How to Test Fire Sprinklers & Fire Alarm Systems

Sprinkler System

• 1

  Monitor the physical status of each sprinkler head. Observe each sprinkler head and ensure that no physical objects are stuck to or hanging off of the sprinkler head. Additionally, make sure that the sprinkler head's openings are not covered with paint or any other substance. The water flow should not be obstructed, so remove any objects within a foot of the sprinkler head in any direction.

• 2

  Protect the equipment in the rooms that contain sprinkler heads. Remove valuable electronic equipment from the room, and unplug utilities such as extension cords to reduce the risk of malfunction. Cover furniture as well to ensure that no water damage occurs during the test.

• 3

  Notify your alarm monitoring company and the fire department. Inform them that you will be testing the sprinkler system and alarms within the house. After testing is finished, contact them again to verify that testing is over.

• 4

  Locate the paperwork and operational manuals that accompanied your specific sprinkler system. Companies provide specific instructions to further test the sprinkler system. Access the paperwork, and follow their detailed step-by-step instructions to test the sprinkler system.

• 5

  Contact your fire sprinkler technician. The technician can assist you if the original paperwork was lost, or the instructions insist that you reach a professional. The technician will test for any clogging or blockage within water pipes, and ensure that all regulations are met.

Fire Alarm System

• 6

  Locate the smoke detectors on the ceiling of a room. Using a sturdy ladder, climb a couple of steps until you can comfortably grasp the smoke detector with your hands.

• 7

  Press directly on the button labeled "Test" for a few seconds until sound emits from the detector.

• 8

  Turn the unit counterclockwise from the base of the ceiling and allow it to drop down. Remove the battery compartment to expose the battery. Replace the battery twice a year.