How often do fire sprinkler systems need to be inspected?

NFPA 25 sets intervals from weekly or monthly visual checks on gauges and valves through quarterly, annual and five-year inspections and tests. Altus maps every component in a building to its required interval on a single schedule.

What inspections does a commercial kitchen hood system need?

Kitchen hood suppression systems are inspected semiannually under NFPA 96 and NFPA 17A, with fusible links replaced at least annually and the system tested after any change to the cooking line.

How are emergency lights tested?

A 30-second functional test monthly and a 90-minute test annually, both documented. Self-testing units still need the records checked and failures repaired.

Can one provider handle all five systems?

Yes. Altus inspects, tests and maintains sprinkler, suppression, kitchen hood, extinguisher and emergency lighting systems through local licensed technicians, and consolidates the findings in one report for each building.

5 Fire Protection Systems That Need Inspection

Why inspection and maintenance matter

Fire protection systems are vital, and they are extensive. Regular inspection and maintenance are what keep them functional when they are needed most, and what keep a building compliant with NFPA standards and the authority having jurisdiction. Below are five systems found in most commercial buildings, the inspections each one needs, and what maintenance involves.

1. Fire sprinkler systems: the first line of defense

Sprinklers are usually the first system to act in a fire, discharging water automatically where heat is detected. Inspection covers physical damage, valve access and position, and adequate water pressure. Annual maintenance by certified technicians examines pipes, sprinkler heads and gauges to confirm they are in working order and free of obstruction, as set out in NFPA 25.

2. Fire suppression systems: protection for sensitive spaces

Where water would damage what it protects, such as data rooms, electrical rooms and industrial processes, suppression systems use clean agent, gaseous, chemical or foam agents instead. Inspection verifies the integrity of the delivery components, agent levels and control panel status. Maintenance tests the discharge mechanisms and examines connections and hoses for wear or leakage.

3. Kitchen hood suppression systems: guarding commercial kitchens

In commercial kitchens, hood suppression systems are the control for grease and cooking fires. Inspection confirms the nozzles are unobstructed, the control links are intact and the automatic activation works. Maintenance replaces fusible links on schedule and tests the wet chemical discharge so the agent reaches every cooking surface.

4. Fire extinguishers: immediate handheld response

Extinguishers give occupants an immediate response to a small fire. Inspection checks that each unit is accessible, fully charged, within date and has an intact pin and a gauge in the operable range. Maintenance looks for damage, corrosion or leakage, with annual professional servicing and periodic hydrostatic testing as required by NFPA 10.

5. Emergency lighting and exit signs: lighting the way out

Emergency lighting and exit signs are easy to overlook until the power fails. They need routine testing to confirm they work during an outage: monthly function tests and an annual 90-minute test under battery power. Maintenance covers failed lamps, backup batteries and cleaning so every sign stays visible.

The Altus commitment

Each of these systems has its own standards, intervals and documentation requirements. Altus provides inspection and maintenance programs tailored to the systems in each building, managed on one calendar with one set of records, so nothing falls between vendors. With Altus as your partner, inspection findings move directly to approved repairs with the same local, licensed team.

5 Types of Fire Protection Systems That Require Inspections and Maintenance