Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

Section I: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Requirements

Quarterly Frequency (4-times per year)

Initiating Devices – Flame Detectors

Inspection
Check that detector is free from physical damage, securely mounted and
operational.
Verify the detector is properly located and the field of view is unobstructed.
Inspect the detector lens for cleanliness.

Initiating Devices – Supervisory Devices

Inspection
Check that supervisory device is free from physical damage, securely
mounted and operational. Supervisory devices include: Control Valve
Tamper Switch, Air Pressure Switch, Room Temperature Switch, Water Level
Switch, and Water Temperature Switch.

Testing
Operate valve or switch of each supervisory device and verify receipt of signal.
Exception: Valve Tamper Switch may be tested less frequently. (see semi-
annual Inspection, Testing and Maintenance requirements)

Maintenance
Adjust supervisory device (if field adjustable) to operate at the approved set-
point when required.

Initiating Devices – Waterflow Devices

Inspection
Check that waterflow device is free from physical damage, securely mounted
and operational.

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Semi-Annual Frequency (2-times per year)

Control Equipment

Inspection
Check batteries for tightness of connection and to be free of any corrosion or
leakage.
Validate all control unit trouble signals and repair all necessary fault conditions
Verify transient suppressors are in normal condition (also inspect after any
lightning strike)

Testing
Test for proper operation of the batteries under load. Disconnect the battery
charger, operate system under maximum load and measure the battery
terminal voltage. Ensure the voltage doesn’t fall below the specified level.

Emergency Voice / Alarm Communications Equipment

Inspection
Verify all emergency voice / alarm communications equipment (amplifiers,
microphones, firefighter telephones, etc.) are in normal operating condition
Visually inspect all phone jacks

Initiating Devices – Smoke Detectors

Inspection
Check that detector is free from physical damage, securely mounted and
operational (LED is flashing).
Verify the detector is properly located and unobstructed.
Inspect the detector exterior for dirt and dust accumulation

Initiating Devices – Heat Detectors

Inspection
Check that detector is free from physical damage, securely mounted and
operational (LED is flashing).
Verify the detector is properly located and unobstructed.

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Initiating Devices – Manual Pull Stations

Inspection
Check that Manual Pull Station is free from physical damage and securely
mounted.
Verify the Manual Pull Station is properly located, unobstructed and accurately
identified.
Verify that extinguishing system agent release stations are of the dual-action
type and properly identify the suppression hazard zone.

Initiating Devices – Flame Detectors

Testing
Perform functional test in place to ensure alarm response. (typically a
manufacturer approved radiating light source)
Test sensitivity using a method approved by the manufacturer.

Maintenance
Clean detector lens when required.
Adjust sensitivity (if field adjustable) to be within the approved range when
required.

Initiating Devices – Supervisory Devices

Testing
Operate control valves to activate tamper switch and verify receipt of signal.

Maintenance
Adjust valve tamper switch to operate at the approved number of valve
revolutions when required.

Initiating Devices – Waterflow Devices

Testing
Water should be flowed to activate waterflow device and verify receipt of
signal. (see NFPA 25 for detailed requirements)

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 Maintenance
Adjust waterflow device to operate at the approved flow rate (see NFPA 25 for
detailed requirements)

Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter (DACT)

Inspection
Verify equipment has no physical damage and is in normal operating condition
Check that two separate phone lines are connected and that both are loop
start type lines.

Annual Frequency (1-time per year)

Control Equipment

* Note: The frequencies and tasks in this section are for control equipment that is monitored for
Alarm, Supervisory and Trouble signals. See NFPA 72, Table 10.3.1 & 10.4.3, 2002 Edition for
details on unmonitored control equipment.

