Busted! Don’t Believe These Fire Alarm Verification Myths!

A fire alarm verification is a highly specialized test performed by an individual who has training and experience and is recognized and accepted by the local jurisdictional authority. The test on the fire alarm system is carried out in accordance with the Standard for Verification of Fire Alarm Systems. However, as this test can be a very technical subject, it is easy to fall for falsehoods associated with fire alarm verification. To help you steer clear of misconceptions and keep your family safe, MNA Quality Consulting Ltd. has debunked three of the most widely believed myths about fire alarm verification.

Myth 1: During Verification, All New or Relocated Devices Are to Be Tested for “Open”

This is true for legacy conventional fire alarm systems where the T-Tap wiring is not allowed as it won’t support individual device supervision. However, in the modern addressable system, the panel will poll each device regularly regardless. The “open” test can be done by simply removing the data circuit from the panel, which causes the panel to report all devices missing. The verification team then needs to confirm if all devices are accounted for and put the data circuit back to the panel, ensuring that all devices are recognized. This is essentially the “open” test. This verification method will save you lots of verification time.

Myth 2: No T-Tap Allowed in Fire Alarm Installation

A fire alarm T-Tap is merely a parallel tap into the loop. T-Tapping helps provide communication paths to the field devices and control equipment. This myth is true when it comes to the conventional loop where daisy-chain wiring is needed to ensure each device is supervised. However, in the addressable loop where the panel polls each device regularly, the T-Tap is fine.

Myth 3: Fire Alarm Verification of a Single Device Will Take Just Five Minutes

This is true if the system has been tested and passed successfully before verification day. Having been in this industry for years, it is common to arrive on-site to find out that the device is not yet installed, the wiring is not yet pulled, the installer is still troubleshooting an error message, or AC power is not turned off for twenty-four hours for load test, etc. One device fire alarm verification seems like a small job, but it could be costly in terms of manpower and time if it is not coordinated correctly.

If you’re looking to steer clear of more these myths like these, reach out to MNA Quality Consulting Ltd. As the best electrical, mechanical, and structural engineers in Calgary, AB, we focus on results and help our clients continue to raise the bar for the conformity and compliance industry. We assist our clients in navigating and applying best practice models, management standards, and regulations in a manner that adds value to their organizations. We invest tremendous resources in identifying exceptional people, developing their skills, and creating an environment that fosters their growth as leaders. Therefore, we pride ourselves on the quality, integrity, and experience of the staff we bring to any project. For a complete list of our services you can visit our homepage. If you have any questions about MNA Quality Consulting Ltd., we’d love to hear from you. Also, you can tell us about your engineering plans via "Contact us" page.