What Happens During a Fire Alarm Inspection?

Your building’s fire alarm is one of its most important components. Without it, you can place yourself and your building’s occupants at increased risk during a fire event. Part of ensuring the health of your fire alarm system is performing routine inspections. But what does a fire alarm inspection actually entail, and how frequently are they needed? Kauffman Co. covers all this information and more in the sections below!

All You Need to Know About Fire Alarm Inspections

Fire alarm inspections follow the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 72 National Fire Alarm Code, which covers the application, inspection, testing, location, performance, and maintenance of fire alarm systems. While this code establishes the minimum level of performance required by your system, it doesn’t specify how to satisfy these levels. That’s where a fire alarm inspector comes in: During your fire alarm inspection, your fire safety professional will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your entire system. This careful inspection includes:

• Audible/visual device testing
• Bell testing
• Door holder testing
• Duct detector testing
• Elevator recall testing
• Flow switch testing
• Ground fault detection circuitry testing
• Grounded field wiring testing
• Inspecting the control panel
• Inspecting the enunciator panel
• Load test of standby batteries
• Pull station testing
• Smoke detector sensitivity testing
• Tamper switch testing
• Thermal detector testing
• Verifying the monitoring connection

All findings from your fire alarm inspection will be recorded and documented by your fire safety professional. Additionally, your inspector should log the date of your last inspection so you know when to schedule your future fire alarm inspection.

When to Schedule Fire Alarm Inspections

It’s recommended that fire alarm inspections be performed at least annually; however, building managers can perform weekly inspections to catch easy-to-spot problems such as leaks, cracks, warning lights, and any obstructions that may block alarms. Building maintenance workers should also inspect the power supply to ensure the fire alarm is receiving adequate power.

The only component of your fire alarm system that does not require annual inspection is the smoke detector sensitivity. This component is tested once every two years by your fire safety professional.

Kauffman Co. for Your Fire Alarm Inspection Needs

If your building is due for a fire alarm inspection, Kauffman Co. provides code-compliant inspection services designed to meet NFPA 72 requirements and local fire marshal expectations. Our certified technicians perform thorough system evaluations, document results, and help facility managers stay compliant.

Schedule professional fire alarm inspection and testing with a Houston-based fire protection contractor trusted for accurate reporting and dependable service.