Fire Alarm & Life Safety FAQ

How often does a fire alarm system need to be inspected and tested in Wisconsin?

Most commercial fire alarm systems need a full inspection and test at least once a year. Wisconsin's fire prevention code (SPS 314) adopts NFPA 1, which requires fire alarm systems to be maintained under NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. NFPA 72 sets the inspection and testing frequency for each component. Most initiating devices (smoke detectors, heat detectors, pull stations) and notification appliances (horns, strobes, speakers) are tested annually. Some items, such as batteries and certain supervisory devices, are inspected more often. Your local fire department may set its own schedule or reporting rules.

What happens during a fire alarm inspection?

A NICET-certified technician:

- checks the control panel, power supplies and batteries

- tests detectors, pull stations and other initiating devices

- confirms that horns, strobes and speakers work

- verifies that signals reach the monitoring center

- tests interfaces such as elevator recall, door holders and HVAC shutdown where they're present

We coordinate with you ahead of time so occupants and the monitoring center know testing is underway. Afterward, you get a written inspection report that lists any deficiencies, which you can keep on file for the fire department.

Do smoke detectors need sensitivity testing?

Yes. NFPA 72 requires smoke detector sensitivity to be checked within one year after installation, and then every alternate year. If results stay within the listed range, the interval can be extended. We test sensitivity with approved methods and record the results in your report.

Will the inspection disrupt my school, clinic or church?

We schedule around your operations. That can mean before or after hours, between class periods, or on non-service days for churches. In healthcare settings we coordinate with facilities staff on which areas get tested when. Alarms only sound in the areas being tested, and we notify the monitoring center before we start.

What is fire alarm monitoring and who monitors my system?

Monitoring means your fire alarm sends alarm, supervisory and trouble signals to a central station that's staffed 24/7. The central station dispatches the fire department and contacts you. AC Fire & Security provides monitoring through Emergency 24, a UL-listed central station. Many commercial occupancies are required to be monitored, and your AHJ can tell you whether yours is.

What is ERCES or BDA, and does my building need one?

ERCES (Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement System) is a system that boosts first-responder radio signals inside a building. A BDA (bi-directional amplifier) is the core component of most of these systems. Under the International Fire Code (Section 510) and NFPA 1225 (formerly NFPA 1221/NFPA 72 Chapter 24), many jurisdictions require in-building coverage when public-safety radio signal strength inside the building falls below the required level. Large buildings, basements, and concrete or steel structures are the most likely to need it. Your fire department decides whether one is required, usually based on a signal strength survey.

How often does an ERCES/BDA system need testing?

The fire code calls for an acceptance test when the system is installed and testing at least once a year after that. Annual testing includes signal strength measurements and checks of the amplifiers, battery backup and alarm signals. Joe Cresca holds Honeywell BDA and Fiber DAS certifications and an FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL).

How often should emergency and exit lights be tested?

NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) calls for a functional test of battery-powered emergency lighting every month, lasting at least 30 seconds. Once a year, the lights need a full 90-minute test. Written records of both tests should be kept.

How often do fire extinguishers need service?

Under NFPA 10, extinguishers need a quick visual check every month. A certified technician performs annual maintenance and tags each unit. Depending on the type, extinguishers also need periodic internal maintenance and hydrostatic testing, such as every 6 and 12 years for many stored-pressure dry chemical units. We handle the annual service and tagging.

Do you install new fire alarm systems or only service existing ones?

We do both. We design and install new fire alarm systems for new construction and replacements, and we inspect, repair and service existing systems. Joe is Kidde Certified and is factory trained on Fire-Lite, Silent Knight and NAPCO equipment.

What areas do you serve?

We're based in Eagle, WI, and serve Waukesha County, Milwaukee County, Jefferson County and Walworth County. That includes Oconomowoc, Mukwonago, Brookfield, New Berlin, Delafield and the surrounding communities. We work in Wisconsin only.

What credentials does your team hold?

Owner and Chief Inspector Joe Cresca holds:

- NICET Level III in Fire Alarm Systems (#141755)

- Kidde certification

- factory training on Fire-Lite, Silent Knight and NAPCO equipment

- Honeywell BDA and Fiber DAS certifications

- an FCC GROL

Joe started his career as a firefighter and fire inspector with the City of Mayville and spent more than a decade at Great Lakes Fire Protection before founding AC Fire & Security.

What types of buildings do you work in?

We work in commercial buildings, schools, healthcare facilities, churches, multi-family housing and industrial sites throughout Southeast Wisconsin.

Do you also handle cameras and access control?

Yes. Alongside our fire and life-safety work, we install and service security cameras and access control.

How do I get a quote?

Call (262) 349-6728, email ACfiresecurity@gmail.com, or use the quote form at acfireandsecurity.net. Please tell us the building type, approximate size, current system and panel (if known), and any deadlines from your fire department. Pricing depends on the building and the system, so we quote each job individually.