Fire Alarms

Vital Safeguards for Buildings

Get a Quote

A fire alarm system is an essential component of a building’s overall fire protection strategy, designed to detect and alert occupants to the presence of fire, smoke, or other emergencies. By providing early warning, fire alarm systems play a crucial role in saving lives, minimizing property damage, and ensuring a timely response from emergency services.

Fire alarm systems are customizable to suit the specific needs of different types of buildings, whether residential, commercial, or industrial. Regular testing and maintenance are essential to ensure that all components of the system function correctly and provide reliable protection in the event of an emergency.

Installing a fire alarm system in your building is a proactive step towards ensuring the safety of all occupants and protecting property from the devastating effects of fire.

Get a Quote

Fire Alarm Services

  • Detectors: These devices are responsible for sensing the presence of fire-related hazards. There are various types of detectors, including smoke detectors, heat detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors, each designed to identify specific signs of a fire or related danger.

  • Alarm Devices: Once a fire hazard is detected, the system activates alarm devices such as sirens, bells, or strobe lights, which are designed to alert building occupants to evacuate immediately. These alarms are both audible and visible, ensuring that everyone in the building is aware of the emergency.

  • Control Panel: The heart of the fire alarm system, the control panel monitors the status of all connected devices, manages alarm signals, and communicates with monitoring centers or fire departments. It can also be used to manually trigger alarms or silence false alarms.

  • Manual Pull Stations: In addition to automatic detection, manual pull stations are installed throughout the building, allowing occupants to trigger the alarm system if they spot a fire before the detectors do.

  • Notification and Communication Systems: Modern fire alarm systems often include communication features that can automatically notify emergency services and provide instructions to occupants via voice announcements or text alerts.

NFPA 72 Fire Alarm Inspection & Testing Frequency

NFPA 72, the Standard for the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, outlines specific guidelines for how often various components of these systems should be inspected and tested to ensure they are in proper working condition. Below is a breakdown of the recommended inspection and testing frequencies for key components:

Component Inspection Frequency Testing Frequency Notes
Control Equipment Semiannually Annually Includes fire alarm panels, power supplies, and interfaces.
Remote Annunciators Annually Annually  
Initiating Devices      
Manual Pull Stations Semiannually Annually  
Smoke Detectors Annually Annually Functional testing required.
Heat Detectors Annually Annually  
Duct Detectors Annually Annually Functional and airflow testing required.
Flame Detectors Semiannually Semiannually Specialized testing procedures required.
Beam Detectors Semiannually Annually Includes alignment testing.
Notification Appliances Annually Annually Includes horns, strobes, and speakers.
Supervisory Signal Devices Annually Annually Includes valve tamper switches and low air pressure switches.
Alarm Transmission Equipment Annually Annually Includes DACT, DAEP, and AES equipment.
Batteries      
Lead-Acid Quarterly Annually Voltage and load testing required.
Ni-Cad, Li-ion, or Other Rechargeable Semiannually Annually  
Primary (Dry Cell) Annually Annually  
Emergency Voice/Alarm Communication Systems Annually Annually  
Emergency Power Supply (Generators) Weekly Monthly Testing with automatic transfer switch required monthly.
Waterflow Devices Quarterly Annually Functional testing required.
Supervisory Signal Devices Semiannually Annually For tamper switches, etc.
Fire Doors Semiannually Annually Includes testing of door holding devices.
Interface Equipment Annually Annually Devices that control or interface with other systems (e.g., HVAC shutdown).

Additional Notes:

  • Visual Inspections: Visual inspections should be performed regularly, typically on a monthly or quarterly basis, depending on the component.
  • Functional Testing: Testing involves activating the component and ensuring it operates as expected.
  • Sensitivity Testing: Smoke detectors require sensitivity testing as per manufacturer recommendations or NFPA 72 guidelines, usually every 2 years.
  • Record Keeping: All inspections, tests, and maintenance activities should be documented, noting the date, person performing the task, and any deficiencies found.

This chart provides a general overview, but specific requirements may vary depending on local codes, the manufacturer’s instructions, and the particular design of the fire alarm system. Always consult the latest edition of NFPA 72 for the most accurate and detailed information.

Call to Action

Don’t leave safety to chance. Get in touch with us today for a personalized quote, and let’s start building a fire protection plan that’s as unique as your business.