Blog

What Matters in a Fire Alarm Inspection?

May 12, 2025|fsstechnologies

At FSS Technologies, we understand that safety and reliability are paramount when it comes to fire alarm systems. While installing commercial fire safety systems is a critical first step in protecting your business, your efforts can’t stop there. Fire alarm inspections are just as necessary to ensure your building is prepared for emergencies. Learn about what matters most when conducting an inspection and identifying common issues.

What should a fire alarm inspection prioritize?

When it comes to fire alarm inspections, different things matter between the company conducting the assessment and the business being reviewed. Even with those differences, there’s a considerable overlap in the goals that matter most. Here are four things that our expert team prioritizes to ensure our clients make the most of their system inspections.

1. Compliance with regulations

Understanding and adhering to local, state, and national fire safety codes is crucial. For example, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets standards for fire alarm systems in NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code®. NFPA 72 is one of dozens of codes your business needs to comply with, and any failures can result in fire safety code violations. Our team is well-versed in all applicable codes for your area, ensuring your system meets all necessary standards.

2. Thoroughness of inspection

When inspections can identify issues before they create life-threatening consequences, they need to be in-depth and exhaustive. A detailed checklist covering all components is essential for a successful inspection. Every device, from smoke detectors to alarm panels, must be checked and tested for potential problems. Our service experts meticulously examine every aspect of your system, leaving nothing to chance.

Man inspecting fire alarms

3. Professional expertise

Businesses need to partner with well-trained and certified inspectors. Certifications from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) and other certifying authorities confirm a professional’s expertise in fire safety technologies and best practices. Our team earns NICET certifications, plumbing licenses, and BuildingReports certifications to guarantee our clients receive top-notch services.

4. Documentation and reporting

An often-forgotten inspection component is the need for accurate and comprehensive documentation. NFPA 72 specifies reporting requirements for alarm inspections, such as listing each device’s location and condition separately. Even if they prepare for inspections, businesses could still violate codes without proper documentation. We provide detailed reports to help you maintain records and address issues efficiently.

What are some common issues found during inspections?

Our expert service technicians conduct fire alarm system inspections for various types of businesses, from restaurants to manufacturers. Despite significant differences between industries, they often encounter similar malfunctions and problems. Here are four of the most common issues identified by our team during alarm inspections.

1. Faulty detectors

Dirt, dust, and other debris can impair the function of smoke or heat detectors, whether they’re two months or two years old. Additionally, some devices and systems may experience reduced performance if used past their replacement dates. Any factors that affect the devices in your system can easily compromise your safety.

Man rewiring fire alarm

2. Wiring problems

Damaged or loose wiring can cause significant headaches through false alarms or disconnected devices. In more serious situations, wiring issues can lead to system failures that don’t become obvious until it’s too late. Checking for these issues is paramount to avoiding unseen problems that are almost entirely preventable and easily fixed.

3. Control panel errors

Errors or faults on your fire alarm control panel can simply mean that your panel needs quick updates or fixes. In other cases, panel errors could indicate underlying system issues that need immediate attention. If several issues are found with a conventional fire panel, it may be time to consider switching to an addressable panel.

4. Malfunctioning notification devices

Audible alarms may not work correctly, and there’s no telling if there’s an issue unless they’re inspected. The same goes for any visual alarms that notify individuals with hearing impairments. If any regular or ADA-compliant notification devices don’t work, anyone in your building may not be able to evacuate quickly in an emergency.

Our commitment to service over price

At FSS Technologies, the cost of an inspection is competitive, but it isn’t our primary focus. Instead, we prioritize delivering exceptional services to the businesses we support. Safety should never be compromised for cost, and we’re dedicated to ensuring your systems are in optimal condition. Our experts hold the credentials needed to ensure we provide comprehensive, reliable inspections that meet all regulatory standards.

Whether you’re managing a small building or a complex facility, our team is here to help you maintain a safe environment. With our experience and qualifications, FSS Technologies delivers the thorough, reliable service and support your business deserves. Contact us today to schedule your inspection and experience the difference by working with true professionals.

Explore Our Other Blogs

fire-alarm-training-hero-min

Why Night Staff Should Have Fire Alarm Training

In the years that I traveled as a Sales Representative, I experienced many times when a fire alarm would go off throughout the night. As the hotel guests evacuated, I often found that the night staff didn’t know what to do. In almost every case, it was an accidental alarm, and in many cases, night…

Continue reading
central-alarm-system-Hero-min

What Is a Central Station Alarm?

A central station alarm system is one that feeds directly into a central monitoring station. If a sensor on the central station alarm system is triggered, such as fire, smoke, C02, or burglar, the system does much more than just set off a loud siren or send an email alert telling you to log into…

Continue reading
FSS_NovBlg_FireAlarms_Hero

How Often Should You Check Your Smoke Detectors?

Fire Alarm Testing Whether your fire alarm is protecting your home or a commercial facility, regular testing of your fire alarm system is critical to ensure it is working correctly. This test guarantees that everyone occupying the home or office understands what to do when the fire alarm sounds, gives you a chance to check…

Continue reading
2019-05_FSSTechnologies_blogs_advantages-of-having-an-alarm-system_hero-min

Advantages of Having an Alarm System

There are a lot of advantages to having an alarm system. For starters, the National Council for Home Safety and Security says that homes without an alarm system are three times as likely to get burglarized.   3 Benefits of Alarm Systems

Continue reading
Hero-PlackageStolen

What to Do If a Package Is Stolen

According to a recent study, nearly one in four people  report being a victim of package theft and nearly half know someone who has had a package stolen.     Of course, the uptick in package theft is not that surprising, considering consumers purchased $2.86 trillion in online retail goods in& 2018. Many of these items land squarely…

Continue reading
2020-01_FSSTechnologies_blogs_senior-citizen_hero

Best Security System Setups for Senior Citizens

According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), nearly 90% of senior citizens want to stay in their homes as they age even if they need day-to-day assistance or have ongoing health issues like early-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia. Unfortunately, criminals often target senior citizens as victims. Thieves assume older people will not be able…

Continue reading
Hero-afterbreaki-min

What to Do After a Break In

No one ever wants to be victimized by a burglar, but the fact is that many will encounter a theft or break-in at some point in their lifetime. A recent study by Bankrate shows that there are over 1 million burglaries in the United States each year, with a new burglary happening approximately every 26…

Continue reading
HeroWhereSmokeDe-min

Where Should Smoke Detectors Be Placed?

Smoke Detector Placement Fire can spread extremely fast. In just minutes, a building can be fully engulfed in flames. Smoke detectors are critical to give people inside homes and commercial buildings early warnings so they have time to get out. Proper smoke detector placement is also key when it comes to keeping your home or business safe.  Residential Smoke Detector Placements At a minimum, The National Fire Protection…

Continue reading
3-types-of-lighting-hero-min

3 Types of Security Lights

Your security system is only useful if you can see what is going on when you can’t be there. This also means that when it gets dark, your cameras need to be able to capture the image clearly. To do this past dusk will require that you set up security lighting. Additionally, check out the…

Continue reading
monitored-security-system-Hero

Monitored vs. Unmonitored Security Systems

If you’re thinking about installing a security system, you may be wondering if monitoring is a necessary feature. While an unmonitored system is better than nothing at all, there are some critical things you should consider before making a decision. The Benefits of Monitoring  The noise and commotion caused by the sirens and lights associated…

Continue reading
24h emergency
Secure My Space
chat with us