Nfpa 72 smoke detector sensitivity testing requirements

Nfpa 72 smoke detector sensitivity testing requirements

Check with us to determine your current setup and functionality!

Nfpa 72 smoke detector sensitivity testing requirements

Smoke detector Sensitivity testing

A lot of questions arise when smoke detector sensitivity testing is discussed or cited. There are a few key things

What is sensitivity testing?

Over time, smoke detector sensitivity can drift. They may grow more sensitive or less sensitive, but either way, this fluctuation in sensitivity can cause the alarm to be ineffective. Using detector testers to check the sensitivity is not only required by law but will also provide peace of mind that your smoke detectors are functioning properly.

Check with us to determine your current setup and functionality!

Nfpa 72 smoke detector sensitivity testing requirements

Is sensitivity testing required?

Yes. Sensitivity testing must be performed per NFPA 72. However, depending on the type of detectors installed and the capabilities of the fire alarm control panel, it may not be needed.

NFPA 72-2016 14.4.3.2-17 (h)(4) states that “Smoke detector/control unit arrangement whereby the detector causes a signal at the control unit when its sensitivity is outside it listed sensitivity range” is an acceptable means of ensuring that each smoke detector is within its required sensitivity range. This means that physically testing each detector is not required.

Some newer fire alarm panels have this capability, while other types do not.

What is the frequency of testing?

Smoke detector sensitivity must be checked within one year after installation, then checked every other year. After the second test, if test results indicate that the device remains within its required sensitivity range, the length of time between tests is then permitted to be extended to a maximum of 5 years. (NFPA 72-2016 14.4.4.3.1 – 3)"

Smoke detectors are incredibly important tools in fire prevention. But just because you have smoke detectors installed does not necessarily mean your business is safe. Over time, smoke detectors can become less sensitive, which renders them ineffectual. NFPA 72 requires that smoke detectors are regularly tested for both functionality and sensitivity. Here are the requirements for smoke detector sensitivity testing:

• Must test that each smoke detector is within its listed and marked sensitivity range
• Must use UL-approved testing equipment (Underwriter Laboratories)
• Required to do sensitivity test within 1st year of install
• Every 2 years after
• Every 5 years after the 5th year

Smoke Detector Sensitivity Testing Equipment:
There are a few options when it comes to smoke detector sensitivity testing equipment, but the industry standard is Trutest.

• Manufacturer-approved method of sensitivity testing
• Measures true sensitivity of a detector head with a controlled amount of smoke pumped through its system, introducing into the detector
• Capable of testing both Photoelectric and Ionization detectors
• Battery-operated and portable
• Comes with all accessories needed to perform sensitivity tests on detectors: main control unit, head, (2) different size extension cables, and charger.
• Self-calibrates before every test.
• Results shown in %/Ft.

What If Smoke Detectors Are Outside of Their Sensitivity Range?
If smoke detectors are tested and found to be outside of their listed and marked sensitivity range, they must be cleaned and re-calibrated or replaced OR if they are field adjustable, they are permitted to be field adjusted within the listed and marked sensitivity range. (NFPA 72-2016 14.4.4.3.4-5)

How Can Ryan Fireprotection Help?
Ryan Fireprotection can conduct smoke detector sensitivity tests for your business. In addition, Ryan Fireprotection installs fire alarm control panels that perform automatic sensitivity monitoring. This eliminates the need for costly individual detector sensitivity testing. The fire alarm panels we offer can generate a report and/or display a visual “pass/fail” indication for each detector.

What are the NFPA 72 requirements?

For many years NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, has required as a minimum that smoke alarms be installed inside every sleep room (even for existing homes) in addition to requiring them outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. (Additional smoke alarms are required for larger homes.)

How often should smoke detectors be sensitivity tested after the first year of service?

This needs to be done one year after installation and then every other year, if the detector remains within its listed and marked sensitivity, the testing can be completed every 5 years.

What is the sensitivity level of smoke detector?

The result is a very sensitive but stable system that can achieve 0.06 to 6.41% / m obscuration sensitivity, providing up to 100 times more sensitivity than a standard photoelectric smoke sensor.

What chapter in the NFPA 72 is for testing smoke alarms?

Inspection, testing and maintenance requirements for fire alarm systems can be found in Chapter 14 of the NFPA 72. The code establishes minimum required levels of performance, but it does not establish the only methods by which departments can meet these requirements.