Why are there different types of diagnostic circuits available and do some meet the periodic test requirements for life safety products better than others?
A. The periodic testing requirements found in NFPA 101, Life Safety Code and the International Fire Code (IFC) call for no less than a 30-second test every 30 days and a full 90-minute test annually. Both publications also provide an exemption clause to the 30 day test cycle where the allowance for self-testing/diagnostic equipment shall automatically transfer into the emergency mode for no less than the specified amount of time and to perform a diagnostic routine. If the installed equipment meets the test requirements then the facility personnel are only required to perform a visual walk-thru of the facility looking for diagnostic errors with the equipment and to log the walk thru event. The exemption, however, does not apply to the full 90-minute test requirement. Each code publication specifically states that a full 90-minute test shall be performed annually. It is best to educate yourself in what the different manufacturers’ test programs have to offer and how they meet your facili
