How often should I maintain or test my security system or fire alarm?
Installing a security system or fire alarm is one of the most important steps in protecting your home or business. But keeping those systems in good working order is just as critical. Even the most advanced alarm equipment can fail to detect an emergency if it isn’t regularly maintained and tested.
At ProActive Integrated Security, we’ve been installing and servicing alarm and fire systems across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland for more than 20 years. In this post, we’ll explain how often you should maintain and test your system, what maintenance involves, and how regular service can save you from costly breakdowns and false alarms.
Why regular testing and maintenance matter
Security and fire protection systems are designed to work in high-stakes situations. If a sensor, battery, or connection fails, your system may not trigger when it matters most. Routine testing ensures your system remains fully operational and compliant with local fire codes, insurance requirements, and manufacturer warranties.
The risks of skipping maintenance include:
-
- False alarms that can lead to fines or unnecessary emergency responses
- Faulty detectors or dead batteries that prevent alerts
- Loss of insurance coverage if your system is not properly maintained
- Expired warranties due to missed service intervals
Regular maintenance not only keeps your equipment running but also helps identify small issues before they become major failures.
How often should you test your security system?
Most manufacturers recommend testing your security system at least once per month, with a full professional inspection once a year.
Monthly tests are simple checks you can perform yourself to confirm that the system is communicating properly with your monitoring center and that sensors respond when triggered.
Annual maintenance should be handled by a licensed technician who can test wiring, power supplies, communication signals, and individual devices in detail.
Monthly DIY system checks
Here’s a simple routine for homeowners or small business owners to follow:
-
- Notify your monitoring center before testing so they don’t dispatch emergency services.
- Arm your system in test mode.
- Open doors or windows with sensors to confirm that alarms activate as expected.
- Trigger motion detectors by walking through monitored areas.
- Check that your keypad or mobile app displays accurate alerts.
- Verify that audible alarms and sirens function properly.
- Restore your system to normal operation and confirm with your monitoring center that test signals were received.
If any devices fail to respond, contact a licensed service provider such as ProActive Integrated Security to schedule a professional inspection.
Annual professional inspections
A full inspection by a qualified technician should include:
-
- Testing of all sensors, control panels, and keypads
- Inspection of wiring for damage or corrosion
- Battery and power supply testing or replacement
- Verification of signal transmission to the monitoring station
- Firmware and software updates for connected devices
- Review of event logs and false alarm history
Our technicians follow a detailed maintenance checklist to ensure every component of your system works exactly as it should.
How often should you test your fire alarm system?
Fire alarm systems have more stringent maintenance requirements because of their critical role in life safety. In British Columbia, the BC Fire Code and National Fire Code of Canada set minimum testing and maintenance standards for both residential and commercial systems.
Recommended testing frequency
For residential smoke and CO alarms:
-
- Monthly: Press the test button on each device to ensure it sounds.
- Annually: Replace batteries in all battery-operated alarms.
- Every 10 years: Replace the entire smoke alarm unit, as sensors lose sensitivity over time.
For commercial or monitored fire alarm systems:
-
- Weekly: Visually inspect indicator lights and control panels for trouble signals.
- Monthly: Check manual pull stations and audible alarms for response.
- Semi-annually or annually: Schedule a full test and inspection by a licensed fire alarm technician, as required by local regulations and insurance.
At ProActive Integrated Security, we provide certified fire alarm inspection and testing services that comply with BC’s fire code standards. Our technicians document every inspection and provide a maintenance log for fire officials or insurance auditors.
What professional maintenance includes
Professional system maintenance goes beyond simple testing. A complete service visit ensures every device, connection, and communication pathway is functioning as intended.
During a typical maintenance appointment, our technicians will:
-
- Inspect the control panel for error codes or alerts
- Clean detectors to prevent false alarms caused by dust or debris
- Check power supplies and replace backup batteries as needed
- Verify that communication paths to monitoring centers are operational
- Test all alarm circuits, horns, strobes, and pull stations (for fire systems)
- Review system programming and update configurations if required
- Provide a detailed service report outlining any repairs or recommendations
Regular professional maintenance ensures your system stays compliant, minimizes downtime, and gives you confidence that your property is protected year-round.
