Fire Alarm Testing Corrections Made Easy

How do you mark the devices that need a return service trip to correct?

When you are performing a fire alarm system test or fire alarm system pre test, make sure to check every fire alarm device and notification appliance.  This includes audible visual, smoke detectors, heat detectors, pull stations, Ansul (hood systems), door holders, and the one everyone skips, duct smoke detectors.

When checking these devices it may become a burden to write down the exact location of a fire alarm device or appliance that did not function correctly.  This really applies to non addressable devices as these devices have a location/description programmed into the fire alarm control panel. Devices such as conventional initiating devices, strobes, horns and speakers are harder to keep track of.  

Here is a little trick that will help shave time off your fire alarm test.  Use small bright yellow colored stickers to mark the fire alarm devices or appliances that did not function correctly.  This will make it easy to come back and check or note deficiencies.

With door holders, you can mark the actual magnetic holder if it did not release, or you can mark the hardware mounted on the door if the door did not close and latch.  It makes it easy to come back and accurately make notes on your fire alarm test form otherwise know as the NFPA 72 testing and inspection sheets or the Record of Completion if a new system.

You can also get creative and use different colors for different scenarios.  For example, lets say you have a duct smoke detector that went into alarm but did not shut down the air.  Use a green sticker for HVAC shutdown.

Try it out and let us know what you think.

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