fire alarm test

nicsin02 · Feb 22, 2013

Hi guys just to confirm that a 100% fire alarm test consists of testing every single point including smokies, break glass, heat detectors etc..... Does all the sounders have to be on for every test, my boss has all relevant qualifications etc but is telling me to only test 1x break glass and 1x smokie each zone, doesn't sound right to me when we r supposed to be doing 100% tests, we have just takin over contract for a chain of hotels and I think he may be trying to save money, cheers guys

marcusone · Feb 22, 2013

I believe the system should be 100% tested over a 12 month period with maximum of 6 months between tests. This ensures every detector, sounder and call point is tested at least once a year.
I only deal with domestic systems where 100% is easily achieved per visit. Commercial systems are probably tested over a number of visits per year as part of an ongoing maintenance contract. If it's your company's first site visit I would be looking to test a lot more than a smokie and call point on each floor. Sounders do not need to be on for every test. Cheers.

Engineer54 · Feb 26, 2013

nicsin02 said:
Hi guys just to confirm that a 100% fire alarm test consists of testing every single point including smokies, break glass, heat detectors etc..... Does all the sounders have to be on for every test, my boss has all relevant qualifications etc but is telling me to only test 1x break glass and 1x smokie each zone, doesn't sound right to me when we r supposed to be doing 100% tests, we have just takin over contract for a chain of hotels and I think he may be trying to save money, cheers guys

I think your Right, ...and heading for some serious trouble, if this is his idea of testing fire alarm systems in high risk hotel establishments....