Fire Alarm System Verification & Specialty Services

FIRE  ALARM  VERIFICATION

The Verification of a fire alarm system must take place when the system is first commissioned and is one of the final steps to obtaining an occupancy permit for the building. In British Columbia, after December 31, 2022, this crucial testing will be performed to CAN/ULC 537:2019 (Standard for the Verification of Fire Alarm Systems).  Until the new Building Code is formally adopted the Verification is being performed to CAN/ULC-S537-13.  Individuals authorized to perform this test must meet the requirements of the Standard’s Appendix “A” and be acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (in most cases this would be the local Building Inspections Department). In some instances, the Electrical Design Engineer is involved in the process as well. This is the most rigorous of testing procedures the system will have to undergo in it's lifetime. Not only are individual devices tested for a variety of conditions (not just operation), each device in the system must be examined for proper placement. This ensures the pull station  / smoke detector / heat detector / audible or visual appliance is installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, the applicable Building Code / local bylaws, and CAN/ULC-S524 (Standard for Installation of Fire Alarm Systems).

A Verification may be required if a device is replaced or added to the system.  Please check with your local civic authority (Electrical Inspections or Planning) and follow their guidelines to ensure your system complies.  It should also be noted that some jurisdictional authorities may have some additional special requirements. The City of Vancouver, for instance, used to maintain a list of Approved Verification Agencies (Anubis Systems Technologies had been featured in this Bulletin since 2001) but they have recently moved to a different acceptance model where the list of qualified individuals is accessible to only Building Officials.

We provide expert Verification services to all types of fire alarm and extinguishment control equipment as well as extend our services to installations involving renovations or additions of existing equipment (regardless of manufacturer). The reports we issue offer several enhancements over the referenced Canadian Standard and, when required, include an approved version of the cover sheet specified by the City of Vancouver in their
Bulletin 2020-0006-BU/EL. In the Lower Mainland, it is imperative that reports be submitted in an acceptable format.  You may view a sample of what we use at the FORMS page located at http://www.firetechs.net.
 

FIRE  ALARM  AUDIBILITY TESTING

Anubis’ highly trained and experienced technicians utilize the latest ANSI approved sound measurement technology and software to produce highly accurate and detailed audibility performance testing reports.  The British Columbia Building Code references specific minimum sound pressure levels in floor areas as well as in suites of a residential (or care) occupancy.  The Verification Standard (CAN/ULC-S537-13) requires that test results be recorded in Clause 6.10.1 (F) and (G) and documented in a format similar to that presented in the Appendix “C6.3 Signalling Device Sound Level Measurement”.

• Floor areas require a 65dBA minimum sound pressure level with a minimum of 10 dBA above ambient - Reference BCBC 2018 (VBBL 2014) Sentence 3.2.4.19(6)
• Sleeping rooms in suites of a residential (or care) occupancy require a minimum of 75dBA sound pressure level AT THE PILLOW - Reference BCBC 2018 (VBBL 2014) Sentence 3.2.4.19(5)
   

FIRE  ALARM  INTELLIGIBILITY  TESTING

If your project employs an Emergency Voice Communication (EVC) system, our knowledgeable technicians are fully capable of performing intelligibility performance testing to verify compliance with the requirement first introduced in BCBC 2012 (VBBL 2014) Sentence 3.2.4.22.(2).  BCBC 2018 has moved this into the Appendix where it’s become more like a guideline for Intelligibility.  While the Code does not provide a method of determining how to document the testing (or assist in identifying an individual qualified to do so), the knowledgeable professionals at Anubis Systems Technologies are more than capable of providing both.  The local authority will more than likely default to the format already published in CAN/ULC-S537-13 Appendix “C6.4 Signalling Device Intelligibility Measurement”.
 

DEDICATED  DETECTION  AND  RECALL  CONTROLLER  (DDRC)

Elevator modernization and repair offers unique challenges under CAN/CSA-B44(2012).  We can assist your design consultant in drafting an alternative measures proposal (accepted by many Lower Mainland jurisdictions) that will allow the use of a specialized fire alarm control panel (designated as a DDRC) to perform emergency recall and signalling functions.  This equipment is often utilized when the project’s existing fire alarm system cannot provide the required outputs.  Significant cost savings can be realized so it’s critical to involve us at the earliest possible stage.  If your building is equipped with a supervised fire alarm system, please make sure to call us first so we can properly assess all the available options.
 

FIRE  ALARM  SYSTEM  REPAIR  &  UPGRADING

Fire alarm systems are complex electronic devices that, very often, employ standard off-the-shelf components.  Like any electronic device, they have a limited life, a Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF), and things can get pretty MEAN, pretty FAST when a fire alarm system does eventually fail.  Many jurisdictions allow you to change out a non-functional smoke or heat detector, bell or suite buzzer without much fuss (or any special notification other than to the building’s occupants when you’re working on the system).  Replacing a common control will ALWAYS involve an electrical contractor and the requirement to pull an Electrical Permit (anyone that tells you otherwise is smoking something more than just a Winston® Menthol).  In some jurisdictions, you’re also required to pull a Building Permit, but an Engineer and drawings aren’t usually required as long as you’re not runnning new wire.  Replacing a fire alarm control will also require what’s called a Section 7 Verification.

If you’re contemplating replacing a conventional supervised fire alarm control, upgrading to a system that can employ addressable field devices should be considered.  Very often, you can opt to phase the replacement of the conventional field devices over a number of years (all such systems are capable of maintaining the existing level of protection in the building for as long as you need and in many hybrid type systems, the existing wiring can be utilized). 

