If you own or manage a commercial building, your fire alarm system has to be inspected and tested on a regular schedule. It’s how you know the system will work in a fire, and it’s what your fire official and insurance company expect to see. TekPro inspects, tests and repairs fire alarm systems for businesses in Panama City and across Bay County. We keep the process simple, explain what we find in plain language and fix problems so you pass.

Why Fire Alarm Inspections Matter

Florida’s Fire Prevention Code adopts NFPA 72, the national fire alarm and signaling code. NFPA 72 sets out how fire alarm systems are inspected, tested and maintained. Your local fire official enforces it and may add requirements of their own. Regular inspections help you:

• Find failed detectors, weak batteries and wiring faults before an emergency does
• Keep your building in line with fire code and your insurance requirements
• Keep a documented record of testing for the fire official
• Cut down on false alarms caused by dirty or aging devices

What an Inspection Covers

Every system is different, but a typical inspection includes:

• Control panel. Checking for trouble conditions, testing power supplies and backup batteries, and reviewing the panel’s event history.
• Initiating devices. Testing smoke detectors, heat detectors, duct detectors and manual pull stations.
• Notification appliances. Testing horns, strobes and speakers so occupants will see and hear an alarm.
• Monitoring connection. Confirming that alarm, supervisory and trouble signals reach the monitoring center.
• Connections to other systems. Checking connections such as sprinkler flow and tamper switches, elevator recall, door releases and HVAC shutdown, where your building has them.
• Written results. A record of what was tested, the results and any items that need attention.

How Often Should a Fire Alarm Be Tested?

Most fire alarm devices need to be tested at least once a year, and some parts of the system are checked more often. Smoke detector sensitivity also has to be checked on a set schedule. The exact schedule depends on your system and building, and your fire official may have local requirements. We’ll set a schedule that fits your building and help you keep track of when it’s due.

When Something Doesn’t Pass

If a device fails or we find a code problem, we’ll show you what it is, explain why it matters and give you a clear price to fix it. Many repairs, like replacing a failed detector or a worn-out battery, are straightforward. Bigger issues, like an obsolete panel, come with options and a written quote.

Systems We Work On

We inspect and service systems we installed and, in many cases, systems installed by other companies. We work with fire alarm equipment from manufacturers including Fire-Lite, System Sensor, Honeywell and Kidde. If you’re not sure what you have, send us a photo of your panel and we’ll take a look.

Buildings We Inspect

• Offices and professional buildings
• Retail stores and restaurants
• Churches and community buildings
• Warehouses and light industrial buildings
• Apartments, condos and multi-tenant properties

Working With Your Sprinkler Company

Many buildings have both a fire alarm and a sprinkler system, and the two are connected. We can coordinate with your sprinkler contractor so flow and tamper switches are tested and the alarm side is documented.

Licensed for Fire Alarm Work in Florida

Fire alarm work in Florida requires a state alarm system contractor license that covers fire. TekPro’s Florida alarm contractor license, EF20002191, is held by Cole Connolly. Learn more about our fire alarm systems and 24/7 fire alarm monitoring.

Areas We Serve

We inspect fire alarm systems in Panama City, Panama City Beach, Lynn Haven, Callaway, Parker, Springfield, Mexico Beach and the rest of Bay County, plus nearby Northwest Florida counties. Local pages: Panama City Beach and Lynn Haven.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does a commercial fire alarm need to be inspected?

Most systems need at least an annual inspection and test, and some components are checked more often. Your exact schedule depends on your system and your local fire official.

How long does an inspection take?

It depends on the size of the building and the number of devices. We’ll give you a time estimate when we schedule and plan around your business hours when we can.

Will the alarm go off during testing?

Yes, for parts of the test. We’ll coordinate with you ahead of time, put the system on test with the monitoring center and let occupants know.

Do you inspect systems you didn’t install?

In many cases, yes. Tell us the panel brand and we’ll confirm.

What happens if my system fails inspection?

We’ll explain each problem and quote the repairs. Once they’re fixed, we update your records.

Do I get a record of the inspection?

Yes. You’ll get written results showing what was tested and anything that needs attention.

Can you take over our fire alarm monitoring too?

Yes. See our 24/7 alarm monitoring page or ask during your inspection.

Schedule a Fire Alarm Inspection

Tell us about your building and when your last inspection was. Call (850) 329-8126 or request a free quote.