Inspection
Verify equipment has no physical damage, is unobstructed and is in normal
operating condition
Check all fuses for proper size and proper installation
Verify all interfaced equipment (interconnected control panels) is in normal
operating condition
Illuminate all lamps and LEDs on all control panels and annunciators.
Check for normal indication of the primary power supply
Check all fiber-optic cable connections are free from physical damage and
connected properly

Testing
Perform functional test to verify the control panel and annunciators correctly
receive alarm, supervisory and trouble signals. If signals are transmitted to an
off-premises location, also verify the receipt of these signals at that location.
Perform functional test to verify the control panel will properly operate the
evacuation signals and auxiliary output functions.
Test for supervision of control panel circuits. Verify the detection of open
circuits and ground faults for each circuit.
Test smoke detector circuits that use alarm verification features for time delay
and alarm response.

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 Test the disconnect switches of the control panel to verify performance of
intended function and receipt of a trouble signal.
Test for supervision of power supply. Verify the detection of loss of AC power
and disconnection of batteries.
Test for supervision of control panel fuses. Verify the detection of loss of fuse
and for the proper rating.
Test the integrity of the communications between two or more control panels
by simulating or operating the units to see that the required signals are
transmitted to the control panel. Test under both primary and secondary
power.
Test all functions and features of multiplex systems to operate according to
design documents, circuit styles and manufacturer specifications.
Test each primary power supply by disconnecting the secondary power supply
(batteries) and operating under maximum load.
Test each secondary power supply (batteries) by disconnecting the primary
power supply and operating under maximum load for a minimum of 5 minutes.
(Emergency Voice Communications Systems for a minimum of 15 minutes).
Verify the occurrence of a trouble indication for loss of primary power.
Check for proper operation of the battery charger by measuring the battery
voltage to ensure it is within a proper range as specified by the manufacturer
of the control panel. The batteries should be fully charged and connected to
the charger during this test.
Allow the batteries to discharge for a period of 30 minutes. Load test the
discharged batteries and measure the battery terminal voltage. Ensure the
voltage doesn’t fall below the specified level.
Test fiber-optic transmission lines to verify power level hasn’t dropped below
2% of the initial acceptance test value.

Maintenance
Clean battery terminals or connections if needed.
Replace battery within 5 years of manufactured date or sooner if battery
voltage or current falls below manufacturer recommendations.

Emergency Voice / Alarm Communications Equipment

Testing
Test amplifier and tone generators for correct switching functions. If provided,
also verify the proper operation of backup equipment.
Verify indication at control panel of phone removed-from-hook or phone set
installed at phone jack.
Test the communication path through all phone jacks and activate each phone
set to verify correct operation.
Test for total system performance. Verify voice quality and clarity is at an
acceptable level. Include in this test the simultaneous operation of at least 5
handsets.

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Initiating Devices – Smoke Detectors

Testing
Perform functional test in place to ensure smoke entry and alarm response.
Test sensitivity using a method approved by the manufacturer. (only when
required; see NFPA 72-2002 10.4.3.2, typically every 2 years)
Test duct detectors to ensure they will sample the air stream.
Test detectors with control output functions. Verify the operation of the output
when all other initiating devices on the same circuit are in the alarm state.

Maintenance
Clean detector using a method approved by the manufacturer (only required
for detectors with sensitivity out-of-range)

Initiating Devices – Heat Detectors

Testing
Restorable Heat Detectors: Perform heat test in place using a heat source to
ensure response within 1 minute. Only two (or more) detectors on each
initiating circuit must be tested annually, and different detectors must be tested
each year such that within 5 years each detector has been tested.
Non-Restorable Spot Heat Detectors: Do not perform heat testing. Test
functionality both mechanically and electrically.
Non-Restorable Linear Heat Detectors: Do not perform heat testing. Test
functionality both mechanically and electrically. Measure loop resistance and
verify it matches the recorded value from initial acceptance testing.

Maintenance
Non-Restorable Spot Heat Detectors: Replace all detectors every 15 years
(optionally laboratory testing method can be used if desired)

Initiating Devices – Manual Pull Stations

Testing
Operate all Manual Pull Stations according to the manufacturers
recommendations.

