5 Reasons Why You Need To Have Your Commercial Fire Alarm System Inspected Annually

#1 – Protection of Life

A fire alarm system must be maintained and monitored in order to do its job and protect the lives of your employees, tenants and guests. Many fire alarm impairments cannot not be discovered without a full test of your fire alarm system. Neglecting your fire alarm equipment puts lives at risk. You do not want that potential liability.

#2 – Protection of Property

Imagine the loss of revenue your business would have to endure if you had to shut down for six months? Detecting a fire before it’s too late not only saves lives but it helps minimize the damage to your property. Alarm Systems help keep your business open and making money.

#3 - It’s The Law

By law you must have your fire alarm system tested at LEAST once per year. This includes a full range of tests completed on the fire panel, as well as tests for all smoke detectors, duct detectors, horns, strobes, chimes etc. The inspection is completed so there is minimal disruption. AFPG will also work with the local Fire Department to ensure that they know your annual inspection has been completed as required.

#4 - It’s Affordable

Annual fire alarm inspections are more affordable than people think. The cost depends on the size of your property and the amount of fire protection equipment that needs to be inspected. To get the most accurate estimate, give us a call and one of our experienced Life Safety specialists will give you an estimate right on the phone or make arrangements to visit your property.

#5 - Insurance Requirements

In the event of a fire at your property, your insurance company is going to ask if are you current on your annual fire inspections. If you cannot provide proof of your annual inspections and test, your insurance company may reject your claim. AFPG keeps all your files on record, making it easy for you to get access to any inspection records you need.

What Does a Fire Alarm Inspection Consist Of?

NFPA 72 is the fire alarm and signaling code standard by which American Fire Protection Group (AFPG) executes all fire alarm inspections and repairs. Every few years, a new edition of NFPA 72 is released, providing the most safe and advanced methods to expertly perform fire alarm service and inspections.

Many fire alarm companies choose to cut corners when it comes to NFPA 72. Some companies even operate on an outdated version of NFPA 72. At AFPG, you can be assured that the latest edition of NFPA 72 is always used for the installation, inspection, or repair of your fire alarm system. AFPG has a strong commitment to excellence, and the NFPA 72 is the gold standard for fire alarm service.

Below is a checklist of the equipment and tests that AFPG provides during an NFPA 72 standard fire alarm inspection:

Visual & Functional Tests Performed on the Following Control Unit Equipment

• Control unit
• Lamps/LEDs/LCDs
• Fuses
• Trouble Signals
• Disconnect Switches
• Ground-Fault Monitoring
• Local Annunciator
• Remote Annunciator
• Remote Power Panels

Visual & Functional Tests Performed on the Following Secondary Power Equipment

• Battery Condition
• Load Voltage
• Discharge Test
• Charger Test
• Remote Panel Batteries

Initiating Devices

The following initiating devices are also inspected:

• Smoke Detectors
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors
• Manual Fire Alarm Pull Stations
• Electromechanical Releasing Devices
• Fire Extinguishing Alarm Switches
• Fire Suppression Alarm Switches
• Heat Detectors

Supervising Station Monitoring & Public Emergency Alarm Reporting System

The following supervising station alarm transmitters need to be verified to be working properly. The following aspects of the monitoring system are inspected:

• Alarm Signal
• Alarm Restoration
• Trouble Signal
• Trouble Restoration
• Supervisory Signal
• Supervisory Restoration

Notifications Are Sent to the Following Individuals or Parties Once Inspection is Complete:

• Monitoring Organization
• Building Management
• Building Occupants
• Authority Having Jurisdiction (i.e. Fire Marshal)

Deficiencies

In the event there are areas of the fire alarm system that do not meet code or the NFPA 72 standards, the building management is notified of any deficiency work needed to make the system compliant. AFPG is also able to provide deficiency repair service when needed.

Schedule Your Fire Alarm Inspection Today!

All AFPG fire alarm inspections are performed by certified and expert Inspectors who can provide the most thorough fire alarm inspections available. With AFPG’s commitment to the NFPA 72 standard, you can be assured that you are working with a partner who values safety and excellence, all while forming a lasting partnership based on honesty and integrity.

Read more about NFPA 72 Fire Alarm Inspections.

To schedule your fire alarm inspection with AFPG, please contact our nearest location. View full location list here.