How Often Should Fire Alarms be Tested?

What is Fire Alarm Testing  

Testing fire alarm involves assessment of the alarm system that certifies its compliance with the standard guidelines. Testing fire alarms comprises testing multiple parts of the system. Including suppression systems, control panels, audio/visual alerts, etc. 

Frequency of Fire Alarm Testing  

Maintaining a fire alarm system is a safety mandate. Maintenance includes frequent inspections and amends when damage is detected. Fire alarm testing and maintenance contain several steps to ensure efficient functioning.  

Weekly Testing 

Checking the fire alarm every week will help you stay cautious about the system’s health. To do so, make sure:  

• To check control panel for faults.  

• To check for alert texts on the panel.  

• Check for dirt on the devices.  

• Examine battery health.  

Monthly Testing 

Monthly testing is crucial. As fire alarm systems are a set of interconnected devices, they are rather delicate. This is what makes monthly tests an essential component. The steps include:  

• Click on the test button.  

• Upon pressing, if the alarm makes a loud enough noise-it’s working perfectly. 

• But if such isn’t the case, it’s time to bring home a new fire alarm.  

Annual Testing  

This section of fire alarm testing needs to be supervised by experts. The process includes:  

• Inspection of each accessory and element present in the fire alarm system.  

• Signs of physical damage are detected.  

• Batteries are checked.  

• Inspection to check if the fire alarm is compliant to standard regulations.   

Read More:
Importance of Regular Preventative Maintenance of Edwards Fire Alarm Systems with BEC

How Often Should Fire Alarms be Tested in the Workplace? 

Studies reveal 20% of companies hold only annual tests for fire alarms. But this is against the standards. Fire alarms should be checked for damages, every week.  

If that isn’t possible, monthly checkups are not to be missed.  

Fire Alarm Testing Cost 

The different stages of fire alarm testing are priced differently.  

• The annual checkup is priced at $400-$600. This is a bit more expensive than monthly tests as it is performed under the supervision of experts.  

• While monthly diagnoses are charged ranging from $50-$100.  

Why Does Fire Alarm Testing Take So Long?  

The weekly tests don’t take long. The procedure is quite short and hardly takes 10 minutes for completion.  

But the monthly test consists of a few steps including inspection of batteries, alarm receiver and carbon dioxide detectors.  

However, the monthly tests depend on the size and quantity of fire alarms. Smaller ones take not more than 2 hours, but larger complexes/buildings naturally need longer.  

Lastly, fire alarm annual testing may take up days. 

Testing Procedure for Fire Alarm System  

Fire alarm systems are complex and delicate. Thus, testing it can be a little complicated. But to ease the pain, here’s a step-by-step guide: 

• Notify inhabitants that a testing is to take place.  

• Physical inspection of the panel, sensors and all accessories. 

• Use real smoke or heat to check the service.  

• Test performance capability of all inter-connected devices.  

• Like our brains, the control panel manages all activities. Check the condition of the panel.  

• Update panel’s software.  

• Twice a year, check battery health. If corroded, try cleaning the battery terminals. 

• But if that doesn’t help, it’s time to bring home a new fire alarm.  

Conclusion  

From a know-how guide to details on how annual tests differ from monthly checkups, contact a professional fire alarm testing service to help with everything you need to know.

As we have seen a huge percentage of businesses don’t take frequent alarm testing seriously. However, we’ve made an attempt to discuss the importance of frequent checkups.  

Hoping that more businesses understand the significance and run frequent alarm checks.