NFPA-72 Fire Alarm Testing Frequency (Summary)
Please be aware that this list is abbreviated for clarity. 
Please refer to NFPA-72 for the complete list of devices, test frequencies, and procedures.

Monitored Fire Alarm Panels

Weekly Requirement
Visual inspection of panel trouble signal led’s.

Quarterly Requirement
Visual inspection of all fire sprinkler devices connected to the alarm. This includes water flow switches and valve tamper switches.
Test of fire pump monitored points (loss of phase, phase reversal, pump running etc...)

Semiannual Requirements
Test of sprinkler waterflow switches (flow water or manually trip flapper)
Test of sprinkler valve tamper switches (operate valves) 
Visual inspection lead-acid battery (swelling or loose connections) 
Test batteries - load voltage



Annual Requirements
Test & visual inspection of panel functionality, LED's, fuses, etc…
Test panel battery charger
Battery discharge test
Test & visual inspection of horns, strobes, chimes, & bells etc…
Test & visual inspection of smoke detectors
Test & visual inspection of heat detectors
Test & visual inspection of duct smoke detectors
Test & visual inspection of Electromechanical Releasing Devices (Solenoid)
Test & visual inspection of Voice Evacuation equipment



Other
Replace sealed lead-acid batteries every 5 years or as test results require.
Smoke Detector Cleaning: as test results require. 
Many newer fire alarm panels are capable of issuing maintenance alerts and adjusting sensitivity as the detector becomes dirtier. 
Both of these features reduce false alarms.

 

Smoke & heat detector replacement recommended after 10 years of service.

Unmonitored Fire Alarm Panels

Weekly Requirement
Visual inspection of panel lamps & led’s, fuses, primary power supply, and interface equipment.


Quarterly Requirement
Test of panel lamps & led’s, fuses, primary power supply, and interface equipment.
Visual inspection of all fire sprinkler devices connected to the alarm. This includes water flow switches and valve tamper switches. 
Test of fire pump monitor points (loss of phase, phase reversal, pump running etc...)


Semiannual Requirements
Test of sprinkler waterflow switches (by flowing water) 
Test of sprinkler valve tamper switches
Visual inspection lead-acid battery (swelling or loose connections)


Test batteries - load voltage


Annual Requirements
Battery discharge test (30 minutes)
Test & visual inspection of horns, strobes, chimes, & bells etc…
Test & visual inspection of smoke detectors
Test & visual inspection of heat detectors
Test & visual inspection of duct smoke detectors
Test & visual inspection of Electromechanical Releasing Devices (Solenoid)
Test & visual inspection of Voice Evacuation equipment

Other
Replace sealed lead-acid batteries every 5 years or as test results require.
Smoke Detector Cleaning: as test results require. 
Many newer fire alarm panels are capable of issuing maintenance alerts and adjusting sensitivity as the detector becomes dirtier. 
Both of these features reduce false alarms.

 

Smoke & heat detector replacement recommended after 10 years of service.

Please be aware that the above list is abbreviated for clarity. 
Please refer to NFPA 72 for the complete list of devices, test frequencies, and procedures.