Who this is for: property managers, facility teams, contractors, and building owners in Maine who need a clear, pass-first guide to annual fire alarm inspections. This checklist summarizes NFPA 72 tasks, Maine/Portland nuances, required documentation like the Record of Completion (ROC) and the System Record of Inspection & Testing, and the most common deficiencies we see in the field. Download the printable PDF and device-log template below.
Downloads: maine-fire-alarm-inspection-checklist | Device Log Template (CSV)
Scope & Frequency (NFPA 72)
In Maine, fire alarm inspection, testing, and maintenance follow the edition of NFPA 72 adopted by the State and your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). NFPA 72 Chapter 14 outlines inspection and testing activities with cadences that vary by device type (for example, some items are monthly or quarterly, while most complete functional testing is done annually). Always confirm the adopted edition with your AHJ and your design documents.
| Task | Typical Cadence* | Notes* |
|---|---|---|
| Visual inspection of control equipment/power supplies | Quarterly–Semiannual | Check LEDs, trouble, ground faults, and labeling |
| Functional testing of initiating devices (pulls, smokes, heats) | Annual | Verify trip to panel, correct zone/address & report |
| Notification appliances (horn, strobe, speaker) checks | Annual | Audibility/visibility per plan; full or sample per AHJ |
| Supervisory inputs (tamper, low air, generator, pump) | Annual | Verify supervisory signals, timing, and annunciation |
| Communications to the central station | Annual | Alarm, supervisory, and trouble signal delivery |
| Battery inspection & load testing (where required) | Annual | Voltage/charger current; date codes; replace as needed |
| Smoke detector sensitivity check | Per adopted NFPA 72 | See “Sensitivity Testing” below |
*Exact frequencies and methods depend on the adopted NFPA 72 edition, system listing, and AHJ requirements. Your project specs may require more stringent testing.
What Gets Tested (Device Types)
- Manual fire alarm boxes (pull stations): trip & restore, location labels accurate, covers intact.
- Smoke detectors: functional test with listed method; record address/zone and sensitivity per adopted code; verify sounder bases where installed.
- Duct smoke detectors: listed test method (magnet, test port, smoke aerosol); confirm airflow and shutdown/relay actions.
- Heat detectors: test at appropriate temperatures/methods per manufacturer listing.
- CO detectors (if present): functional test per manufacturer; confirm correct notification.
- Waterflow & valve supervisory switches (if monitored): verify alarm and supervisory timing, correct labeling.
- Control equipment & power supplies: panel integrity, grounding, charger current, battery dates/voltage; power-off tests when permitted.
- Notification appliances: horn/strobe/speaker tests for audibility/visibility per plan and AHJ direction.
- Elevator/door hardware interfaces: recall, shunt trip, door holders, and magnetic locks releasing on alarm; coordinate with elevator tech where required.
- Communications path: dual-path or single-path performance; verify alarm/supervisory/trouble delivery to the monitoring center.
Pre-Inspection Prep Checklist
- As-built drawings and sequence of operations on-site; current device list with addresses/zones.
- Panel keys, access codes, and any required permits; access to all rooms/ceilings/roofs.
- Notify the monitoring center and occupants; place the system in test as required.
- Lifts/ladders available for high devices; IT/network contact on standby for IP communicators.
- Spare batteries/fuses and replacement devices on hand to correct minor issues same-day.
Day-of Testing: What Inspectors Do
- Walk-through & labeling check: compare device locations and labels to the plans; update discrepancies.
- Initiating device tests: pull stations, smokes, heats, duct smokes—each device tested to the panel with proper annunciation.
- Notification verification: audible/visual notification per plan; verify strobes synchronize where required; speakers are intelligible where installed.
- Supervisory/auxiliary functions: valve tamper, waterflow, generator, fire pump, air pressure; elevator recall and door hardware releases.
- Communications: confirm alarm/supervisory/trouble signals received at the central station with correct account and descriptors.
