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Check with us to determine your current setup and functionality!Smoke detector Sensitivity testingA lot of questions arise when smoke detector sensitivity testing is discussed or cited. There are a few key thingsWhat 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!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 Smoke Detector Sensitivity Testing Equipment: •
Manufacturer-approved method of sensitivity testing What If Smoke Detectors Are Outside of Their Sensitivity Range? How Can Ryan Fireprotection Help? 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.
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