Fire Alarm
Tests & Inspections
The following will outline the scope of work of the monthly and annual fire alarm inspections, as mandated by the Ontario Fire Code and prescribed in CAN/ULC S536-13.
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THE LAW
Annual Fire Alarm Test
Ontario Fire Code - Div. B. 6.3.2.2.
A fire alarm system, with or without voice communication capability, shall be inspected and tested in conformance with CAN/ULC-S536, “Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems”.
** The fire alarm system must be inspected and tested by a qualified technician. A copy of the inspection certificate must be submitted to the fire department. **
The scope below covers the annual testing and inspection of the fire alarm system in accordance with OFC and CAN/ULC-S536-13.
- Two Avangard professionally trained technician(s) will perform the test and inspection without direct assistance from the customer.
- The customer will provide access to all peripheral equipment.
- The Customer will be responsible for making all arrangements with the Contractor who may be required to provide assistance, such as elevator, escalator, sprinkler, monitoring, etc. so all devices can be inspected.
- Notice is provided to tenants in regards to the date, times, etc. when testing will be performed.
- 100% Panel Tests on all applicable panels.
- 100% Transponder Tests on all applicable transponders.
- 100% Annunciator Tests at all command centres.
- 100% Printer Tests on all applicable printers.
- All Smoke Detectors checked for proper operation using dry aerosol.
- Smoke detectors are visually inspected for cleanliness. Whenever required, cleaning will be performed in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.
- Each smoke detector sensitivity value shall be tested to confirm that it is within operable range, using manufacturer’s recommended testing procedures.
- Smoke detectors with sensitivity not within the acceptable operating range shall be cleaned, and retested for correct sensitivity. If it fails again, the detector will be replaced (additional cost).
- Sensitivity results and/or cleaning dates will be recorded for each device.
- Sampling tube differential pressure in air duct-type smoke detectors shall be tested to confirm that it is within the acceptable limits specified by manufacturer.
- Restorable heat detectors will be tested with a heat lamp built in with one minute time delay and proper temperature distribution.
- Non-restorable heat detectors shall have the circuits tested by simulating its electrical operation at the wiring connection.
- All pull stations checked for correct operation (single stage and two stage operations).
- All visual and audible signals to be activated for proper operation.
- All sprinkler waterflow detectors (pressure and/or paddle-type) including associated input circuits, will be tested by appropriate waterflow methods, and time delay setting shall be recorded in the individual device.
- Each shut off valve supervisory switch will be tested to determine that within two turns of the valve handle, or when the stem of the valve has moved 20% from its normal position, it will result in an audible common trouble signal and a visual indication.
- Each pressure device shall be inspected and tested to confirm its correct operability by decreasing/ increasing pressure beyond the set limit, resulting in a audible trouble signal and a visual indication.
- Each power loss supervisory device shall be tested by disconnecting the main power supply to the equipment, resulting in an audible trouble signal and visual indication.
- For other fixed-type extinguishing systems that are connected to the fire alarm panel; the owner shall coordinate the operation of the output contacts so that Avangard can verify the initiation of the specified system functions at the fire alarm control panel (e.g., trouble, alarm).
- Emergency telephones will be tested and inspected for correct operation.
- One device shall be disconnected from each zone to determine proper supervision of wiring.
Above listed items are some of the required annual inspection procedures. Complete documentation of the entire Fire Alarm Test and Inspection will be supplied at completion of inspection.
THE LAW
Monthly Fire Alarm Test
Ontario Fire Code - Div. B. - 6.3.2.5.(1)
Voice communication systems that are not integrated with a fire alarm system shall be tested monthly in compliance with Sentences (2) and (3) ** Voice communication systems are not required to be tested in conformance with Sentences (1) and (2) where the systems are regularly used as part of a paging system. **
Ontario Fire Code - Div. B. - 6.3.2.5.(2)
Loudspeakers described in Sentence (1) shall be tested monthly as an all-call signal to ensure they function as intended.
Ontario Fire Code - Div. B. - 6.3.2.5.(3)
Communication form at least one remote firefighter emergency telephone location to the control unit shall be tested monthly on a rotational basis so that communication from all remote firefighter emergency telephone locations are tested at least once per year.
Every month and under emergency power; the following inspections and test shall be performed to confirm the operation of the fire alarm system in accordance with CAN/ULC S536-13:
- One pull station shall be activated on a rotational basis, and the system checked for operation.
- An alarm/alert signal checked on a rotational basis in a minimum of one zone (or as per the requirements of the building’s safety plan).
- The primary annunciator inspected to confirm that the tested device annunciated properly.
- common visual and audible trouble signals are checked and confirmed for correct operation.
- Stand-by batteries shall be inspected to confirm the following:
(a) That the terminals are dry, clean and lubricated.
(b) That terminal clamps are securely fastened.
(c) That electrolyte level and gravity (where applicable) are as per manufacturer specification.
- On a rotational basis, one emergency firefighter’s telephone shall be tested to confirm two-way communication and correct indication at the control unit; and
- Voice paging capability confirmed on a rotational basis to one zone.
- Supply a complete set of documentation detailing all the tested devices.
Terminology
Throughout the fire code, inspection standards such as NFPA and CAN/ULC as well as this website; the terms check/test/inspect are used quite regularly. It is important to note that these terms are not interchangeable and have significantly different meanings. Please hover on each box below to better understand the difference between each term: