How to Test a Fire Alarm Like a Pro

Mammoth Takeaways

• Fire Alarm Testing: Regular testing of fire alarms is essential to ensure they function correctly during emergencies and to avoid false alarms. It is also legally required and impacts insurance policies.
• Types of Fire Alarms: Various fire alarms, including smoke detectors, heat detectors, and carbon monoxide alarms, use different methods to detect potential hazards. Each type of fire alarm has specific mechanisms, such as photoelectric sensors and ionization for smoke detectors, as well as fixed temperature and rate-of-rise for heat detectors.
• Fire Alarm Maintenance: Regular inspections and maintenance of fire alarm systems are necessary to keep them functioning properly. This includes checking the power source, testing alarm components and sensors, and addressing common issues like false alarms and low batteries.

Fire alarms are invaluable in keeping your building safe from fires.
Making sure these alarms work correctly when needed is extremely important, which is why regular testing is necessary.
Neglecting fire alarm checks can cause failure during emergencies or bothersome false alarms. Let’s dive into the importance of fire alarm testing and how it's done like a pro.

Importance of Fire Alarm Testing

A fire alarm is the main equipment that protects your building and business from fire damage. That’s why testing your fire alarms is extremely important and even required by the law. If your fire alarms don’t pass regular inspections by certified officials, your insurance rate may go up, or your insurer may drop you as a customer altogether.

If there are malfunctions in your fire alarm system it may be giving you a false sense of security. Regular testing and maintenance ensures that you are properly protected from any possible threats and are also compliant with the law.

Types of Fire Alarms

There are many devices that can be used to help detect the presence of a beginning or in-progress fire. These different pieces of equipment use unique methods to protect your property.

Smoke Detectors

Photoelectric: Using a beam of photons, or light, this type of smoke detector is able to sense the presence of carbon particles. The particles that are present in smoke disrupt the beam which informs the sensor that there is a hazard present.

Ionization: This type of smoke detector employs a minute piece of radioactive material called Americium-241 to detect smoke. The radioactive properties of the element create an electric field that, when disturbed, will activate the smoke alarm.

Heat Detectors

Fixed Temperature: These detectors work using a specially formulated alloy that is set to melt at a predetermined temperature. When that threshold is met, the alloy will me,lt and the alarm will be triggered by this change.

Rate-of-Rise: Using a coupling of two thermistors, this type of detector compares ambient room temperature with the presence of radiant heat. When an increase in temperature of 12 to 15 degrees occurs between the two readings within a minute, the alarm is activated.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause serious health impairment or death. This gas is generated by the combustion of natural fuels such as wood, propane, gas, and charcoal. That’s why detecting it in your building should be a high priority. Luckily, there are affordable and easy-to-use models available.

Electrochemical: Using a sensor equipped with a particular solution, usually made of acids or dissolved salts, a chemical reaction will occur in the presence of carbon monoxide. This chemical reaction generates a small electrical current that will cause the alarm to activate.

Biometric (Biomimetic):  This device uses a gel-coated disk that interacts with carbon monoxide. The colored gel will change color, which will alert the device that there is danger present. The gel is designed to mimic a reaction in human blood, which is why it is sometimes referred to as a biomimetic sensor.

Preparing for Fire Alarm Testing

Gather Necessary Tools and Equipment

When testing your fire alarm system, make sure to have all tools needed for the job. Having all the necessary equipment will make the process quicker and easier. Suggested kit includes a sturdy ladder, smoke testing aerosols, the key for the fire alarm panel, protective clothing, eyewear and ear protection and a basic toolbox.

Notify Building Occupants

Prior to conducting the smoke alarm testing, it’s important to inform the building occupants. Informing the present people will help reduce panic as they will not mistake the activated siren for an actual threat. If possible, post an announcement a few days prior to the test in order to give everyone notice and prepare accordingly.

Establish a Testing Schedule

Fire alarm testing needs to be done regularly. With it being your primary defense against the threat of fire, it’s necessary to verify that all parts are functioning properly. The sensors and components need monthly inspections to check for damage or debris. A thorough checkup, done by a professional fire alarm technician, should be conducted once annually.

Fire Alarm Testing Process

With preparations completed, the official testing process can begin.

Check the Power Source

A fire alarm needs a power source in order to function and perform its duties. Inspections should be done regularly to ensure the unit is receiving a constant and reliable flow of energy.

