ABSTRACT
Fire alarm systems are tested and maintained according to NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm Code. NFPA 72 outlines the types and frequency of required fire alarm tests. Newly installed or upgraded fire alarm systems need to be tested to ensure that they work properly and are installed according to code. NFPA 72 lists all tests and frequencies required for fire alarm systems, including the initial acceptance test. Installers should test the fire alarm system before the arrival of the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) so their time will not be wasted fixing devices and components that do not work. All fire alarm devices, including pull stations, smoke detectors, heat detectors, beam detectors, and others, should be tested. Activation of the fire alarm device should register on the annunciator and fire alarm panels as well as the remote monitoring location for the fire alarm. Water flow and tamper switches in sprinkled buildings should be hooked into the fire alarm system and tested along with other devices. Smoke detectors should be tested with live smoke and heat detectors with a heat source. Duct smoke detectors, elevator lobby smoke detectors, and elevator machine room smoke and heat detectors should also be tested. All audible devices and visual devices should be tested. Audible devices should be tested with a sound meter and follow the decibel requirements found in NFPA 72. Any smoke evacuation or stair-pressurization systems present should be tested with live smoke and or pressure differential test instruments. Pressurized stair design pressure across the barrier should be not more than 0.05-in water column (12.5 Pa) in sprinkled buildings or 0.10-in water column (25 Pa) in unsprinkled buildings. These pressures should be maintainable under conditions of stack effect or wind. A test should also be conducted on stairwell and other affected doors to make sure they open within the required 30 lfb. This is important, because if the pressure in the stairwell is too
great, occupants may not be able to open the doors to stairwells and could become trapped within the building.
