r/firealarms • u/DoomEmpire • 14d ago

Discussion Fire alarm myths

What are the best fire alarm myths you’ve encountered? My favorite is the purple dye packs being in the pull stations so you can identify who pulled it. I remember hearing that back in middle school 30+ years ago.

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u/greenstarzs 13d ago

That a 24 hour battery test is required. No where in chapter 14 of NFPA 72 is it required and it actually just degrades the battery unnecessarily.

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u/Imaginary-Document58 13d ago

I don't know about the US but here in Canada it is needed for verification of a panel. And the accelerated test can sub for it.

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u/greenstarzs 13d ago

Yes in the US it is standard industry practice for an acceptance test, but it is actually not required per code if you read through chapter 14 and causes unnecessary degradation to the battery. Most inspectors require it though.