Fire alarm verification explained

A fire alarm verification is a complete inspection and test of a new or altered fire alarm system, done to CAN/ULC-S537 before the system is relied on. It confirms that the system was installed as designed, that every device works and that it meets the installation standard. Building officials usually need the verification report before they will allow occupancy.

Verification versus annual testing

For how the annual test works, see fire alarm system inspections.

When verification is needed

The building codes in Alberta, BC and Ontario, following the National Building Code of Canada, require new fire alarm systems to be verified, and in practice so do most changes to existing systems. Typical triggers include:

• A new building or a new fire alarm system
• Adding, removing or relocating devices during a renovation or tenant fit-up
• Replacing or upgrading the control unit
• Changing the programming or interfaces with other systems

When only part of a system has changed, the verification usually covers the altered parts and the parts of the system they connect to, including the panel and annunciators. Check with your building official and designer on the scope expected.

Who performs it

Verification is normally done by the fire alarm equipment manufacturer's representative or a qualified fire alarm contractor, using technicians with the training and credentials expected by the authority having jurisdiction. It should be someone who understands the specific equipment and the S537 procedures. The verifier works from the approved design drawings and the system's programming.

What a verification involves

• Comparing installed devices with the approved drawings: type, location and quantity
• Checking wiring, terminations and supervision of circuits
• Testing each initiating device, including every detector, pull station and sprinkler switch
• Measuring audibility of notification appliances in different areas, and checking visual signals
• Testing the control unit's functions, trouble and supervisory signals and power supplies
• Testing standby batteries or emergency power capacity
• Testing annunciators for correct zone or device description
• Testing every interface: fan shutdown, smoke control, door holders, elevator recall, sprinkler monitoring
• Confirming the signal path to the monitoring station, where required

The verification report

The verifier issues a report and a certificate confirming the system was inspected and tested to S537. The report lists every device and test result, and any deficiencies that had to be fixed. Owners should keep a copy permanently with the fire alarm documentation, along with the as-built drawings and the system programming record. The next annual inspection, and any future changes, will rely on these records.

Common problems found

• Devices installed in different locations than the drawings show
• Detectors too close to air diffusers, or installed where the ceiling layout changed
• Notification appliances not loud enough in rooms with closed doors or high background noise
• Interfaces wired but not programmed, or programmed to the wrong outputs
• Annunciator labels that do not match room numbers
• Monitoring not connected or not reporting correct signals

Owner responsibilities

Owners and their project managers should make sure verification is in the contract, that the report is received before occupancy and that deficiencies are closed. After occupancy, the system moves into the annual testing cycle and, where required, continuous monitoring; see how fire alarm monitoring works.

How ehZee can help

ehZee does not replace the fire alarm verifier. Through our fire inspections, verification and monitoring service we help owners plan for verification, coordinate the verifier, other trades and the building official, review the report and follow up on deficiencies so they are closed before occupancy.

Common questions