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
| Verification | Annual inspection and test | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | CAN/ULC-S537 | CAN/ULC-S536 |
| When | After a new installation, or after changes to an existing system | Every year while the building is occupied |
| Purpose | Confirm the system was installed correctly and works as designed | Confirm a working system is still working |
| Typical trigger | Construction, renovation, tenant fit-up, panel replacement | The fire code schedule |
| Who needs the report | The building official, designer and owner, often as a condition of occupancy | The owner and the fire inspector |
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.
Plan verification early. Verification needs the building close to finished, with power, ceilings and finishes in place, and other systems ready for interface testing. If it is left to the last week of a project, problems found can delay occupancy. Schedule it in the construction plan and allow time to fix and re-test.
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
Getting ready for the verifier
A verification goes faster, and finds fewer surprises, when the site is genuinely ready. Before the verifier arrives, the project team should have:
- The approved design drawings, with any approved changes, and the device list
- The system programming complete and a copy available for review
- All devices installed, labelled and connected, with ceilings and finishes substantially complete
- Permanent power to the panel, and batteries installed and charged
- Other systems ready for interface tests: fans, dampers, door hardware, elevators, sprinkler switches
- The monitoring company connected and ready to confirm signals, where monitoring is required
- Access to every room, shaft, roof and ceiling space with devices
- Trades available on the day to fix small problems immediately
A typical case
A tenant fit-up in an occupied office building adds new walls, rooms and a server room. The fire alarm contractor adds detectors and notification appliances and calls for verification of the altered part of the system. The verifier finds that two detectors were moved during ceiling installation and now sit right next to supply diffusers, that the new server room door holder is wired but not programmed to release, and that a new meeting room is below the required sound level with its door closed.
Because verification was scheduled two weeks before the tenant's move-in, there was time to relocate the detectors, correct the programming, add a notification appliance and retest. The report went to the building official in time. Had verification been booked for the day before move-in, the same findings would have delayed occupancy.
Questions to ask before verification
- What exactly is in scope: the whole system, or the altered parts and what they connect to?
- Who will coordinate the other trades for interface testing?
- How will occupants and the monitoring company be notified if the building is already occupied?
- How long will it take to issue the report once deficiencies are closed?
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
Do we need a full verification for adding a few detectors?
The altered parts of the system need verification, along with the parts they affect. Your designer and building official will confirm the scope.
Is a verification report the same as an occupancy permit?
No. It is one of the documents the building official may require before issuing occupancy. See what is a certificate of occupancy.
Can the installing contractor verify its own work?
It depends on what your building official and provincial rules accept. Verification is commonly done by the manufacturer's representative or a separate qualified verifier. Confirm the arrangement with your designer and building official before the project starts.