Before a final fire department inspection, what must be done to the fire alarm system?

The fire alarm system must be pre-tested before a final fire department inspection to ensure that it is functioning correctly and is compliant with all applicable codes and standards. Pre-testing allows the technician to verify that all components of the system—such as smoke detectors, heat detectors, pull stations, and alarms—are operational and interconnected as intended. This step is crucial because it helps identify any issues that need to be resolved before the inspection takes place, ensuring the safety of the building and its occupants.

Conducting pre-tests ensures that any discrepancies can be addressed promptly and that the inspection process can proceed smoothly with confidence in the system’s reliability. This is a standard procedure in fire safety protocols, emphasizing the importance of maintaining proper functionality of fire prevention systems.

Options like replacing the entire system, completely reprogramming it, or removing all devices are unnecessary and impractical steps leading up to an inspection. Such actions would not only complicate the process but could also introduce new problems rather than confirm existing operational capacity.