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Alarm Notification Appliances

Inspection
Check that all notification appliances are free from physical damage, securely
mounted and unobstructed.
Verify the location of visual appliances are to be in accordance with the
approved layout and that no Floorplan changes have affected the layout.
Verify the candela rating of visual appliances to be in accordance with
approved drawings.

Testing
Measure and record the maximum sound pressure level output when the
emergency evacuation signal is on. Levels throughout the protected area
should be measured and recorded. An approved meter must be used (see
NFPA 72, table 10.4.2.2. - 14a)
Speakers used to convey voice messages should be verified to produce
audible information that is distinguishable and understandable. (see ANSI
S3.2 for appropriate methods)
Check that all visual appliances (i.e. strobe light) will flash.

Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter (DACT)

Testing
Test that the activation of an initiating device will produce the appropriate
signal at the supervising station within 90 seconds of activation.
Test for line seizure capability.
Test proper operation of primary line while secondary line is disconnected.
Verify trouble signal is received by receiving unit within 4 minutes of
disconnect.
Test proper operation of secondary line while primary line is disconnected.
Verify trouble signal is received by receiving unit within 4 minutes of
disconnect.
Test for proper transmission to secondary phone number while simulating a
fault in the primary phone number.

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Section II. Explanatory Material
General

A building or local fire alarm system provides audible and/or visible alarm signals as the result of
the manual operation of a fire alarm station, the automatic operation of a fire detector, such as a
smoke or heat detector, or the automatic operation of protective equipment, such as a sprinkler
system. Audible and/or visible alarm signal devices are commonly known as notification
appliances. Manual stations, waterflow switches, pressure switches and fire detectors are
commonly known as alarm initiating appliances.

Usually the system consists of fire alarm manual stations, located at stairs or exits, with notification
appliances in corridors and larger rooms so that all occupants can hear the alarm signal when the
system is activated. Manual stations, detectors, waterflow devices or audible alarms are connected
to a fire alarm control panel by electrical wiring, which is supervised for continuity. The supervision
is performed by passing a small current through the wiring and monitoring the current received at
the control panel. If the current is not received at the control panel, a trouble signal is sounded.

Fire alarm circuits can be arranged to operate under normal, open or ground conditions, depending
upon the sophistication of the system. Details on these types of circuits are contained in NFPA 72,
Standard for the Installation, Maintenance and Use of protective Signaling Systems, - and NFPA
72H, Guide for Testing Procedures for Local, Auxiliary, Remote Station, and Proprietary Protective
Signaling Systems. Style A, B and C circuits allow the fire alarm system to be operated with a
single break in the wiring for all manual stations, detectors and waterflow switches closer in the
circuit to the control panel than the break. Style D and E circuits allow fire alarm systems to be fully
operational with a single break in the wiring, regardless of location of the break.

Alarm notification appliance circuits are arranged in a similar manner as the initiating device
circuits. Circuits on which appliances closer to the control panel than a single break will operate are
known as Styles W or Y circuits. Those circuits on which all indicating appliances will operate
regardless of the location of the single break are known as Styles X or Z circuits.

Three methods are commonly used to notify building occupants through the fire alarm system. The
most commonly used is the general alarm method. With this type of system, all alarm indicating
devices are operated throughout the building. The selective method operates only those indicating
devices on the floor or in the fire area in the vicinity of the manual station, detector, waterflow
switch or other initiating device which has actuated the fire alarm system. The third method is a
pre-signal system, which sounds an alarm only at the fire alarm control panel or constantly
attended location within the building and requires that someone investigate the fire. If the fire
requires evacuation of occupants, the investigator causes the alarm signals to sound by inserting a
key into the fire alarm manual station or initiating the general evacuation alarm at the control panel.
Pre-signal systems are not allowed in some occupancies by NFPA 101, Code for Safety to Life
from Fire in Buildings and Structures (commonly referred to as the Life Safety Code).

