Fire Alarm Systems: Design, Installation, Inspection and Testing in Alberta
Fee: $2,415 / Online / Jan 11 - 13, 2027 / Course Code: 17-0102-ONL27
OVERVIEW
Please note, This instructor-led course has specific dates and times:
This course is held online over 3 days on the following schedule (All times in Eastern Time Zone): 10 am to 6 pm Eastern (Will include the usual breaks)
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Classify fire alarm system types and select appropriate solutions for different building environments
- Design fire alarm systems that integrate detection, annunciation, and response requirements
- Apply the National Building Code and Fire Code (Alberta Editions) to ensure compliant system design and installation
- Evaluate and specify voice communication and ancillary fire protection systems
- Develop coordinated fire alarm system designs that support life safety, compliance, and operational reliability
Description
Fire alarm systems are a critical life‑safety component in modern buildings, yet their design and implementation present complex challenges. Professionals responsible for fire alarm systems must navigate evolving codes, certification requirements, integrated technologies, and building‑specific risks while ensuring systems perform reliably in emergency conditions. Errors or oversights can result in regulatory non‑compliance, costly revisions, or compromised occupant safety.
This course provides a structured, practical framework for understanding and designing fire alarm systems across a range of building types. Participants will explore system categories, detection and signalling technologies, voice communication systems, and ancillary devices, with a strong emphasis on compliance with the National Building Code and Fire Code (Alberta Editions) as well as applicable ULC standards. The course focuses on how system components function together to meet regulatory and operational requirements.
Through applied examples and design‑based exercises, participants will strengthen their ability to design, evaluate, and document compliant fire alarm systems. The course equips professionals with the knowledge and confidence needed to support safe, code‑compliant fire alarm system design, installation, inspection, and ongoing system performance in real‑world practice.
Who This Course Is For
This course is designed for:
- Fire alarm system designers, engineers, and engineering technologists
- Electrical engineers, project engineers, and technical supervisors
- Fire alarm installers, service technicians, and maintenance personnel
- Building inspectors, fire code consultants, and regulatory professionals
- Property managers, facility managers, and building owners responsible for fire safety systems
- Technical professionals working in regulated or safety‑critical built environments
SYLLABUS
Day I
Overview of Fire Alarm Systems and Applications
- Input, output, processing, response time, and annunciation
- Stand-alone
- Distributed
- Centralized
- Networking (local and degraded mode)
Categories and Types of Fire Alarm Systems
- Local, auxiliary, remote, and proprietary
- Conventional and addressable (analog and digital)
- Single-stage and two-stage systems
- Single- to three-channel voice communication
- Firefighters telephone, indication, and paging
Standard and Optional Features of Fire Alarm Control Units
- Basic features, annunciation, and controls
- Electrical supervision
- Priority level of indication
- Alarm silence/inhibit
- Input/output mapping
- Requirement of the annunciation (local and remote)
- Circuit types Class A and B
- Conventional and addressable loops
- Response time
- Different types of faults and trouble
- Optional features such as suppression systems, alarm verification, voice, smoke control, and egress
- door securing
Compatibility of Input/Output Devices, Voice Communication Systems
- Initiating and signalling devices
- Interfacing voice systems, built-in and stand-alone
- Interfacing different makes of control units
Evaluation and Certification of Fire Alarm Equipment as Per ULC Standards
- How ULC evaluates and certifies control units according to CAN/ULC-S527
- Certification of field devices according to their respective CAN/ULC-500 series standards
- What is required in voice communication systems
- Evaluation of transponders and their role
- Primary and secondary power requirements
In-Depth Analysis of National Installation and Maintenance Standards
- CAN/ULC-S524 Standard for Installation of Fire Alarm Systems
- CAN/ULC-S536 Standard for Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems
- CAN/ULC-S537 Standard for Verification of Fire Alarms
- CAN/ULC-S1001 Standard for the Integration of Fire Protection Systems
Day II
Maintenance of Fire Alarm Systems and Access Level
- What level of access may be made available to the building owners/users and service companies
- (software controlled)
- Role of AHJ
- Responsibilities of the manufacturer
Automatic Sprinkler Systems
- Requirements for sprinkler flow alarms
- Types of flow alarms
- Requirements for sprinkler supervision
ULC Certificate Program and Starting a Listed Service Company
- Requirements and how to qualify for certificates
- How you can start and become a listed fire alarm service company
- Required qualifications and experience
National Fire Code – Alberta Edition
- What is required for fire alarm systems and restorations
- Testing and maintenance
Customized Installation and Special Inspection
- How customized installation affects ULC certification
- What is required for special inspection
- Who can initiate the request for field inspection
- AHJ involvement and their requirements for issuing occupancy permits
Exercise
- Design of a fire alarm system for a Low-Rise building
Day III
Types of Detection Devices
- Heat Detectors: types, spacing, and placement restrictions as per ULC S524
- Smoke Detectors: types, spacing and placement restrictions
- Flame Detectors: types, spacing and placement restrictions
- Air Duct Type Smoke Detectors: types, spacing, and placement restrictions
- Manual Stations: types and location requirements
VESDA Air Sampling Applications
- Overview of the purpose and type of areas protected by VESDA systems
Types of Audible Signaling Devices
- Bells, horns, and speakers: types and location requirements as per the Alberta Building Code
- Audibility level requirements as per the Alberta Building Code
Types of Ancillary Systems Connected to Fire Alarm Systems
- Electromagnetic locking devices (maglocks)
- Hold Open devices
Exercise
- Design of a fire alarm system for a High-Rise building
Workshop: Design/Layout of a Typical Fire Alarm System
Participants will have an opportunity to design a fire alarm system based on the knowledge gained from the course.
Inspection Checklist
An initial checklist will be provided and discussed. Participants will be able to keep the completed checklist for future reference
INSTRUCTOR
Office of the Fire Marshal, Ontario Fire College
Waterloo, ON
John Percy is a certified Canadian Fire Alarm Association Technician (CFAA) for Ontario, a public fire & life safety educator and a fire prevention officer. He is an instructor at the Office of the Fire Marshal, Ontario Fire College. He has over 29 years of experience in the fire protection and service industries. He has experience enforcing the Ontario Fire & Building codes, fire investigations, education, media relations, building plans examination review and building code inspections. Currently registered (BCIN) as a Fire Protection Inspector with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing in Ontario.
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