Integrated System Testing (CAN/ULC-S1001)
S1001- Integrated Testing of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
The CSA is responsible for developing and maintaining standards in Canada, including those related to electrical and fire safety. The ULC is a certification organization that tests and certifies products, systems, and services related to fire safety. The CAN/ULC S1001 is a Canadian standard developed by the Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). As of January, 2020 the CAN/ULC S1001-11 standard and testing requirement became law and is now being enforced
This standard provides guidelines for verifying and documenting interconnections between fire protection and life safety systems, ensuring they operate as intended. The testing process is specifically tailored to assist engineers, architects, building owners, contractors, and the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Enofire has provided Integrated Testing services as the Integrated Testing Coordinator for Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
Our team has extensive experience conducting Integrated Systems Testing according to the CAN/ULC S1001-11 Standard. As part of the final documentation, a certificate is provided that complies with the requirements of the National Building and Fire Codes.
Our Inspectors are available to assist with every stage of the CAN/ULC-S1001 Integrated Systems Testing process. From planning, implementation, testing, and documentation.
Kindly take note that it is not permissible for a company to carry out both the verification of fire alarm systems as per CAN/ULC-S537 and the integrated systems testing on the same building or premises in accordance with CAN/ULC-S1001.
For any recently issued building permits involving the replacement or upgrade of fire alarm integrated systems that are older than six months, it is now mandatory to conduct Integrated Systems Testing before the project can be officially closed out. The purpose of CAN/ULC S1001 is to address and rectify any non-compliance issues related to integrated systems during this testing process. The following items may be included in the system:
- Sprinkler systems
- Standpipe systems
- Smoke Control Systems
- Smoke-Fire Dampers
- Fire Alarm
- Fire Pumps
- Elevators
- Emergency Generators
- Audio/visual and Lighting control
- Water supplies, Water supply control valves and Freeze protection
- Fixed fire suppression systems
- Cooking equipment fire suppression
- Door Hold-Open and Latch Release Devices
- Electro-Magnetic Locks/Access Control
- Air Handling Units (AHU) Shutdowns (BAS)
- Hazardous Protection Monitoring (gas detection)
- Mass Notification, etc.
Video Series CAN/ULC- S1001
Welcome to our video series CAN/ULC- S1001. Many engineers, contractors, and property owners often find themselves with various inquiries concerning CAN/ULC- S1001, the standard for Integrated Systems Testing of fire protection and life safety systems. Given that integrated system testing is a focal point of our company’s expertise, we’ve opted to produce a series of informative videos on this subject. If you require further clarification or have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to provide you with the information and assistance you may need. Our company name is Enofire Inc. You can contact us at 647 476 4778 and email us info@Enofire.com or visit our website at www.Enofire.com.
What is CAN/ULC-S1001?
CAN/ULC-S1001 is the standard for integrated systems testing of fire protection and life safety systems, developed by the Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC). It outlines the methodology for verifying and documenting all interconnections between systems to ensure they operate in accordance with their design criteria. When fire protection and life safety systems are integrated, they must be tested collectively as per this standard. The primary goal is to confirm that all systems communicate effectively as intended, ensuring optimal safety and functionality.
Which system type is included in the CAN/ULC-S1001 test?
Interconnections provided for fire protection and life safety functions may interconnect various system types, such as:
Fire Alarm Systems
Remote Signal Receiving
Fire Sprinkler systems
Fire Standpipe systems
Fire Pumps
Elevators
Smoke Control Systems
Smoke Alarms
Carbon Monoxide Sensors
Smoke-Fire Dampers
Emergency Generators
Audio/visual and Lighting control
Water supplies, Water supply control valves
Freeze protection Systems
Fixed fire suppression systems
Cooking equipment fire suppression
Door Hold-Open and Latch Release Devices
Electro-Magnetic Locks/Access Control
Air Handling Units (AHU) Shutdowns (BAS)
Hazardous Protection Monitoring (gas detection)
Mass Notification Systems
Jockey Pump
Air compressor
Air Sampling Detection
Emergency Power Supplies
Smoke Control Exhaust Systems
Smoke Venting Fans
Gas Valves
Egress Snow Melting
Fire Shutter/Curtain
Building Automation System (BAS)
Central Vacuum Cleaning System
Dust Collection Systems
Spark Arrest Systems
Emergency Lighting
Power Operator Door,
The interconnection links between fire protection and life safety systems may consist of electrical, optical, or wireless transmission, or data transfer protocols, such as BACnet and LonWorks.
Who is the Integrated Testing Coordinator?
Based on CAN/ULC-S1001, the integrated testing coordinator shall be knowledgeable and experienced in the design, installation, and operation of fire protection and life safety system(s), and the fire protection and life safety functions of building systems.
Also the integrated testing coordinator shall have knowledge and understanding of:
– The Codes and Standards that regulate the design and installation of fire protection and life
safety system(s);
– How individual and integrated fire protection and life safety system(s) are designed to operate
during normal operating conditions and emergency conditions; and
– Methods for validating the intended functionality of integrated fire protection and life safety
system(s).
Additionally, the integrated testing coordinator shall have all licenses and certifications if required by:
– Federal, provincial, territorial or other applicable regulations; and/or
– Contractual obligations.
Does the Integrated testing coordinator need to validate the design of fire protection and safety systems within the test process?
It is not intended by this Standard that the integrated testing coordinator validate the design of individual fire protection and life safety systems within the integrated testing process. However, where concerns are noted by the integrated testing coordinator in the execution of the integrated testing process, the integrated testing coordinator has an obligation to notify the building owner and the design professionals.
Is providing the integrated testing plan to the authority having jurisdiction for review mandatory?
Based on Item 5.2.8 from CAN/ULC-S1001:
Following acceptance of the integrated testing plan by the design professionals and prior to implementation of the integrated testing plan, where required, the integrated testing coordinator shall provide the integrated testing plan to the authority having jurisdiction for review.
Additionally:
Based on 5.2.9 from CAN/ULC-S1001, where the design professionals make changes to integrated fire protection and life safety systems that impact the integration system testing plan, revisions to the integrated testing plan shall be submitted to the design professionals and, where required, the authority having jurisdiction for review.
So, as a result, it is not mandatory, and just where required, the authority has jurisdiction for review.
What is the process for Integrated Systems Testing?
The CAN/ULC-S1001 standard outlines two phases to process for the Integrated Systems Testing:
– Integrated Systems Testing Planning Phase
– Integrated Systems Testing Implementation Phase
During the phase of planning, the design professional(s) shall provide documentation detailing each
interconnection between fire protection and life safety systems to the integrated testing coordinator. This documentation shall be sufficient for the integrated testing coordinator to prepare the integrated testing plan. Each plan has test protocols and procedures and a checklist. In the implementation phase, the test is conducted based on the test protocol, and the result is mentioned on the Testing checklist.
Based on item 5.2.7 from CAN/ULC-S1001:
Prior to the implementation of the integrated testing plan, the integrated testing coordinator shall provide the integrated testing plan to the design professional (s) for review and acceptance.
Additionally:
Based on 5.2.9 from CAN/ULC-S1001, where the design professionals make changes to integrated fire protection and life safety systems that impact the integration system testing plan, revisions to the integrated testing plan shall be submitted to the design professionals and, where required, the authority having jurisdiction for review.
It is important to note that the same company is not allowed to perform verification of the fire alarm systems in accordance with CAN/ULC-S537 and conduct integrated systems testing on the same building/premises in accordance with CAN/ULC-S1001. These must be two separate companies.