- Battery & power: document voltage/charger current; perform load tests if required; confirm grounding and overcurrent protection.
- Close-out: clear troubles, restore systems, remove bypasses, and review deficiencies with the owner/rep.
Documentation & ROC
After testing, you should receive a complete packet that typically includes:
- NFPA 72 System Record of Inspection & Testing (for periodic service) and, when applicable, the NFPA 72 Record of Completion for new/modified systems.
- Deficiency report listing each issue, location, and applicable code reference, with corrective recommendations.
- Updated device list (address/zone), as-built revisions if locations changed, and a current tag/sticker with next due date.
- Central station signal log capturing alarm/supervisory/trouble transmissions during testing.
Smoke Detector Sensitivity Testing
NFPA 72 requires verifying that smoke detectors remain within their listed sensitivity range. The method and interval depend on the adopted edition, the detector technology, and whether the system provides continuous self-monitoring. Many facilities test sensitivity on an annual cycle as part of their full inspection, while some editions allow longer intervals or performance-based sampling if continuous monitoring or historical results support it. Document the method used and the result for each detector on your device log.
Common Deficiencies (and How to Avoid Them)
- Unlabeled or mislabeled devices: update as-builts and device labels before the visit; label new devices immediately after changes.
- Dead/expired batteries: check panel and power supply batteries for date codes; replace proactively.
- Inaccessible devices: blocked detectors, locked rooms, ceiling tiles not removable—ensure access.
- Duct detector testing ports missing: add proper sampling/test ports; verify airflow and interlocks.
- Communication path failures: test dual-path, verify LTE signal and router power/UPS; update panel Wi-Fi after SSID/password changes.
- Notification out of spec: isolated horns/strobes not working or out of sync—correct wiring/device failures; verify candela settings per plan.
- Missing documentation: no device list, no ROC, or outdated plans—keep a dedicated life-safety binder on-site.
Maine & Portland Nuances
- Maine adoption: The Maine Office of State Fire Marshal lists NFPA 72 (2019 edition) among adopted standards—confirm current adoption with your AHJ before testing or submittals.
- Portland Fire Prevention: Portland uses a Fire Alarm System Pre-Test & Acceptance Test Checklist and expects a Record of Completion at acceptance; periodic inspections use the NFPA 72 System Record of Inspection & Testing. Learn more about fire alarms in Portland, Maine.
- Permit & plan review: For alterations and new systems, maintain approved plans on site; your acceptance packet typically includes ROC, signal logs, and any required close-out forms.
Tip: Keep your PDF checklist and CSV device log printed in your life-safety binder so you can hand them to inspectors and service techs on arrival.
FAQs
How often is my fire alarm system tested in Maine?
Most systems undergo annual functional testing, with some visual checks at monthly/quarterly/semiannual intervals depending on device type and the adopted NFPA 72 edition. Always follow your AHJ and design documents.
Who can perform the inspection?
A qualified individual/company per NFPA 72 and your AHJ (often licensed or approved). Cunningham Security can perform inspections, testing, maintenance, and documentation.
What is the NFPA 72 Record of Completion?
An official, standardized form completed at acceptance (new/modified systems) documenting system details, tests performed, and sign-offs. For periodic service, you’ll use the System Record of Inspection & Testing.
Do I need an inspection tag/sticker?
Most jurisdictions require a dated tag or label indicating when the system was tested and when the next inspection is due. Keep this current and visible.
What happens if we fail?
You’ll receive a deficiency report with corrective actions. Depending on severity, the AHJ may require a retest. We can often correct minor items on the spot if you have parts on hand.
Schedule Your Inspection
Ready to get on the calendar—or need help organizing your documentation? Contact Cunningham Security for annual inspections, acceptance testing, and corrections. We serve Portland, Southern Maine, Midcoast, and Central Maine.
Downloads: maine-fire-alarm-inspection-checklist | Device Log Template (CSV)
