Ensuring Effective Wireless Fire Alarm Systems: Testing, Battery Life, and Security

Like any other fire protection architecture, fire alarm systems must be tested frequently and efficiently to ensure proper and effective functioning. Many tests must be conducted to determine how well the system is doing and whether it needs repairs or replacements. Some of these tests are,

1. Wireless Systems Communication Test 
2. Testing the Battery Life Effectiveness
3. Suitability of Environment Check
4. Network Security and Encryption Check
5. Signal Strength and Interference Test

As the NFPA states in standard NFPA 72, fire alarm system inspections are mandatory and must be done at a specified frequency. They must be inspected and tested weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, and annually. 

These tests don’t all need to be done by a fire inspection professional. Still, any semi-annual or annual inspections or tests require an official inspector or technician to perform the testing and then officially document the entire process for future information.

Here are the steps that are included in the different types of inspections and tests for fire alarm systems,

Weekly Inspecting and Testing

These inspections can be done by individuals who have a basic idea of fire alarm systems and will have only to do a visual inspection of most devices,

1. Inspect the control equipment of the alarm system.
2. Any engine-driven generators need to be tested for refills and proper functioning.
3. The main power supply of the system and the trouble signal indicators need to be inspected.
4. LED lighting, bulbs or lighting objects, electrical fuses, and communication equipment must be inspected.
5. Batteries need to be tested and replaced if necessary.

Monthly Requirements

Monthly procedures are similar to weekly checks but include a few more components that need attention, 

1. The system’s DACRs (Digital Alarm Communicator Receiver) must be inspected for proper functioning and no time-loss issues.
2. Communication devices like DACRs, multiplexers, supervising receivers, station repeaters, and other signaling components must be tested and replaced.
3. Inspecting the detectors of fire alarm systems, like CO2 detectors.
4. Checking the wireless connections of all components and devices while verifying the strength of the network connectivity.
5. Checking wireless transmissions’ security and verifying any discrepancies within the system must be resolved.
6. Conducting load voltage and discharge tests on the system’s batteries to maintain electrical efficiency.

Quarterly Tests

Quarterly procedures become inspections more focused on external influencing components of the alarm system,

1. To ensure the maintenance of electrical power sources, material-specific batteries must be inspected and subjected to a few electrical tests.
2. Waterflow devices connected to response devices, such as fire sprinklers and hoses, must be inspected for defects.
3. Fire detectors that use radiant energy technology to detect hazards must be inspected.
4. Supervisory signaling devices and alert-initiating devices, like smoke alarm systems, must be tested. They must ensure they send their respective signals within a specific time-limit gap, imitating an emergency situation.
5. Equipment off the premises of the fire alarm systems that transmit information to external authorities must be tested and verified if they work correctly with the respective officers after informing them before testing.

Semi-Annual Inspections and Testing

These inspections are of a higher complexity than before, so it is advised to go with a professional for this one. Otherwise, you can get approval from your AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) and get a verified individual from your side to do the testing, 

1. Remote annunciators are often the first visual indication that an emergency is occurring and where it is happening. These need to be inspected and tested for any defects.
2. The control unit signals must be verified for the correct results and good alert times.
3. Initiating devices, such as smoke detectors, heat detectors, manual call points, and similar devices, must be inspected to ensure they are free of obstructions.
4. Magnetic hinges, doors, and the system’s notification devices must be tested for irregularities and replaced if necessary.
5. Interconnecting switches and activation devices must be tested and inspected for loose wiring or replaceable components. 

Annual Testing

These are the inspections that need to be carried out by a verified individual, such as a fire inspector or a verified fire technician with proper certifications,

1. 1. Annual inspections combine all procedures from previous inspections, all done again by the verified individual conducting the process.
   2. Silent testing of the alarm system and bypassing the emergency control functions is acceptable for the duration of the testing procedures. It can effectively test all the major components of the alarm system.
   3. Annual inspections consider every component in your system and can, therefore, take some time to complete. During this period, the systems are not deemed offline, and the official taking care of the process can turn the system back up in a few seconds if needed.
   4. The documentation created during this inspection is essential for future inspections so that inspectors know what was done before, what was fixed, any specific problems, or any specific communication that previous inspectors wanted to pass on.
   5. The certification provided by the official at the end of the inspections is essential documentation that must be kept safe. It is evidence that your system is working as it should and that you can continue your operations at the location. Otherwise, legal considerations could render your business grounds unsafe and prevent any use of the grounds for operations.