Do you know when your fire alarm system is due for its next test? If not, you’re not alone. Many property owners are unaware of the testing requirements for fire alarms, and most people only think about their alarm systems when there’s a real emergency.
This blog post will discuss the testing requirements for fire alarms and explain why it’s important to schedule regular tests. Our team here at Wentworth Security & Fire ProtectionLtd wanted to provide some tips for ensuring that your fire alarm system is in good working order. So please keep reading!
Having supplied the region of North Yorkshire with fire alarm services for several years, our team has decided to put together this blog to help highlight the requirements for testing your fire alarm systems. This will protect your fire alarm system from any damage. Still, it will also protect your building and any occupants inside, whether in a domestic or commercial setting and reduce the risk of potential fire hazards.
Do You Know How Often Your Fire Alarms Should Be Tested?
One of the most critical aspects of fire safety is ensuring that the system you have in place is regularly tested; this applies to domestic and commercial fire alarms. By carrying out regular tests, you ensure that you maintain the highest levels of protection for your building.
The number of times your fire alarm systems need testing to meet legal requirements changes based on the area of the country you live in. It also matters whether the fire system is fitted in a commercial, industrial, or domestic property. To help with this, the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) has put together some guidelines to help you understand when your fire system needs testing.
When it comes to the guidelines from NFPA, they recommend your fire alarm is tested and checked over weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually and annually, and then further, complete inspections every five years and again ten years after installation. While these inspections can be carried out by a member of your team trained in doing so, the best way to ensure your fire alarm has been tested and inspected in the right way would be to use a professional fire alarm installer.
Fire alarms need to be tested based on the following;
Trained Team Member: weekly, monthly & quarterly
Licensed professional: Quarterly, annually, five years, ten years, then replacement.
Are You Aware Of The Inspection & Testing Regulations?
Once you have established a full schedule for testing your fire alarms, whether by a member of your team carrying out the tests or a professional, it is essential to understand what needs to be done when the test is carried out, it may be the case that you are already aware of the processes that need to take place when it comes to the basics of testing a fire alarm. Still, we have pulled together an overview for those unsure. These processes below have been designed to match the NFPA guidance.
Fire System Inspections
If you are carrying out a weekly fire system inspection, we would recommend you carry out an equipment inspection, ensure you check the following; any interfaced equipment, lamps, LEDs, check the wiring going to the fire alarm from any main power supply you are using along with fuses and also confirm the trouble signals are working.
When carrying out a monthly fire system inspection, we recommend you work through the weekly processes we suggested but with a handful of extra steps. You should be checking the batteries in the fire alarms, ensure there is no corrosion or leaking from the batteries, and consider inspecting the alarm receiver; this will ensure that you are aware of it before a fire if it is damaged. You also need to remember to check the C02 detectors at this time.
Finally, when you begin a quarterly inspection, you need to carry out all the above procedures and add on inspecting any signalling devices you have installed, check the water flow of your sprinkler systems and also confirm that the emergency exits are still as they were at the beginning of the year or when your fire system was installed.
Choose A Licensed Fire Protection Company To Test Your Fire Systems
Although fire alarm inspections may seem like a daunting task, it is essential to remember that they are required to ensure the safety of your employees and customers or your family if you have a progressive system in your home. By working with a professional security company like Wentworth Security & Fire Protection Ltd, you can rest assured knowing that all of the requirements for fire alarm inspections will be met. Contact us today to get started!
Having provided fire alarm system installations and inspections for several years, you can find out services in the following locations; Guisborough, Middlesbrough, Stokesley, Northallerton and Thirsk.
