Have a Plan! Establishing a Clear Approach to Fire Alarm System Testing
Have a Plan! Establishing a Clear Approach to Fire Alarm System Testing
Wednesday, December 16th | 1 PM (ET)
This free 60-minute webinar is being held on Wednesday, December 16th at 1 PM (ET). Every device on the fire alarm testing checklist is marked “Pass.” But is that enough to demonstrate that the system performs as intended? NFPA 72, 2025 Edition, Section 14.2.10 provides the foundation for developing a test plan that clearly establishes the scope of testing and the method for documenting results.
This webinar presents a practical framework for aligning the owner, designer, testing organization, facility personnel, and AHJ around responsibilities, current system documentation, test procedures, and measurable acceptance criteria. It examines how applicable codes and standards, the approved design and Sequence of Operations, and manufacturer’s published instructions establish the basis for testing. The session also addresses performance verification when adjacent building systems, environmental conditions, or operating processes can affect fire alarm performance, including when testing intersects with commissioning and integrated-system concepts addressed by NFPA 3 and NFPA 4.
Attendees will leave with a practical framework for planning fire alarm testing, verifying system and interface performance, documenting results, and establishing a performance baseline that supports inspection, testing, and maintenance throughout the life of the system.
Presenter:
Brent Wilkins
Brent Wilkins is the Mission Critical Strategic Account Manager for Edwards & Kidde Commercial. He brings 24 years of experience in commercial fire alarm and mass notification systems, including applications engineering, field commissioning, and system testing. His work focuses on mission-critical and complex fire-detection applications, including data centers and aspirating smoke detection. Brent works with engineers, contractors, system integrators, owners, facility personnel, and authorities having jurisdiction to translate design intent, codes and standards, manufacturer requirements, and system interfaces into practical life-safety solutions. He also provides technical training to engineers, contractors, system integrators, facility operators, and industry organizations. Brent earned NICET Level III certification in Fire Alarm Systems in 2007 and serves on the Texas Fire Alarm Association Board of Directors, supporting industry education and advancement of the fire alarm profession. He is also a decorated U.S. Army veteran and National Guardsman.
If you do not already have an account setup with AFAA, please click here to create one now. If you have any questions, please reach out to admin@afaa.org for more assistance regarding account creation. All other webinar/training related questions can be sent to training@afaa.org.