Contacting an Anubis Systems Technologies qualified professional when your fire alarm system is in need of repair (or if you’re contemplating an upgrade or addition) is your first best choice.  We’re available to serve you 24/7.
 

FIRE  ALARM  CONTROL  TERMINATION,  PROGRAMMING,  &  COMPLEX  SYSTEM  SERVICE

Anubis Systems Technologies provides a variety of solutions to fire alarm service companies, contractors, and building owners throughout the Lower Mainland.  We consistently deliver a superior level of technical expertise in services that include termination, troubleshooting, advanced system programming, and communicator installation.

For more information you can email us or telephone (778) 863-7147.

VERIFICATION FAQ

How much do you charge for a Fire Alarm Verification?
For renovation/additions, our basic $790.00 charge covers the common control and up to ten (10) devices. We charge an additional $11.00 for each device over the basic ten or will work based on our hourly charge (which-ever is more advantageous to you). Our number one goal is to provide the best verification service at the best price. GST is of course, extra. These charges are valid for most Lower Mainland jurisdictions and are posted here as a general guide. For a no obligation survey and quotation on your specific job, please feel free to Contact Us.

Why do you consider yourself to be "The Lower Mainland's Premier Fire Alarm Verification Agency"?
The Verifications we perform are done so without compromise to the applicable Codes or Standards. We have been involved in fire alarm Verification and service for thirty-five years (and as an independent Verification Agency since 1996). We have been listed on the Vancouver List of Approved Verification Agenciessince 2001. We are one of a few agencies that was able to provide Verification service without restriction to panel type or manufacture.

Can anyone hire you?
Most definitely yes!  In most instances, we've been called in to a project by a licensed electrical contractor or a fire prevention company but there have been special circumstances where either the building's owner, a prospective purchaser, or an insurer requires a Verification (or an audit) of an existing fire alarm system.

What do you offer in the way of other services?

Service/Repair - Expert repair and troubleshooting on all makes and types of fire alarm systems and communicators, apartment enterphone and intercom, access control and CCTV systems.

Plan Review - In most instances, drawings and specifications with which contractors work carry a disclaimer from the design Engineer that references installation must be to applicable codes and CAN/ULC-S524 (the Canadian Installation Standard for Fire Alarm Systems). We'll make sure what you're installing conforms both with the fire alarm design, the aforementioned Standard, and meets all of the local ordinances, by-laws, and the Building Code so you'll have no surprises when it comes time to verify the system.  Consider calling us even if you contemplate employing another agency to perform the verification.  Depending on the size and complexity of your project, our consultation service may turn out to be the best way to ensure your accountant has reason to actually smile when he sees you.

Layout - The time to call in an expert is before you pull your first wire run. We can help you with lay-out and guide you through to a successful installation experience.

Termination - If you've never terminated a fire alarm panel before, we can provide the expertise to do so.  We'll even troubleshoot the system for you (if required) and ensure the system is fully functional and ready for programming, Verification and hand-off.

Documentation Review - If what you’ve been provided in the way of Appendix “C” documentation doesn’t appear to align with what you expect and you’re worried the local Building Official may actually reject it (or the Engineer conducting the field review actually does), Contact Us.  We will assist you in getting what you need.

Making us part of your team guarantees a trouble-free start-up and completion. Our hourly rate starts at $90.00, but we can also provide a fixed price contract based on what you think you'll need in the way of support services and training on the equipment. Give us a call or email us!

What about annual inspections?
Anubis Systems Technologies is a full service fire protection equipment service provider. While our primary focus has been on fire alarm Verification and more complex system troubleshooting, we have expanded our service offering in order to meet the needs of some concerned building owners and property managers in the Lower Mainland.  You can also check your local Yellow Pages™ or Better Business Pages™ for a more listings.

Who will service my equipment?
In most instances involving new equipment, the installing contractor provides this service (under the warranty terms that often involves the manufacturer). We provide out-of-warranty field service to most manufactured systems under contract to either a licensed fire service company or electrical contractor.  Equipment purchased through us is of course serviced through us.

Can Anubis technicians program an existing addressable fire alarm panel?
If the panel is manufactured by Fire-Lite or Potter, is a Mircom FX-350 Series, Notifier AM-2020, AFP-1010, or AFP-200, or one of the newer Chubb-Edwards “IO” or Vigilant series panels, then the answer is YES!  If, however you have an addressable panel from another manufacturer, you will have to contact their service representative in order to make programming changes to the system.  For your convenience here are the phone numbers (in Vancouver) of the different fire alarm system manufacturers and agencies capable of providing this service:

Cerberus, Pyrotronics & Siemens Panels
(Siemens Building Systems Ltd.)

604-273-7733

GE Security, EST, & Edwards
(ChubbEdwards)

604-420-4436

FireLite, Potter, Mircom (FX-350 Series Only), Summit,
Secutron, Notifier (AM-2020, AFP-1010, & AFP-200),
Chubb-Edwards “IO” Series, Vigilant Series
(Anubis Systems Technologies)

778-863-7147

Mircom FX-350, Chubb-Edwards “IO” Series, Vigilant Series
(City Fire Prevention Services)

604-760-8760

Mircom (All Models)
(Mircom Group)

604-460-6332

Mirtone, Vigilant, EST, Chubb-Edwards, GE Security
(ChubbEdwards)

604-420-4436

Notifier (All Models)
(Viking Fire Protection Ltd.)

604-324-7122

Simplex, SimplexGrinnel
(Tyco Integrated Systems)

604-241-9353

Please note that a Verification of the system may be required for any changes that affect the system's operation. Check with your manufacturer's representative and your local municipal electrical inspections branch before you initiate such a change.