How Often Should Fire Alarms Be Inspected? 4 Key Intervals
Wondering How Often Should Fire Alarms Be Inspected? You’re in the right place- read on to learn more about the NFPA 72 inspection schedule + best practices for keeping your business, staff, and properties safe.
Fire alarms are one of the most critical life safety systems in any building — yet they’re often out of sight, out of mind. The truth is: when a fire alarm system fails, lives and property are put at serious risk. Regular inspections are the key to ensuring your system works when it matters most.
Why Fire Alarm Inspections Are So Important
- 🔶 Minimize Disruptions — alarms must detect fires reliably, without false alarms.
- 🔶 Stay compliant — NFPA 72 and local fire codes require routine inspections.
- 🔶 Limit liability — documented inspections show that you’ve taken proactive steps to protect people and property.
- 🔶 Gain peace of mind — knowing your system is ready when it’s needed most.
Fire Alarm Inspection Frequency — What the NFPA Codes Require:
1. Monthly Visual Inspections
- 🔸 Check smoke detectors, pull stations, and horns/strobes for damage or obstruction
- 🔸 Confirm accessibility to all alarm components
2. Quarterly Tests
- 🔸 Waterflow devices
- 🔸 Supervisory devices
- 🔸 Notification appliances (horns, strobes, speakers, etc.)
3. Semi‑Annual Fire Alarm Inspections
- 🔸 Conduct midpoint confirmation tests on key supervisory circuits
- 🔸 Verify battery and power supply health under load
- 🔸 Inspect system logs/reports for any unauthorized or failed signal events
4. Annual Full Fire Alarm System Inspections
Once a year, a licensed professional should perform a comprehensive inspection:
- Test and calibrate smoke and heat detectors
- Test pull stations
- Verify proper operation of control panels and batteries
- Check alarm notification appliances (horns, strobes, speakers)
- Test system communication with monitoring service
A Note On Fire Alarm System Modifications:
Special Considerations for Certain Property Types
- Healthcare facilities — due to patient care needs and stricter regulations.
- High‑rise buildings — due to evacuation challenges.
- Schools and universities — large populations of students.
- Data centers — systems integrated with clean agent suppression require specialized testing.
Frequently Asked Questions :
Q: How Often Should Fire Alarms Be Inspected?
Q: What is a semi‑annual fire alarm inspection?
Q: Can I perform visual checks myself?
Q: Do I need to inspect after any system change?
Why Choose Integrity Fire for Your Fire & Life Safety Inspections?
🔶 Certified expertise — NFPA 72 compliant inspections performed by trained professionals.
🔶 Friendly, helpful service — approachable team that makes the process clear and stress-free.
🔶 Transparent communication — we notify you when inspections are due and provide clear reports.
🔶 Minimal disruption — we work efficiently around your building’s needs and occupants.
Integrity Fire Safety Services proudly serves clients across Colorado- including Denver, the Front Range, I-70 Corridor, Western Slope, Colorado Springs, and beyond!
Contact Integrity Fire Safety Services Today to schedule your next Annual, Semi-Annual, or Quarterly Fire Alarm Inspection.
