition and test the operation of your fire alarm system’s components
• Identify potentially detrimental site conditions that could compromise the performance of mechanical and electronic components
• Verify all alarm signals are received by the fire alarm central station, if applicable
• Inquire about any changes or modifications to the fire detection and alarm system since the last inspection
• Compile a complete report of the inspection

Annual Fire Alarm Inspection Requirements:

• Test & visual inspection of panel functionality, LED’s, fuses, etc…
•  Test panel battery charger
•  Battery discharge test
•  Test & visual inspection of horns, strobes, chimes, & bells etc…
•  Test & visual inspection of smoke detectors
•  Test & visual inspection of heat detectors
•  Test & visual inspection of duct smoke detectors
•  Test & visual inspection of Electromechanical Releasing Devices (Solenoid)
•  Test & visual inspection of Voice Evacuation equipment

Semiannual Fire Alarm Inspection  Requirements:

•  Test of sprinkler water flow switches (flow water or manually trip flapper)
•  Test of sprinkler valve tamper switches (operate valves)
•  Visual inspection lead-acid battery (swelling or loose connections)
•  Test batteries – load voltage

Quarterly Fire Alarm Inspection Requirements:

• Visual inspection of all fire sprinkler devices connected to the alarm. This includes water flow switches and valve tamper switches.
• Test of fire pump monitored points (loss of phase, phase reversal, pump running etc…)

Building owners are responsible for scheduling inspections and testing of fire alarm systems. Some of the prerequisite documentation for the inspection are:

• A plan or work application (Form PW-1) from the Department of Buildings
• A plan examination (Form TM-1)
• A set of approved 24″ x 36″ plans
• ‘As-Built’ riser diagram, datasheet
• A Form A-433
• Electrician’s sign-off form
• Copies of a standard Inspection and Testing Form may be obtained at www.NFPA.org. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) creates codes and standards for fire protection and suppression systems. Post the inspection, keep a copy of the completed Inspection and Testing Form for yourself and your insurance carrier and send a copy to the local Fire Department.

While many building owners or business owners might not fully appreciate the periodical call of a fire alarm inspection, there are certain benefits associated with it:

• Adherence to Fire Alarm Code-NFPA 72 and meet requirements of the fire inspectors
  We definitely don’t like to receive a ‘Notice of Violation’ from the FDNY, would we?
• Meet the requirements of the local building department and insurance carrier
• Safer Building for its business owner, clients, employees, visitors, shoppers etc…
• Improves resale value of the building and possibly a reduction in insurance premiums