What are the Code Requirements for Testing Smoke Detectors?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets national fire alarm codes and standards. NFPA 72, 2002 Edition details the standards for testing, maintenance and inspection in Chapters 11, 10 and with references to Chapter 2. The code states, in brief, that “single and multiple station detectors in commercial facilities and multi family residential dwellings be tested in their installed position for both smoke entry and for sensitivity to ensure an alarm response”. Furthermore the code says that “aerosol testing is approved provided that the aerosol product is listed and approved by the manufacturers concerned”.
