Testing and Certification

Fire protection systems must be tested and certified periodically.

Examples of the most common systems include (but are not limited to):

• Fire alarm systems
• Fire sprinkler systems
• Fire doors
• Smoke detectors
• Standpipes
• Fire escapes
• Commercial Kitchen Hood systems

The frequency that fire protection systems require testing can be found here on the Fire Protection System Testing Interval Table.

Testing Report Submittal

The GFD uses The Compliance Engine (TCE) to receive submittals of most test reports, while other specific reports can be sent directly to the FPB. The method to submit required testing reports can be found here on the Report Submittal Table.

TCE is a simple, web-based service that GFD uses to track and drive inspection, testing and maintenance code compliance for fire protection systems, reduce false alarm activity, and provide safer communities through third party inspection reporting and maintenance.

TCE works by collecting, organizing and categorizing the inspection reports. Tracking buildings’ critical safety systems, to show which systems are compliant, which systems are deficient, and make more informed decisions that keep your staff, residents and visitors safe.

TCE connects contractors–who inspect, test, and maintain fire protections systems- directly to the GFD, which helps us to maintain an efficient process to review reports, track deficiencies, notify parties, and ensure compliance.

Contractors must be registered with TCE to submit the test, inspection and service reports required to be collected through this service. To register begin by entering your company name and address at https://www1.thecomplianceengine.com/company/register.

Fire Alarm Central Station Service System

The GFD requires all new fire alarm systems to be monitored by an approved central station service system in accordance with NFPA 72. The exceptions to this requirement are Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms for individual dwelling units, Group I-3 occupancies monitored in accordance with CFC, and automatic sprinkler systems in one-and two-family dwellings.

For an existing fire alarm system, the GFD is authorized to order systems to provide Central Station Service system monitoring if no monitoring exists, or upgrading existing monitoring to Central Station Service system monitoring when any one of the following conditions occur:

1. Systems produce three or more false or nuisance alarm activations within a 12-month period.
2. Systems become unmaintainable or unreliable due to dilapidation or deterioration as determined by the GFD.
3. Upon replacement of the fire alarm control unit, or when 25% or more of the devices are replaced.
4. A change in occupancy occurs to a more hazardous use as determined by the GFD.

Indication of Central Station Service

Documentation to indicate the fire alarm system has been certificated or placarded by a third party testing laboratory acceptable to the Glendale Fire Department, such as UL, FM or equivalent, must be posted at the fire alarm panel.

The documentation must include the name of the testing laboratory, the address of the protected property, the name of the listed fire alarm service company, a system description, and the date of the service contract.

The Glendale Fire Department has required fire alarm systems to be certificated since 1989. This means the installation had to be done by a listed contractor and that for the entire life of the system, the contractor holding the Certificate remains responsible for the system, including periodic Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) and for any alterations, repairs, or modifications, including tenant Improvement (TI).

The only alternative would be if another listed contractor obtains a new certification and now assumes full responsibility for the entire system from that point forward, or the certificate holding contractor authorizes a different contractor to perform the work.

In 2020, the Glendale Fire Department modified this requirement to mandate that all new fire alarm systems meet the requirements of Central Station Service, which incorporates the same certification and listing requirements with additional safeguards and restrictions to further ensure the integrity and performance of fire alarm systems.