Whose authority determines the frequency of testing alarm systems?

• A. AHJ
• B. Manufacturer
• C. Insurance company
• D. Owner

Answer: (A)

The frequency of testing alarm systems is set by the Authority Having Jurisdiction—the local fire department or building department that enforces codes in your area. They adopt and interpret standards like the California Fire Code and NFPA 72, so the required testing interval becomes the legal rule you must follow to ensure safety and reliability. While the manufacturer can provide installation and maintenance guidance, those are recommendations, not binding requirements. An insurance company might require tests for policy purposes, but they don’t determine the official test frequency. The owner can arrange tests, but the legally binding schedule comes from the AHJ’s adopted codes and the jurisdiction’s standards.