How to Test a Fire Suppression System

Turn off the sprinklers water supply valve. You must look at the building plans to locate the water supply valve, as their location can vary significantly from building to building. If you are going to conduct a test where you can wet the building, do not turn off the water supply valve.

Aim your heat gun at the alarm sensor. You will need to hold it for a couple of seconds until the heat reaches the sensor. Depending on the heat gun, you might have to get close to the sensor. This process will trigger the fire alarm and the suppression system.

Inspect the fire sprinklers. If you turned off the water, they will not be spraying water. They will be spinning lightly and making noise. Visually inspect each sprinkler to ensure it is spinning. If any of the sprinklers are not spinning noticeably, you might have to use a ladder to get a closer look. The sprinkler might be spinning lightly.

Inspect all the alarms and emergency lights. Ensure all the fire alarms are ringing, and that all emergency lights are working correctly. Go outside the building and inspect any alarms and lights that are located outside the building as well.

Turn back on the sprinklers' water supply valve, if you turned it off during testing.