Fire Alarm Test Equipment

Alarm Standards

• Established in 1896, the National Fire Protection Association distributes more than 300 internationally accepted fire alarm codes and standards for use in the design and construction of new buildings. As of 2011, the organization had 70,000 members. In addition to advocating for public safety issues, the organization distributes the NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code Handbook. Published and updated annually, the book lists regulatory requirements for fire alarm systems.

  The U.S. government’s Centers for Disease Control recommends homeowners use long-life smoke alarms equipped with lithium batteries and “hush buttons” for silencing false alarms.

Aerosol Tests

• Test devices such as the Solo 330 Aerosol Dispenser meet NFPA codes for use in the United States and Canada for testing a fire alarm’s sensing chamber for smoke intake. The Solo 461 Heat Detector Tester similarly meets NFPA requirements and allows testing personnel to direct controlled fixed heat at the alarm. Synthetic smoke available in aerosol spray formulas tests an alarm’s ability to sense smoke and sound an alarm. Smoke Sabre, Chekkit Smoke Detector and the Solo A4 Smoke Detector Tester are hand-held synthetic smoke simulators.

Battery Tests

• Many hardwired alarm systems have battery backups. Regular testing is required to meet building safety, fire inspection and insurance regulations in many jurisdictions and may limit liability claims against building owners caused by potential fires. Battery tests that simulate heavy load drains lasting up to 20 hours can be completed in less than 20 seconds using hand-held monitors such as the ACT GOLD Plus 6V/12V Intelligent Battery Tester or the Cellchecker Battery Tester. Hand-held testers do not drain the battery being tested, but indicate how much battery life is left based on the battery’s unique specifications. Battery load tests are required semiannually; 30-minute battery discharge tests should be done annually.

Additional Tests

• Ducts inside smoke and fire alarms must be tested regularly to ensure that enough pressure exists inside the alarm to correctly sample incoming airstreams flowing from the intake to exhaust tubes. NFPA 72 Chapter 14 requires duct testing during the initial installation of the system and semi-annually thereafter. Ductchecker and AVchecker meet U.S. and Canadian testing requirements.

  Audible alarm testers such as the dBchecker ensure that fire alarm equipment meets predetermined and measurable sound levels during annual testing.

  Visual inspections of panel lights should be checked weekly, while attached devices including sprinkler system lines should be checked quarterly.