After a system has been completed and tested, when should alarm strobes, gas, and heat detectors be checked?

Alarm strobes, gas detectors, and heat detectors are critical components of safety and security systems. It is essential to establish a regular schedule for maintaining and testing these devices to ensure they function correctly when needed. Checking these devices annually is standard practice because it balances the need for reliability and practicality.

Annual checks provide a comprehensive evaluation of the system, ensuring that all components are in working order and meet code requirements. This timeframe allows for any necessary repairs or updates to be performed, helping to avoid potential malfunctions that could result in false alarms or, more critically, a failure to alert occupants in an emergency situation.

Moreover, many regulatory agencies and insurance providers recommend or mandate annual inspections for such systems to ensure compliance with safety standards and to protect both property and lives. Regular testing can identify issues such as dead batteries, wiring problems, or environmental factors that may affect detector performance, ultimately ensuring a higher level of safety for the building's occupants.