Fire Alarm Systems: Design, Installation, Inspection and Testing in Ontario
Fee: $2,385 / Online / Feb 8 - 10, 2027 / Course Code: 17-0202-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): 8:30 am to 4:30 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 configurations based on building use, risk profile, and regulatory requirements
- Design and integrate fire alarm system components, including detection, annunciation, and voice communication systems, to achieve reliable, code‑compliant performance
- Apply Ontario Building Code and Fire Code requirements to fire alarm system design, installation, and verification
- Evaluate ancillary and interfaced systems to ensure functional compatibility and coordinated fire safety response
- Develop comprehensive fire alarm system designs that support effective notification, evacuation, and life‑safety outcomes
Description
Designing and implementing fire alarm systems requires more than selecting components; it demands sound technical judgement, a clear understanding of regulatory obligations, and the ability to integrate multiple systems into a coordinated life‑safety strategy. As building designs become more complex and codes more stringent, professionals responsible for fire alarm systems must ensure that their designs deliver reliable detection, clear communication, and compliant system performance under real‑world conditions.
This course provides a structured, practical approach to fire alarm system design grounded in current Ontario Building Code, Fire Code, and ULC requirements. You will examine how system types, detection technologies, voice communication systems, and signalling methods are applied across different building occupancies and fire scenarios. The course emphasizes how to interpret code intent, assess system compatibility, and account for interfaced and ancillary systems that influence overall fire safety performance.
Through applied examples and design‑focused exercises, you will strengthen your ability to design, install, inspect, and maintain fire alarm systems that meet regulatory expectations and operational needs. The course equips you with the tools, frameworks, and practical insight required to make confident design decisions and contribute to safer, code‑compliant buildings.
Who This Course Is For
This course is designed for:
- Engineers and engineering technologists involved in fire alarm system design or review
- Fire alarm system designers, technicians, and installation or service professionals
- Electrical engineers, project engineers, and technical supervisors working in regulated building environments
- Building inspectors, property managers, and facility professionals responsible for fire safety systems
Fire code consultants, safety officers, and professionals involved in compliance and system verification
SYLLABUS
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
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
Ontario Fire Code
- What is required for fire alarm system 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
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 Ontario Building Code
- Audibility level requirements as per the Ontario 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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