If during the check it appears the system is not powered properly, inspect the wires for loose connections or physical damage. Fire alarm systems should have their own separate lines and may be encased in protective tubing to avoid disconnection. If no visible damage is found, it’s best to reach out to a professional for a diagnosis and repair.

Test the Alarm Components

If the unit has power, perform a visual inspection of all connected detectors and devices to ensure there is no visible damage and that all sensors are clean. Verify that there are no obstacles obstructing the pull stations. Access the fire alarm control panel and check that all buttons and displays are working properly. Take immediate action to address any notifications or warnings that may be present on the panel.

Test the Alarm Activation

Use the ladder to reach the smoke alarm and locate the test button. Wear protective ear equipment as the siren will be very loud at such a close distance. Press and hold down this button for a few seconds to initialize the test. The alarm siren will sound. If the alarm does not sound or only weakly responds there may be a problem with the power source. Check the batteries or wires that are connected to the unit.

If the system responds properly to the test button, the next step is to check the sensors. Using an aerosol smoke detector spray, follow the instructions on the can and spray towards the detector. The siren should activate after a few seconds. If it does not react, the sensor may be defective and in need of a replacement.

Silence and Hush Button Feature

Many models of fire alarms come equipped with a “silence” or “hush” button. This feature's purpose is to allow an occupant to temporarily deactivate the alarm in a non-emergency situation, such as burnt food in a kitchen. This button is supposed to offer an alternative to removing the batteries in such an incident. Removing batteries is not recommended as it renders the system inactive.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

False Alarms

Like all technology, there are sometimes false alarms and hiccups when the alarm is functioning. Here are some possible reasons for a false alarm triggering:
Kitchen Mishaps: Smoke from cooking and kitchen-related activities may activate your fire alarm system. Some smoke alarms are unable to distinguish between cooking smoke and smoke from an uncontained fire. It is suggested that using a combination smoke detector in a cooking environment will reduce the occurrence of false alarms.

Steam and Humidity: High humidity and steam can interfere with the sensor and accidentally register as smoke. This is a common issue in places like bathrooms. Proper ventilation can mitigate these issues, but if it doesn’t, the alarm may need to be relocated.

Dust and Debris: The presence of dust and small particle debris on sensors can trigger the sensors. Inspect the smoke alarm sensors and check for any visible contamination that may be creating these false readings.

Insects: Similar to dust and debris, some small insects are able to find their way into the smoke detector. If they are present, clean the sensors.

Chemical Use: Some off gassing from particular chemicals such as cleaning agents and paint may activate the alarm. It is important to have proper ventilation when using such chemicals. Not just to prevent false alarms, but also to protect your health.

Low Batteries: If a smoke detector or fire alarm unit is underpowered due to low batteries, the unit may behave erratically. Batteries should be checked regularly to avoid this issue and guarantee the continued function of your fire alarm system.

Expired Units: Units that are old or out of date can often fail and become unreliable. Smoke detectors have a typical lifespan of around 10 years. If the device has expired or is approaching its expiration date, it is best to replace the alarm.

Battery Replacement

On units that are only powered by batteries, there may be a chirping noise coming from the smoke detector. This is an indication that the power in the battery cells are low and need to be replaced. Also if there is no indicator light on, the unit's batteries may already have expired.

Maintaining Fire Alarm Systems

Cleaning and Maintenance

Many fire alarms do not allow the unit to be opened or tampered with without voiding the warranty. Instead of cleaning sensors inside the machine, you can use compressed air to spray out any possible debris. Luckily, most higher-end, modern smoke detectors have a mesh inside to prevent contamination from getting inside.

Regular Inspections and Repairs

Regularly check the control panel for any possible errors. Visually inspect the smoke detectors and heat detectors monthly. Some institutions, such as healthcare, may require more frequent and in-depth fire alarm inspections. It is important to check out the recommendations for your business field.

Upgrading and Updating Fire Alarm Systems

Since technology evolves and improves at a rapid rate, it can sometimes be a great idea to upgrade and update your fire alarm system. New and better features are being discovered all the time that may help protect your property and occupants further.

If you are looking to upgrade an old system or are interested in more comprehensive coverage, reach out to a fire alarm installation specialist. They are licensed and insured and can help you find the right system for your building and business.

Mammoth Conclusion

Ensure your fire alarm system is running smoothly and working to protect you and your company.
Mammoth Security has extensive experience and trained staff to help install and maintain your fire safety equipment.
Reach out today for a no-cost onsite consultation!