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Alarm signals can be continuously ringing, march time or coded type. Continuously ringing and
march time bells sound an alarm until the fire alarm system is reset at the fire alarm control panel.
Coded bells usually sound three or four rounds of code and then stop.

Emergency power can be provided for any fire alarm system and is often required by the applicable
codes. This usually consists of either an emergency generator or a battery charger with batteries
and perhaps an inverter.

For larger systems, the location of the manual fire alarm station, fire detector or flow switch which
has activated is annunciated. Usually this is done by grouping similar initiating devices for a floor or
a fire area into a zone. For example, fire alarm manual stations on the second floor of a building
could be grouped into a zone known as “second floor manual station.” For continuously ringing
systems, this annunciation usually consists of light bulbs or light emitting diodes (LED’s) at an
annunciator panel, labeled to indicate the alarm location. For coded systems, this most often
consists of a decoder or a punch tape with a time clock stamp.

Two-way communications systems consist of telephones or plug-in devices for talking back and
forth to an emergency command center. Such devices are usually located in the command center
and in or adjacent to stairways, elevators, and elevator lobbies.

Supervisory device circuits are connected to sprinkler control valves, standpipe valves or other
components which must be in their normal operating position in order for the system to operate
properly in an emergency.

Alarm Initiating Devices

There are many types of initiating devices. They are briefly described below. A fire alarm system
may have one or more types depending on the hazard and the level of detection required.

Manual Stations

Manual stations are electric switches usually covered with a red-colored housing and located near
exits. Manual stations generally have an indicating feature so that the station that was activated
can be easily recognized. Some manual stations use a break-glass rod or other breakable feature
which is broken upon activation. Other type stations are designed so that the face of the station
must be reset after activation. Resetting is generally accomplished by use of a key, screw driver, or
allen wrench.

Manual stations can be of the single action type requiring just one motion to activate or double
action type requiring two motions to activate.

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are devices provided on fire alarm initiating circuits to automatically detect fire by
sensing smoke particles.

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Ionization type detectors contain a small amount of radioactive material that ionizes the air in the
sensing chamber. The ionized air in the sensing chamber conducts electricity between two charged
electrodes. When smoke particles enter the chamber, they decrease the conductance of the air.
When this conductance falls below a predetermined level, the detector indicates an alarm
condition.

Photoelectric smoke detectors utilize either of two principles of operation. One method - light
obscuration - has a light beam which continually strikes a photosensitive device. As smoke
particles enter the chamber, the light reaching the photosensitive device is reduced, initiating an
alarm. A second method - light scattering - has a light source and a photosensitive device. Light
from the source does not usually strike the photosensitive device; however, the light is scattered
upon striking any smoke particles that enter the chamber. Some scattered light strikes the
photosensitive device, which initiates an alarm.

Some photoelectric smoke detectors utilize a cloud chamber for determining the presence of
smoke. An air pump draws a sample of air from a protected area into a high humidity chamber
within the detector. The pressure is lowered slightly within the detector after the sample has
entered the chamber. This causes the moisture to condense on any smoke particles, which forms a
cloud within the chamber. If the density of the cloud exceeds the alarm level, the detector initiates
an alarm.

Some photoelectric smoke detectors utilize a projected beam concept. A light source is projected
across a space and received by the photoelectric smoke detector. In the event of a fire, the smoke
reduces the light received at the detector, initiating an alarm via the light obscuration principle.

In addition to being located on or near ceilings, some smoke detectors are designed for use in
ductwork. These duct smoke detectors are meant to shut down the air handling system to prevent
recirculation of smoke in a building.

