Existing Fire Alarm Systems STANDATA now available on the Government of Alberta website

EIN Alberta standata 400

May 15, 2019

The purpose of this bulletin is to identify requirements where a building fire alarm system, regardless of age, requires inspection, testing, maintenance, and installation of devices or other equipment (e.g. maglocks) in order to provide or maintain an expected level of protection for occupants.

In addition, this bulletin will define who is able to inspect, test, maintain and install fire alarm systems.

DISCUSSION

There are four types of activities that are conducted on a fire alarm system – inspection, testing, maintenance and installation.

Inspection is a visual examination to determine that the device or system will apparently perform in accordance with its intended function.

Testing is the operation of a device or system to determine that it will perform in accordance with its intended operation or function.

Maintenance is the removal, replacement or servicing of devices or equipment found inoperative during an inspection and test of the fire alarm system or due to an inoperative device at any other time.

Installation includes a new install or additions, modifications and renovations (changes).

There are factors that influence the degree of work that may be necessary to a building fire alarm system in order for it to provide the expected level of protection. The factors take into consideration the need for maintaining or changing systems that had been installed to “good engineering practice” prior to established codes and standards.

The factors also reflect how fire alarm systems installed under established codes and standards should be regarded when maintenance or changes are contemplated and to what degree the requirements of the most current codes and standards apply in maintenance and changes to the systems.

Aside from the specific requirements of the Alberta Building Code 2014 (ABC 2014), Alberta Fire Code 2014 (AFC 2014) and the Canadian Electrical Code 2018.

The main referenced standards for the installation, verification, inspection and testing of fire alarm systems are:

  • CAN/ULC – S524 Installation of Fire Alarm Systems
  • CAN/ULC – S536 Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm
  • CAN/ULC – S537 Verification of Fire Alarm Systems
  • CAN/ULC – S1001 Integrated Systems of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems

Read the full bulletin HERE

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • The Non-Residential Sector Declines in All Three Components Despite Sustained Industrial Permit Level

    The Non-Residential Sector Declines in All Three Components Despite Sustained Industrial Permit Level

    November 4, 2024 The total value of building permits in Canada decreased by $858.1 million (-7.0%) to $11.5 billion in August, following a strong July during which construction intentions rose sharply (+20.8%). The residential and non-residential sectors contributed to the decrease in August. On a constant dollar basis (2017=100), the total value of building permits decreased 7.6% in… Read More…

  • A Slight Decrease in Residential Building Construction for August

    A Slight Decrease in Residential Building Construction for August

    November 4, 2024 Investment in building construction edged up 0.2% to $21.0 billion in August, after a 1.6% decrease in July. The residential sector edged down (-0.1%) to $14.6 billion, while the non-residential sector was up 1.0% to $6.4 billion. Year over year, investment in building construction grew 7.2% in August. On a constant dollar basis (2017=100), investment in building construction was… Read More…

  • When a Familiar Door Closes

    When a Familiar Door Closes

    November 4, 2024 By Keith Sones, seasoned utility industry executive Most of the articles I’ve written have been based on personal experiences, many of them occurring decades ago, which eventually translate into helpful life lessons. The years allow the events to marinate in a savoury stew of time and reflection, clarity never coming immediately, or even… Read More…

  • Regulatory Changes to Manitoba Apprenticeship and Certification System

    Regulatory Changes to Manitoba Apprenticeship and Certification System

    November 4, 2024 Effective October 30, 2024, Manitoba’s apprenticeship and certification system will undergo regulatory changes. These changes aim to enhance responsiveness to industry needs, align with Red Seal standards, and improve the quality of apprentice training and safety. Go HERE for more information Source Read More…


Changing Scene