TVSS inspection during fire alarm system testing

[katwalatapan]

Hello,

I would like to inquire if Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor (TVSS) device (which may be located either near the fire alarm control panel or on the main distribution panel feeding the fire alarm control panel) is required to be inspected/tested during fire alarm system inspection and testing?

The CAN/ULC-S536 code does not mention testing of this device, but the NFPA72 does have some testing mentioned according to manufacturer's instructions. Same for lighting protection systems installed to protect the fire alarm control panel.

Thank you.

 

[djs]

I would say that is a question for your LAHJ or Local Authority Having Jurisdiction.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

Having a little bit of history - why would you NOT check them????

 

[kitha]

Are you saying you have a TVSS protecting the fire alarm panel? Did it come with he fire alarm panel or you provided it between the circuit breaker and the fire alarm panel?

 

[katwalatapan]

Thank you everyone for your responses.

Kitha: That is correct. We installed a TVSS to protect the fire alarm panel from voltage surges in areas we identified that may be prone to such fluctuations. The TVSS was not a part of original fire alarm system installation, but was added at a later stage. In some instances we found that the TVSS was installed between the circuit breaker and the panel while in others TVSS was installed at the circuit breaker.