Smoke detectors have been a source of significant but needless alarm problems. The test criteria
for the listing of smoke detectors was changed between 1980 and 1985 which caused an increase
in detector sensitivity. This made the units susceptible to needless activation from excessive air
movement, low levels of products of combustion, and dirt/dust conditions. In January 1985,
manufacturers were allowed to increase the level of smoke obscuration causing a smoke detector
to activate. Another solution being used to reduce needless alarms is the installation of verification
modules within the fire alarm control panels. With these modules, an alarm is received from a
smoke detector but the information is stored within the control panel for a limited period of time and
the smoke detector circuit is cleared. If the smoke detector goes into alarm again during the
reconfirmation period, a fire alarm is initiated. These two features are drastically reducing the
needless alarm problem.

Heat Detectors

Heat detectors are devices provided for the automatic detection of heat from a fire. Heat can be
detected by fixed temperature, rate-of-rise or rate compensation devices.

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The simplest type of heat detector is the fixed temperature type. It consists of a detector housing
containing a fusible element that melts rapidly at a predetermined temperature. The element
melting causes electrical contacts to operate which in turn initiates an alarm on the fire alarm
system.

Rate-of-rise detectors can be either electric or pneumatic. An electric detector consists of a

detector housing, a diaphragm within the housing, and a small vent hole to allow expansion and
contraction of air in the housing due to small temperature changes. Heat from a fire causes the air
within the detector housing to expand more quickly than it can be vented. This expansion creates
pressure on the diaphragm that operates electrical contacts.

A rate compensation detector responds when surrounding temperatures reach a predetermined

level, regardless of the rate of temperature rise. Similar to a fixed temperature detector, it is faster
acting. It has two internal metallic elements which expand toward each other when heat is
detected. Upon touching, the electrical contacts complete the circuit and cause activation of the
alarm panel.

Flame Detectors

A flame detector responds to radiant energy either within or outside of the range of human vision.
Flame detectors are available which are sensitive to the glowing embers, coals or actual flames of
fire. Outside the human range of vision, flame detectors are infrared, ultraviolet, or combination
type. Within the human range of vision, spark / ember-sensing and photoelectric flame detectors
are available.

Since these detectors are extremely sensitive, they are often subject to needless alarms. For this
reason, they are used primarily in areas in which explosions or very rapid fires might occur and
where immediate detection is needed.

Infrared detectors have filters and a lens system to screen out unwanted wavelengths.
Nevertheless, they still have a major problem with interference from solar radiation in the infrared
region.

Notification Appliances

Audible Alarm Appliances

Bells and horns are commonly used devices that generate loud noises to indicate an emergency.
Audible notification appliances must be heard in all occupied areas. To make sure audible alarm
appliances are heard it is recommended that their sound level be at least 15 dba above the
background sound level or 5 dba above the maximum sound level having a duration of 60 seconds
or more.

A bell consists of a metal dome, a coil, and a plunger. Most bells have an adjustment screw for
varying the striking force of the plunger. In many new fire alarm systems, bells are polarized so
supervision can include each individual bell in addition to the circuit to which it is connected.

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Polarization is achieved by a diode within the bell. Supervision for individual bells is dependent
upon the way the bell is connected to the circuit.

Horns consist of electromagnets which vibrate a steel diaphragm. Most horns have an adjustment
screw for varying the sound level output. A horn, like a bell can be a polarized type, with a
supervisory diode within the unit.

Loudspeakers are used with voice alarm systems. Older systems may have used standard
speakers wired in series. Newer systems use supervised speakers with transformers and
capacitors wired in parallel, as required by NFPA standards. The transformers in parallel wired
speakers have multiple taps of various wattage ratings from varying speaker outputs. The sum of
the speaker wattages for each speaker circuit cannot exceed the total wattage capacity of that
particular circuit.

Visible Alarm Appliances

Visible alarm devices have been used in areas where hearing impaired persons may be located.
The 1991 Life Safety Code, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) now require visible
alarm devices on all new fire alarm systems. Visible alarm devices can consist of a variety of lamp
types, such as rotating lights or flashing strobe lights.

Design Requirements

Design and Installation requirements can be found in the following codes and standards:

NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code

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