Re: Fire Alarm System Inspections. How and how much?

["Bill" <bill190nospam@xxxxxxxxx>]

Basically you want to be sure all devices work. Batteries are OK. Signals
are sent as they should be including trouble and zone signals. For smoke
detector type devices, test per manufacturer's instructions.

But beware...

High rise buildings have the fire alarm tied into the elevators. All
elevators are sent to the 1st floor when the fire alarm trips. The building
manager will not be happy if you trip the alarm and leave all the elevators
on the 1st floor for 15 minutes! (Needs to be tested, then bypassed for
further testing of system.)

Also some fire sprinkler "flow detector" switches are also tied into the
main electrical circuit breaker. If you open a test valve (which simulates
one sprinkler head popping), then the flow switch trips, it activates the
alarm *and* trips the main building breaker! (If it is a grocery store and
they have a lot of compressors for refrigeration, they will not be happy.)

Basically know the entire system and what is connected to what before
testing. Know how to properly test smoke detection devices per the
manufacturer.

In the past I have found smoke detectors which did not work and needed
replacement and frequently batteries need replacement.