How maintenance differs for homes and businesses
While the principles of system testing are the same, the frequency and depth of service can vary between residential and commercial properties.
For homeowners:
Monthly self-tests and an annual inspection are typically sufficient. The main goals are to confirm that sensors and communication systems are active and that batteries are fresh.
For businesses and commercial buildings:
Fire alarm and security systems are often larger, more complex, and regulated under stricter codes. Many facilities, especially those with monitored fire systems or sprinkler integration, require quarterly or annual inspections by certified professionals.
Commercial systems may also need detailed reports for compliance with insurance and building inspection authorities.
Signs your system needs service right away
Even if you’re on a regular maintenance schedule, certain issues should prompt an immediate service call:
-
- Repeated false alarms or unexplained triggers
- A keypad or control panel displaying “trouble” or “fault” codes
- Sirens or strobes that fail to activate during testing
- Communication failures with the monitoring station
- Discolored or dusty smoke detectors
- Changes to your property layout, such as renovations that may block sensors
Addressing these problems early prevents system failures and ensures continuous protection.
Compliance and insurance considerations
Most insurance providers require that security and fire alarm systems be maintained according to manufacturer and code standards. Failing to perform maintenance can result in denied claims after a fire, break-in, or false alarm.
For commercial buildings, maintenance is also a legal requirement. Under the BC Fire Code (Division B, Section 6.3), all fire alarm systems must be inspected and tested at prescribed intervals by qualified personnel.
At ProActive Integrated Security, we help business owners stay compliant by providing complete documentation and maintenance logs. Our licensed technicians perform inspections according to both the CAN/ULC-S536 and CAN/ULC-S537 national standards.
How ProActive Integrated Security can help
We understand that life and business are busy, and keeping track of maintenance schedules isn’t always easy. That’s why we offer customized service programs for our clients throughout the Lower Mainland.
Our maintenance programs include:
-
- Annual and semi-annual inspection scheduling
- Detailed service records and compliance reports
- Priority response for emergency repairs
- System updates and software upgrades
- Discounted rates for replacement components
Our team of trade-certified technicians uses the latest testing tools and follows strict protocols to ensure your system meets all provincial and municipal safety standards.
Real-world example: routine maintenance prevents a major problem
One of our commercial clients in Richmond had an aging fire alarm system that hadn’t been professionally serviced in over two years. During a scheduled inspection, our technicians discovered that several smoke detectors had failed due to dust buildup and power supply issues.
After cleaning and replacing the affected units, the system was fully restored and passed inspection with the local fire authority. A few months later, a small electrical fire occurred in a mechanical room. The newly serviced system detected the smoke immediately, triggering an early response that prevented major property damage.
This example highlights how regular maintenance can prevent costly incidents and ensure rapid emergency response.
Proudly serving the Lower Mainland
ProActive Integrated Security has proudly operated in the Lower Mainland for more than 20 years, serving both residential and commercial clients throughout the region.
Our service areas include:
Our team lives and works in these communities, which means when you call us, you’re speaking directly with local professionals who care about your safety and satisfaction.
Keep your system reliable with ProActive Integrated Security
Ready to schedule maintenance or testing for your alarm or fire system?
At ProActive Integrated Security, we make it simple to keep your systems performing at their best. Whether you need annual inspection, ongoing monitoring, or emergency repair, our licensed technicians are here to help. We provide detailed service reports, compliance documentation, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your system will work when you need it most.
Call (604) 522-2121 or request a free consultation online today. We proudly serve Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, and the entire Lower Mainland with professional maintenance, monitoring, and system upgrades for both residential and commercial properties.
Your safety starts with reliable protection—let’s make sure your system is ready.
