Annual Inspections

An annual test of the fire alarm system is a "B.C. Fire Code" (1998 BC Fire Code, Section 6.3) and "ULC Standard" (CAN/ULC-S536-M97) required, in-depth test of the entire system, which includes the following:

• General overview of system to look for proper installation and any apparent changes, alterations, additions, damage.
• Access to, and functional test of, every connected device such as heat detectors, smoke detectors, pull stations, pressure switches, etc. This includes devices in all common areas as well as any device inside dwelling units.
• Functional testing of all aux./ancillary functions/connections.
• Internal fire panel testing.
• Functional test of fire system monitoring to ensure monitoring company is receiving required trouble and alarm signals.
• Confirmation of correct alarm zone annunciation and operation all remote annunciators.
• Functional testing of voice communication/paging systems, fire fighters phones and all related equipment.
• Prepare detailed documentation, as required, for review by fire department inspectors, insurance underwriters and property owners/agents.

Monthly Inspections

A monthly test (CAN/ULC-S536-M97 Section 4.2) of the fire alarm system is a "quick check" to ensure the proper operation of the system in between the full annual testing. It includes:

• Confirmation that the system power lamp is illuminated
• The functional test of one pull station and the resultant operation of the fire bells.
• Confirmation of the correct zoning indicating where the pull station was activated
• A visual inspection of the standby power batteries to check for corrosion of the terminal connections.
• Test of the system "trouble indicator".
• Test of one emergency telephone.
• Test of paging capability to one zone.

In-suite testing

In some cases, fire alarm detection, audible and visual devices are located inside residential dwelling units. These devices are connected to the main building fire alarm system and must be tested annually (CAN/ULC-S5326-M). Therefore, access to residential dwellings is crucial to ensure complete system testing and code compliance.

Testing of stand-alone in-suite smoke alarms is generally included at the same time but, depending on local bylaws, it may or may not be mandatory.