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Fire Alarm and Fire Sprinkler Inspector

Fire Inspectors and Investigators
Description
Inspect, test, and verify fire alarm and automatic sprinkler systems in new and existing occupancies to identify hazards and code violations; review plans, conduct acceptance and periodic inspections, document deficiencies, and enforce applicable fire and life safety codes and standards.
  • • Conduct inspections and acceptance testing of newly installed fire alarm and fire sprinkler systems.
  • • Inspect and test fire alarm detection, notification, and control equipment for compliance with codes and approved plans.
  • • Inspect and test sprinkler system components, including piping, hangers, bracing, valves, risers, and sprinkler head coverage and type.
  • • Witness hydrostatic, flow, and main drain tests for sprinkler and standpipe systems.
  • • Witness fire pump acceptance and annual performance tests and verify controllers and transfer switches.
  • • Verify waterflow, supervisory, and trouble signals transmit correctly to the supervising station and building annunciation.
  • • Test device activation and sequence of operations, including elevator recall, door release, smoke control, and HVAC shutdown.
  • • Verify audibility and visibility levels for occupant notification appliances.
  • • Review shop drawings, hydraulic calculations, permits, and construction documents for compliance with adopted codes and standards.
  • • Identify code violations and deficiencies and issue notices and orders to correct.
  • • Conduct re-inspections to confirm corrective actions and close violations.
  • • Document inspection results, acceptance test forms, and deficiency reports and maintain records.
  • • Use test equipment such as manometers, sound level meters, multimeters, and flow gauges to verify system performance.
  • • Verify supervising station agreements, signal routing, and evaluate false alarm histories.
  • • Inspect backflow preventers, pressure-reducing valves, and alarm check valves for proper installation and tagging.
  • • Verify supervision and accessibility of control valves, tamper switches, and fire department connections.
  • • Inspect standpipe systems, hose outlets, and pressure-regulating devices for location, signage, and operation.
  • • Evaluate impairment plans and fire watch procedures and authorize and track system impairments.
  • • Coordinate inspections and testing with contractors, building owners, and other agencies.
  • • Provide guidance to owners and contractors on corrective measures and code interpretations.
  • • Attend training to maintain current knowledge of NFPA 13, 13R, 14, 20, 25, 72, local ordinances, and state laws.
  • • Develop or review fire alarm input/output matrices and sprinkler acceptance test procedures.
  • • Recommend updates to inspection procedures, forms, and local amendments to improve compliance.
  • • Issue and track permits for system installation, testing, and planned shutdowns when authorized.
  • • Verify emergency and secondary power supplies for fire alarm and pump systems function as required.
  • • Coordinate with fire operations on pre-incident planning information related to system capabilities and connections.
  • • Test supervisory air pressure and low-temperature alarms for dry and preaction systems.
  • • Verify labeling, signage, and as-built documentation for systems, controls, and devices.
  • • Photograph deficiencies and system components to document findings.
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Source
Tasks & skills: O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge). Learn more
Sources & Standards: This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
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